Fire Science/Fire-fighting at Waubonsee Community College in Sugar Grove, IL

Security & Protective Services CERTIFICATE CIP 43.0203

Total Graduates

Class of 2025

Male Graduates

77%

40 of 52

Female Graduates

23%

12 of 52

Annual Tuition & Fees

$9,384

In-state, incl. fees

How to read these numbers

Total Graduates counts the students who completed the Fire Science/Fire-fighting. credential during the 2025 academic year, not those currently enrolled or applied. Programs in this range tend to be steady and well-resourced, though small enough that the entering class size can vary noticeably year to year. The gender split is based on completers in this single award year and can shift meaningfully year to year — especially in smaller cohorts — so read the percentages as a recent snapshot rather than a fixed property of the program. The $9,384 figure is the published annual tuition and required fees — what the school officially charges before financial aid. Most students pay less once federal Pell grants, state aid, and institutional scholarships are applied, so treat this as a starting point rather than an expected out-of-pocket cost. Because every accredited college reports the same fields to IPEDS each year, you can compare Waubonsee Community College's figures against similar programs at other schools on a like-for-like basis.

Program Overview

Program Details

Program Name Fire Science/Fire-fighting.

Degree Level CERTIFICATE

CIP Code 43.0203

Program Family Security & Protective Services

Recent Outcomes

Total Completions 52 graduates

Award Year 2025

Gender Distribution 77% male, 23% female

License Requirements for Firefighters in Illinois

Working in this field in Illinois may require a state license, depending on the role and how you practice. Check the requirements below before enrolling — license rules shape how much schooling and on-the-job experience you'll need.

Basic Operations Firefighter
Illinois State Fire Marshall

Source: CareerOneStop License Finder, U.S. Department of Labor. License requirements change — always verify with the issuing agency before enrolling in a program.

Career Outcomes for Graduates

Primary Career Path

🎯

Firefighters

Average Starting Salary

$59,530

10-Year Job Growth

+3.4%

Career Readiness Score

70/100

100% Program Match

Related Career Paths

Career Title	Starting Salary	Growth Rate	Skill Match	Mapping
Firefighters SOC: 33-2011	$47,624	+3.4%	75%	primary100% confidence
Fire Inspectors and Investigators SOC: 33-2021	$62,448	+3.8%	75%	primary100% confidence
First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers SOC: 33-1021	$73,944	+3.4%	75%	primary100% confidence
Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists SOC: 33-2022	$41,904	+14.6%	75%	primary100% confidence

Salary Progression

Starting Salary

$44,648

Peak Salary

$74,413

Total Growth

+67%

Skills You'll Gain

✓ Skills Covered in Program (8)

● Critical Thinking

● Coordination

● Judgment and Decision Making

● Service Orientation

● Active Listening

● Monitoring

● Speaking

● Active Learning

ℹ Career Preparation

This program covers the essential skills needed for your target career.

Career Readiness Assessment

Technical Skills Alignment

75%

Education Level Match

85%

Note: Career outcomes and salary data are based on national averages and industry projections. Actual results may vary based on location, experience, and individual circumstances.

Want to learn more about working as a Firefighters — day-to-day work, job outlook, and salary details?

Institution

School Name Waubonsee Community College

Location Sugar Grove, IL

Cost Information

In-State Tuition and Fees $9,384

Out-of-State Tuition and Fees $10,464

Average Net Price $12,754

Take Action

Apply Now View College Details View All Programs Visit College Website

Program Information

CIP Code: 43.0203

CIP Family: 43

IPEDS ID: