Fire Protection at Lake Superior State University

A fire protection associate's degree at Lake Superior State University shows earnings that track close to national norms for this field, with four-year graduates hitting $62,245—a meaningful jump from the estimated $56,004 first-year figure based on comparable programs nationwide. The estimated $10,370 debt load is slightly below the national median of $11,250, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.19 that's manageable by most standards. With over 400 schools offering this credential nationally, Lake Superior State sits in the middle of the pack for costs while earnings growth suggests the field rewards experience.

What makes this worth closer examination is that trajectory from year one to year four. That $6,000+ increase indicates fire protection employers value seasoned professionals, and starting near the national median suggests Lake Superior State's program delivers competitive preparation even without school-specific data to confirm it. The low debt burden means your child could pay off loans relatively quickly if they enter the field directly.

The reality check: we're working with estimates here because too few graduates report outcomes data, which is common in specialized technical fields at smaller schools. If your child is committed to fire protection as a career—not just exploring it—these peer program indicators suggest reasonable value. But verify that Lake Superior State's specific connections to Michigan fire departments and certification pathways align with where your child wants to work, since those relationships matter more than any national average in this hands-on field.