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2026 Best Value Homeland Security Schools in the The Plains States Region
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in homeland security, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Homeland Security Schools
Leading the list is Des Moines Area Community College, our #1 best value for homeland security in the The Plains States Region. Des Moines Area Community College is a very large public school located in the suburb of Ankeny. In-state tuition and fees average $5,790, with out-of-state students paying around $6,690. Homeland Security graduates carry a median of $22,869 in student loans. Soon after graduation, homeland security degree recipients from Des Moines Area Community College generally make around $54,209. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
University Of Nebraska At Omaha came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security schools. Set in the city of Omaha, University Of Nebraska At Omaha is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,718, with out-of-state students paying around $23,206. Homeland Security graduates carry a median of $21,465 in student loans. Homeland Security graduates of University Of Nebraska At Omaha earn a median of $42,058 early in their careers. Set against $21,465 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 87%.
A rank of #3 makes Wichita State University one of the best values for homeland security. Located in the city of Wichita, Wichita State University is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,684, compared with $19,869 for out-of-state students. Homeland Security graduates carry a median of $24,262 in student loans. Homeland Security graduates of Wichita State University earn a median of $49,278 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Central Missouri earned it the #4 place for homeland security. University Of Central Missouri is a large public school located in the town of Warrensburg. In-state tuition and fees average $10,050, while out-of-state students pay about $18,600. Typical student debt for homeland security graduates is $24,304. Homeland Security graduates of University Of Central Missouri earn a median of $45,496 early in their careers. Set against $24,304 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 64% of applicants are accepted.
Park University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in homeland security, landing the #5 spot this year. Park University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Parkville. Students from in state pay about $12,116 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for homeland security graduates is $22,112. Soon after graduation, homeland security degree recipients from Park University generally make around $52,616. That is a strong return on a $22,112 median debt.
ADBLOCK #101
University Of Kansas placed #6 among the best values for homeland security. University Of Kansas is a very large public school located in the city of Lawrence. Students from in state pay about $12,102 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $30,432. Typical student debt for homeland security graduates is $23,608. Homeland Security graduates of University Of Kansas earn a median of $56,289 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 94%.
Waldorf College landed the #7 spot for homeland security value this year. Set in the rural area of Forest City, Waldorf College is a mid-sized private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $25,978 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for homeland security graduates is $23,437. Early-career homeland security graduates make about $66,446. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted.
National American University Rapid City ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security schools. Located in the city of Rapid City, National American University Rapid City is a small private for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $16,065. Students borrow a median of $38,264 to complete the homeland security program here. Homeland Security graduates of National American University Rapid City earn a median of $47,873 early in their careers. Set against $38,264 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Bellevue University earned the #9 position for value in homeland security this year. Set in the suburb of Bellevue, Bellevue University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,873. Typical student debt for homeland security graduates is $27,852. Homeland Security graduates of Bellevue University earn a median of $61,548 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $27,852 median debt.
Narrow Homeland Security Schools by State
[Homeland Security](/majors/protective-security-safety-services/homeland-security/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
