Fire Protection at Oklahoma State University-Main Campus

Oklahoma State's fire protection program delivers strong starting salaries at $75,503—well above the $67,102 national median for this field—with graduates carrying a manageable $26,500 in debt. That 0.35 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe roughly four months of their first-year salary, which is notably lower than many technical programs. The earnings trajectory looks solid too, climbing nearly 20% to $89,490 by year four, suggesting this degree opens doors to progressively better positions in fire science, safety management, or related roles.

What makes this particularly attractive is the low debt burden relative to similar programs nationwide—it ranks in the 21st percentile, meaning 79% of fire protection programs leave students with more debt. You're getting above-average earnings with below-average borrowing, which is exactly the combination you want. The program ranks in the 60th percentile among Oklahoma programs and 63rd nationally, placing it firmly in the upper half for earning potential.

For students serious about fire protection careers, this program offers a clear path to solid middle-class earnings without the debt load that could complicate early-career decisions. Starting at $75K gives graduates breathing room to build their careers while comfortably managing loan payments.