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Scholarship Review Process

The Scholarships360 Research Team reviews all scholarships individually and strives to exclude any scholarship where any of the below applies:

  • The scholarship requires a fee to apply
  • The scholarship provider’s privacy policy allows for the misuse of student data
  • The scholarship requires paid membership in an organization (with certain exceptions for reputable trade organizations and others)
  • Student are required to sign up for a site or service to apply*
  • The scholarship seems primarily used for lead generation** or idea harvesting purposes***
  • The scholarship website has many grammatical errors and/or advertisements
  • The scholarship or scholarship providing organization seem untrustworthy
  • There is no evidence the scholarship was previously awarded
  • The scholarship has not been awarded in the past 12 months
  • There is no available contact information

If you believe a scholarship has been published in error, please reach out to [email protected] and we’ll take a look!


* There are certain exceptions to this, for example if the sponsoring organization is a major corporation or nonprofit with its own scholarship application system.
** Lead generation scholarships will require students to sign up for an app or website and require minimal (if any) application requirements.
***Idea harvesting scholarships will require students to submit blog posts or other materials that companies may use for marketing purposes.

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Top 18 Firefighters Scholarships in September 2023

Written by Lisa Freedland

Lisa Freedland is a Scholarships360 writer with personal experience in psychological research and content writing. She has written content for an online fact-checking organization and has conducted research at the University of Southern California as well as the University of California, Irvine. Lisa graduated from the University of Southern California in Fall 2021 with a degree in Psychology.

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Updated: September 1st, 2023

Passionate about helping people and interested in becoming a firefighter, but worried about the financial costs? Don’t worry, there are many firefighting scholarships available for you!

Whether you’re a seasoned firefighter or thinking about attending a four-year university, fire academy, or vocational school, we have you covered when it comes to scholarships!

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18 Scholarships
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“Follow Your Own Path” Essay Scholarship
“Follow Your Own Path” Essay Scholarship

Offered by Scholarships360

1 award worth $500
Deadline Jan 31, 2024

At Scholarships360, our mission is to help students find and fund their postsecondary education. We know that students have a variety of educational and career…

At Scholarships360, our mission is to help students find and fund their postsecondary education. We know that students have a variety of educational and career…

At Scholarships360, our mission is to help students find and fund their postsecondary education. We know that students have a variety of educational and career interests and aspirations. That is why we are offering the “Follow Your Own Path” Essay Scholarship. This scholarship aims to support all current postsecondary students, regardless of the type of education they are pursuing. Thus, no matter your own unique educational path, we hope you apply for this $500 scholarship. In order to apply for the “Follow Your Own Path” Essay Scholarship, students must submit an essay about their career ambitions. As it is our goal to help out all types of postsecondary students who are actively looking for ways to fund their higher education journey, this $500 scholarship will be awarded to students based on both the quality of their essays and quantity of scholarships applied for on the Scholarships360 platform.

Eligibility information

Grade Level: College & Graduate Students

Citizenship: US Citizens, Permanent Residents

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Exclusive
“Outstanding Undergraduate” Essay Scholarship
“Outstanding Undergraduate” Essay Scholarship

Offered by Scholarships360

1 award worth $500
Deadline Jan 31, 2024

The U.S. is home to over 2,000 four-year universities offering bachelor’s degrees. However, attending such universities can sometimes come with hefty costs that can deter…

The U.S. is home to over 2,000 four-year universities offering bachelor’s degrees. However, attending such universities can sometimes come with hefty costs that can deter…

The U.S. is home to over 2,000 four-year universities offering bachelor’s degrees. However, attending such universities can sometimes come with hefty costs that can deter students from attending. If you’re in a situation similar to this, we may just have the perfect scholarship opportunity for you: the “Outstanding Undergraduate” Essay Scholarship! With this scholarship, we aim to help out a lucky undergraduate student (enrolled during the 2023-24 academic year) who is passionate about their higher education journey and actively looking for ways to fund it. This scholarship will be awarded to students based on both the quality of their essays and quantity of scholarships applied for on the Scholarships360 platform. The scholarship is open to any U.S. citizen who is enrolled as an undergraduate at a four-year university in the U.S. during the 2023-24 academic year. In order to apply, submit an essay explaining how earning your bachelor’s degree will help you achieve your educational and career goals. We look forward to reading your application!

Eligibility information

Grade Level: College Students

Citizenship: US Citizens, Permanent Residents

Next steps

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$10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship
$10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship

Offered by Scholarships360

1 award worth $10,000
Deadline Jun 30, 2024

The Scholarships360 $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship is open to all students who want some extra help paying for their education. Whether you are a high…

The Scholarships360 $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship is open to all students who want some extra help paying for their education. Whether you are a high…

The Scholarships360 $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship is open to all students who want some extra help paying for their education. Whether you are a high school student who hopes to go to college, a graduate student who’s in a master’s program, or an adult learner who wants to return to school, you are eligible for our no essay scholarship. This scholarship will be awarded to students who get the most out of Scholarships360 scholarships and content. You will be a strong applicant if you apply to scholarships with the Scholarships360 platform. Finalists for this scholarship will be interviewed about their process for funding their education.

Eligibility information

Grade Level: All Grade Levels

Citizenship: US Citizens, Permanent Residents

Minimum GPA: No GPA requirement

Next steps

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Niche $25,000 No Essay Scholarship
Niche $25,000 No Essay Scholarship

Offered by Niche

1 award worth $25,000
Deadline Sep 27, 2023

Easy scholarship open to all high school and college students, as well as anyone looking to attend college or graduate school in the next year.

Easy scholarship open to all high school and college students, as well as anyone looking to attend college or graduate school in the next year.

Easy scholarship open to all high school and college students, as well as anyone looking to attend college or graduate school in the next year.

Eligibility information

Grade Level: All Grade Levels

Citizenship: US Citizens, Canadian Citizens, Permanent Residents, DACA, Other

Minimum GPA: No GPA requirement

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$2,000 Sallie Mae Scholarship
$2,000 Sallie Mae Scholarship

Offered by Sallie Mae

1 award worth $2,000
Deadline Sep 30, 2023

Sallie Mae will award $2,000 each month to eligible entrants. No essay or account sign-ups, just a simple scholarship for those seeking help paying for…

Sallie Mae will award $2,000 each month to eligible entrants. No essay or account sign-ups, just a simple scholarship for those seeking help paying for…

Sallie Mae will award $2,000 each month to eligible entrants. No essay or account sign-ups, just a simple scholarship for those seeking help paying for school.

Eligibility information

Grade Level: HS Upperclassmen, College & Graduate Students

Citizenship: US Citizens, Permanent Residents, DACA

Next steps

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$25k “Be Bold” No-Essay Scholarship
$25k “Be Bold” No-Essay Scholarship

Offered by Bold.org

1 award worth $25,000
Deadline Oct 1, 2023

Open to high school students, college students, community college students, and graduate students.

Open to high school students, college students, community college students, and graduate students.

Open to high school students, college students, community college students, and graduate students.

Eligibility information

Grade Level: All Grade Levels

Minimum GPA: No GPA requirement

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Public Safety Officer or Employee’s Child Survivor Grant Program
Public Safety Officer or Employee’s Child Survivor Grant Program

Offered by Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development

Multiple awards worth Partial Tuition Cost
Deadline Rolling

Are you a Missouri college student and public safety officer who has been left disabled in the line of duty? Alternatively, are you the child…

Are you a Missouri college student and public safety officer who has been left disabled in the line of duty? Alternatively, are you the child…

Are you a Missouri college student and public safety officer who has been left disabled in the line of duty? Alternatively, are you the child or spouse of a public employee who was left killed or disabled in the line of duty? If so, consider applying for the Public Safety Officer or Employee's Child Survivor Grant Program. The program is open to college students under 24 years of age in Missouri who either have been left disabled themselves or have a relative who was left disabled or killed in the line of duty. Missouri's Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development provides this program to provide support to public employees and their families, especially those who have experienced hardships and challenges. Thus, every year, the Department awards multiple applicants with funding to partially cover their tuition at a Missouri college or university. If you or a family member has been killed or disabled in the line of duty, you may be eligible for this opportunity.

Eligibility information

Grade Level: High School Seniors & College Students

Citizenship: US Citizens, Permanent Residents

Academic Interest: Law Enforcement, Fire Science/Firefighting

Other Category: Disability

State: Missouri

Next steps

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Phillip L. Turner Fire Protection Scholarship
Phillip L. Turner Fire Protection Scholarship

Offered by Fire Apparatus Manufacturers' Association

1 award worth $5,000
Expected deadline June 2024

Are you majoring in fire protection engineering or administration? If so, you might consider applying for the Phillip L. Turner Fire Protection Scholarship! The scholarship…

Are you majoring in fire protection engineering or administration? If so, you might consider applying for the Phillip L. Turner Fire Protection Scholarship! The scholarship…

Are you majoring in fire protection engineering or administration? If so, you might consider applying for the Phillip L. Turner Fire Protection Scholarship! The scholarship is funded by the Fire Apparatus Manufacturers' Association, a non-profit trade association. FAMA is committed to improving the quality of the fire apparatus industry and emergency service community through the manufacturing and sale of the safest possible fire apparatus and equipment. Each year, one lucky student is awarded the $5,000 scholarship to help pay for college. If you’re passionate about fire protection engineering or administration, we encourage you to apply!

Eligibility information

Grade Level: College Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors & Grad Students

Minimum GPA: No GPA requirement

Academic Interest: Fire Science/Firefighting

Next steps

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First Responders Children’s Foundation Scholarships
First Responders Children’s Foundation Scholarships

Offered by The First Responders Children’s Foundation

Multiple awards worth up to $6,250
Expected deadline May 2024

Are you the child of a first responder? If so, you may be eligible for some of the The First Responders Children’s Foundation Scholarships! The…

Are you the child of a first responder? If so, you may be eligible for some of the The First Responders Children’s Foundation Scholarships! The…

Are you the child of a first responder? If so, you may be eligible for some of the The First Responders Children’s Foundation Scholarships! The scholarships are open to children of police officers, firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, and 911 dispatchers. They are funded by the First Responders Children’s Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting the families of first responders who have risked their lives to serve our communities. The foundation has been awarding scholarships for the past 20 years. Check out the information below to see if you’re eligible to apply!

Eligibility information

Grade Level: College Students

Citizenship: US Citizens, Permanent Residents

Minimum GPA: 2.7

Next steps

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Fire Family Scholarship
Fire Family Scholarship

Offered by Fire Family Foundation

10 awards worth $5,000
Expected deadline May 2024

The Fire Family Scholarship is funded by the Fire Family Foundation, an organization that provides support and financial assistance to firefighters and their families in…

The Fire Family Scholarship is funded by the Fire Family Foundation, an organization that provides support and financial assistance to firefighters and their families in…

The Fire Family Scholarship is funded by the Fire Family Foundation, an organization that provides support and financial assistance to firefighters and their families in times of need. Every year, their Fire Family Scholarship awards $5,000 to ten children of current or former firefighters who are currently or will soon be attending a postsecondary institution. If this scholarship sounds like a fit for you, keep on reading for more application details.

Eligibility information

Grade Level: High School Seniors, College & Graduate Students

Citizenship: US Citizens, Permanent Residents

Minimum GPA: 3.2

Academic Interest: Fire Science/Firefighting

Next steps

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Pennsylvania Burglar and Fire Alarm Association Youth Scholarship Program
Pennsylvania Burglar and Fire Alarm Association Youth Scholarship Program

Offered by Pennsylvania Burglar and Fire Alarm Association

Multiple awards worth $1,000 - $12,000
Expected deadline May 2024

The Pennsylvania Burglar and Fire Alarm Association Youth Scholarship Program is an incredible opportunity for the children of active duty law enforcement and fire service…

The Pennsylvania Burglar and Fire Alarm Association Youth Scholarship Program is an incredible opportunity for the children of active duty law enforcement and fire service…

The Pennsylvania Burglar and Fire Alarm Association Youth Scholarship Program is an incredible opportunity for the children of active duty law enforcement and fire service personnel. This scholarship offers financial assistance to deserving individuals who show academic promise and a strong commitment to their community. Apply to take advantage of this amazing opportunity to further your education!

Eligibility information

Grade Level: High School Senior

Next steps

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New York State ENA September 11 Scholarship Fund
New York State ENA September 11 Scholarship Fund

Offered by New York State Emergency Nurses Association (ENA)

2 awards worth $2,500
Expected deadline May 2024

The New York State ENA September 11 Scholarship Fund is open to all rescue workers, including pre-hospital care providers, firefighters, and police officers. To apply,…

The New York State ENA September 11 Scholarship Fund is open to all rescue workers, including pre-hospital care providers, firefighters, and police officers. To apply,…

The New York State ENA September 11 Scholarship Fund is open to all rescue workers, including pre-hospital care providers, firefighters, and police officers. To apply, students must provide proof of acceptance into an accredited nursing program and of at least one year of pre-hospital work experience. Applicants do not need to be members of ENA but must provide a letter of reference from a current ENA member. Don't miss out on this opportunity to further your education and advance your career in the field of nursing.

Eligibility information

Grade Level: College Students

Academic Interest: Fire Science/Firefighting, Nursing

Next steps

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Daniel A. Terry Scholarship
Daniel A. Terry Scholarship

Offered by California Fire Foundation

Multiple awards worth $3,000
Expected deadline May 2024

Are you a high school senior or graduate who is a child of a California firefighter who died in the line of duty? If so,…

Are you a high school senior or graduate who is a child of a California firefighter who died in the line of duty? If so,…

Are you a high school senior or graduate who is a child of a California firefighter who died in the line of duty? If so, you may qualify for the Daniel A. Terry Scholarship. The scholarship is open to college-bound high school seniors and graduates who are the children of fallen California firefighters. The scholarship program is offered by the California Fire Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing emotional and financial assistance to families of fallen firefighters, firefighters, and the communities they protect. In honor of California Professional Firefighters, the scholarship aims to help the children of fallen firefighters fulfill their educational dreams. Every year, multiple recipients are chosen to earn a $3,000 scholarship to help them pay for tuition costs. The scholarship is renewable for up to four years, granting up to $12,000 total to each recipient. If you are a child of a fallen firefighter in California, we encourage you to apply.

Eligibility information

Grade Level: High School Senior

Citizenship: US Citizens, Permanent Residents

Academic Interest: Fire Science/Firefighting

State: California

Next steps

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Charles W. Riley Firefighter and Ambulance and Rescue Squad Member Scholarship Program
Charles W. Riley Firefighter and Ambulance and Rescue Squad Member Scholarship Program

Offered by Maryland Higher Education Commission

Multiple awards worth Varies
Expected deadline May 2024

Are you an active career or volunteer firefighter, ambulance, or rescue squad member serving Maryland communities? If so, consider applying for the Charles W. Riley…

Are you an active career or volunteer firefighter, ambulance, or rescue squad member serving Maryland communities? If so, consider applying for the Charles W. Riley…

Are you an active career or volunteer firefighter, ambulance, or rescue squad member serving Maryland communities? If so, consider applying for the Charles W. Riley Firefighter and Ambulance and Rescue Squad Member Scholarship Program! This scholarship is open to active firefighters, ambulance, and rescue squad members who are seeking a fire service-related degree. The Maryland Higher Education Commission, the state's board responsible for administering state financial aid programs for higher education, funds the scholarship. Each year, they award varying amounts of scholarship money to help eligible students pursue a fire service-related degree. Recipients are also required to serve for one (1) year as a volunteer or career firefighter, ambulance, or rescue squad member in Maryland after completion of an eligible program. If you’re passionate about helping out people in critical need and are pursuing a fire service-related degree, we encourage you to apply!

Eligibility information

Grade Level: College & Graduate Students

Academic Interest: Fire Science/Firefighting

Religious Affiliation: Catholic

Other Category: Adult, Nontraditional

Next steps

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Chief Larry Williams Scholarship
Chief Larry Williams Scholarship

Offered by South Carolina State Firefighters Association

Multiple awards worth $1,000
Expected deadline April 2024

Are you a member of the South Carolina State Firefighters Association who wants to join the fire service or improve your skill set? If so,…

Are you a member of the South Carolina State Firefighters Association who wants to join the fire service or improve your skill set? If so,…

Are you a member of the South Carolina State Firefighters Association who wants to join the fire service or improve your skill set? If so, consider applying for the Chief Larry Williams Scholarship! This scholarship is open to members of the South Carolina State Firefighters Association who are seeking further training or education. The Chief Larry Williams Scholarship honors the dedication and love that Chief Williams dedicated to the citizens of York County, the Bethesda Fire Department, and South Carolina’s fire service for over three decades. It is funded by the South Carolina State Firefighters Association, a non-profit organization that encourages the selfless service of firefighters who have to undergo countless tough and critical situations on the job. Each year, the scholarship awards $1,000 to help lucky firefighters pay for their educational costs. If you’re a passionate, South Carolina firefighter who is looking for some help to pay off your training or school costs, we encourage you to apply!

Eligibility information

Grade Level: High School Seniors, College & Graduate Students

Academic Interest: Fire Science/Firefighting

State: South Carolina

Next steps

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Sam Carbis Scholarship
Sam Carbis Scholarship

Offered by South Carolina State Firefighters Association

Multiple awards worth $1,000
Expected deadline April 2024

The Sam Carbis Scholarship is funded by the South Carolina State Firefighters Association, an organization dedicated to working toward fire service advocacy, benefits, education, and…

The Sam Carbis Scholarship is funded by the South Carolina State Firefighters Association, an organization dedicated to working toward fire service advocacy, benefits, education, and…

The Sam Carbis Scholarship is funded by the South Carolina State Firefighters Association, an organization dedicated to working toward fire service advocacy, benefits, education, and safety for firefighters throughout the state of South Carolina. Every year, their Sam Carbis Scholarship awards $1,000 to multiple members of the South Carolina State Firefighters Association who are training to be volunteer firefighters in the state. If this scholarship sounds like a fit for you, keep on reading for more application details.

Eligibility information

Grade Level: High School Seniors, College & Graduate Students

Academic Interest: Fire Science/Firefighting

State: South Carolina

Next steps

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Pearl Mae Scholarship
Pearl Mae Scholarship

Offered by Pearl Mae Foundation

Multiple awards worth $1,000
Expected deadline April 2024

Are you a high school senior, undergraduate, or graduate student committed to a career in healthcare or first responder fields? If so, you might consider…

Are you a high school senior, undergraduate, or graduate student committed to a career in healthcare or first responder fields? If so, you might consider…

Are you a high school senior, undergraduate, or graduate student committed to a career in healthcare or first responder fields? If so, you might consider applying for the Pearl Mae Scholarship! This yearly renewable scholarship is funded by the Pearl Mae Foundation, an organization that honors the life of Pearl Mae Kreidler. Pearl established churches in the impoverished rural areas of South Florida, where she gave to people who needed life’s basic necessities. If you’re passionate about serving others and are looking for some help financing your education, this is the perfect scholarship! 

Eligibility information

Grade Level: High School Seniors, College & Graduate Students

Minimum GPA: Yes

Academic Interest: Fire Science/Firefighting, Criminal Justice, Healthcare

Next steps

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ESA Scholarships for Children of First Responders
ESA Scholarships for Children of First Responders

Offered by Electronic Security Association

Multiple awards worth up to $12,000
Expected deadline April 2024

Are you a high school senior with a first responder (police, firefighter, paramedic, EMT, etc.) parent? Consider applying for the ESA scholarships for Children of…

Are you a high school senior with a first responder (police, firefighter, paramedic, EMT, etc.) parent? Consider applying for the ESA scholarships for Children of…

Are you a high school senior with a first responder (police, firefighter, paramedic, EMT, etc.) parent? Consider applying for the ESA scholarships for Children of First Responders! Each year, this program awards $12,000 and $4,000 to the top two applicants. In order to apply, students must submit an essay (1,000 words or less), a transcript, proof of enrollment, and one letter of recommendation. If you fit the criteria and would like some help paying for college, we encourage you to apply! 

Eligibility information

Grade Level: High School Senior

Citizenship: US Citizens

Minimum GPA: Yes

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Passionate about helping people and interested in becoming a firefighter, but worried about the financial costs? Don’t worry, there are many firefighting scholarships available for you!

Whether you’re a seasoned firefighter or thinking about attending a four-year university, fire academy, or vocational school, we have you covered when it comes to scholarships!

Jump ahead to…

Scholarships for children of firefighters

ESA Youth Scholarship

  • Eligibility: Children of first responders (firefighters, police, paramedics, and EMTs)
  • Amount: Varies

Fire Family Scholarship

  • Eligibility: Biological or adopted children of a firefighter. Must be a high school senior, at least 16 years old with a GED, or be enrolled in college or trade school. Applicants cannot be older than 26 and must have at GPA of 3.2 or above
  • Amount: $5,000
  • Opens: March 2023

How to win firefighters scholarships

Winning a scholarship comes down to crafting a compelling application. Since you are applying for scholarships that are aimed at firefighters, you’ll want to make sure that your interest and experiences related to firefighting are emphasized in your application. 

Specifically, you’ll want to make sure that any relevant experiences are captured in your scholarship resume. The resume is a fantastic way to guide the scholarship committee through your history, including important achievements, experiences, and educational accomplishments. 

Another part of the application process that’s important is the essay. The goal of the essay will vary according to the specifications of the scholarship application, but generally you’ll want to share a story, moment, or experience that is central to who you are as a person (and in the case of a firefighters scholarship, something that is aligned with this interest). 

The best way to get your essay writing process started is by reflecting on important experiences or moments from your life that really define who you are. Once you’ve done some reflection, you can get to work outline and write your scholarship essay. To get started, here are some resources from our scholarship essay experts (but we suggest starting with the how to write a winning scholarship essay guide):

Resources for firefighters

There are several membership organizations and associations dedicated to supporting firefighters. These organizations can connect you to a community of other firefighters as well as other scholarships and continuing educational opportunities. Here are a few organizations that you might check out:  

National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC)

The National Volunteer Fire Council is a nonprofit membership organization that is focused on supporting volunteer fire services, as well as EMS and rescue services. Through NVFC you will be able to access free online training, insurance,  scholarships, and a members only online community. 

International Association of Fire Fighters

The International Association of Fire Fighters or IAFF represents more than 330,000 full-time professional fire fighters and paramedics around the world. In addition to advocacy and lobbying work on behalf of their members, the IAFF also offers online training opportunities, as well as scholarships. 

Local organizations

Some states have state-specific organizations that are dedicated to supporting firefighters. For example, in North Carolina, the North Carolina State Firefighters’ Association offers educational opportunities, as well as scholarships for students.  Additionally, your local fire department may also offer scholarship opportunities like the F. Michael Sacca Scholarship offered by the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company in Ocean City, Maryland.  

Frequently asked questions 

Does being a firefighter pay for college?

Unfortunately, being a firefighter does not pay for college. However, there are many different ways to become a firefighter, and some programs are cheaper than others. Attending a university is generally more expensive than attending a fire academy or training school. However, such costs can be offset with scholarships and by attending in-state public universities.

Do firefighters get paid more with a college degree?

Firefighters with a bachelor’s or master’s degree will receive higher wages in some fire departments, but not all. Thus, an individual who wants to pursue firefighting should be confident in their decision to go to college for reasons unrelated to future salary.

Do firefighters qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness?

Yes – as long as they fulfill the requirements for making payments and maintaining their employment, firefighters can qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness. After 10 years of repayments and continued employment, or with permitted lapses, they will not have to repay any more federal loans.

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