by our College Data Analytics Team
[Fire Science](/majors/protective-security-safety-services/fire-protection/fire-science/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong fire science education at a price that pays off.
College Factual analyzed 10 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value fire science schools.
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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the fire science degrees they offer, see the list below.
Lansing Community College earned the #1 spot for value among fire science schools in Michigan. Set in the city of Lansing, Lansing Community College is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,100, compared with $11,300 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $16,700 to complete the fire science program here. Early-career fire science graduates make about $46,103. Set against $16,700 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Oakland Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in fire science, landing the #2 spot this year. Located in the suburb of Auburn Hills, Oakland Community College is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $3,120 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $5,560. Typical student debt for fire science graduates is $15,865. Fire Science graduates of Oakland Community College earn a median of $44,178 early in their careers. Set against $15,865 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Students looking for strong value in fire science will find it at Macomb Community College, which ranked #3. Macomb Community College is a very large public school located in the city of Warren. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,660, compared with $8,370 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for fire science graduates is $9,862. Fire Science graduates of Macomb Community College earn a median of $38,758 early in their careers. Set against $9,862 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
A rank of #4 makes Lake Superior State University one of the best values for fire science. Located in the town of Sault Ste Marie, Lake Superior State University is a small public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,890. Typical student debt for fire science graduates is $22,429. Soon after graduation, fire science degree recipients from Lake Superior State University generally make around $47,910. Set against $22,429 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
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This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 10 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 1 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.