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
Earnings Distribution
How McLennan Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| McLennan Community College | $47,467 | $45,755 | -4% |
| Southwestern Illinois College | $77,935 | $70,937 | -9% |
| Palm Beach State College | $46,698 | $59,892 | +28% |
| Austin Community College District | $47,024 | $59,080 | +26% |
| Houston Community College | $39,283 | $44,950 | +14% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Fire Protection certificate's programs at peer institutions in Texas (28 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 McLennan Community CollegeWaco | $3,660 | $47,467 | $45,755 | $5,500 | 0.12 |
 Lamar Institute of TechnologyBeaumont | $2,844 | $55,778 | — | — | — |
 Austin Community College DistrictAustin | $2,550 | $47,024 | $59,080 | $11,375 | 0.24 |
 Houston Community CollegeHouston | $2,040 | $39,283 | $44,950 | — | — |
 Hill CollegeHillsboro | $3,570 | $33,190 | — | — | — |
| National Median | — | $47,024 | — | $9,557 | 0.20 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with fire protection graduates
Fire Inspectors and Investigators
Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists
Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary
Firefighters
Managers, All Other
Regulatory Affairs Managers
Compliance Managers
Loss Prevention Managers
First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers
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.