Fire Protection at Columbia Southern University
enrolling 13,053 students in Orange Beach, AL.
Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $75,326 put Columbia Southern University's Fire Protection program 47% above the national median of $51,103 — one of the higher-earning programs in this field.
Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 69.7x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Fire Protection programs nationally.
Some AI exposure exists in Fire Protection's career paths, with 34% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 3% gap from the optimistic case.
With first-year pay of $75,326 far exceeding the $9,500 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
Ranked #22 of 37 Fire Protection programs, Columbia Southern University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.
Five-year earnings of $80,640 are relatively flat compared to the $75,326 starting salary — typical of trades with stable but capped salary bands.
Fire Protection offers 16 registered apprenticeship pathways — an unusually broad set of earn-while-you-learn alternatives to the classroom track.
Earnings Overview
Projected 10-Year Earnings
Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.
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% |
Fire Protection Career Guide
From day-one roles to senior positions, Fire Protection careers span a range of specializations. Read the complete outlook for graduates entering criminal justice & public safety.
Compare & Explore
Fire Protection Overview
Fire Protection at Other Schools
Other Majors at Columbia Southern University
Explore the Degree Alternative
Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.