Fire Protection at Pima Community College

With first-year earnings around $56,000 and estimated debt near $10,400—based on comparable fire protection programs nationwide—this associate's degree presents manageable financial terms. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.19 means graduates would owe less than three months of their annual salary, well within the threshold most financial advisors consider sustainable. For students interested in firefighting or emergency services careers, the numbers suggest a practical pathway that doesn't require taking on substantial educational debt.

The four-year earnings data shows minimal growth to $55,473, which is typical for public safety positions where pay scales are often determined by civil service grades and years of experience rather than credential level alone. Since these figures are drawn from peer programs across the country, actual outcomes at Pima could vary based on local hiring practices and the strength of relationships between the program and area fire departments. Arizona has 13 programs competing for similar positions, so the strength of Pima's connections to Tucson-area fire services will matter more than the degree itself.

The combination of modest debt and immediate earning potential makes this a lower-risk choice than many associate's programs. If your child is committed to this career path, focus your research on Pima's job placement rates with local fire departments and whether the program includes EMT certification or other credentials that Arizona employers specifically require.