2026 Best Value Fire Protection Bachelor’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Fire Protection bachelor’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 486 institutions 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.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor analyzed 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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Columbia Southern University tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Fire Protection bachelor's degree schools in the United States. Based 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. Typical Fire Protection student debt is $15,874. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,534. Set against $15,874 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Columbia Southern University
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Southern Illinois University Carbondale earned it the #2 place in the United States. Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public school based in Carbondale, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,334. Typical Fire Protection student debt is $17,725. Median earnings reach $53,390 ten years out. Set against $17,725 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. More on Southern Illinois University Carbondale
A rank of #3 makes American Public University System one of the best values in the United States. 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. Graduates carry a median of $18,813 in student loans. 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
You'll get strong value at University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh, which ranked #4 this year. Based in Oshkosh, WI, University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,532, compared with $16,446 for out-of-state students. Typical Fire Protection student debt is $24,619. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,548. That is a strong return on a $24,619 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh
University Of Florida Online came in at #5 on this year's best-value Fire Protection ranking in the United States. Set in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida Online is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,876, compared with $16,579 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $12,296 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,588. Set against $12,296 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 61% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Florida Online
Lake Superior State University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Fire Protection schools. Based in Sault Ste Marie, MI, Lake Superior State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,890. Graduates carry a median of $22,429 in student loans. Median earnings reach $49,045 ten years out. Set against $22,429 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Lake Superior State University report
Liberty University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Fire Protection schools. Based in Lynchburg, VA, Liberty University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,173. Liberty University Fire Protection students take on a median of $27,414 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,813. Set against $27,414 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. See the full Liberty University profile
Columbia College South Carolina ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Fire Protection schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Columbia, SC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $20,054. The median Fire Protection program debt is $28,158. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,338 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $28,158 median debt. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Columbia College South Carolina
Fayetteville State University placed #10 among the best-value Fire Protection schools in the United States. Set in Fayetteville, NC, Fayetteville State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,353, compared with $8,353 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $15,777 in student loans. Median earnings reach $40,144 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 82%. More on Fayetteville State University
Waldorf College came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Based in Forest City, IA, Waldorf College is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $25,978 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $17,196 to complete their Fire Protection program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,165. Set against $17,196 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Waldorf College admits about 77% of applicants. See the full Waldorf College profile
Western Illinois University came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. Western Illinois University is a public school based in Macomb, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $14,572. Graduates carry a median of $22,723 in student loans. Western Illinois University alumni report median earnings of $54,163 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Western Illinois University
Bowling Green State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Located in Bowling Green, OH, Bowling Green State University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,912, while out-of-state students pay about $21,900. Students borrow a median of $25,449 to complete their Fire Protection program here. Median earnings reach $47,896 ten years out. Set against $25,449 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Bowling Green State University Main Campus
Colorado State University Fort Collins ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Fire Protection schools. Set in Fort Collins, CO, Colorado State University Fort Collins is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,373 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $35,061. Colorado State University Fort Collins Fire Protection students take on a median of $34,008 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,543. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Colorado State University Fort Collins has an acceptance rate of 88%. More on Colorado State University Fort Collins
University Of Akron Main Campus came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Located in Akron, OH, University Of Akron Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,135, while out-of-state students pay about $20,815. Typical Fire Protection student debt is $25,750. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,600. That is a strong return on a $25,750 median debt. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Akron Main Campus
College Of Southern Nevada ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Fire Protection schools. Located in Las Vegas, NV, College Of Southern Nevada is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,358 in tuition and fees, compared with $13,024 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $9,980 to complete their Fire Protection program here. Median earnings reach $38,087 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on College Of Southern Nevada
Utah Valley University came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Utah Valley University is a public school based in Orem, UT. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,507, with out-of-state students paying around $18,489. Students borrow a median of $15,203 to complete their Fire Protection program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,486. That is a strong return on a $15,203 median debt. Read more about Utah Valley University
Cuny John Jay College Of Criminal Justice landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in New York, NY. In-state tuition and fees average $7,470, compared with $15,420 for out-of-state students. Cuny John Jay College Of Criminal Justice Fire Protection students take on a median of $16,500 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,195. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 57% of those who apply are admitted. More on Cuny John Jay College Of Criminal Justice
Salem State University came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Salem State University is a public school based in Salem, MA. Students from in state pay about $12,338 in tuition and fees, compared with $19,531 for out-of-state students. Salem State University Fire Protection students take on a median of $27,176 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,662. Set against $27,176 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Salem State University has an acceptance rate of 96%. More on Salem State University
California State University Los Angeles placed #20 among the best-value Fire Protection schools in the United States. This public school is set in Los Angeles, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,164, compared with $19,764 for out-of-state students. The median Fire Protection program debt is $11,750. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,211 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California State University Los Angeles admits about 91% of applicants. Read the full report on California State University Los Angeles
Lewis Clark State College ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Fire Protection schools. Lewis Clark State College is a public school based in Lewiston, ID. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,610, while out-of-state students pay about $22,028. Lewis Clark State College Fire Protection students take on a median of $23,781 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,001 ten years after entry. Set against $23,781 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Lewis Clark State College has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read more about Lewis Clark State College
Madonna University ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Fire Protection schools. Madonna University is a private not-for-profit school based in Livonia, MI. In-state tuition and fees run about $28,440. Graduates carry a median of $26,896 in student loans. Madonna University alumni report median earnings of $59,058 a decade after entry. Set against $26,896 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Madonna University admits about 63% of applicants. Get the full Madonna University report
University Of Cincinnati Main Campus placed #22 among the best-value Fire Protection schools in the United States. This public school is set in Cincinnati, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $13,363, with out-of-state students paying around $28,697. Students borrow a median of $23,530 to complete their Fire Protection program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,810. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 85%. Get the full University Of Cincinnati Main Campus report
Eastern Kentucky University came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Eastern Kentucky University is a public school based in Richmond, KY. Students from in state pay about $10,320 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,230. Typical Fire Protection student debt is $27,000. Eastern Kentucky University alumni report median earnings of $45,795 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 78%. See the full Eastern Kentucky University profile
Gardner Webb University placed #25 among the best-value Fire Protection schools in the United States. Based in Boiling Springs, NC, Gardner Webb University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $34,750. Graduates carry a median of $25,033 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,039. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Gardner Webb University admits about 77% of applicants. Get the full Gardner Webb University report
Metropolitan State College Of Denver offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Metropolitan State College Of Denver is a public school based in Denver, CO. In-state tuition and fees average $11,124, compared with $30,684 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,484 to complete their Fire Protection program here. Median earnings reach $52,093 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,484 median debt. Metropolitan State College Of Denver has an acceptance rate of 99%. See the full Metropolitan State College Of Denver profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Fire Protection Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Holy Family University placed #27 among the best-value Fire Protection schools in the United States. Located in Philadelphia, PA, Holy Family University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $35,330. Students borrow a median of $26,562 to complete their Fire Protection program here. Holy Family University alumni report median earnings of $62,235 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,562 median debt. The acceptance rate is 71%. Read the full report on Holy Family University
New Jersey City University ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Fire Protection schools. New Jersey City University is a public school based in Jersey City, NJ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,460. New Jersey City University Fire Protection students take on a median of $26,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,745. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 98%. See the full New Jersey City University profile
Anna Maria College placed #29 among the best-value Fire Protection schools in the United States. Set in Paxton, MA, Anna Maria College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $44,571. Graduates carry a median of $22,875 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,651 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 50% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Anna Maria College
University Of New Haven placed #30 among the best-value Fire Protection schools in the United States. Located in West Haven, CT, University Of New Haven is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $47,332 in tuition and fees. The median Fire Protection program debt is $26,375. University Of New Haven alumni report median earnings of $60,126 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of New Haven
Methodist University ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Fire Protection schools. Based in Fayetteville, NC, Methodist University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $41,250. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Fire Protection program here. Median earnings reach $48,050 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted. See the full Methodist University profile
Everett Community College ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Fire Protection schools. Get the full Everett Community College report
Kirkwood Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Get the full Kirkwood Community College report
Massasoit Community College came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Read the full report on Massasoit Community College
Mercer County Community College placed #34 among the best-value Fire Protection schools in the United States. More on Mercer County Community College
University Of North Texas At Dallas ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Fire Protection schools. Read more about University Of North Texas At Dallas
Victor Valley College came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Read more about Victor Valley College
California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. See the full California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo profile
Riverside City College landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. Read more about Riverside City College
Tallahassee Community College came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Read the full report on Tallahassee Community College
Western Iowa Tech Community College ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Fire Protection schools. Read the full report on Western Iowa Tech Community College
Valencia College
Valencia College offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Read more about Valencia College
American River College placed #42 among the best-value Fire Protection schools in the United States. Get the full American River College report
City Colleges Of Chicago Malcolm X College offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. More on City Colleges Of Chicago Malcolm X College
College Of The Siskiyous placed #44 among the best-value Fire Protection schools in the United States. See the full College Of The Siskiyous profile
Rowan Cabarrus Community College placed #45 among the best-value Fire Protection schools in the United States. Get the full Rowan Cabarrus Community College report
Suncoast Technical College came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Read more about Suncoast Technical College
Great Oaks Career Campuses offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. Read more about Great Oaks Career Campuses
Randolph Community College landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. See the full Randolph Community College profile
Bunker Hill Community College landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. See the full Bunker Hill Community College profile
Elizabethtown Community And Technical College placed #50 among the best-value Fire Protection schools in the United States. Get the full Elizabethtown Community And Technical College report
Related Fire Protection Value Rankings
Explore 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 Associate’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. Rankings consider 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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