by our College Data Analytics TeamFire Science is a field worth a close look when choosing where to study. A focused field like this rewards careful comparison of the schools that offer it.
College Factual analyzed 11 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best fire science schools.
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Below are the schools that deliver the strongest overall fire science education in Illinois.
Our analysis ranked Harper College the best school in the country for a degree in fire science. This very large public university is located in the suburb of Palatine. Harper College awarded about 22 fire science degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their fire science degree from Harper College earn around $44,523 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $10,963 to complete this degree. Get the full fire science details for Harper College
Students looking for a strong fire science program will find one at Waubonsee Community College, which ranked #2. Located in the rural area of Sugar Grove, Waubonsee Community College is a large public university. Waubonsee Community College awarded about 70 fire science degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the fire science program make about $39,659 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $9,939 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in fire science from Waubonsee Community College
College Of Lake County is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in fire science, ranking #3. Located in the suburb of Grayslake, College Of Lake County is a very large public university. About 24 fire science degrees were awarded at College Of Lake County in the most recent year. Students who receive their fire science degree from College Of Lake County earn around $50,314 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $9,785. Get the full fire science details for College Of Lake County
Southwestern Illinois College is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in fire science, landing the #4 spot this year. This large public university is located in the suburb of Belleville. About 80 fire science degrees were awarded at Southwestern Illinois College in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, fire science degree recipients from Southwestern Illinois College generally make around $77,935. Southwestern Illinois College graduates carry a median of $12,750 in student loans. See the full fire science program report for Southwestern Illinois College
Students looking for a strong fire science program will find one at Joliet Junior College, which ranked #5. Joliet Junior College is a very large public school located in the suburb of Joliet. Joliet Junior College awarded about 18 fire science degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the fire science program make about $40,118 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $11,995. Get the full fire science details for Joliet Junior College
Lewis And Clark Community College earned the #6 position for fire science this year. Set in the suburb of Godfrey, Lewis And Clark Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. Lewis And Clark Community College awarded about 28 fire science degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, fire science degree recipients from Lewis And Clark Community College generally make around $41,313. Lewis And Clark Community College graduates carry a median of $9,602 in student loans. More information about a degree in fire science from Lewis And Clark Community College
Illinois Central College landed the #7 spot for fire science this year. Located in the suburb of East Peoria, Illinois Central College is a large public university. About 12 fire science degrees were awarded at Illinois Central College in the most recent year. Students who receive their fire science degree from Illinois Central College earn around $53,190 in the first couple years of their career. Illinois Central College graduates carry a median of $12,222 in student loans. More information about a degree in fire science from Illinois Central College
Elgin Community College placed #8 among the best fire science schools. Located in the city of Elgin, Elgin Community College is a large public university. About 86 fire science degrees were awarded at Elgin Community College in the most recent year. Graduates of the fire science program make about $43,975 in their early career. Elgin Community College graduates carry a median of $7,727 in student loans. More information about a degree in fire science from Elgin Community College
Mchenry County College ranked #9 on our 2027 list of the best fire science schools. Set in the rural area of Crystal Lake, Mchenry County College is a large public institution. There were roughly 66 fire science students who graduated with this degree at Mchenry County College in the most recent data year. Fire Science graduates of Mchenry County College earn a median of $24,177 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $7,440. Get the full fire science details for Mchenry County College
Prairie State College ranked #10 on our 2027 list of the best fire science schools. Located in the suburb of Chicago Heights, Prairie State College is a moderately-sized public university. Prairie State College awarded about 48 fire science degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the fire science program make about $37,500 in their early career. Prairie State College graduates carry a median of $15,663 in student loans. More information about a degree in fire science from Prairie State College
John Wood Community College came in at #11 for fire science this year. John Wood Community College is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Quincy. About 11 fire science degrees were awarded at John Wood Community College in the most recent year. Students who receive their fire science degree from John Wood Community College earn around $45,748 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $13,844. Read more about the fire science program at John Wood Community College
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. Schools are scored on a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and program focus, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 11 schools evaluated.
More about our data sources and methodologies.