Location: Thatcher, AZ•In-State Tuition: $2,352•Out-of-State Tuition: $9,552
Est. Earnings (1yr)
$47,024
Est. from national median (25 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$9,557
Est. from national median (15 programs)

Analysis

Fire protection certificate programs in Arizona show considerable variation, with Pima Community College's graduates earning $35,059 in their first year. Eastern Arizona College's program lacks sufficient graduate data for the Department of Education to report actual outcomes, so we're relying on national benchmarks from similar programs. Based on those peer programs, graduates might expect around $47,000 in first-year earnings—substantially higher than what nearby programs are actually producing—with roughly $9,600 in debt.

That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.20 would be manageable if the earnings estimate holds true, representing less than three months of gross income. However, the gap between the national-based estimate and what Arizona's only reporting program shows ($12,000 less) raises questions about local market realities. Fire protection positions in rural Arizona may simply pay differently than the national average suggests, particularly in a less populated area like Thatcher.

The practical concern is that you're making a financial decision based on national assumptions rather than this school's track record. The estimated figures could be accurate, or earnings could align closer to what Pima's graduates experience. Without actual outcome data from Eastern Arizona College, you're betting on how well this program translates national trends to southeastern Arizona's job market—a bet that might pay off, but one you're making essentially blind.

Where Eastern Arizona College Stands

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

Eastern Arizona College (estimated ±10%)Other fire protection programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Compare to Similar Programs in Arizona

Fire Protection certificate's programs at peer institutions in Arizona (15 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Eastern Arizona CollegeThatcher$2,352$47,024*—$9,557*—
Pima Community CollegeTucson$2,370$35,059*——*—
National Median—$47,024*—$9,557*0.20
* 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 Eastern Arizona College, approximately 17% 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 25 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.