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Fire Protection at Western Illinois University

Macomb, IL · Public · Bachelor's Degree
44 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
45
Optimistic
44
Base Case
35
Pessimistic
Earnings $41,432/yr (-39% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (34% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (150,900 openings/yr)
ROI 8.1x earnings multiple
Ranked #19 of 20 Fire Protection programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Fire Protection graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $487K $487K $455K
Earnings Multiple 8.1x 8.1x 7.6x
Probability of Field Employment 34% 32% 26%
DegreeOutlook Score 45 44 35

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$59,808
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$46,368
22% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,931
6.1 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Western Illinois University's Fire Protection graduates start at $41,432/yr, trailing the $68,084 national average by 39%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

At 8.1x the cost of in-state tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.

AI risk is moderate — 34% task exposure — and the 7% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $20,931 debt-to-$41,432 income ratio translates to about 6 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #19 out of 20 programs, Western Illinois University's financial outcomes for Fire Protection trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About Western Illinois University

A 75% acceptance rate means Western Illinois University is accessible to most applicants, a compact campus enrolling 4,939 students in Macomb, IL.

See all programs and financial aid at Western Illinois University →

Top Career Paths

Managers, all other $136,550/yr
First-line supervisors of firefighting and prevention workers $92,430/yr
Fire inspectors and investigators $78,060/yr
View all 6 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 20 schools offering Fire Protection →

Fire Protection at Other Schools

Southern Illinois University-Carbondale ($104,017) Waldorf University ($97,731) Purdue University Global ($89,622) University of Florida ($86,740) University of Florida-Online ($86,740) Columbia Southern University ($82,718) Anna Maria College ($81,637) Oklahoma State University-Main Campus ($75,503)

Other Majors at Western Illinois University

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($74,490) Construction Management ($70,789) Engineering, General ($66,112) Engineering Technology, General ($64,762) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($62,578) Accounting and Related Services ($49,900) Agriculture, General ($48,509) Human Resources Management and Services ($47,467)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Fire Protection trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Western Illinois University's Fire Protection program score?
This program scores 44/100 — on the lower end for Fire Protection. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Why are Fire Protection earnings lower at Western Illinois University?
Lower starting pay at Western Illinois University may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →