by our College Data Analytics Team
[Fire Protection](/majors/protective-security-safety-services/fire-protection/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 14 schools to find the best return on investment for fire protection students.
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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the fire protection degrees they offer, see the list below.
Pima Community College tops our 2026 list of the best value fire protection schools in Arizona. Located in the city of Tucson, Pima Community College is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,442, while out-of-state students pay about $7,758. Fire Protection graduates carry a median of $10,655 in student loans. Early-career fire protection graduates make about $35,059. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
A rank of #2 makes Yavapai College one of the best values for fire protection. Located in the city of Prescott, Yavapai College is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,948, compared with $9,486 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,087 to complete the fire protection program here. Fire Protection graduates of Yavapai College earn a median of $52,087 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $14,087 median debt.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Glendale Community College Glendale Az earned it the #3 place for fire protection. Located in the suburb of Glendale, Glendale Community College Glendale Az is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $2,358, compared with $8,959 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,996 to complete the fire protection program here. Fire Protection graduates of Glendale Community College Glendale Az earn a median of $51,483 early in their careers. Set against $15,996 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Coconino Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in fire protection, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the rural area of Flagstaff, Coconino Community College is a mid-sized public university. 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 protection program here. Fire Protection graduates of Coconino Community College earn a median of $39,850 early in their careers. Set against $16,011 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Mesa Community College came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value fire protection schools. Mesa Community College is a very large public school located in the city of Mesa. Students from in state pay about $2,358 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $8,959. Students borrow a median of $13,750 to complete the fire protection program here. Soon after graduation, fire protection degree recipients from Mesa Community College generally make around $54,730. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 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 · 14 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 1 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.