Fire Protection at Florida State College at Jacksonville

This Fire Protection certificate at Florida State College positions graduates solidly above national and state averages, with first-year earnings of $49,810 ranking at the 75th percentile nationally. While the debt figure of $9,557 is estimated from similar Florida programs rather than this school's actual graduates, that ratio of roughly 20 cents borrowed for every dollar earned in year one suggests manageable repayment regardless of the precise amount.

The program falls in the middle tier among Florida's fire protection options—below top performers like St. Petersburg College ($55,829) but outpacing more than half of similar programs statewide. For students targeting fire service careers in Jacksonville specifically, this matters less than the national comparison suggests: these earnings already exceed what most fire protection certificate holders make across the country, and local hiring patterns often matter more than program rankings.

For families worried about certificate-level debt, this field offers a clearer path than most. Even if actual borrowing runs somewhat higher than the estimate, fire protection credentials typically lead to stable public sector employment with defined salary structures. The 33% Pell grant population indicates the program serves cost-conscious students, which aligns with a career track where you can start earning quickly without accumulating bachelor's degree debt.