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.
For its 2027 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 6 schools to find the best return on investment for fire science students.
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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.
Pima Community College earned the #1 spot for value among fire science schools in Arizona. Located in the city of Tucson, Pima Community College is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $2,442 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,758 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for fire science graduates is $10,655. Early-career fire science graduates make about $35,059. That is a strong return on a $10,655 median debt.
Yavapai College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in fire science, landing the #2 spot this year. Located in the city of Prescott, Yavapai College is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $2,948 in tuition and fees, compared with $9,486 for out-of-state students. Fire Science graduates carry a median of $14,087 in student loans. Early-career fire science graduates make about $52,087. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Students looking for strong value in fire science will find it at Northland Pioneer College, which ranked #3. Northland Pioneer College is a moderately-sized public school located in the rural area of Holbrook. In-state tuition and fees average $2,232, compared with $10,320 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for fire science graduates is $8,680. Fire Science graduates of Northland Pioneer College earn a median of $44,117 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $8,680 median debt.
Glendale Community College Glendale Az came in at #4 on our 2027 list of the best value fire science schools. Located in the suburb of Glendale, Glendale Community College Glendale Az is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,358, compared with $8,959 for out-of-state students. Fire Science graduates carry a median of $15,996 in student loans. Soon after graduation, fire science degree recipients from Glendale Community College Glendale Az generally make around $51,483. That is a strong return on a $15,996 median debt.
A rank of #5 makes Mesa Community College one of the best values for fire science. Set in the city of Mesa, Mesa Community College is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,358, while out-of-state students pay about $8,959. Fire Science graduates carry a median of $13,750 in student loans. Soon after graduation, fire science degree recipients from Mesa Community College generally make around $54,730. That is a strong return on a $13,750 median debt.
Coconino Community College ranked #6 on our 2027 list of the best value fire science schools. Set in the rural area of Flagstaff, Coconino Community College is a mid-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,907, with out-of-state students paying around $9,987. Students borrow a median of $16,011 to complete the fire science program here. Soon after graduation, fire science degree recipients from Coconino Community College generally make around $39,850. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
This ranking is produced 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 · 6 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 6 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.