How Much Is Fire Academy? Is a university better than a fire academy? Which should I choose? If you have asked yourself these questions, you are in the right place.
Introduction
Firefighter training can be expensive, but the potential rewards are great. Suppose you’re considering a career in firefighting. In that case, you’ll need to factor in the cost of tuition, room and board, and other associated expenses.
Here, you have two options: Academy or College. Depending on which one you choose, your salary will vary.
In this article, I will explain the pros and cons of each one and some associated costs that you should consider. But, first, we will answer you how much is fire academy.
Choosing a College/University to become a Firefighter
Advantages and Disadvantages
There are advantages and disadvantages to taking the academic route regarding expenses and benefits.
Advantages:
- More Quality: The high tuition reflects the quality of the courses and the different experiences gained.
- Better job: Courses that are longer in duration can better prepare students for high-paying careers in the future.
- You may be eligible for student loan repayment assistance through the fire service.
Disadvantages
- The costs of a fire career are significantly higher than those of other schools.
- The cost of living away from home while studying can be expensive.
Cost projection
The cost of a degree or certificate course is an important consideration. The cost varies between institutions depending on what they can offer in return and their reputation.
In addition, the longer the course, the higher the fees. So, if you’re looking to save on costs, shorter certificates and associate degrees can provide the most basic skills needed for an entry-level position.
Remember that education is an investment. It’s best to know this before embarking on the path. You’ll need to weigh all the costs and determine whether going to college is worth it.
Think that you should include housing and living expenses in your total college costs if you choose to live on campus.
Make a cost projection that makes you feel comfortable. You must take into account housing expenses, food, and study materials. Do not forget to include the costs of leisure. Spending years studying without relaxing your mind is not feasible.
Do this calculation for each semester and project it over time. I recommend you ask someone who has previously been to college for help. I am sure that person will be able to give you more scope and ideas of what you may need.
One way to lower costs is to take online courses. With the new reality we are experiencing, this option is increasingly attractive. However, there are subjects and certifications that you will have to take in person. Check out this Fire Science Online Programs list!
Choosing an academy: How Much Is Fire Academy?
Advantages and Disadvantages
It is easy to see the financial benefits of a firefighter short course at a firefighter academy. The upfront fees are lower, and the study time frame is shorter to become a firefighter. However, there are additional costs and considerations involved.
Pros:
- Get hired fast: The courses are brief and help recruits secure employment quicker.
- Fewer fees: The fees to sign up are less than those of colleges. As a result, it’s an excellent choice for those looking to further their education without breaking the bank.
- More technical knowledge: The courses you take are more specialized and technical. Although you see theory, the focus is on the practical side.
- Refund Option: Under certain circumstances, you can claim back some of the costs of the academy
Cons:
- The initial costs can be challenging for some recruits, especially those young and without family support.
- There are extra costs for food, housing, equipment, etc.
Cost projection
Every course’s cost will depend on whether you are in or out of state. Also, they will vary depending on the academy.
How Much Is Fire Academy? On average, they cost between $200 and $600. For instance, the Alabama Fire College offers a Fire Inspector Course that costs $280 (in-state) and $520(out of state)
You can see the firefighter course detail here.
There are many firefighter academies and training departments in each state where you can gain the fundamental education needed to become a qualified firefighter.
Taking crash courses is a way to have enough knowledge to pass exams and advance to higher ranks. For example, you can take an EMT course. This strategy will allow you to earn an income and work your way up to being a paramedic.
Read: EMT vs. Paramedic: Salary and 3 Key Differences
It’s crucial to consider your career goals and long-term dreams. However, the economic factor is something that, without a doubt, you should take into account. Therefore, defining a strategy to carry out your objectives would be best.
If you want to be a firefighter and wish to go to college, you can start here! The academy is a more technical and cheaper option that can help you in the short term. That way, you can generate the necessary resources to later go to university.
Apart from your college or academy studies, you have the cost of certifications and tests to become a firefighter. The good news is that they aren’t as expensive!
Firefighter 1, Firefighting 2, and the EMT test usually cost around $50.
You also must pass the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT), which costs around $150.
The exact cost will depend on your location and the facility where the testing will take place. The good news is that these are the least expensive costs to get into the service.
Conclusion
There are no set paths or secret formulas for success in any career, especially when you want to be a firefighter. First, you must know what you want long-term and develop a strategy. Once you have defined it, consider every possible cost to make your projections.
