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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 the Great Lakes Region

110 Colleges in the United States
$19,696 Avg Student Debt
$47,035 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting Badge [Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting](/majors/protective-security-safety-services/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.

College Factual analyzed 309 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools.

What’s on this page:

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2026 Best Value Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting Schools in the Great Lakes Region

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting, balancing cost against outcomes.

Best Value Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting Schools

1

Moraine Valley Community College tops our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools in the Great Lakes Region. Set in the suburb of Palos Hills, Moraine Valley Community College is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,822 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $9,846. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $11,149 in student loans. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $43,844. That is a strong return on a $11,149 median debt.

2

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Lansing Community College earned it the #2 place for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Lansing Community College is a large public school located in the city of Lansing. In-state tuition and fees average $4,100, compared with $11,300 for out-of-state students. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $16,700 in student loans. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Lansing Community College earn a median of $46,103 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

3

A rank of #3 makes Washtenaw Community College one of the best values for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Located in the suburb of Ann Arbor, Washtenaw Community College is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $2,736, with out-of-state students paying around $6,504. Students borrow a median of $28,059 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $67,732. Set against $28,059 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

4

Students looking for strong value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting will find it at Cuyahoga Community College District, which ranked #4. Located in the city of Cleveland, Cuyahoga Community College District is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,249, compared with $7,249 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $7,149. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Cuyahoga Community College District earn a median of $38,595 early in their careers. Set against $7,149 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

5

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Henry Ford Community College earned it the #5 place for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Set in the city of Dearborn, Henry Ford Community College is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,568, with out-of-state students paying around $7,816. Students borrow a median of $15,200 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Henry Ford Community College earn a median of $26,336 early in their careers. Set against $15,200 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

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6

Schoolcraft College earned the #6 position for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Schoolcraft College is a large public school located in the city of Livonia. In-state tuition and fees average $3,799, with out-of-state students paying around $6,501. Students borrow a median of $11,868 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Schoolcraft College generally make around $49,224. That is a strong return on a $11,868 median debt.

7
Oakland Community College crest
Oakland Community College
Auburn Hills, MI

Oakland Community College placed #7 among the best values for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Located in the suburb of Auburn Hills, Oakland Community College is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,120, with out-of-state students paying around $5,560. Students borrow a median of $13,506 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Oakland Community College earn a median of $51,617 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $13,506 median debt.

8

Lewis And Clark Community College placed #8 among the best values for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Set in the suburb of Godfrey, Lewis And Clark Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,340 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,840 for out-of-state students. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $9,120 in student loans. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Lewis And Clark Community College generally make around $31,763. That is a strong return on a $9,120 median debt.

9

North Central State College earned the #9 position for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. North Central State College is a mid-sized public school located in the rural area of Mansfield. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,786, while out-of-state students pay about $11,374. Students borrow a median of $10,782 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $50,218. That is a strong return on a $10,782 median debt.

10

Macomb Community College landed the #10 spot for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting value this year. Set in the city of Warren, Macomb Community College is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,660, with out-of-state students paying around $8,370. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $6,964. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $38,758. Set against $6,964 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

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Triton College crest
Triton College
River Grove, IL

Triton College landed the #11 spot for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting value this year. Located in the suburb of River Grove, Triton College is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $5,070, while out-of-state students pay about $15,330. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $12,994 in student loans. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $43,278. That is a strong return on a $12,994 median debt.

12

City Colleges Of Chicago Richard J Daley College earned the #12 position for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Set in the city of Chicago, City Colleges Of Chicago Richard J Daley College is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,590 in tuition and fees, compared with $15,150 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $7,500 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $33,326. Set against $7,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

13

City Colleges Of Chicago Wilbur Wright College ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. City Colleges Of Chicago Wilbur Wright College is a large public school located in the city of Chicago. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,590, compared with $15,150 for out-of-state students. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $8,093 in student loans. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $33,073. Set against $8,093 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

14
Harper College crest
Harper College
Palatine, IL

Harper College came in at #14 for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Located in the suburb of Palatine, Harper College is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,894, compared with $11,874 for out-of-state students. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $10,963 in student loans. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $38,474. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

15

Kankakee Community College landed the #15 spot for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting value this year. Kankakee Community College is a mid-sized public school located in the city of Kankakee. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,220, with out-of-state students paying around $25,830. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $13,289 in student loans. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Kankakee Community College generally make around $60,509. That is a strong return on a $13,289 median debt.

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Delta College crest
Delta College
University Center, MI

Delta College ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Located in the rural area of University Center, Delta College is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $4,820, compared with $7,880 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $9,784. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $44,637. That is a strong return on a $9,784 median debt.

17

Elgin Community College came in at #17 for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Set in the city of Elgin, Elgin Community College is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,252, compared with $9,516 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $7,727 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Elgin Community College earn a median of $43,975 early in their careers. Set against $7,727 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

18

Joliet Junior College came in at #18 for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Joliet Junior College is a very large public school located in the suburb of Joliet. In-state tuition and fees average $4,530, while out-of-state students pay about $13,800. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $11,995. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Joliet Junior College generally make around $40,118. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

19

Waubonsee Community College came in at #19 for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Set in the rural area of Sugar Grove, Waubonsee Community College is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,504 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $10,464. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $9,939. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Waubonsee Community College generally make around $39,659. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

20

Lorain County Community College came in at #20 for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Set in the suburb of Elyria, Lorain County Community College is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,265, while out-of-state students pay about $8,860. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $17,611 in student loans. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Lorain County Community College generally make around $40,095. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

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21

Lincoln Land Community College came in at #21 for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Located in the rural area of Springfield, Lincoln Land Community College is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,744, compared with $10,464 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $11,272 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $43,834. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

22

Northwestern Michigan College earned the #22 position for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Set in the city of Traverse City, Northwestern Michigan College is a mid-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,860, with out-of-state students paying around $13,476. Students borrow a median of $17,694 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $57,015. Set against $17,694 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

23
Oakton Community College crest
Oakton Community College
Des Plaines, IL

Oakton Community College landed the #23 spot for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting value this year. Set in the city of Des Plaines, Oakton Community College is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,985, with out-of-state students paying around $12,462. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $7,750 in student loans. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $48,838. That is a strong return on a $7,750 median debt.

24
College Of Dupage crest
College Of Dupage
Glen Ellyn, IL

College Of Dupage ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. College Of Dupage is a very large public school located in the suburb of Glen Ellyn. Students from in state pay about $4,560 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $12,750. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $7,521 in student loans. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from College Of Dupage generally make around $30,166. That is a strong return on a $7,521 median debt.

25

Marion Technical College placed #25 among the best values for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Located in the town of Marion, Marion Technical College is a mid-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,595, compared with $11,225 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $11,828 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Marion Technical College generally make around $48,132. That is a strong return on a $11,828 median debt.

Rest of the Top 50 Best Value Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting Schools

These schools also delivered strong value for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year:

26
27
Prairie State College crest
Prairie State College
Chicago Heights, IL
28
Kellogg Community College crest
Kellogg Community College
Battle Creek, MI
29
30
31
32
Stark State College crest
Stark State College
North Canton, OH
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
Ivy Tech Community College crest
Ivy Tech Community College
Indianapolis, IN
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
Kaskaskia College crest
Kaskaskia College
Centralia, IL
48
Mchenry County College crest
Mchenry County College
Crystal Lake, IL
49
50

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Notes and References

This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 309 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 110 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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