Fires can be devastating. They destroy property, leave people without homes, and cause traumatic injury, even death. Local fire departments respond to hundreds of thousands of fires every year. After completing one of the cheapest online fire science associate’s degree programs, you’ll be equipped to meet these needs.
In 2022 alone, fire departments responded to 1.5 million fires in the U.S. These fires caused $18 billion in property damage and 13,250 reported injuries. Most tragic, 3,790 people lost their lives in fires across the country.
We have come a long way in fire safety and prevention, but there is still plenty of work to do. States, counties, cities, and rural communities need experts in both fire prevention and safety.
This database consists of 25 programs from 24 schools, which are mostly community colleges. While the cost can climb above $33,000, most of the degrees have affordable prices. These degrees can be a foundation for future learning in a bachelor’s program, or they can lead directly to a career in fire safety, response, and prevention. Either way, students gain a useful education from a top-quality school.
ARTICLE NAVIGATION: Rankings Table | Career Guide
Average Cost: $10,500
Least Expensive (In-State): Alamance Community College – $5,128
Least Expensive (Out-of-State): College of Southern Nevada – $12,205
15 Cheapest Online Fire Science Associate’s Degree Programs
| Rank | School / Degree | State | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Alamance Community College | (NC) | $5,128.00 $17,416.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
2 | Guilford Technical Community College | (NC) | $5,233.00 $17,521.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
3 | Davidson-Davie Community College | (NC) | $5,325.00 $17,997.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
4 | Fayetteville Technical Community College | (NC) | $5,430.00 $17,910.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
5 | Seminole State College of Florida | (FL) | $6,776.00 $23,425.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
6 | Nash Community College | (NC) | $6,868.00 $19,924.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
7 | Hillsborough Community College | (FL) | $7,103.00 $23,617.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
8 | Albany Technical College | (GA) | $7,192.00 $13,192.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
9 | West Georgia Technical College | (GA) | $7,760.00 $13,960.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
10 | Southern Crescent Technical College | (GA) | $8,330.00 $14,530.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
11 | College of Southern Nevada | (NV) | $8,682.00 $12,205.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
12 | Wake Technical Community College | (NC) | $9,344.00 $30,328.00 $9,344.00 | In-State Out-of-State Military |
13 | Schoolcraft College | (MI) | $10,256.00 $18,236.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
14 | Black River Technical College | (AR) | $10,380.00 $16,800.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
15 | Northcentral Technical College | (WI) | $10,467.00 $15,146.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
| School / Degree | State | Price | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Southern Arkansas University Tech | (AR) | $11,205.00 $13,965.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Casper College | (WY) | $11,340.00 $23,940.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Tidewater Community College | (VA) | $12,189.00 $24,996.00 $13,693.00 | In-State Out-of-State Military | |
Lake Superior College | (MN) | $12,250.00 | All Students | |
Passaic County Community College | (NJ) | $15,180.00 $19,380.00 $11,160.00 | In-State Out-of-State Military | |
Mount Wachusett Community College | (MA) | $15,600.00 $28,000.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Idaho State University | (ID) | $15,900.00 | All Students | |
Community College of Allegheny County | (PA) | $18,229.00 $25,789.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Bucks County Community College | (PA) | $23,254.00 $33,929.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
Methodology for Rankings of the Cheapest Online Fire Science Associate’s Degree Programs
These rankings of online fire science associate programs are based on our spring 2024 review of degrees. In order to calculate the total cost, we use a variety of factors including minimum required credit hours, tuition rates, and general fees. At the time of collection, the information was valid and specific to the individual program. Profiles for the same degrees found in the directory on our site may, on occasion, reflect a different cost based on editorial update schedules.
The published cost is an estimated total price for the entire degree, but actual costs will vary by student. For example, if you have transfer credits, then your cost may be lower. Prerequisite courses, textbook fees, licensing requirements, financial aid, and numerous other factors can impact the price of an online fire science degree.
We strive to create the most honest, accurate ranking system possible. Therefore, we do not accept payments from schools to be included or removed from our rankings. The rankings are open to any regionally-accredited public or nonprofit college or university that offers an online fire science degree. We do not include degrees from non-accredited, nationally-accredited, or for-profit schools in our rankings. We also exclude from our rankings degrees that are available less than 80% online and those that are only available to students in five states or fewer.
Program Note: In order to qualify for a ranking, the online fire science program must be regionally accredited. Additional programmatic accreditation is noted in the rank table. Degrees labeled with superscript 14 indicate that options for this program have changed since publication.
Why Choose One of the Cheapest Online Fire Science Associate’s Degrees?
People earn a fire science associate’s degree online for many reasons. Here are some of the top motivations for enrolling in one of these programs:
- Strong pay after two years of study: With only an associate’s degree, which usually takes two years, you can enter a career field that has a median salary over $71,000. (Fire inspectors, BLS, May 2023)
- Advancement in firefighting and safety: Firefighting and similar careers may not require a college education, but with a degree in fire science you are better equipped for leadership positions, which often bring higher salaries.
- A career helping others: With one of these degrees, you’ll be positioned for a degree helping others. You can both help keep people safe and implement fire prevention strategies to help avert future disasters.
Associate’s Degree in Fire Science Online: Cost
These programs come with affordable prices that make fire science more accessible and convenient. Our database contains 25 degrees from 24 colleges and universities, most of which are community colleges that generally offer the most affordable prices.
The average cost in this database is $10,500. Assuming a two-year schedule, the typical timeframe for an associate’s degree, the typical student can expect an annual price around $5,250 per year. Of course, this cost will vary; prices in this database range from just over $5,000 to nearly $34,000.
The cheapest program is the Associate in Applied Science in Fire Protection Technology from Alamance Community College in North Carolina. For in-state students, this program has an estimated cost of $5,128; out-of-state students, on the other hand, pay over $17,000.
For students from any location, the most affordable is the Associate of Applied Science in Fire Technology Management from the College of Southern Nevada. Out-of-state students have an estimated cost of $12,205, the lowest out-of-state expense. Lake Superior College offers another notable program, the Associate of Science in Fire Science & Administration. This program is estimated at $12,250 for all students regardless of location.
There is clearly a wide range of prices, so you need to be selective with your choice, especially when working under a tight budget. Tuition, fees, and other expenses vary by school, but the overall best strategy for finding an affordable program is to select a community college based in your state.
Who Offers the Cheapest Online Fire Science Associate’s Degree?
If you want the most affordable online fire science associate’s degree, then consider enrolling in one of these programs. (Especially if you are a North Carolina resident!)
#1. Alamance Community College
Degree: Associate in Applied Science in Fire Protection Technology
Cost: $5,128 (In-state, North Carolina)
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Aspiring fire protection leaders in North Carolina can enroll in this fire science associate’s degree and complete their education at an affordable price. While out-of-state students pay over $17,000 for the fire prevention program, North Carolina residents have an estimated cost of only $5,128. At this price, students pay roughly $2,564 per year.
The program provides a diverse study in fire science, which includes both prevention and firefighting strategies. Students also learn to provide public education in fire safety and advise companies on building construction. There is an emphasis on the consequences of fire, risk assessment, and leadership methods in the fire prevention community.
#2. Guilford Technical Community College
Degree: Associate in Applied Science in Fire Protection Technology
Cost: $5,233 (In-state, North Carolina)
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Another program from a North Carolina community college, this degree is the second-most affordable fire science associate’s degree online in our database. The program, which is recognized by the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress and Fire & Emergency Services Higher Education, focuses on fire prevention, suppression, and leadership techniques in a public organization. Students complete courses on subjects such as building codes, government finance, investigations, protection systems, and water distribution.
Guilford Technical Community College has a well-established online school that provides instruction, education, certification, and degrees in a range of topics.
#3. Davidson-Davie Community College
Degree: Associate in Applied Science in Fire Protection Technology
Cost: $5,325 (In-state, North Carolina)
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
The third-cheapest online fire science associate’s degree in this database also comes from a North Carolina school. The Associate in Applied Science in Fire Protection Technology from Davidson-Davie Community College provides effective learning in the management, technical, and leadership aspects of fire prevention and safety. Once complete, graduates can work as firefighters, fire engineers, rescue technicians, and other fire- or emergency-related roles.
Davidson-Davie Community College provides online degrees and short-term career training. The flexible and convenient learning options cover topics like accounting, business, medical service, health information, and supply chain management.
Special Note: College of Southern Nevada (Cheapest Out-of-State Tuition)
Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Fire Technology Management
Cost: $8,682 (In-state, Nevada); $12,205 (Out-of-state)
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
While the most affordable programs come from in-state schools, you can find low prices from out-of-state colleges as well. The College of Southern Nevada is a prime example. While Nevada-based students pay $8,682, non-residents pay $12,200 for this fire protection degree, the lowest price for out-of-state students.
This online degree focuses specifically on management in fire response services. It follows curriculum guidelines set by the Fire & Emergency Services Higher Education board, creating high-quality professionals who can work in any state, county, or city. (Depending on where you work, licensing may be required.) The course material is made for advancement within fire services and includes coursework in fire prevention, building construction, and emergency services administration.
Online Fire Science Associate Degrees: Program Types
When selecting a fire science associate’s degree online, you have a variety of choices; your decision must go beyond simple dollars. Cost matters, but you should also consider the type of degree, as well as the various specializations.
These programs come in three basic types: associate of arts, associate of science, and associate of applied science. Each is unique, although there is plenty of overlap. Here are some of the most important aspects of each type:
Associate of Arts (AA)
This is the most broad and abstract of all the degree types. Although there is a focus on fire science, there are also classes in history, literature, communication, philosophy, psychology, and other classic liberal arts subjects. If you are searching for an all-encompassing degree that sets a foundation for future learning, then an AA is a popular option.
Associate of Science (AS)
Although more narrow in scope than an AA degree, these programs take a broad approach to the science and research of fire. Coursework will likely be more focused on advanced fire science principles. These programs can be used for both transfer into a fire science bachelor’s degree or direct job placement.
Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
If you are searching for a job-ready program, then choose an AAS degree in fire science. These programs, which often have the most affordable prices, build specific job skills that apply directly to both firefighting and fire investigations.
Most of these applied science programs focus on fires in houses, apartments, commercial buildings, and other types of structural fires. There is less emphasis on wildfires, although a few programs may cover this issue.
Concentrations
In addition to the various types, you’ll also need to select a concentration. Concentrations for a fire science associate’s degree include:
- Fire protection technology
- Fire science technology
- Emergency services
- Fire services leadership and management
- Fire science and administration
Accreditation for Fire Science Programs
Accreditation is a critical part of the academic process. It not only helps schools maintain a high level of excellence, it ensures students that they are receiving a legitimate education, one that is respected by employers all across the country.
Most accreditation is done by regional groups that grant institutional accreditation to the entire college or university. These groups include the Higher Learning Commission, the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, and the New England Commission of Higher Education, among others.
While regional institutional accreditation covers the entire school, specific programs can be accredited as well. Programmatic accreditation is granted by subject-specific bodies. For instance, a counseling degree may receive accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs.
While not officially educational accreditation, many fire science major programs have received approval by respected industry groups. One of the largest is the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC), which approves fire science and research degrees. The International Fire Service Training Association is another important group in this space.
Many degrees in this database have approval from one or both of these organizations. For example, the Associate in Applied Science in Fire Protection Technology from Guilford Technical Community College has approval from both the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress and the Fire & Emergency Services Higher Education.
All programs in this database come from regionally accredited schools. However, they may not have programmatic accreditation. That’s okay; as long as it comes from an accredited school, it will deliver a top-quality education.
Typical Admission Requirements for Associate Degrees
The admission process for these programs is fairly simple. Associate degrees of all types, including fire science, are generally made for easy access to as many students as reasonably possible. Most high school graduates with a decent academic background will find a program that accepts their application.
The main requirement is a high school diploma. No other college education is required; as long as you have a diploma or equivalency, associate programs are readily available.
Some programs may require placement testing, and you’ll have to submit various documents, including high school transcripts. Each school has a different process. For specifics on the application process, contact the school’s admissions office.
Licensing, Training, or Experience Requirements
After completing online fire science classes, you are eligible for a range of occupations, including firefighter, fire inspector, and (with additional education) emergency management director.
Here are the basic requirements for these three fire science careers:
Firefighter
To become a firefighter, you don’t need a college education, although leaders in this field often have a formal degree. The basic requirement is training. Programs, typically provided by employers, federal agencies, and professional organizations, help develop firefighter skills. This includes technical instruction completed over several months and encompasses both classroom learning and skills development. Licenses may also be required to work for a fire department, but this varies by state.
Fire Inspector
Fire inspectors must have training, and many will hold two-year degrees. Some employers will require fire inspectors to hold bachelor’s degrees. Like firefighters, these inspectors must complete formal training, which may include subjects related to criminal justice.
Emergency Management Director
Professionals with at least five years of experience may become emergency management directors. These professionals often need a bachelor’s degree in security, investigations, fire response, or a similar major.
Salary and Career Information: Fire Science Related Occupations
Occupation | Expected Growth | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency Management Director | 3% | $83,960 |
| Fire Inspector | 5% | $71,420 |
| Firefighter | 4% | $57,120 |
| All Occupations | 3% | $48,060 |
You may not have a tremendous salary, but this service-driven occupation can bring strong incomes. The median salary for a fire inspector is $71,420, which is roughly $23,000 more than the national median ($48,060). With only a two-year degree, you can enter this field and command an excellent income. Fire inspectors working for finance and insurance companies have the best salaries; their median is $113,980.
Fire inspectors also have strong expected growth. Nationally, the expected growth for all occupations is 3%. However, fire inspection will grow by 5%, thanks in large part to a need for inspecting and retrofitting existing buildings, as well as an emphasis on fire safety in new construction. A person with expertise in fire protection systems, fire codes, and mitigating fire hazards can anticipate a solid career as a fire investigator.
How Do I Choose a Good Online Fire Science Program?
This database provides useful information on the top online fire science classes. You’ll find clear information and pricing data on high-quality online programs from accredited institutions.
Be sure to review all fire science degree programs for both total cost and course schedule to find the perfect program for your needs. If you need more information on the top programs, then visit GetEducated.com today!