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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
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2026 Best Value Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting Schools in California

39 Colleges in the United States
$13,181 Avg Student Debt
$46,546 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting Badge [Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting](/majors/protective-security-safety-services/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.

For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 173 schools to find the best return on investment for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting students.

What’s on this page:

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2026 Best Value Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting Schools in California

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

1
College Of San Mateo crest
College Of San Mateo
San Mateo, CA

College Of San Mateo tops our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools in California. College Of San Mateo is a large public school located in the city of San Mateo. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,332, while out-of-state students pay about $11,428. Students borrow a median of $12,831 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,172. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

2
Moorpark College crest
Moorpark College
Moorpark, CA

Moorpark College came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Located in the suburb of Moorpark, Moorpark College is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,426, compared with $9,615 for out-of-state students. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $17,075 in student loans. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Moorpark College generally make around $105,599. That is a strong return on a $17,075 median debt.

3
Cerritos College crest
Cerritos College
Norwalk, CA

Cerritos College came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Cerritos College is a very large public school located in the suburb of Norwalk. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,364, while out-of-state students pay about $12,004. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $11,306. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Cerritos College generally make around $29,495. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

4
Oxnard College crest
Oxnard College
Oxnard, CA

Oxnard College came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Set in the city of Oxnard, Oxnard College is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,426, compared with $9,615 for out-of-state students. Median earnings reach $41,393 ten years out.

5
Skyline College crest
Skyline College
San Bruno, CA

Skyline College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting, landing the #5 spot this year. Set in the suburb of San Bruno, Skyline College is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,332, while out-of-state students pay about $9,956. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,702 ten years after entry.

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6
Grossmont College crest
Grossmont College
El Cajon, CA

Grossmont College ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Grossmont College is a large public school located in the suburb of El Cajon. In-state tuition and fees average $1,332, while out-of-state students pay about $10,628. Median earnings reach $40,309 ten years out.

7

San Diego Miramar College earned the #7 position for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Located in the city of San Diego, San Diego Miramar College is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $1,146, while out-of-state students pay about $10,002. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $10,994 in student loans. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from San Diego Miramar College generally make around $57,185. That is a strong return on a $10,994 median debt.

8
College Of The Canyons crest
College Of The Canyons
Santa Clarita, CA

College Of The Canyons placed #8 among the best values for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Set in the suburb of Santa Clarita, College Of The Canyons is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $1,166 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $10,958. Students borrow a median of $9,776 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $51,913. Set against $9,776 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

9
Moreno Valley College crest
Moreno Valley College
Moreno Valley, CA

Moreno Valley College earned the #9 position for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Set in the suburb of Moreno Valley, Moreno Valley College is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,428, compared with $12,498 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $12,643 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $81,339. Set against $12,643 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

10
Reedley College crest
Reedley College
Reedley, CA

Reedley College ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Set in the town of Reedley, Reedley College is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $1,378 in tuition and fees, compared with $8,638 for out-of-state students. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $6,500 in student loans. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $30,520. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

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11

Fresno City College placed #11 among the best values for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Set in the city of Fresno, Fresno City College is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,378, while out-of-state students pay about $8,638. Students borrow a median of $6,187 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Fresno City College earn a median of $32,658 early in their careers. Set against $6,187 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

12

College Of The Sequoias placed #12 among the best values for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Set in the city of Visalia, College Of The Sequoias is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,394, with out-of-state students paying around $9,038. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $10,288 in student loans. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $28,851. Set against $10,288 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

13
West Valley College crest
West Valley College
Saratoga, CA

West Valley College placed #13 among the best values for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Located in the suburb of Saratoga, West Valley College is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $0, while out-of-state students pay about $9,320. Students borrow a median of $14,308 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $25,378. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

14
Gavilan College crest
Gavilan College
Gilroy, CA

Gavilan College ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Gavilan College is a moderately-sized public school located in the rural area of Gilroy. In-state tuition and fees average $1,508, compared with $12,249 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $5,939. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Gavilan College generally make around $28,496. That is a strong return on a $5,939 median debt.

15

Irvine Valley College ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Set in the city of Irvine, Irvine Valley College is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,156, compared with $11,860 for out-of-state students. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $6,672 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,156 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $6,672 median debt.

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California State University Dominguez Hills earned the #16 position for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. California State University Dominguez Hills is a large public school located in the city of Carson. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,454, while out-of-state students pay about $20,054. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $12,256 in student loans. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of California State University Dominguez Hills earn a median of $36,092 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $12,256 median debt. California State University Dominguez Hills admits about 93% of applicants.

17

Pasadena City College placed #17 among the best values for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Set in the city of Pasadena, Pasadena City College is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,180, with out-of-state students paying around $10,924. Students borrow a median of $9,191 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Pasadena City College generally make around $28,492. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

18

Mt San Antonio College placed #18 among the best values for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Set in the suburb of Walnut, Mt San Antonio College is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $1,364 in tuition and fees, compared with $10,464 for out-of-state students. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $9,384 in student loans. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Mt San Antonio College generally make around $33,692. Set against $9,384 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

19
Yuba College crest
Yuba College
Marysville, CA

Yuba College earned the #19 position for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Located in the suburb of Marysville, Yuba College is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,128, while out-of-state students pay about $8,208. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $8,729 in student loans. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Yuba College generally make around $62,350. That is a strong return on a $8,729 median debt.

20
Ventura College crest
Ventura College
Ventura, CA

Ventura College earned the #20 position for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Located in the city of Ventura, Ventura College is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $1,426, with out-of-state students paying around $9,615. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $20,250. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $99,778. Set against $20,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

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21
Golden West College crest
Golden West College
Huntington Beach, CA

Golden West College came in at #21 for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Set in the suburb of Huntington Beach, Golden West College is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $1,380 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $11,628. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Golden West College generally make around $82,984. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

22

Imperial Valley College earned the #22 position for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Located in the rural area of Imperial, Imperial Valley College is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,126, while out-of-state students pay about $8,830. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $6,176. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Imperial Valley College earn a median of $27,313 early in their careers. Set against $6,176 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

23

California State University Los Angeles came in at #23 for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. California State University Los Angeles is a very large public school located in the city of Los Angeles. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,164, while out-of-state students pay about $19,764. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $11,686 in student loans. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $33,411. Set against $11,686 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.

24
Sacramento City College crest
Sacramento City College
Sacramento, CA

Sacramento City College came in at #24 for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Located in the city of Sacramento, Sacramento City College is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $1,288, with out-of-state students paying around $12,616. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $11,760 in student loans. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Sacramento City College earn a median of $31,146 early in their careers. Set against $11,760 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

25
Shasta College crest
Shasta College
Redding, CA

Shasta College earned the #25 position for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Located in the suburb of Redding, Shasta College is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $1,197 in tuition and fees, compared with $8,853 for out-of-state students. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $12,275 in student loans. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $50,330. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

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:

26
Norco College crest
Norco College
Norco, CA
27
Hartnell College crest
Hartnell College
Salinas, CA
28
Santa Monica College crest
Santa Monica College
Santa Monica, CA
29
Taft College crest
Taft College
Taft, CA
30
Victor Valley College crest
Victor Valley College
Victorville, CA
31
Chabot College crest
Chabot College
Hayward, CA
32
33
34
Butte College crest
Butte College
Oroville, CA
35
36
Santa Ana College crest
Santa Ana College
Santa Ana, CA
37
38
Citrus College crest
Citrus College
Glendora, CA
39
Las Positas College crest
Las Positas College
Livermore, CA
40
De Anza College crest
De Anza College
Cupertino, CA
41
42
43
Porterville College crest
Porterville College
Porterville, CA
44
45
Merced College crest
Merced College
Merced, CA
46
Cypress College crest
Cypress College
Cypress, CA
47
48
49
Sierra College crest
Sierra College
Rocklin, CA
50

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Notes and References

This list is compiled 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 · 173 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 39 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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