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 best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
To produce this 2027 ranking, College Factual evaluated 2 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for fire science students.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in fire science, balancing cost against outcomes.
Leading the list is Lansing Community College, our #1 best value for fire science in Michigan. Set in the city of Lansing, Lansing Community College is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,100 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $11,300. 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 came in at #2 on our 2027 list of the best value fire science schools. Located in the suburb of Auburn Hills, Oakland Community College is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,120, while out-of-state students pay about $5,560. Students borrow a median of $15,865 to complete the fire science program here. Fire Science graduates of Oakland Community College earn a median of $44,178 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
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 · 2 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 2 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.