[Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting](/majors/protective-security-safety-services/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting education at a price that pays off.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 2070 schools to find the best return on investment for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting students.
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2026 Best Value Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting Schools in the United States
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degrees they offer, see the list below.
Best Value Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting Schools
Leading the list is Cuny John Jay College Of Criminal Justice, our #1 best value for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting in the United States. Located in the city of New York, Cuny John Jay College Of Criminal Justice is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,470, while out-of-state students pay about $15,420. Students borrow a median of $11,503 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Cuny John Jay College Of Criminal Justice earn a median of $37,436 early in their careers. Set against $11,503 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 57% of applicants are accepted.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at California State University Los Angeles earned it the #2 place for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. California State University Los Angeles is a very large public school located in the city of Los Angeles. In-state tuition and fees average $7,164, compared with $19,764 for out-of-state students. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $11,686 in student loans. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from California State University Los Angeles generally make around $33,411. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 91%.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at California State University Dominguez Hills earned it the #3 place for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Set in the city of Carson, California State University Dominguez Hills is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,454, while out-of-state students pay about $20,054. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $12,256. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from California State University Dominguez Hills generally make around $36,092. Set against $12,256 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #4 makes California State University Fullerton one of the best values for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Set in the suburb of Fullerton, California State University Fullerton is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,470, with out-of-state students paying around $20,070. Students borrow a median of $11,000 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from California State University Fullerton generally make around $34,570. That is a strong return on a $11,000 median debt. California State University Fullerton admits about 90% of applicants.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Florida Online earned it the #5 place for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Set in the city of Gainesville, University Of Florida Online is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,876, with out-of-state students paying around $16,579. Students borrow a median of $12,296 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $86,740. Set against $12,296 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 61% of applicants are accepted.
Texas A And M University Central Texas earned the #6 position for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Texas A And M University Central Texas is a mid-sized public school located in the rural area of Killeen. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,363, with out-of-state students paying around $17,155. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $24,750. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $45,976. Roughly 100% of applicants are accepted.
Texas A And M International University landed the #7 spot for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting value this year. Located in the city of Laredo, Texas A And M International University is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,894, compared with $19,454 for out-of-state students. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $15,500 in student loans. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Texas A And M International University generally make around $30,739. That is a strong return on a $15,500 median debt. Texas A And M International University admits about 44% of applicants.
California State University Stanislaus ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Set in the suburb of Turlock, California State University Stanislaus is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,242, with out-of-state students paying around $20,842. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $12,500 in student loans. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $34,806. That is a strong return on a $12,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 98%.
St Petersburg College earned the #9 position for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Located in the city of St. Petersburg, St Petersburg College is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $2,682, with out-of-state students paying around $9,286. Students borrow a median of $13,710 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from St Petersburg College generally make around $55,704. That is a strong return on a $13,710 median debt.
Florida State College At Jacksonville came in at #10 for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Set in the city of Jacksonville, Florida State College At Jacksonville is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,657, while out-of-state students pay about $9,631. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $15,811. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Florida State College At Jacksonville generally make around $59,415. That is a strong return on a $15,811 median debt.
California State University Bakersfield earned the #11 position for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. California State University Bakersfield is a large public school located in the city of Bakersfield. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,087, while out-of-state students pay about $20,687. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,009 ten years after entry. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted.
California State University San Bernardino came in at #12 for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. California State University San Bernardino is a very large public school located in the city of San Bernardino. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,088, while out-of-state students pay about $20,688. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $14,917 in student loans. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from California State University San Bernardino generally make around $35,029. Set against $14,917 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University San Bernardino admits about 94% of applicants.
Indian River State College ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Located in the suburb of Fort Pierce, Indian River State College is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $2,764, while out-of-state students pay about $10,201. Students borrow a median of $11,402 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $43,546. That is a strong return on a $11,402 median debt.
Dalton State College ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Set in the city of Dalton, Dalton State College is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,336, while out-of-state students pay about $10,656. Students borrow a median of $10,550 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $37,856. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Miami Dade College landed the #15 spot for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting value this year. Miami Dade College is a very large public school located in the city of Miami. In-state tuition and fees average $2,838, compared with $9,661 for out-of-state students. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $9,568 in student loans. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Miami Dade College earn a median of $34,219 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
The University Of Texas Pan American earned the #16 position for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Set in the city of Edinburg, The University Of Texas Pan American is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,799, compared with $19,645 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $11,644 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from The University Of Texas Pan American generally make around $32,899. That is a strong return on a $11,644 median debt. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted.
California State University Northridge landed the #17 spot for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting value this year. Set in the city of Northridge, California State University Northridge is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,458 in tuition and fees, compared with $20,058 for out-of-state students. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $11,000 in student loans. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of California State University Northridge earn a median of $34,870 early in their careers. Set against $11,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University Northridge admits about 93% of applicants.
California State University Long Beach ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. California State University Long Beach is a very large public school located in the city of Long Beach. In-state tuition and fees average $7,374, with out-of-state students paying around $19,974. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $15,000. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of California State University Long Beach earn a median of $34,255 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $15,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 46%.
Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus landed the #19 spot for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting value this year. Located in the town of Portales, Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,074, while out-of-state students pay about $9,054. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $17,912. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus earn a median of $31,599 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 92%.
Indiana University Northwest landed the #20 spot for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting value this year. Located in the suburb of Gary, Indiana University Northwest is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,424, compared with $22,811 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $24,471. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Indiana University Northwest generally make around $41,295. Set against $24,471 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 73%.
Atlanta Metropolitan State College came in at #21 for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Set in the city of Atlanta, Atlanta Metropolitan State College is a mid-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,248, compared with $10,400 for out-of-state students. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $26,529 in student loans. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Atlanta Metropolitan State College earn a median of $37,342 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Florida Atlantic University ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Located in the city of Boca Raton, Florida Atlantic University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,879, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $18,753. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Florida Atlantic University generally make around $35,648. Set against $18,753 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Florida Atlantic University admits about 66% of applicants.
Indiana University Kokomo placed #23 among the best values for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Located in the city of Kokomo, Indiana University Kokomo is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,424, with out-of-state students paying around $22,811. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $39,833. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%.
Oklahoma State University Oklahoma City came in at #24 for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Located in the city of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma State University Oklahoma City is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $3,779, while out-of-state students pay about $9,564. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $16,375 in student loans. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $45,580. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
New Mexico State University Main Campus landed the #25 spot for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting value this year. New Mexico State University Main Campus is a large public school located in the suburb of Las Cruces. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,183, while out-of-state students pay about $25,307. Students borrow a median of $20,642 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of New Mexico State University Main Campus earn a median of $29,553 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $20,642 median debt. New Mexico State University Main Campus admits about 89% of applicants.
Rest of the Top 50 Best Value Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting Schools
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting:
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 · 2070 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 506 ranked schools only.
The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
[Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting](/majors/protective-security-safety-services/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting education at a price that pays off.
