Fire Protection at Bates Technical College

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.19 suggests fire protection programs generally deliver strong value—fewer than two months of first-year salary to cover the estimated $10,370 in debt. Nationally, associate's programs in this field typically produce starting earnings around $56,000, which is solid for a two-year credential. That said, because actual graduate outcomes from Bates aren't available, parents should recognize they're working with national averages rather than this specific program's track record.

The wide range in fire protection outcomes nationally—top programs reach $75,500 in first-year earnings—means program quality and regional hiring markets matter considerably. Washington has 13 schools offering this degree, but without reported data from any of them, it's impossible to know whether Bates sits at the higher or lower end of that spectrum. The field itself tends to reward credentials with stable public-sector jobs, but your child's actual earning potential will depend heavily on where they get hired and whether they pursue additional certifications.

If your child is committed to firefighting or fire safety careers, the estimated debt load looks manageable enough to move forward—just don't assume the $56,000 figure is guaranteed. Connect with Bates' career services to understand their specific placement rates and partnerships with local fire departments before enrolling.