Fire Protection at Owensboro Community and Technical College

Based on comparable fire protection programs nationwide, this associate's degree would cost around $10,370 in debt while positioning graduates for estimated first-year earnings of $56,004—a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.19 that suggests manageable repayment. With monthly loan payments likely under $120, the financial burden appears reasonable for a field that typically offers stable public-sector employment.

What makes these estimates particularly uncertain is the limited data: only 12 programs nationally reported earnings figures, and just 9 reported debt. Fire protection is often a localized field where salaries vary significantly by municipality and department, and Kentucky's 14 programs produce outcomes that weren't individually reportable. The $56,004 national figure could be considerably higher or lower depending on whether graduates secure positions with urban fire departments (which typically pay more) or smaller rural agencies.

The practical challenge is that fire protection hiring is highly competitive and often requires additional certifications beyond the associate's degree—EMT credentials, hazmat training, or specialized rescue qualifications. If your child already has connections in the field or lives near a hiring department, the modest debt load makes this a defensible choice. But if they're entering without a clear pathway to employment, understand you're working from national averages that may not reflect Kentucky's specific job market or Owensboro's regional opportunities. Contact local fire departments directly to understand their hiring requirements and typical starting salaries before committing.