Est. Earnings (1yr)
$47,024
Est. from national median (25 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$9,557
Est. from national median (15 programs)

Analysis

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.20 puts this certificate in promising territory financially, though that conclusion comes with significant uncertainty since both the earnings and debt figures are drawn from national benchmarks rather than Maysville's actual graduate outcomes. With fire protection programs varying widely in structure—some prepare students for EMT roles while others focus on fire science or inspection—the $47,024 median tells us where the center of the field sits, but not necessarily where this particular program lands.

The $9,557 estimated debt load seems manageable for a credential designed to launch a public service career, and the one-in-five debt-to-earnings ratio suggests graduates from comparable programs can typically handle their loan payments. However, fire protection careers in Kentucky may differ substantially from the national picture depending on whether graduates are headed toward rural volunteer departments, urban career firefighting, or related emergency services roles. Local hiring patterns and certification requirements matter enormously in this field.

For an anxious parent, the numbers suggest reasonable financial risk if—and this is crucial—your student is committed to the field and understands the specific career path this certificate supports. Before enrolling, contact the program directly to learn what their recent graduates are actually doing and earning, particularly those staying in Kentucky. The estimated figures provide a baseline, but this program's real value depends heavily on its local connections and placement track record.

Where Maysville Community and Technical College Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Fire Protection certificate's programs at top institutions nationally

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Maysville Community and Technical CollegeMaysville$4,656$47,024*—$9,557*—
Southwestern Illinois CollegeBelleville$3,870$77,935*$70,937$12,750*0.16
St Petersburg CollegeSt. Petersburg$2,682$55,829*—$9,557*0.17
Lamar Institute of TechnologyBeaumont$2,844$55,778*——*—
Northwest Florida State CollegeNiceville$3,246$52,856*——*—
Modesto Junior CollegeModesto$1,270$50,364*——*—
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 Maysville Community and Technical College, approximately 34% 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.