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Fire academy in Columbus, Ohio

13 firefighter programs with costs, results and funding that can make them free

7 schools offer these firefighter programs with classes in the Columbus area, and every one is approved for workforce funding. Each shows its price if you pay yourself and how past students did.

Firefighters put out fires and answer emergencies that put people, property or the environment at risk. Most need a high school diploma, must pass written and physical tests and an interview, and then train for a few months at a fire academy run by a fire department or the state. Firefighters may also need EMT or paramedic certification.1

In Columbus, 6 of the 13 programs take students without a high school diploma, 2 ask for a diploma or equivalent, 4 ask for earlier courses first and 1 asks for an associate degree.

By kind, the 13 programs here are fire academy (Firefighter I and II, 8 programs), fire science (associate degree, 3 programs), fire science certificate or diploma (1 program) and fire inspector or investigator course (1 program).

See the 13 programs

All 53 firefighter programs in Ohio, including online programs

How much does fire academy cost in Columbus?

$2,352 to $4,906 is what most firefighter programs in Columbus cost if you pay yourself

That is the middle half of the 12 programs with a price. All of them: $940 to $15,774

In the typical program

Finished the program
Not enough data
3 programs report it; a typical figure needs 5
Working 6 months later
Not enough data
3 programs report it; a typical figure needs 5
Earned a year, estimated
Not enough data
3 programs report it; a typical figure needs 5
Length
Not reported
None of the 13 programs report it

Source: US Department of Labor, program year 2024 (July 2024 to June 2025). Only programs approved for workforce funding are listed; other schools in Columbus may also offer fire academy training. How these figures are made

Is there free fire academy training in Columbus?

Who qualifies, and other ways to pay: financial aid, grants and the GI Bill

All 13 firefighter programs in Columbus approved for WIOA funding

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13 programs

  • Fire academy (Firefighter I and II)In personEducation and courses

    Firefighter 1&2

    Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal Ohio Fire Acadmy

    Reynoldsburg

    Education and courses

    Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal Ohio Fire Acadmy, ReynoldsburgFire academy (Firefighter I and II)In person · Education and courses

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$2,400
    More details about Firefighter 1&2 at Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal Ohio Fire Acadmy
    Finished
    80%
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    Not reported
    Cost of supplies
    None listed
    Students counted
    153
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $2,400

  • Fire science (associate degree)In personAssociate's degree

    Fire Science - Professional Track AAS

    Columbus State Comm. College

    Columbus

    Accredited school

    Associate's degree

    Columbus State Comm. College, ColumbusFire science (associate degree) · Accredited schoolIn person · Associate's degree

    Earned a year, estimated$72,700
    Price if you pay yourself$10,726
    Program website, Fire Science - Professional Track AAS at Columbus State Comm. College
    More details about Fire Science - Professional Track AAS at Columbus State Comm. College
    Finished
    54%
    Working at 6 months
    89%
    Earned in a quarter
    $18,186
    Length
    Not reported
    Cost of supplies
    $4,500
    Students counted
    142
    Earned a year, estimated
    $72,700
    Price if you pay yourself
    $10,726
    Program website, Fire Science - Professional Track AAS at Columbus State Comm. College

  • Fire science (associate degree)In personPrerequisite courses

    Firefighter & Emergency Medical Services

    Hocking College

    Nelsonville

    Accredited school

    Prerequisite courses

    Hocking College, NelsonvilleFire science (associate degree) · Accredited schoolIn person · Prerequisite courses

    Earned a year, estimated$77,800
    Price if you pay yourself$15,774
    Program website, Firefighter & Emergency Medical Services at Hocking College
    More details about Firefighter & Emergency Medical Services at Hocking College
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    100%
    Earned in a quarter
    $19,443
    Length
    Not reported
    Cost of supplies
    $3,000
    Students counted
    32
    Earned a year, estimated
    $77,800
    Price if you pay yourself
    $15,774
    Program website, Firefighter & Emergency Medical Services at Hocking College

  • Fire science (associate degree)In personNo diploma needed

    Fire Science Technology

    Central Ohio Technical College

    Reynoldsburg

    Accredited school

    No diploma needed

    Central Ohio Technical College, ReynoldsburgFire science (associate degree) · Accredited schoolIn person · No diploma needed

    Earned a year, estimated$29,000
    Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
    Program website, Fire Science Technology at Central Ohio Technical College
    More details about Fire Science Technology at Central Ohio Technical College
    Finished
    37%
    Working at 6 months
    86%
    Earned in a quarter
    $7,262
    Length
    Not reported
    Cost of supplies
    Not reported
    Students counted
    27
    Earned a year, estimated
    $29,000
    Price if you pay yourself
    Left out
    Program website, Fire Science Technology at Central Ohio Technical College

  • Fire academy (Firefighter I and II)In personNo diploma needed

    Firefighter (II) Certificate

    Columbus State Comm. College

    Columbus

    Accredited school

    No diploma needed

    Columbus State Comm. College, ColumbusFire academy (Firefighter I and II) · Accredited schoolIn person · No diploma needed

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$940
    Program website, Firefighter (II) Certificate at Columbus State Comm. College
    More details about Firefighter (II) Certificate at Columbus State Comm. College
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    Not reported
    Cost of supplies
    $900
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $940
    Program website, Firefighter (II) Certificate at Columbus State Comm. College

  • Fire academy (Firefighter I and II)In personPrerequisite courses

    Firefighter (1) Certificate

    Columbus State Comm. College

    Columbus

    Accredited school

    Prerequisite courses

    Columbus State Comm. College, ColumbusFire academy (Firefighter I and II) · Accredited schoolIn person · Prerequisite courses

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$1,296
    Program website, Firefighter (1) Certificate at Columbus State Comm. College
    More details about Firefighter (1) Certificate at Columbus State Comm. College
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    Not reported
    Cost of supplies
    $900
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $1,296
    Program website, Firefighter (1) Certificate at Columbus State Comm. College

  • Fire academy (Firefighter I and II)In personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Professional Firefighter

    C-TEC of Licking County

    Newark

    Accredited school

    High school diploma or equivalent

    C-TEC of Licking County, NewarkFire academy (Firefighter I and II) · Accredited schoolIn person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$2,207
    Program website, Professional Firefighter at C-TEC of Licking County
    More details about Professional Firefighter at C-TEC of Licking County
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    Not reported
    Cost of supplies
    $418
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $2,207
    Program website, Professional Firefighter at C-TEC of Licking County

  • Fire academy (Firefighter I and II)In personNo diploma needed

    Firefighter I & II

    Tolles Career and Technical Center

    Plain City

    Accredited school

    No diploma needed

    Tolles Career and Technical Center, Plain CityFire academy (Firefighter I and II) · Accredited schoolIn person · No diploma needed

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$2,550
    Program website, Firefighter I & II at Tolles Career and Technical Center
    More details about Firefighter I & II at Tolles Career and Technical Center
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    Not reported
    Cost of supplies
    None listed
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $2,550
    Program website, Firefighter I & II at Tolles Career and Technical Center

  • Fire academy (Firefighter I and II)In personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Firefighting I and II

    Delaware Area Career Center

    Delaware

    Accredited school

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Delaware Area Career Center, DelawareFire academy (Firefighter I and II) · Accredited schoolIn person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$2,700
    Program website, Firefighting I and II at Delaware Area Career Center
    More details about Firefighting I and II at Delaware Area Career Center
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    Not reported
    Cost of supplies
    None listed
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $2,700
    Program website, Firefighting I and II at Delaware Area Career Center

  • Fire science certificate or diplomaIn personNo diploma needed

    Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE) Certificate

    Columbus State Comm. College

    Columbus

    Accredited school

    No diploma needed

    Columbus State Comm. College, ColumbusFire science certificate or diploma · Accredited schoolIn person · No diploma needed

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$2,719
    Program website, Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE) Certificate at Columbus State Comm. College
    More details about Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE) Certificate at Columbus State Comm. College
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    Not reported
    Cost of supplies
    $3,600
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $2,719
    Program website, Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE) Certificate at Columbus State Comm. College

  • Fire academy (Firefighter I and II)In personNo diploma needed

    Firefighter I (Adult Diploma Program)

    C-TEC of Licking County

    Newark

    Accredited school

    No diploma needed

    C-TEC of Licking County, NewarkFire academy (Firefighter I and II) · Accredited schoolIn person · No diploma needed

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$2,849
    Program website, Firefighter I (Adult Diploma Program) at C-TEC of Licking County
    More details about Firefighter I (Adult Diploma Program) at C-TEC of Licking County
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    Not reported
    Cost of supplies
    $337
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $2,849
    Program website, Firefighter I (Adult Diploma Program) at C-TEC of Licking County

  • Fire inspector or investigator courseIn personEducation and courses

    Fire Inspector Certificate

    Columbus State Comm. College

    Columbus

    Accredited school

    Education and courses

    Columbus State Comm. College, ColumbusFire inspector or investigator course · Accredited schoolIn person · Education and courses

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$3,609
    Program website, Fire Inspector Certificate at Columbus State Comm. College
    More details about Fire Inspector Certificate at Columbus State Comm. College
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    Not reported
    Cost of supplies
    $2,700
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $3,609
    Program website, Fire Inspector Certificate at Columbus State Comm. College

  • Fire academy (Firefighter I and II)In personNo diploma needed

    Firefighter Certificate

    Hocking College

    Nelsonville

    Accredited school

    No diploma needed

    Hocking College, NelsonvilleFire academy (Firefighter I and II) · Accredited schoolIn person · No diploma needed

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$8,800
    Program website, Firefighter Certificate at Hocking College
    More details about Firefighter Certificate at Hocking College
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    Not reported
    Cost of supplies
    $300
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $8,800
    Program website, Firefighter Certificate at Hocking College

How to pay for fire academy training in Columbus

WIOA funding can pay for fire academy training in Columbus

Every program on this page is approved for it. Whether you qualify, how much your local area pays and how to apply are on our page Does WIOA pay for job training?

Financial aid and grants for fire academy training

Most students can get federal student aid for college, career school or trade school. A Federal Pell Grant, unlike a loan, usually doesn't have to be repaid. Ask the school whether its program qualifies.67

GI Bill for fire academy training

Veterans, service members and qualified dependents can use GI Bill benefits for non-college training programs.8

The program list does not show which programs accept these. Ask the school.

Other training in Columbus

How fire academy training compares with the rest of public safety across Ohio: First responder training in Ohio

Where the Columbus firefighter program numbers come from

Which Columbus firefighter programs are on this list?

These are the firefighter programs with classes in the Columbus area that are approved for WIOA funding (public workforce funding under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act), as reported to the US Department of Labor for program year 2024 (July 2024 to June 2025). Each state keeps its approved programs on an eligible training provider list (ETPL).9 The list here covers programs approved as of June 30, 2025. Online programs are left out here; they are on the Ohio page. Schools that never applied for approval are missing, so this is a part of what the area offers.

How the prices and results of Columbus firefighter programs are measured

Prices are tuition and required fees for someone paying without workforce funding, as the school reported them; check the current price with the school. Results describe students who left each program in recent years, so they are no guarantee, and the yearly earnings are the reported quarter times four, an estimate. A program without a "Trained with WIOA funding" line may still take WIOA students. Where a field was left empty or withheld, the page says "Not reported", and "Left out" where a figure was filed but failed one of our checks; nothing is estimated to fill a gap. Where the numbers come from explains each figure in full.

Sources for the facts about fire academy training in Columbus

Show the 9 sourcesHide the sources
  1. US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Firefighters
  2. US Department of Labor, TrainingProviderResults.gov: About This Site
  3. US Department of Labor: WIOA Adult Program
  4. Code of Federal Regulations, title 20, part 680, sections 680.220, 680.230 and 680.310: career services before training, other grants such as Pell Grants first, and limits on Individual Training Accounts (GovInfo, 2024 edition)
  5. US Department of Labor: American Job Centers
  6. US Department of Education, Federal Student Aid: Eligibility for Federal Student Aid
  7. US Department of Education, Federal Student Aid: Don't Miss Out on Federal Pell Grants
  8. US Department of Veterans Affairs: GI Bill benefits for non-college degree programs
  9. US Department of Labor, Training and Employment Guidance Letter 8-19, Attachment I: Requirements for Training Providers, Program Eligibility, and the State Eligible Training Provider (ETP) List