Fire Protection at Utah Valley University

Utah Valley University's Fire Protection bachelor's program offers a straightforward value proposition: manageable debt and steady earnings growth, though graduates start below the national median. With $20,036 in debt and first-year earnings of $60,522, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.33 means graduates should be able to handle their loan payments comfortably. By year four, earnings climb to $70,785—a solid 17% increase that narrows the gap with top-performing programs nationally.

The national comparison tells an incomplete story here. While this program ranks at the 38th percentile nationally for earnings, that reflects the wide range of fire protection roles and regional pay scales across the country. What matters more is the career trajectory: starting at just over $60,000 with room for growth positions graduates well for mid-career advancement in fire service administration or related fields.

For Utah families, this is the only bachelor's-level fire protection program in the state, making it the default choice for students committed to this career path who want to stay local. The debt burden is reasonable—below both state and national medians—and the earnings trajectory suggests graduates can build stable careers. If your child is passionate about fire service leadership, this program delivers professional credentials without the financial strain that often comes with specialized degrees.