Fire Protection (Associate's Degree) at Oakton College

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$56,004

Est. from national median (12 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$10,370

Est. from national median (9 programs)

Analysis

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.19 places this program in solid financial territory, though the figures deserve scrutiny. Based on comparable Fire Protection associate's programs nationally, graduates typically start around $56,000—a respectable entry point for a two-year credential. The estimated $10,370 in debt sits below the national median for this field, suggesting Oakton keeps costs manageable even if precise outcomes for this specific cohort aren't available.

Illinois fire protection programs show slightly stronger earnings potential, with the state median at $58,160 and nearby College of DuPage reporting exactly that figure. The gap isn't dramatic, but it hints that Oakton's graduates might perform similarly once actual data surfaces. Fire protection careers generally offer stable employment with clear advancement paths, and the low debt load means your child wouldn't be trapped if they decide to shift directions early in their career.

The caveat: these estimates come from peer programs, not Oakton's specific track record. If you're considering this path, contact Oakton's program directly to ask about job placement rates and where recent graduates landed positions. The math looks promising on paper, but you want confirmation that this particular program connects students to Illinois fire departments and related employers who actually hire at these salary levels.

Where Oakton College Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois

Fire Protection associates's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (26 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Oakton CollegeDes Plaines	$3,985	$56,004*	—	$10,370*	—
College of DuPageGlen Ellyn	$4,320	$58,160*	—	—*	—
National Median	—	$56,004*	—	$11,250*	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 Oakton College, approximately 16% 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 12 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.