by our College Data Analytics Team
[Homeland Security](/majors/protective-security-safety-services/homeland-security/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong homeland security education at a price that pays off.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 19 schools to find the best return on investment for homeland security students.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in homeland security, balancing cost against outcomes.
Pennsylvania State University World Campus tops our 2026 list of the best value homeland security schools in Pennsylvania. Located in the city of University Park, Pennsylvania State University World Campus is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $15,356 in tuition and fees. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,435. Pennsylvania State University World Campus admits about 91% of applicants.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania earned it the #2 place for homeland security. Located in the town of Slippery Rock, Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,568, with out-of-state students paying around $14,676. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete the homeland security program here. Soon after graduation, homeland security degree recipients from Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania generally make around $31,685. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania admits about 72% of applicants.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Millersville University Of Pennsylvania earned it the #3 place for homeland security. Located in the suburb of Millersville, Millersville University Of Pennsylvania is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $11,128 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,952. Typical student debt for homeland security graduates is $26,486. Soon after graduation, homeland security degree recipients from Millersville University Of Pennsylvania generally make around $53,920. That is a strong return on a $26,486 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%.
Rosemont College came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security schools. Rosemont College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Rosemont. In-state tuition and fees average $23,854. Students borrow a median of $29,211 to complete the homeland security program here. Homeland Security graduates of Rosemont College earn a median of $55,678 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $29,211 median debt. Rosemont College admits about 76% of applicants.
A rank of #5 makes University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus one of the best values for homeland security. Located in the city of Pittsburgh, University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $21,926, compared with $41,430 for out-of-state students. Homeland Security graduates carry a median of $24,958 in student loans. Homeland Security graduates of University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus earn a median of $56,926 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 58% of applicants are accepted.
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This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 19 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 2 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.