2026 Best Value Fire Protection Associate’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Fire Protection associate’s degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 486 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor evaluated 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 Associate’s Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Columbia Southern University tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Fire Protection associate's degree schools in the United States. Set in Orange Beach, AL, Columbia Southern University is a private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,224. Columbia Southern University Fire Protection students take on a median of $15,874 in debt. Median earnings reach $63,534 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $15,874 median debt. Get the full Columbia Southern University report
Camden County College came in at #2 on this year's best-value Fire Protection ranking in the United States. This public school is set in Blackwood, NJ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,320, compared with $4,416 for out-of-state students. The median Fire Protection program debt is $12,999. Median earnings reach $41,212 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Camden County College
Out of the 486 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Northcentral Technical College landed the #4 spot. This public school is set in Wausau, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $4,889, while out-of-state students pay about $7,132. Students borrow a median of $11,709 to complete their Fire Protection program here. 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
Madison Area Technical College came in at #5 on this year's best-value Fire Protection ranking in the United States. Located in Madison, WI, Madison Area Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,977, with out-of-state students paying around $7,141. Students borrow a median of $16,812 to complete their Fire Protection program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,413. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Madison Area Technical College
Century College came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Century College is a public school based in White Bear Lake, MN. Students from in state pay about $6,214 in tuition and fees. The median Fire Protection program debt is $21,332. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,424. That is a strong return on a $21,332 median debt. See the full Century College profile
Metropolitan Community College Area offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Metropolitan Community College Area is a public school based in Omaha, NE. Students from in state pay about $3,375 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $4,950. Typical Fire Protection student debt is $12,799. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,773. 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 #8 position. Based in Wisconsin Rapids, WI, Mid State Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,002, with out-of-state students paying around $7,171. Typical Fire Protection student debt is $11,626. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,253. Set against $11,626 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Mid State Technical College
Northland Community And Technical College landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Thief River Falls, MN, Northland Community And Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,289. Northland Community And Technical College Fire Protection students take on a median of $18,550 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,425. Set against $18,550 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Northland Community And Technical College report
Schoolcraft College came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Schoolcraft College is a public school based in Livonia, MI. In-state tuition and fees average $3,799, while out-of-state students pay about $6,501. Typical Fire Protection student debt is $15,677. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,722. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Schoolcraft College
North Shore Community College came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. North Shore Community College is a public school based in Danvers, MA. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,352, with out-of-state students paying around $10,920. The median Fire Protection program debt is $10,192. North Shore Community College alumni report median earnings of $45,391 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about North Shore Community College
Fox Valley Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Located in Appleton, WI, Fox Valley Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,040, with out-of-state students paying around $7,283. Graduates carry a median of $10,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $45,684 ten years out. Set against $10,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Fox Valley Technical College
Western Technical College La Cross offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Located in La Crosse, WI, Western Technical College La Cross is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,820, compared with $7,078 for out-of-state students. Typical Fire Protection student debt is $13,669. Western Technical College La Cross alumni report median earnings of $45,303 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,669 median debt. See the full Western Technical College La Cross profile
Spokane Community College ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Fire Protection schools. Based in Spokane, WA, Spokane Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,461, while out-of-state students pay about $6,612. Graduates carry a median of $16,486 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,984. Set against $16,486 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Spokane Community College
Hutchinson Community College placed #15 among the best-value Fire Protection schools in the United States. Set in Hutchinson, KS, Hutchinson Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,540 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $4,770. Students borrow a median of $18,148 to complete their Fire Protection program here. Ten years after enrolling, 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
South Plains College placed #16 among the best-value Fire Protection schools in the United States. South Plains College is a public school based in Levelland, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,733, compared with $5,157 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $13,788 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,276. That is a strong return on a $13,788 median debt. More on South Plains College
Johnson County Community College came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. 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. The median Fire Protection program debt is $13,532. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,387. Set against $13,532 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Johnson County Community College
Oakland Community College placed #18 among the best-value Fire Protection schools in the United States. Based in Auburn Hills, MI, Oakland Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,120, while out-of-state students pay about $5,560. Graduates carry a median of $15,865 in student loans. Oakland Community College alumni report median earnings of $37,395 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,865 median debt. Read more about Oakland Community College
American Public University System ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Fire Protection schools. American Public University System is a private for-profit school based in Charles Town, WV. Students from in state pay about $8,400 in tuition and fees. American Public University System Fire Protection students take on a median of $18,813 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,409. Set against $18,813 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about American Public University System
College Of The Mainland offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Located in Texas City, TX, College Of The Mainland is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,310, while out-of-state students pay about $4,140. Typical Fire Protection student debt is $10,928. Median earnings reach $39,639 ten years out. Set against $10,928 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on College Of The Mainland
Eastern Gateway Community College ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Fire Protection schools. Set in Steubenville, OH, Eastern Gateway Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,225, with out-of-state students paying around $6,071. Eastern Gateway Community College Fire Protection students take on a median of $10,642 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $34,127. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Eastern Gateway Community College profile
Waukesha County Technical College ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Fire Protection schools. Based in Pewaukee, WI, Waukesha County Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,803, compared with $7,046 for out-of-state students. The median Fire Protection program debt is $16,595. Median earnings reach $46,894 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Waukesha County Technical College report
El Centro College came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Dallas, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $2,730, with out-of-state students paying around $6,900. The median Fire Protection program debt is $14,557. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,714 ten years after entry. Set against $14,557 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about El Centro College
Moreno Valley College ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Fire Protection schools. Located in Moreno Valley, CA, Moreno Valley College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,428, compared with $12,498 for out-of-state students. Moreno Valley College Fire Protection students take on a median of $12,643 in debt. Median earnings reach $52,133 ten years out. Set against $12,643 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Moreno Valley College
Santa Rosa Junior College offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. This public school is set in Santa Rosa, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,318, with out-of-state students paying around $11,308. The median Fire Protection program debt is $14,692. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,224. Set against $14,692 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Santa Rosa Junior College
Macomb Community College came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Located in Warren, MI, Macomb Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,660, with out-of-state students paying around $8,370. The median Fire Protection program debt is $9,862. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,596. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Macomb Community College
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Fire Protection Associate’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Southern Crescent Technical College ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Fire Protection schools. Based in Griffin, GA, Southern Crescent Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,516, compared with $6,084 for out-of-state students. The median Fire Protection program debt is $17,619. Southern Crescent Technical College alumni report median earnings of $36,104 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Southern Crescent Technical College report
Hennepin Technical College landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Brooklyn Park, MN, Hennepin Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,940. Typical Fire Protection student debt is $17,887. Median earnings reach $49,460 ten years out. Set against $17,887 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Hennepin Technical College
Blackhawk Technical College landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Janesville, WI, Blackhawk Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,747, while out-of-state students pay about $6,803. Students borrow a median of $13,715 to complete their Fire Protection program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,620. Set against $13,715 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Blackhawk Technical College
Santa Ana College placed #30 among the best-value Fire Protection schools in the United States. Located in Santa Ana, CA, Santa Ana College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,180, compared with $10,756 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,500 to complete their Fire Protection program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,552 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,500 median debt. Read the full report on Santa Ana College
Tyler Junior College placed #31 among the best-value Fire Protection schools in the United States. Tyler Junior College is a public school based in Tyler, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $2,424, while out-of-state students pay about $4,536. Graduates carry a median of $14,869 in student loans. Tyler Junior College alumni report median earnings of $38,140 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Tyler Junior College
Lone Star College System offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Based in The Woodlands, TX, Lone Star College System is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,664 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,512. Lone Star College System Fire Protection students take on a median of $10,425 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,466 ten years after entry. Set against $10,425 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Lone Star College System report
Southern Maine Community College came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Set in South Portland, ME, Southern Maine Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,156, with out-of-state students paying around $7,036. Graduates carry a median of $13,869 in student loans. Median earnings reach $41,661 ten years out. Set against $13,869 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Southern Maine Community College report
Ivy Tech Community College landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. Ivy Tech Community College is a public school based in Indianapolis, IN. In-state tuition and fees average $5,154, compared with $9,935 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $11,889 in student loans. Ivy Tech Community College alumni report median earnings of $37,186 a decade after entry. Set against $11,889 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Ivy Tech Community College
College Of Southern Idaho came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Located in Twin Falls, ID, College Of Southern Idaho is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,360, compared with $6,840 for out-of-state students. Typical Fire Protection student debt is $11,175. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,916 ten years after entry. Set against $11,175 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on College Of Southern Idaho
Guilford Technical Community College came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Based in Jamestown, NC, Guilford Technical Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,320, while out-of-state students pay about $7,696. The median Fire Protection program debt is $20,501. Median earnings reach $33,934 ten years out. Set against $20,501 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Guilford Technical Community College
Albany Technical College landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Albany, GA, Albany Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,364 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $5,932. Typical Fire Protection student debt is $16,321. Graduates go on to earn a median of $30,541 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,321 median debt. Read the full report on Albany Technical College
South Georgia Technical College landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Americus, GA, South Georgia Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $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. That is a strong return on a $10,423 median debt. Read more about South Georgia Technical College
Mount Wachusett Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. This public school is set in Gardner, MA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,160, while out-of-state students pay about $11,080. Students borrow a median of $11,497 to complete their Fire Protection program here. Median earnings reach $41,118 ten years out. Set against $11,497 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Mount Wachusett Community College report
Middlesex Community College Bedford offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Based in Bedford, MA, Middlesex Community College Bedford is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,098 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $12,170. Middlesex Community College Bedford Fire Protection students take on a median of $11,602 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,651 ten years after entry. Set against $11,602 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Middlesex Community College Bedford report
Southwestern Illinois College came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Based in Belleville, IL, Southwestern Illinois College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,230, compared with $6,720 for out-of-state students. Typical Fire Protection student debt is $12,750. Median earnings reach $36,884 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $12,750 median debt. Get the full Southwestern Illinois College report
New Mexico State University Dona Ana came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. New Mexico State University Dona Ana is a public school based in Las Cruces, NM. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,322, with out-of-state students paying around $6,360. Graduates carry a median of $10,284 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,067. Set against $10,284 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about New Mexico State University Dona Ana
Central Piedmont Community College came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Set in Charlotte, NC, Central Piedmont Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,792, compared with $8,936 for out-of-state students. Central Piedmont Community College Fire Protection students take on a median of $11,861 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,865. That is a strong return on a $11,861 median debt. See the full Central Piedmont Community College profile
Stark State College ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Fire Protection schools. This public school is set in North Canton, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,790, with out-of-state students paying around $7,886. Students borrow a median of $17,349 to complete their Fire Protection program here. Median earnings reach $34,661 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $17,349 median debt. Get the full Stark State College report
El Paso Community College landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. El Paso Community College is a public school based in El Paso, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,274, while out-of-state students pay about $5,314. Typical Fire Protection student debt is $8,542. El Paso Community College alumni report median earnings of $35,212 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $8,542 median debt. More on El Paso Community College
Delgado Community College ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Fire Protection schools. Delgado Community College is a public school based in New Orleans, LA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,279. Typical Fire Protection student debt is $25,283. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $33,305. Set against $25,283 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Delgado Community College
Milwaukee Area Technical College placed #47 among the best-value Fire Protection schools in the United States. Based in Milwaukee, WI, Milwaukee Area Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,184, while out-of-state students pay about $7,427. Graduates carry a median of $18,296 in student loans. Milwaukee Area Technical College alumni report median earnings of $41,113 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Milwaukee Area Technical College profile
Valencia College landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Valencia College is a public school based in Orlando, FL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,664, compared with $9,576 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $8,000 to complete their Fire Protection program here. Valencia College alumni report median earnings of $40,594 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $8,000 median debt. See the full Valencia College profile
Louisiana State University Eunice placed #50 among the best-value Fire Protection schools in the United States. Based in Eunice, LA, Louisiana State University Eunice is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,802, compared with $10,166 for out-of-state students. Louisiana State University Eunice Fire Protection students take on a median of $16,239 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $36,498. Set against $16,239 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Louisiana State University Eunice
Middlesex County College came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Set in Edison, NJ, Middlesex County College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,764, compared with $7,356 for out-of-state students. Typical Fire Protection student debt is $9,514. Middlesex County College alumni report median earnings of $46,861 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Middlesex County College report
Alamance Community College landed the #52 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Graham, NC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,592, compared with $8,736 for out-of-state students. The median Fire Protection program debt is $6,625. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $34,241. That is a strong return on a $6,625 median debt. Read more about Alamance Community College
Related Fire Protection Value Rankings
See value rankings for other degree levels:
- Best Value Fire Protection Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Fire Protection Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Fire Protection Undergraduate Certificate 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
These rankings are produced 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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