Fire Protection at Pasco-Hernando State College

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.19 suggests manageable financing for this fire protection program, though the numbers require context. Based on comparable programs nationally, graduates might expect around $56,000 in first-year earnings against roughly $10,400 in debt—a reasonable starting point for a two-year credential. However, other Florida programs in this field report considerably lower earnings, with Valencia College's graduates earning about $45,700, which would make the debt picture tighter if this program follows the state pattern rather than national trends.

The gap between state and national figures matters here. If Pasco-Hernando's outcomes track closer to Florida's median of $45,700, that $10,400 debt becomes a heavier lift in the early years, particularly for the 30% of students receiving Pell grants who may have less financial cushion. Fire protection is stable work with clear career progression, but starting salaries in Florida appear more modest than the national benchmark suggests.

For parents, the key question is whether this program connects to higher-paying opportunities—perhaps through partnerships with specific fire departments or pathways to specialized certifications. Without actual outcome data for this school, you're betting on whether it performs more like top national programs or follows Florida's lower-earning pattern. Request placement data and average starting salaries for recent graduates before committing.