Fire Protection at Lassen Community College

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.19 is excellent for an associate degree, even if both figures here are estimates drawn from peer programs. Nationally, fire protection associates typically owe around $11,250 while earning $56,000 in their first year—meaning graduates generally repay their investment quickly. California programs cluster slightly lower, around $54,000, but the debt loads run higher at $14,000 median, so Lassen's estimated position looks competitive within the state.

The real question is whether Lassen's actual outcomes match these national benchmarks. Fire protection is a field where local hiring practices, academy partnerships, and CAL FIRE connections matter enormously. A program in rural Susanville may produce different results than one near major metropolitan fire departments, and with only 13% of students receiving Pell grants, this appears to serve a fairly specific population. The small graduate cohort that triggered data suppression could signal limited enrollment or high attrition—both worth investigating.

If Lassen's program does deliver outcomes comparable to peer schools, the financials work in your child's favor: earning $56,000 while carrying $10,000 in debt is manageable in year one. But confirm the program's actual job placement rates, especially for competitive firefighter positions versus lower-paying wildland or support roles. The estimates suggest sound economics, but you'll want evidence this specific program delivers them.