Fire Protection at Waldorf University

Forest City, IA · Private for-profit · Associate Degree

A 73% acceptance rate means Waldorf University is accessible to most applicants, a compact campus enrolling 2,103 students in Forest City, IA.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $76,032 put Waldorf University's Fire Protection program 49% above the national median of $51,103 — one of the higher-earning programs in this field.

With a 15.8x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 0% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Fire Protection career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

With first-year pay of $76,032 far exceeding the $11,200 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

A #30 ranking among 37 Fire Protection programs places Waldorf University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The limited growth from $76,032 to $79,231 over five years suggests earnings in this trade plateau relatively early in one's career.

The 16 apprenticeship pathways connected to Fire Protection reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.

62 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
58
Low End
62
Score
63
High End
Earnings $76,032/yr (49% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (66% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (150,900 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$797K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple
15.8x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
6 of 6
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition
$50,440
Median Debt at Graduation
$11,200
1.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$79,231
4% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Fire Protection graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Managers, all other $136,550 +4.5% 53%
First-line supervisors of firefighting and prevention workers $92,430 +3.4% 58%
Fire inspectors and investigators $78,060 +3.8% 71%
Managers, all other
$136,550
+4.5% growth 53% AI-proof
First-line supervisors of firefighting and prevention workers
$92,430
+3.4% growth 58% AI-proof
Fire inspectors and investigators
$78,060
+3.8% growth 71% AI-proof

View all 6 career paths with full salary data →

Fire Protection Career Guide

What can you do with a Fire Protection credential from Waldorf University? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.

Read the full Fire Protection career guide →

Compare & Explore

Fire Protection Overview

Fire Protection at Other Schools

Other Majors at Waldorf University

Explore the Degree Alternative

Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Fire Protection at Waldorf University?
At 62/100, the score looks reasonable — but Fire Protection is a high-scoring trade overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
How affordable is Fire Protection at Waldorf University?
At $11,200 in median debt, Fire Protection graduates from Waldorf University carry minimal financial burden. The debt-to-income ratio of 0.1x is well below the trade program average.
Are there apprenticeship options for Fire Protection?
If Waldorf University's tuition gives you pause, consider that 16 DOL-registered apprenticeship pathways exist for Fire Protection. You'd earn while training, avoiding student debt entirely — though completion takes longer than a certificate program.
Is there demand for Fire Protection workers?
With approximately 150,900 annual openings across mapped careers, Fire Protection offers a very large employment pool. Waldorf University graduates enter a market shaped by public safety staffing needs and retirement-driven turnover.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →