### SUMMARY

 Going to school for Fire Protection is a valuable choice and commonly a necessary first step for scholars endeavoring to pursue a career as a fire protection engineer, a firefighter/paramedic, or a fire inspector. In fact, nationally, fire protection is a very rare degree being the 180th most popular degree. Last year, there were 1,423 fire protection degrees conferred. In-state tuition for fire protection at private institutions is, on average, 3.4 times more spendy than their public counterparts.

 With only 45 colleges offering fire protection you may have limited options as to the institutions which will have a degree program for you. If you are looking to immerse yourself with other fire protection undergraduates, consider colleges in Alabama which have more students admitted to fire protection than any other state. Zooming out, the top region to major in fire protection is in the Southeast region with [Eastern Kentucky University](/colleges/eastern-kentucky-university), [Fayetteville State University](/colleges/fayetteville-state-university), and [Columbia Southern University](/colleges/columbia-southern-university) best representing the region. Interestingly, our pick for the best conference to study fire protection is the Western Athletic Conference with [Utah Valley University](/colleges/utah-valley-university) representing the conference. On that topic, our choice for the best university for fire protection is [Colorado State University-Fort Collins](/colleges/colorado-state-university-fort-collins). You might also want to check out our list of [best colleges](/rankings/best-colleges).

 The best school might not actually be the best school for every student. There can be a bunch more factors to weigh when deciding on college. Features such as campus amenities, transportation services, and food would definitely impact one's inclinations of which university to attend. Here at authority.org, we weighed the pros and cons for you. If, for example, you are interested in which fire protection college is home to the best campus, the winner is [CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice](/colleges/cuny-john-jay-college-of-criminal-justice). If, for example, you are very interested in which school has the top campus, we have an entire page [dedicated to that](/rankings/best-college-campuses). We have carefully pored through professor reviews, student reviews, government databases, and more to compare every major in the United States in an unbiased and informative way. You can find our comprehensive list for the schools with the [best student life](/rankings/best-student-life)&nbsphere and our pick for the school with the best student life for fire protection is [University of Florida-Online](/colleges/university-of-florida-online). Are you curious why? Continue scrolling to find out more about Authority's top recommendations. Some of our conclusions just might surprise you.

 If expense is a primary factor in your choice of where you attend college, you might be cautious about [University of New Haven](/colleges/university-of-new-haven). [University of New Haven](/colleges/university-of-new-haven)&nbspis our most expensive university for fire protection, at least regarding out of state attendance. We have an entire list of the [most expensive](/rankings/most-expensive-colleges)&nbspschools that could put the cost at [University of New Haven](/colleges/university-of-new-haven)&nbspinto perspective. You may also care to know that fire protection is the 368th most expensive major in the United States, with an average associated cost of $17,800. To zoom out a little, the most expensive state for fire protection in the country is Connecticut with expenses at the primary institution, University of New Haven, of $39,000. Even more broadly, the most costly region for fire protection is the New England region which is best demonstrated with [University of New Haven](/colleges/university-of-new-haven) with a cost of $39,000, [Anna Maria College](/colleges/anna-maria-college) with a cost of $36,190, and [Salem State University](/colleges/salem-state-university) with a cost of $7,050.

 Our cheapest region for fire protection is the Great Lakes region which is represented by [Western Illinois University](/colleges/western-illinois-university) with a cost of $8,627, [Lake Superior State University](/colleges/lake-superior-state-university) with a cost of $12,000, and [Purdue University Global](/colleges/purdue-university-global) with a cost of $13,356. In better news, the most affordable college for fire protection is [Columbia Southern University](/colleges/columbia-southern-university). Authority's full list of the most affordable universities can be found [here](/rankings/most-affordable-colleges).

 In-state attendees can expect to pay in the neighborhood of $9,600 for a degree in fire protection. The cost increases by a lot to a median of $19,600 for the out-of-state public-school student. Our choice for the university constituting the best value for fire protection: [University of New Haven](/colleges/university-of-new-haven). On this page you will find our comprehensive list about the universities we believe to be the [best value](/rankings/best-value-colleges)&nbspoverall. Do know, this idea is predicated on being an out-of-state student. The value proposition changes when it comes to in-state tuition, but as we do not know what state(s) you might qualify for in-state tuition, we are approaching this discussion through out-of-state tuition costs.

 Earnings for fire protection majors range widely, but within two-years of finishing the degree graduates will often make around $55,800. While there is much variation in earnings; top positions can make up to $111,000. Even straight out of school, the minimum earning positions within the fire protection field earn $27,900, which is an alright wage. The highest earning graduates for fire protection attended [University of Florida-Online](/colleges/university-of-florida-online)&nbspand if you are looking for schools with all of the [highest earning graduates](/rankings/highest-earning-graduates), we have that too.

 The all-around diversity of fire protection falls near the bottom, arriving in only the 14th percentile of all programs. The school with the highest composite diversity for fire protection is [Waldorf University](/colleges/waldorf-university)&nbspand here you can find our comprehensive list of the schools with the [most diversity](/rankings/most-diverse-colleges). The overall financial diversity of the Fire Protection major is only within the 74th percentile compared to all other majors. Racial diversity is even less in the 22nd percentile. White collegians make up the largest proportion, 74%, of those majoring in fire protection. Additionally, 89% of students seeking a fire protection degree are men.

 The median rating for fire protection professors is 4.5 stars, a score which is 13% above the median across every major; which is a fairly good ranking. If you are searching for the most popular fire protection professor in the nation, consider looking up Yuderka Lewis from [Utah Valley University](/colleges/utah-valley-university). It might come as a surprise, but the best rated instructors of fire protection by student are found at [CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice](/colleges/cuny-john-jay-college-of-criminal-justice). If we incorporate information other than basic rankings we find that the university with the overall best instructors for fire protection is [New Jersey City University](/colleges/new-jersey-city-university). One can find more detail on our evolving ranking methodology of the [best overall professors here](/rankings/best-professors), as well as some of the finest instructors nationwide.

 Finally, the hardest college to get into for fire protection is [University of Florida-Online](/colleges/university-of-florida-online). While we do not necessarily see the value in it, we have a comprehensive page for the [hardest colleges to get into](/rankings/hardest-colleges-to-get-into). Although, here at Authority we do hope you believe that considering college with a perspective only derived from superlatives could cause issues. We encourage you to read our other pages on individual topics and peruse some of our background articles on useful things to consider as you continue your university search.



 ### POPULARITY

 Fire protection is the 180th most popular degree in America, with 1,423 students receiving their bachelors degree last year. It just beat out #181 [Mathematics Teacher Education](/rankings/best-colleges-for-mathematics-teacher-education), and narrowly lost to #179 [Human Biology](/rankings/best-colleges-for-human-biology).

 The degree is offered at a total of 45 colleges across the nation, and is the 290th most widely offered degree. It is only offered at 1% of the Top 100 [Best Colleges](/rankings/best-colleges) in America.

 It is also worth noting that 96% of colleges offering fire protection are public making it a very accessible field.

 The southeast produces the most fire protection graduates, largely led by [Eastern Kentucky University](/colleges/eastern-kentucky-university), while it’s the Western Athletic Conference that leads conference totals. As far as states, Alabama ranks highest, with particular help from [Athens State University](/colleges/athens-state-university) and [Columbia Southern University](/colleges/columbia-southern-university).

 All that being said, no individual school produces more fire protection graduates than [Chattahoochee Valley Community College](/colleges/chattahoochee-valley-community-college), which graduated 408 students last year alone. Although size is critical, another important factor to consider is the program’s density (the percent of all students that study fire protection). More students studied fire protection as a percentage of total students at [Anna Maria College](/colleges/anna-maria-college) than any other college.



 ### COST

 Fire protection is the 368th most expensive degree in the US, with a median cost of $17,811 for the top 50 programs (just ahead of #369, [Computer Systems Analysis](rankings/best-colleges-for-computer-systems-analysis), with a median cost of $17,661).

 New England has the most expensive colleges with first-rate fire protection programs led by [University of New Haven](/colleges/university-of-new-haven) with an annual cost of $39,000. The most expensive state for fire protection is Connecticut also led by [University of New Haven](/colleges/university-of-new-haven).

 Public schools with good programs by and large charge 70.75% less than private schools for in-state students. However, when looking at out-of-state tuition, the median top 50 Public school charges 40.22% less than your average private school. So, if you're looking into studying at a state school, make sure you qualify for in-state tuition ASAP.

 The most costly option in the top 25 is [University of New Haven](/colleges/university-of-new-haven). The most affordable option in the top 100 is [Columbia Southern University](/colleges/columbia-southern-university). It costs just $5,520 per year, and it is its fire protection program is ranked #9. Another more affordable option would be #21, [Salem State University](/colleges/salem-state-university) in Essex County, MA with a cost of $910 for in-state students and $7,050 for out-of-state students.



### SALARY

 Paying for college is an important investment for most. It is important to be sure you get a good return on your investment. We wish for the following earnings and job placement facts to aid you in deciding your major at college.

 In their first year out of university, Fire Protection students make $58,972 a year on average (top 13%). Further into their careers, they can bring home up to $111,012 to as little as $27,924, but average approximately $55,814. For context, that's 44% north of America's average.

 The most common job title for a Fire Protection graduate is CDL Driver, which often earn more or less $36,000; next are CDL Class A Driver and Engineer, which typically earn approximately $37,000 and $59,000 respectively.

 New England has the most well paid Fire Protection graduates. The highest grossing state for Fire Protection alumni is MA. The best paid conference for Fire Protection graduates is Great Northeast Athletic Conference.



### PROFESSORS

 Fast Facts for Fire Protection: Median Professor Rating: 4.5 / 5, which is Top 50.

 Instructors consistently play a large role in your college experience, no matter what you major in. A thoughtful instructor can provide inspiration and even make a difficult subject seem fun. Conversely, an ineffective professor can bring unnecessary anxiety or even worse... fail you!

 Fire Protection professors boast a median student rating of 4.5 out of 5, putting these professors in 22nd place in the United States based on student approval. For context that's 12.5% over the national median professor rating for all subjects. Fire Protection professors barely surpassed those from ["Environmental Engineering"](/rankings/best-colleges-for-environmental-engineering), whereas ["Diagnostic Medical Sonography and Ultrasound Technology"](/rankings/best-colleges-for-diagnostic-medical-sonography-and-ultrasound-technology)&nbspprofessors ranked one slot above Fire Protection.

 Now for some statistics about Fire Protection professors. Colleges located in remote towns tend to have the best Fire Protection professors. The Mid-American Conference has the highest rated Fire Protection professors. The Southwest region has the highest rated Fire Protection professors. Public schools tend to have higher rated Fire Protection professors than private institutions. Finally, Massachusetts has the highest rated Fire Protection professors in America.

 Yuderka Lewis, professor at [Utah Valley University](/colleges/utah-valley-university)&nbspin Orem, UT is the most popular Fire Protection professor in the US. Dave Rose, professor at [Mission College](/colleges/mission-college)&nbspin Santa Clara, CA is the highest rated Fire Protection professor in the US, with a rating of 5 / 5.

 Want to know which institutions have the [Best Professors](/rankings/best-professors)!



### STUDENTS

 College can be one of the most significant times in one's life; it's an opportunity for individual progress and maturation. Pupils begin to capture what they want to become and learn the must-have skills to become a thriving member of society. But learning is not simply found in a classroom - the late nights discussing Camus with a classmate, the life lesson learned from an old professor, the exposure to a different perspective. Therefore, attending a diverse college tremendously enhances what you gain from your time spent in university.

 Fire Protection is a less racially diverse major than average\*. 74% of the US' Fire Protection majors are white students, followed by latino students (10%), students of other races\*\*(10%), and black students (5%). The most racially diverse college\* in the top 100 is [Oklahoma State University-Main Campus](/colleges/oklahoma-state-university-main-campus) located in Stillwater, OK.

 In addition, Fire Protection is the the 6th most male dominated subject, with male students out numbering female students by a 8 to 1 ratio. [Methodist University](/colleges/methodist-university) in Fayetteville, NC has the most gender balanced student body in the top 100.

 Another substantial type of diversity is class diversity. Fire Protection is more economically diverse than 74% of subjects. 30% of its majors come from families with a sub $30,000 yearly income, 16% are from homes with $30,000 to $48,000 annual incomes, and 22% grew up in very high income homes. [Lake Superior State University](/colleges/lake-superior-state-university) has the most socioeconomically diverse students in the top 100.

 Considering each type of diversity, overall OK is the most diverse state for Fire Protection. The Southwest is the most diverse region, and the Big Twelve Conference is the most diverse conference.

   \* diversity calculations and comparisons are based on [Simpson's Diversity Index](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diversity_index)   
  \*\* other races is used to refer to non asian, black, latino, or white

  #### Diversity Statistics

  ##### Racial Diversity

 * Asian: 1%
* Black: 5%
* Latino: 10%
* White: 74%
* Other: 10%
  ##### Gender Diversity

 * Male: 89%
* Female: 11%
  ##### Socioeconomic Diversity (By Household Income)

 * Under 30k: 30%
* 30k - 48k: 16%
* 48k - 75k: 16%
* 75k - 110k: 16%
* Over 110k: 22%
  ##### Geographic Diversity

 * In State: 79%
* Out of State: 19%
* International: 2%


Colorado State University-Fort Collins

Oklahoma State University-Main Campus

University of Cincinnati-Main Campus

Fox Valley Technical College

CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice

Liberty University

Southern Regional Technical College

Las Positas College

University of Idaho

Mt San Antonio College

City College of San Francisco

Pasadena City College

Santa Rosa Junior College

College of San Mateo

Lake Tahoe Community College

Allan Hancock College

Mission College

Sandhills Community College

Lincoln Land Community College

Ogeechee Technical College

Blue Ridge Community College

Savannah Technical College

Bowling Green State University-Main Campus

Montgomery College

Northeast Wisconsin Technical College

Search for the best Fire Protection colleges according to your filter parameters.

2023 Fire Protection Salary

There are about 76,848 students enrolled in Fire Protection in the USA.

SALARY