Fire Protection at Cosumnes River College

California fire protection programs typically show strong employment prospects, and the estimated figures here suggest Cosumnes River College's certificate follows that pattern. Based on comparable programs nationwide, graduates can expect around $47,000 in first-year earnings—slightly below the state median of $48,512 but within range of what nearby Santa Ana College reports. The estimated debt load of $9,557 is notably lighter than California's typical $15,000, which matters for a field where you're building toward civil service positions rather than chasing rapid salary growth.

The 0.20 debt-to-earnings ratio points to manageable repayment, especially since fire protection careers often come with stable benefits and pension structures that raw salary figures don't capture. However, recognize these are estimates drawn from peer programs, not actual outcomes from Cosumnes River's specific cohort. The small graduate sample that triggered data suppression could reflect anything from a boutique program to one still building enrollment.

For parents considering this path, the financial framework looks solid on paper: low debt relative to earning potential in a field with clear hiring pathways. But confirm the program's job placement connections with Sacramento-area fire departments and whether it's recognized by California's fire marshal. The numbers suggest value, but the program's real worth depends on those local hiring relationships you'll need to verify directly.