Fire Protection at Vermont State University

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.19 suggests relatively manageable financial risk, but the fact that both figures here come from national peer programs rather than Vermont State's actual graduate outcomes means you're making an educated guess about your child's prospects. Fire protection programs across the country typically produce first-year earnings around $56,000, which is the basis for this estimate, but Vermont's small emergency services market and rural character could mean different results—either better due to high demand for trained first responders, or worse if graduates must leave the state for career opportunities.

The estimated $10,370 debt load is lower than many associate's programs, which matters when entering a field where advancement often depends more on certifications and experience than additional degrees. Still, fire protection is inherently local: your child would be preparing for jobs tied to specific municipalities, fire districts, or state agencies. With Vermont State being the only school in the state offering this credential, there's both an advantage (less direct competition) and a risk (fewer data points to validate the investment).

The bottom line: If your child is committed to fire service specifically in Vermont or New England, this appears financially sound based on what similar programs produce elsewhere. But confirm that Vermont State has strong connections to regional fire departments and that their graduates are actually getting hired locally—the estimated figures can't tell you that.