Skip to main content

Best Value Fire Protection Colleges

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

Eastern Oregon University delivers an unexpected return on investment in Fire Protection education, with graduates earning $92,632 annually while paying just $15,987 in net costs. This strong earnings-to-cost ratio stands out in a field where most programs produce graduates earning between $30,000-$50,000. The West Coast fire protection job market drives these higher salaries, as wildfire management agencies and private contractors compete for trained professionals. CUNY John Jay College offers the most affordable entry point at $3,046 net cost, though graduates typically earn $33,993. Public universities dominate the value market, with 12 of the top 15 programs offering in-state tuition under $15,000. The earnings spread across these 20 programs ranges from $30,771 to $92,632, reflecting regional job markets and specialization areas within fire protection.
50
Programs
$3,046 – $45,538
Net Price Range
$57,177
Avg. Program Earnings
50.0%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Fire Protection Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $3,046 $33,993 $7,470 55.5% 50.7%
2 $4,113 $39,729 $6,813 52.6% 86.9%
3 $7,360 $69,338 $3,969 35.2% 81.2%
4 $9,104 $76,460 $8,400 53.2%
5 $12,267 $73,446 $10,110 47.6%
6 $8,463 $50,105 $6,270 40.7%
7 $15,987 $92,632 $10,671 36.6% 98.5%
8 $9,962 $49,787 $10,130 49.7% 64.3%
9 $14,975 $69,691 $5,808 37.2%
10 $16,378 $72,231 $10,234 65.9% 70.6%
11 $20,332 $81,333 $12,896 66.9% 90.8%
12 $14,745 $52,107 $7,214 67.7% 79.6%
13 $21,683 $74,200 $25,220 29.0% 73.9%
14 $14,368 $47,260 $14,266 56.9% 76.9%
15 $11,732 $37,779 $13,971 38.7% 90.1%
16 $29,396 $84,653 $43,064 40.4% 69.6%
17 $11,592 $30,771 $14,952 44.8% 75.0%
18 $18,516 $48,041 $21,100 50.3% 74.0%
19 $14,981 $36,094 $12,799 48.2% 82.9%
20 $34,089 $48,682 $45,730 59.2% 91.2%
21 $24,978 $32,382 $39,664 40.1% 75.7%
22 $23,650 $21,450 53.5% 98.1%
23 $20,918 $14,081 62.8% 78.7%
24 $23,156 $13,570 71.5% 86.2%
25 $14,251 $5,934 22.8%
26 $24,275 $34,770 43.4% 65.2%
27 $18,290 $11,025 44.8% 83.4%
28 $12,251 $33,968 60.4% 77.4%
29 $45,538 $60,848 87.9% 52.8%
30 $9,380 $2,736 13.8%
31 $6,351 $6,381 91.5% 23.4%
32 $29,552 $21,222 63.5% 99.3%
33 $14,761 $8,212 57.9% 88.5%
34 $10,550 $7,739 54.2% 95.2%
35 $40,289 $42,304 67.4% 64.5%
36 $14,294 $10,780 29.9% 97.9%
37 $24,137 $33,450 61.7% 75.0%
38 $12,832 $7,388 44.7% 86.8%
39 $17,324 $8,356 38.3%
40 $30,299 $41,578 31.1% 99.9%
41 $6,329 $4,110 17.9%
42 $15,529 $16,400 30.0%
43 $7,669 $21,290 61.3% 21.1%
44 $17,185 $29,778 51.1% 65.0%
45 $17,815 $27,360 58.1% 64.8%
46 $18,441 $11,978 55.0% 92.7%
47 $14,514 $7,992 29.6%
48 $13,782 $8,816 60.9% 73.9%
49 $16,177 $13,244 56.3% 91.5%
50 $18,370 $37,882 62.6% 74.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Eastern Oregon University such a strong value in Fire Protection?

Eastern Oregon University graduates earn $92,632 annually, the highest among all Fire Protection programs, while paying only $15,987 in net costs. This creates an strong return on investment ratio that outperforms programs costing twice as much. The university benefits from Oregon's active wildfire management industry and proximity to federal agencies that hire fire protection specialists. Despite a 36.6% graduation rate, those who complete the program enter a high-demand regional job market.

How do public and private Fire Protection programs compare in cost?

Public programs dominate the best value rankings, with 12 of the top 15 spots and in-state tuition averaging under $12,000. CUNY John Jay College leads at $3,046 net cost, while California State University-Los Angeles follows at $4,113. Private for-profit schools like American Public University System charge $9,104 net cost but offer flexibility for working professionals. The cost gap between public and private options can exceed $20,000 annually in some cases.

Is Fire Protection education worth the investment based on earnings data?

Fire Protection graduates earn between $30,771 and $92,632 annually, with most programs producing mid-career salaries in the $40,000-$75,000 range. Fayetteville State University graduates average $69,338 despite paying only $7,360 net cost, creating strong financial returns. The field offers stable employment in both public safety agencies and private industry. Debt levels remain manageable, typically ranging from $12,500 to $29,000 for most programs.

Does graduation rate affect value in Fire Protection programs?

Graduation rates vary significantly, from 29% at Waldorf University to 67.7% at UNC Charlotte, but don't always correlate with earnings potential. Eastern Oregon University combines a 36.6% graduation rate with the highest graduate earnings at $92,632. Colorado State University-Fort Collins achieves both high graduation rates (66.9%) and strong earnings ($81,333). Students should consider both completion likelihood and post-graduation earning potential when evaluating programs.

Where do Fire Protection graduates find the best job markets?

Western states like Oregon and Colorado show the strongest earning potential, with graduates averaging over $80,000 annually due to wildfire management needs. Oklahoma State University graduates earn $72,231, benefiting from the state's oil and gas industry fire safety requirements. East Coast programs like CUNY John Jay College serve urban fire departments and building safety agencies. Regional specializations significantly impact graduate earnings, from $33,993 in New York to $92,632 in Oregon.

More Fire Protection Rankings

Cheapest Fire Protection Fire Protection Under $20,000

Related

All Fire Protection Programs All College Rankings Highest-Paying Majors 2026

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.