Est. Earnings (1yr)
$67,102
Est. from national median (20 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$22,723
Est. from national median (15 programs)

Analysis

A Bachelor's in Fire Protection from College of Southern Nevada comes with an estimated debt load of $22,723 and projected first-year earnings around $67,102—based on national medians for similar programs. That 0.34 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests manageable repayment: graduates could theoretically pay off loans within a year of income if dedicating roughly a third of gross earnings. For a public safety career field with clear credentialing requirements, these numbers tell a reasonably practical story.

The challenge is that these are national averages, not actual outcomes from CSN's program specifically. Nevada's unique public safety job market—driven heavily by Las Vegas's hospitality industry fire safety needs and rapid suburban growth—could produce different results. The state's cost of living and starting salaries for fire protection specialists may diverge from the national picture, either favorably or otherwise. With only one school in Nevada offering this bachelor's degree, there's no local peer data to sharpen the comparison.

For families considering this investment, the estimated figures point toward a workable financial equation, but verify what CSN graduates actually do after completion. Connect with the program directly about job placement rates, where alumni work, and whether Nevada employers value this credential over internal fire academy training. The numbers suggest viability; local employment realities will confirm it.

Where College of Southern Nevada Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all fire protection bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Fire Protection bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
College of Southern NevadaLas Vegas$4,110$67,102*$22,723*
Southern Illinois University-CarbondaleCarbondale$13,244$104,017*$17,725*0.17
Waldorf UniversityForest City$25,220$97,731*$83,416$21,783*0.22
Purdue University GlobalWest Lafayette$10,110$89,622*$78,630$29,636*0.33
University of FloridaGainesville$6,381$86,740*$12,296*0.14
University of Florida-OnlineGainesville$3,876$86,740*$12,296*0.14
National Median$67,102*$22,723*0.34
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with fire protection graduates

Fire Inspectors and Investigators

Inspect buildings to detect fire hazards and enforce local ordinances and state laws, or investigate and gather facts to determine cause of fires and explosions.

$75,480/yrJobs growth:

Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists

Enforce fire regulations, inspect forest for fire hazards, and recommend forest fire prevention or control measures. May report forest fires and weather conditions.

$75,480/yrJobs growth:

Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach vocational courses intended to provide occupational training below the baccalaureate level in subjects such as construction, mechanics/repair, manufacturing, transportation, or cosmetology, primarily to students who have graduated from or left high school. Teaching takes place in public or private schools whose primary business is academic or vocational education.

$62,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Firefighters

Control and extinguish fires or respond to emergency situations where life, property, or the environment is at risk. Duties may include fire prevention, emergency medical service, hazardous material response, search and rescue, and disaster assistance.

$59,530/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Managers, All Other

All managers not listed separately.

Regulatory Affairs Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate production activities of an organization to ensure compliance with regulations and standard operating procedures.

Compliance Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization to ensure compliance with ethical or regulatory standards.

Loss Prevention Managers

Plan and direct policies, procedures, or systems to prevent the loss of assets. Determine risk exposure or potential liability, and develop risk control measures.

First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers

Directly supervise and coordinate activities of workers engaged in firefighting and fire prevention and control.

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At College of Southern Nevada, approximately 30% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 20 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.