2026 Best Value Fire Protection Schools
Looking for the best-value Fire Protection programs programs in the United States? We have ranked 486 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor reviewed schools to compile this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Fire Protection Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
For return on investment, no school beat Columbia Southern University this year in the United States. Columbia Southern University is a private for-profit school based in Orange Beach, AL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,224. Students borrow a median of $15,874 to complete their Fire Protection program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,534. That is a strong return on a $15,874 median debt. More on Columbia Southern University
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Camden County College earned it the #2 place in the United States. Camden County College is a public school based in Blackwood, NJ. Students from in state pay about $4,320 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $4,416. Typical Fire Protection student debt is $12,999. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,212 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Camden County College profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Oakland Community College earned it the #4 place in the United States. Oakland Community College is a public school based in Auburn Hills, MI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,120, compared with $5,560 for out-of-state students. The median Fire Protection program debt is $15,865. Oakland Community College alumni report median earnings of $37,395 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Oakland Community College profile
You'll get strong value at Madison Area Technical College, which ranked #5 this year. Based in Madison, WI, Madison Area Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,977, while out-of-state students pay about $7,141. The median Fire Protection program debt is $16,812. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,413 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Madison Area Technical College profile
Metropolitan Community College Area landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Omaha, NE, Metropolitan Community College Area is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,375, compared with $4,950 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $12,799 in student loans. Metropolitan Community College Area alumni report median earnings of $38,773 a decade after entry. Set against $12,799 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Metropolitan Community College Area profile
Mid State Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Set in Wisconsin Rapids, WI, Mid State Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,002, while out-of-state students pay about $7,171. The median Fire Protection program debt is $11,626. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,253. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Mid State Technical College
Northland Community And Technical College came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Located in Thief River Falls, MN, Northland Community And Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,289. The median Fire Protection program debt is $18,550. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,425 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Northland Community And Technical College
Northcentral Technical College landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Wausau, WI, Northcentral Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,889 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,132. Northcentral Technical College Fire Protection students take on a median of $11,709 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,925. That is a strong return on a $11,709 median debt. Read more about Northcentral Technical College
South Plains College came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Based in Levelland, TX, South Plains College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,733, compared with $5,157 for out-of-state students. Typical Fire Protection student debt is $13,788. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,276 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,788 median debt. Get the full South Plains College report
Santa Ana College offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. This public school is set in Santa Ana, CA. Students from in state pay about $1,180 in tuition and fees, compared with $10,756 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,500 to complete their Fire Protection program here. Median earnings reach $43,552 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $14,500 median debt. Read more about Santa Ana College
College Of The Mainland ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Fire Protection schools. Based in Texas City, TX, College Of The Mainland is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,310, with out-of-state students paying around $4,140. The median Fire Protection program debt is $10,928. Median earnings reach $39,639 ten years out. Set against $10,928 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full College Of The Mainland profile
North Shore Community College landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Danvers, MA, North Shore Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,352, compared with $10,920 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $10,192 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,391 ten years after entry. Set against $10,192 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on North Shore Community College
Century College ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Fire Protection schools. Set in White Bear Lake, MN, Century College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,214. Typical Fire Protection student debt is $21,332. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,424. Set against $21,332 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Century College
Fox Valley Technical College came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Based in Appleton, WI, Fox Valley Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,040, while out-of-state students pay about $7,283. The median Fire Protection program debt is $10,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,684. That is a strong return on a $10,000 median debt. See the full Fox Valley Technical College profile
Gateway Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Located in Kenosha, WI, Gateway Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,956, compared with $7,199 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,829 to complete their Fire Protection program here. Gateway Technical College alumni report median earnings of $40,264 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Gateway Technical College
Western Technical College La Cross ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Fire Protection schools. Located in La Crosse, WI, Western Technical College La Cross is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,820 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,078. Graduates carry a median of $13,669 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,303. That is a strong return on a $13,669 median debt. More on Western Technical College La Cross
Schoolcraft College came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Located in Livonia, MI, Schoolcraft College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,799, while out-of-state students pay about $6,501. Typical Fire Protection student debt is $15,677. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,722 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,677 median debt. See the full Schoolcraft College profile
Spokane Community College placed #19 among the best-value Fire Protection schools in the United States. This public school is set in Spokane, WA. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,461, with out-of-state students paying around $6,612. Spokane Community College Fire Protection students take on a median of $16,486 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,984. Set against $16,486 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Spokane Community College
Johnson County Community College ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Fire Protection schools. Located in Overland Park, KS, Johnson County Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,424, while out-of-state students pay about $5,688. Johnson County Community College Fire Protection students take on a median of $13,532 in debt. Johnson County Community College alumni report median earnings of $45,387 a decade after entry. Set against $13,532 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Johnson County Community College
Waukesha County Technical College landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. Waukesha County Technical College is a public school based in Pewaukee, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,803, while out-of-state students pay about $7,046. The median Fire Protection program debt is $16,595. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,894. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Waukesha County Technical College
Eastern Gateway Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Set in Steubenville, OH, Eastern Gateway Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,225, while out-of-state students pay about $6,071. Eastern Gateway Community College Fire Protection students take on a median of $10,642 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $34,127. Set against $10,642 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Eastern Gateway Community College
Southern Crescent Technical College placed #23 among the best-value Fire Protection schools in the United States. This public school is set in Griffin, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,516, compared with $6,084 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $17,619 to complete their Fire Protection program here. Median earnings reach $36,104 ten years out. Set against $17,619 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Southern Crescent Technical College
Hutchinson Community College placed #24 among the best-value Fire Protection schools in the United States. Hutchinson Community College is a public school based in Hutchinson, KS. In-state tuition and fees average $3,540, compared with $4,770 for out-of-state students. The median Fire Protection program debt is $18,148. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,470. That is a strong return on a $18,148 median debt. Read the full report on Hutchinson Community College
El Centro College came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. Located in Dallas, TX, El Centro College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,730 in tuition and fees, compared with $6,900 for out-of-state students. El Centro College Fire Protection students take on a median of $14,557 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,714. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on El Centro College
Moreno Valley College placed #26 among the best-value Fire Protection schools in the United States. Based in Moreno Valley, CA, Moreno Valley College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $1,428 in tuition and fees, compared with $12,498 for out-of-state students. Typical Fire Protection student debt is $12,643. Moreno Valley College alumni report median earnings of $52,133 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,643 median debt. Get the full Moreno Valley College report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Fire Protection Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Southwestern Illinois College came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Belleville, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,230, compared with $6,720 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $12,750 to complete their Fire Protection program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $36,884 ten years after entry. Set against $12,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Southwestern Illinois College
Macomb Community College placed #28 among the best-value Fire Protection schools in the United States. This public school is set in Warren, MI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,660, with out-of-state students paying around $8,370. The median Fire Protection program debt is $9,862. Macomb Community College alumni report median earnings of $41,596 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $9,862 median debt. Read the full report on Macomb Community College
Santa Rosa Junior College came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Based in Santa Rosa, CA, Santa Rosa Junior College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,318, with out-of-state students paying around $11,308. Typical Fire Protection student debt is $14,692. Santa Rosa Junior College alumni report median earnings of $47,224 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Santa Rosa Junior College profile
American Public University System landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. American Public University System is a private for-profit school based in Charles Town, WV. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,400. The median Fire Protection program debt is $18,813. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,409 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on American Public University System
Blackhawk Technical College came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Blackhawk Technical College is a public school based in Janesville, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,747, compared with $6,803 for out-of-state students. Typical Fire Protection student debt is $13,715. Blackhawk Technical College alumni report median earnings of $41,620 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Blackhawk Technical College report
Hennepin Technical College ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Fire Protection schools. Hennepin Technical College is a public school based in Brooklyn Park, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $5,940. The median Fire Protection program debt is $17,887. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,460 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Hennepin Technical College
Tyler Junior College offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. This public school is set in Tyler, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,424, while out-of-state students pay about $4,536. Typical Fire Protection student debt is $14,869. Tyler Junior College alumni report median earnings of $38,140 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,869 median debt. Get the full Tyler Junior College report
Mclennan Community College ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Fire Protection schools. This public school is set in Waco, TX. Students from in state pay about $3,660 in tuition and fees, compared with $5,910 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $5,500 to complete their Fire Protection program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,163. That is a strong return on a $5,500 median debt. More on Mclennan Community College
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Fire Protection schools. Set in Green Bay, WI, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,960, while out-of-state students pay about $7,203. Graduates carry a median of $14,997 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,553. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
Augusta Technical College landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Augusta, GA, Augusta Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,282, with out-of-state students paying around $7,492. The median Fire Protection program debt is $11,400. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $33,523. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Augusta Technical College report
Southern Arkansas University Tech offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Located in Camden, AR, Southern Arkansas University Tech is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,040, with out-of-state students paying around $6,480. The median Fire Protection program debt is $8,488. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $36,376. That is a strong return on a $8,488 median debt. More on Southern Arkansas University Tech
Lone Star College System came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Set in The Woodlands, TX, Lone Star College System is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,664, while out-of-state students pay about $7,512. The median Fire Protection program debt is $10,425. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,466. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Lone Star College System report
Southern Maine Community College landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. Southern Maine Community College is a public school based in South Portland, ME. In-state tuition and fees average $4,156, compared with $7,036 for out-of-state students. Typical Fire Protection student debt is $13,869. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,661 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,869 median debt. More on Southern Maine Community College
College Of Southern Idaho placed #41 among the best-value Fire Protection schools in the United States. This public school is set in Twin Falls, ID. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,360, while out-of-state students pay about $6,840. College Of Southern Idaho Fire Protection students take on a median of $11,175 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,916. That is a strong return on a $11,175 median debt. Read more about College Of Southern Idaho
Southern Illinois University Carbondale landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public school based in Carbondale, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,334. The median Fire Protection program debt is $17,725. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,390. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 87%. See the full Southern Illinois University Carbondale profile
Ivy Tech Community College landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Indianapolis, IN, Ivy Tech Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,154, while out-of-state students pay about $9,935. Typical Fire Protection student debt is $11,889. Median earnings reach $37,186 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Ivy Tech Community College
Savannah Technical College ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Fire Protection schools. Located in Savannah, GA, Savannah Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,330, with out-of-state students paying around $5,898. Graduates carry a median of $12,843 in student loans. Savannah Technical College alumni report median earnings of $33,018 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,843 median debt. Get the full Savannah Technical College report
Delgado Community College came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Located in New Orleans, LA, Delgado Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,279. Delgado Community College Fire Protection students take on a median of $25,283 in debt. Delgado Community College alumni report median earnings of $33,305 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,283 median debt. Get the full Delgado Community College report
Guilford Technical Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. This public school is set in Jamestown, NC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,320, while out-of-state students pay about $7,696. Typical Fire Protection student debt is $20,501. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $33,934. Set against $20,501 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Guilford Technical Community College profile
Aims Community College ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Fire Protection schools. Located in Greeley, CO, Aims Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,258 in tuition and fees, compared with $11,786 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $9,750 to complete their Fire Protection program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,887. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Aims Community College report
Mount Wachusett Community College came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Gardner, MA. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,160, compared with $11,080 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $11,497 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,118 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,497 median debt. Get the full Mount Wachusett Community College report
Middlesex Community College Bedford came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Based in Bedford, MA, Middlesex Community College Bedford is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,098, compared with $12,170 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $11,602 to complete their Fire Protection program here. Middlesex Community College Bedford alumni report median earnings of $50,651 a decade after entry. Set against $11,602 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Middlesex Community College Bedford
University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. Set in Oshkosh, WI, University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,532, with out-of-state students paying around $16,446. Students borrow a median of $24,619 to complete their Fire Protection program here. Median earnings reach $55,548 ten years out. Set against $24,619 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh
South Georgia Technical College came in at #51 in this year's value ranking. Set in Americus, GA, South Georgia Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,992, while out-of-state students pay about $7,202. Typical Fire Protection student debt is $10,423. South Georgia Technical College alumni report median earnings of $30,364 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full South Georgia Technical College profile
El Paso Community College placed #52 among the best-value Fire Protection schools in the United States. Set in El Paso, TX, El Paso Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,274, with out-of-state students paying around $5,314. El Paso Community College Fire Protection students take on a median of $8,542 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $35,212. That is a strong return on a $8,542 median debt. Read more about El Paso Community College
Best Value Fire Protection Schools by Degree Level
See the best values at each degree level:
- Best Value Fire Protection Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Fire Protection Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Fire Protection Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Fire Protection Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Fire Protection Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Fire Protection Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Fire Protection Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 486 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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