Fire Protection at Lake Tahoe Community College

Fire protection associate's programs in California typically lead to solid early earnings, and Lake Tahoe Community College's estimated outcomes—$56,004 in first-year earnings against roughly $10,400 in debt—suggest this program follows that pattern. Nationally, fire protection graduates at this credential level earn a median of $56,004, while California's median sits slightly lower at $53,847. The estimated debt here is notably lighter than both the state median ($14,000) and national benchmark ($11,250), which would make loan repayment manageable if these figures hold true for Lake Tahoe's graduates.

The 0.19 debt-to-earnings ratio looks promising on paper—you'd owe less than 20 cents for every dollar earned in the first year. However, it's worth noting that California's fire protection job market is competitive and often requires additional certifications beyond an associate's degree. The state's numerous programs (61 schools offer this credential) mean your child would be entering a crowded field, though South Lake Tahoe's location near multiple fire districts could provide networking advantages.

Since we're working with estimates rather than this school's actual graduate outcomes, treat these figures as a reasonable starting point rather than a guarantee. The fundamentals look sound—low debt for a career with steady demand—but confirm that local fire departments recognize this program's training and understand what additional requirements your child will need to meet for employment.