How To Get Student Loans for Firefighting Academy in 2025

Firefighting can be a rewarding and impactful career, but first, you'll need to complete training through a fire academy. Depending on the program and location, costs can range from a few thousand dollars to well more than $10,000, especially if you're pursuing a degree in fire science.

If you need help covering the cost of training, you have several options. This guide breaks down how to pay for firefighting academy, including federal aid, private student loans, and other funding sources.

Current private student loan rates

Can you get student loans for fire academy?

You can get student loans for firefighter training, but it depends on the program. Federal student loans are only available if the fire academy is part of a Title IV-eligible school, such as a community college or accredited degree-granting institution.

“If a fire academy is accredited and has signed a program participation agreement with the U.S. Department of Education, students will be able to borrow federal student loans and get federal grants to pay for their education,” says Mark Kantrowitz, author of “How To Appeal for More College Financial Aid.”

“Such colleges will have a Federal School Code, which you can obtain from the college or find when completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).”

If your program doesn't qualify for federal aid, private student loans may help cover tuition and other costs. Some lenders offer career training loans specifically for trade school or certificate programs like firefighter academies.

Federal aid for firefighting academy

To qualify for federal aid, including loans and grants, you'll typically need to attend a community college, university, or accredited trade school. Your first step is completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

The FAFSA gives you access to several types of federal financial aid, including:

• Direct Subsidized Loans: These are the most affordable federal loans for fire academy students who qualify based on financial need. The government covers the interest while you're in school, during your 6-month grace period, and if you defer your loans. Annual borrowing limits apply based on your year in school and dependency status.
• Direct Unsubsidized Loans: These loans are available to most undergraduate and graduate students, and they don't require you to show financial need. However, interest starts accruing right away. Annual borrowing limits apply based on your year in school and dependency status.
• Direct PLUS Loans: These are available to graduate students and parents of undergraduate students. PLUS loans can cover your full cost of attendance, minus any other financial aid you receive.
• Federal Pell Grants: Pell Grants don't have to be repaid and are available to undergraduate students with significant financial need. For the 2025-26 school year, you can receive up to $7,395 in funding.

Private student loans for fire academy

Private student loans can also help cover the cost of firefighter training, but not all lenders offer loans for career or certificate programs. Many only lend to students pursuing a bachelor's degree or higher, so it's important to find one that supports your type of program.

Private lenders, like Sallie Mae and Ascent, offer loans for career training and trade schools. Others, like College Ave, provide loans for associate degrees at community colleges. These lenders let you borrow up to the full cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, and supplies.

When comparing private lenders, pay attention to:

• Interest rates: You may have the option to choose between fixed and variable interest rates. Fixed rates stay the same over time, while variable rates can change. Review both options to understand how they could impact your total repayment.
• Cosigner requirements: If you have limited credit history, you may need a cosigner. Some lenders offer cosigner release after a certain number of on-time payments. Keep in mind that a cosigner is equally responsible for the loan if it goes into default.
• Repayment options: Many lenders offer flexibility, including deferred payments while you're in school, interest-only payments, or immediate full repayment.
• Grace periods: Some private lenders offer a grace period after graduation (usually 6 months) to give you extra time before your first payment is due.
• Financial hardship options: Ask whether the lender offers deferment or forbearance in case of job loss or other financial challenges. These options can temporarily pause your monthly payments.

More ways to pay for firefighter training

You may be able to lower your borrowing costs or avoid debt altogether by exploring options beyond student loans:

• Apply for scholarships and grants: These don't need to be repaid and should be your first stop. Start by checking with your state's fire marshal's office or local fire department for scholarships tied to public service. You can also search for national and regional opportunities, like those offered by the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC).
• Ask about tuition reimbursement: Some fire departments will reimburse your training costs after you're hired. For example, the Firefighters Association of the State of New York (FASNY) offers a tuition reimbursement program for volunteer firefighters attending approved schools. Check with your local department to see if a similar program is available.
• Look into employer-sponsored academies: Some departments offer free training through their own fire academies in exchange for volunteer service. For example, Laurence Harbor Fire Company provides training through the Middlesex County Fire Academy at no cost. You can also search the U.S. Fire Administration website for other training opportunities offered through local and state fire agencies.
• Check workforce development funding: Your state's workforce agency or a nearby American Job Center may offer grants or tuition assistance for firefighter training programs. These programs are designed to help you train for high-demand jobs, and firefighting often qualifies.

Smart borrowing tips for fire academy

If you plan to take out student loans for firefighter training, use these strategies to borrow responsibly:

• Max out gift aid first: Apply for as many scholarships and grants as you can before turning to loans.
• Estimate your total costs: Tuition is just one part of the expense. Be sure to factor in gear, uniforms, books, and certification exams so you can budget more accurately.
• Only borrow what you need: You may be eligible to borrow more than your actual expenses. Stick to the minimum amount required and plan ahead for repayment. “A common rule of thumb is to limit borrowing to your expected salary for the first year after graduation,” says Kelly Reddy-Heffner, a certified financial planner at Steel City Wealth Collaborative.
• Explore loan forgiveness programs: If you have federal student loans, you may qualify for loan forgiveness by working full-time for a qualifying fire department. “Federal student loans may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness, since fire departments are qualifying employers,” says Kantrowitz.

“It is also advisable to develop a repayment plan for after school before you borrow. If repaying a loan from a private lender, what will your likely monthly payment amount be (based on amount borrowed, interest rate and time to payoff) and how does that fit into a future post-graduation budget,” adds Reddy-Heffner.

Cost of firefighting school

Fire academy costs vary depending on the school and location, but you can generally expect to pay a few thousand dollars for tuition and required materials. For example, South Bay Fire Fighter Academy in San Jose, California, estimates $5,570 for tuition, fees, and required safety gear and uniforms. The Broward Fire Academy in Davie, Florida, charges $3,549 for course fees, not including books, uniforms, and other supplies.

On average, fire academy training at a community college costs about $4,050 per year, according to the College Board. If you pursue a bachelor's degree in fire science, the price can be much higher. At New Jersey City University, tuition and fees for the 2024-25 academic year total over $14,000. Over a multi-year program, that cost can add up quickly.

Salary outlook for firefighters

The median salary for firefighters was $59,530 per year in 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Your pay could be higher depending on your qualifications, education level, rank, or the department's funding. For example, the top 10% of firefighters earned more than $101,330.

To boost your salary potential, consider upskilling after your initial training. The U.S. Fire Administration offers free specialized training (both online and in person) for firefighters looking to advance in their careers. These programs cover areas like advanced management, fire service instruction, and technical training for mid- and senior-level roles.