Program Analysis
At $73,302 per year, Fire Protection graduates from American Public University System earn slightly above the $68,084 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.
With a 17.9x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
The 10% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Fire Protection career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.
The median debt load of $23,688 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.
American Public University System ranks #5 among 20 Fire Protection programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.
The limited growth from $73,302 to $81,009 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.