Florida Colleges With Firefighting Programs Nationally Ranked as Excellent Investments

by Kevin Derby, Sunshine State News.

Florida College System Chancellor Randy Hanna said rankings show that the colleges are a good investment while providing students an excellent education as they look to become firefighters

“Students pursuing their education in a Florida College System institution are investing in their futures,” said Hanna. “I am proud Fire Science Online acknowledged how a high-quality education provided by nine of our colleges can help students get great jobs.”

Drawing on data from the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics and the National Center for Education Statistics, Fire Science Online compiled the top 90 fire science programs that help prepare graduates for careers in firefighting, while providing solid returns on tuition and other expenses.

“While the education itself is the most important part of obtaining a degree in fire science, the increase in pay or career prospects is a close second,” noted Fire Science Online. “Students want to enroll in programs that will make them high-caliber firemen and women, but they also want schools that lead to careers that pay well. In order to accommodate those desires, we’ve assembled this list.”

The top four schools in the nation were all in Massachusetts. Bunker Hill Community College, Cape Cod Community College, Massasoit Community College and Middlesex Community College -- all from the Bay State -- led the pack.

Nine colleges in Florida were also included on the list. Hillsborough Community College placed 39th, with Eastern Florida State College right behind in the 40th slot. Florida State College at Jacksonville followed at 42nd, with Gulf Coast State College at its heels in 43rd.

Five colleges from Florida were ranked in the 50s: Chipola College placed 51st in the rankings, while Miami Dade College was right behind at 52nd and Indian River State College ranked 53rd. Edison State College was ranked 55th and Daytona State College placed 58th on the list.

“Students and families deserve to know how education in the Florida College System is tied to jobs,” said Hanna. “I commend our colleges for offering high-quality, affordable fire science programs that provide a good return on investment for graduates.”

Posted in Sunshine State News, September 6, 2013.

 Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com.