Fire Protection at McLennan Community College
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
McLennan's fire protection certificate graduates earn slightly above Texas and national medians, but with a crucial advantage: exceptionally low debt. At just $5,500, this program carries about half the typical debt load for fire protection certificates in Texas ($6,000) and less than 60% of the national median ($9,557). That 0.12 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe roughly one month's salary—an enviable position in any field.
The 4% earnings decline from year one to year four is modest and may reflect the small sample size (under 30 graduates) more than any real trend. What matters more is that McLennan graduates land in the 60th percentile among Texas programs while carrying minimal debt. Compare this to Lamar Institute's higher earners at $55,778—that $8,000 premium might not offset potentially higher debt or a longer commute for Waco-area residents.
For families near Waco considering firefighting careers, this certificate delivers market-rate earnings without the debt burden that typically accompanies career training. The program serves a substantial population of Pell recipients (39%), suggesting strong access for working-class families. Just remember these figures come from a small cohort, so individual outcomes could vary more than at larger programs.
Where McLennan Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all fire protection certificate's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How McLennan Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally
McLennan Community College graduates earn $47k, placing them in the 54th percentile of all fire protection certificate programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Fire Protection certificate's programs at peer institutions in Texas (28 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| McLennan Community College | $47,467 | $45,755 | $5,500 | 0.12 |
| Lamar Institute of Technology | $55,778 | — | — | — |
| Austin Community College District | $47,024 | $59,080 | $11,375 | 0.24 |
| Houston Community College | $39,283 | $44,950 | — | — |
| Hill College | $33,190 | — | — | — |
| National Median | $47,024 | — | $9,557 | 0.20 |
Other Fire Protection Programs in Texas
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Texas schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lamar Institute of Technology Beaumont | $2,844 | $55,778 | — |
| Austin Community College District Austin | $2,550 | $47,024 | $11,375 |
| Houston Community College Houston | $2,040 | $39,283 | — |
| Hill College Hillsboro | $3,570 | $33,190 | — |
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 McLennan Community College, approximately 39% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 18 graduates with reported earnings and 20 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.