Fire Protection at University of Florida

University of Florida's Fire Protection program produces graduates earning $86,740 just one year after graduation—nearly 30% above the national median for this field—while carrying remarkably low debt at $12,296. That 0.14 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe roughly six weeks' worth of salary, making this one of the most financially favorable bachelor's programs you'll find anywhere. The combination of high earnings and minimal debt explains why this ranks in the 84th percentile nationally for earnings despite being at the median for Florida programs—fire protection simply pays better in Florida than most other states.

The field itself deserves attention: fire protection graduates typically work in fire safety engineering, building code compliance, and industrial safety roles rather than traditional firefighting. These are specialized positions with strong demand, and UF's competitive program (24% admission rate) appears to prepare students effectively for these careers. With only 5 programs in Florida and 55 nationally, this is a niche degree that leads to a defined career path rather than a general credential.

The value here is straightforward: high-demand technical field, top-tier education, strong immediate earnings, and minimal debt burden. If your child has aptitude for engineering and safety systems and genuine interest in fire protection, this represents an exceptionally low-risk path to a solid middle-class income.