by our College Data Analytics Team
[Fire Protection](/majors/protective-security-safety-services/fire-protection/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
College Factual analyzed 5 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best value fire protection schools.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in fire protection, balancing cost against outcomes.
For return on investment in fire protection, no school beat Spokane Community College this year. Set in the city of Spokane, Spokane Community College is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,461, while out-of-state students pay about $6,612. Students borrow a median of $16,486 to complete the fire protection program here. Early-career fire protection graduates make about $39,679. That is a strong return on a $16,486 median debt.
Bates Technical College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in fire protection, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the city of Tacoma, Bates Technical College is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,027, compared with $12,165 for out-of-state students. Median earnings reach $50,051 ten years out.
Columbia Basin College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in fire protection, landing the #3 spot this year. Columbia Basin College is a large public school located in the suburb of Pasco. In-state tuition and fees average $6,555, with out-of-state students paying around $8,668. Fire Protection graduates carry a median of $17,170 in student loans. Fire Protection graduates of Columbia Basin College earn a median of $63,976 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
A rank of #4 makes Clover Park Technical College one of the best values for fire protection. Clover Park Technical College is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Lakewood. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,634. Students borrow a median of $15,154 to complete the fire protection program here. Soon after graduation, fire protection degree recipients from Clover Park Technical College generally make around $42,209. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Everett Community College came in at #5 on our 2027 list of the best value fire protection schools. Set in the city of Everett, Everett Community College is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,032, compared with $11,171 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for fire protection graduates is $13,542. Soon after graduation, fire protection degree recipients from Everett Community College generally make around $47,441. That is a strong return on a $13,542 median debt.
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This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 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 · 5 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 5 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.