Fire Protection
Salary data, best schools, and honest ROI assessment
Earnings Range (4 Years After Graduation)
Best Schools for Fire Protection by Earnings
| # | School | 4yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Anna Maria College MA · Private | $110,044 |
| 2 | Southern Illinois University-Carbondale IL · Public | $108,135 |
| 3 | Waldorf University IA · Private | $100,060 |
| 4 | Oklahoma State University-Main Campus OK · Public | $99,557 |
| 5 | Colorado State University-Fort Collins CO · Public | $98,019 |
| 6 | University of Florida FL · Public | $97,839 |
| 7 | University of Florida-Online FL · Public | $97,839 |
| 8 | Columbia Southern University AL · Private | $88,735 |
| 9 | American Public University System WV · Private | $87,428 |
| 10 | Eastern Kentucky University KY · Public | $80,497 |
| 11 | University of New Haven CT · Private | $79,199 |
| 12 | Fayetteville State University NC · Public | $73,969 |
| 13 | CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice NY · Public | $72,228 |
| 14 | University of Akron Main Campus OH · Public | $71,482 |
| 15 | New Jersey City University NJ · Public | $69,444 |
| 16 | Western Illinois University IL · Public | $68,753 |
| 17 | Methodist University NC · Private | $53,649 |
School-by-school analysis: Fire Protection
Editorial breakdowns of how fire protection graduates fare at the top-earning programs in our dataset.
Fire Protection is Anna Maria's standout program. With 58 graduates -- the largest cohort on campus -- a $81,637 first-year median salary, and $22,875 in median debt, the debt-to-earnings ratio is just 0.28 and the program earns a B+. By year four, earnings climb to $110,044. The pipeline into Massachusetts fire departments, where civil-service union pay is strong, is the entire reason this program works financially.
Fire Protection (36 graduates) earns $104,017 year one and $108,135 at year four, with an A grade (debt-to-earnings 0.170, median debt $17,725). Year-one earnings of $104k are exceptional for this program type, reflecting placement into fire protection engineering, safety management, and fire investigator roles. SIU-Carbondale is one of the few universities offering a bachelor's in Fire Protection -- a niche credential with strong public safety employment demand in Illinois and nationally.
Fire Protection is the standout: 57 graduates with $97,731 first-year and $100,060 four-year earnings. Debt is $21,783 and debt-to-earnings is 0.223 for an A grade. These are A-tier outcomes driven by working firefighters - typically chief or captain candidates - who use the bachelor's for promotion to senior fire-service ranks where six-figure salaries are common.
Fire Protection is a standout program at UF Online, with 43 graduates per year earning $86,740 in year one and $97,839 by year four. Median debt is $12,296, giving a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.14 and an A roiGrade -- the best in this dataset. This program serves working fire professionals seeking advancement to fire investigator, marshal, or management roles. Florida's large and growing fire services sector, combined with the credential's direct career application, drives strong earning outcomes. The extremely low debt relative to earnings reflects students who are often already employed in the field.
Fire Protection is CSU's largest program at 585 graduates, with $82,718 year-one earnings, $88,735 at year four, and a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.257 (ROI grade B+). The earnings are high because most graduates are employed firefighters completing a bachelor's degree for promotion or department requirements -- not new entrants earning entry wages. This is a credential completion program for working professionals, and the outcomes reflect that population accurately.
Is Fire Protection Worth It?
The Numbers Support This Major
Fire Protection delivers above-average financial returns. Average earnings of $68,925 four years out put graduates in a strong position to handle student debt and build wealth. The ROI is solid, though school choice and specialization within the field matter.
This is a more specialized field, offered at 19 schools in our dataset. Fewer options means less room to optimize on cost, so pay close attention to the financial aid packages you receive.
The top school for this major by earnings is Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, where graduates earn $104,017 four years out. But averages hide a wide range - where you attend and what you do with the degree matter as much as the major itself.
Earnings data represents median earnings 4 years after graduation for graduates of bachelor's programs, as reported by the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Individual outcomes vary significantly based on career path, location, and other factors.