by our College Data Analytics Team
[Fire Science](/majors/protective-security-safety-services/fire-protection/fire-science/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong fire science education at a price that pays off.
College Factual analyzed 2 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value fire science schools.
What’s on this page:
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the fire science degrees they offer, see the list below.
Southern Maine Community College earned the #1 spot for value among fire science schools in Maine. Set in the city of South Portland, Southern Maine Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,156, with out-of-state students paying around $7,036. Typical student debt for fire science graduates is $13,869. Early-career fire science graduates make about $41,328. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
The ranking above is published 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 · 2 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 1 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.