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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 Illinois

25 Colleges in the United States
$17,501 Avg Student Debt
$48,233 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.

For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 78 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 Illinois

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

For return on investment in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting, no school beat Moraine Valley Community College this year. 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, while out-of-state students pay about $9,846. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $11,149. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Moraine Valley Community College earn a median of $43,844 early in their careers. Set against $11,149 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

2

A rank of #2 makes City Colleges Of Chicago Wilbur Wright College one of the best values for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Set in the city of Chicago, City Colleges Of Chicago Wilbur Wright College is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,590 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $15,150. Students borrow a median of $8,093 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $33,073. Set against $8,093 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

3

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Lewis And Clark Community College earned it the #3 place for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Lewis And Clark Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Godfrey. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,340, compared with $7,840 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $9,120. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $31,763. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

4

City Colleges Of Chicago Richard J Daley College came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. City Colleges Of Chicago Richard J Daley College is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Chicago. Students from in state pay about $4,590 in tuition and fees, compared with $15,150 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $7,500. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of City Colleges Of Chicago Richard J Daley College earn a median of $33,326 early in their careers. Set against $7,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

5
Triton College crest
Triton College
River Grove, IL

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Triton College earned it the #5 place for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Triton College is a large public school located in the suburb of River Grove. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,070, with out-of-state students paying around $15,330. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $12,994. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Triton College generally make around $43,278. Set against $12,994 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

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6

Kankakee Community College landed the #6 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. Students from in state pay about $5,220 in tuition and fees, compared with $25,830 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $13,289. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Kankakee Community College earn a median of $60,509 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

7

Lincoln Land Community College landed the #7 spot for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting value this year. Set in the rural area of Springfield, Lincoln Land Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,744 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $10,464. Students borrow a median of $11,272 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Lincoln Land Community College generally make around $43,834. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

8

Joliet Junior College landed the #8 spot for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting value this year. Located in the suburb of Joliet, Joliet Junior College is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,530, compared with $13,800 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $11,995 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Joliet Junior College generally make around $40,118. Set against $11,995 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

9
Harper College crest
Harper College
Palatine, IL

Harper College earned the #9 position for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Harper College is a very large public school located in the suburb of Palatine. In-state tuition and fees average $3,894, while out-of-state students pay about $11,874. Students borrow a median of $10,963 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $38,474. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

10
Prairie State College crest
Prairie State College
Chicago Heights, IL

Prairie State College landed the #10 spot for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting value this year. Located in the suburb of Chicago Heights, Prairie State College is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,176, compared with $11,064 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $15,663. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Prairie State College earn a median of $37,500 early in their careers. Set against $15,663 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

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11

Elgin Community College earned the #11 position for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Located in the city of Elgin, Elgin Community College is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $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. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $43,975. That is a strong return on a $7,727 median debt.

12

Waubonsee Community College earned the #12 position for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Waubonsee Community College is a large public school located in the rural area of Sugar Grove. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,504, with out-of-state students paying around $10,464. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $9,939. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Waubonsee Community College earn a median of $39,659 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

13
College Of Dupage crest
College Of Dupage
Glen Ellyn, IL

College Of Dupage ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Set in the suburb of Glen Ellyn, College Of Dupage is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,560, compared with $12,750 for out-of-state students. 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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

14
Oakton Community College crest
Oakton Community College
Des Plaines, IL

Oakton Community College placed #14 among the best values for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Located in the city of Des Plaines, Oakton Community College is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,985, with out-of-state students paying around $12,462. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $7,750. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Oakton Community College generally make around $48,838. Set against $7,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

15

College Of Lake County landed the #15 spot for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting value this year. College Of Lake County is a very large public school located in the suburb of Grayslake. In-state tuition and fees average $4,788, with out-of-state students paying around $14,400. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $9,785. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from College Of Lake County generally make around $50,314. Set against $9,785 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

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City Colleges Of Chicago Olive Harvey College ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Set in the city of Chicago, City Colleges Of Chicago Olive Harvey College is a mid-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,590, with out-of-state students paying around $15,150. Students borrow a median of $8,478 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $25,842. That is a strong return on a $8,478 median debt.

17

Kishwaukee College landed the #17 spot for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting value this year. Located in the rural area of Malta, Kishwaukee College is a mid-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $4,560, while out-of-state students pay about $13,680. Students borrow a median of $10,328 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $30,398. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

18

Southwestern Illinois College placed #18 among the best values for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Located in the suburb of Belleville, Southwestern Illinois College is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,230, with out-of-state students paying around $6,720. Students borrow a median of $11,161 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $77,935. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

19

John Wood Community College came in at #19 for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Set in the town of Quincy, John Wood Community College is a mid-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,100, with out-of-state students paying around $8,700. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $13,844 in student loans. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from John Wood Community College generally make around $45,748. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

20
Kaskaskia College crest
Kaskaskia College
Centralia, IL

Kaskaskia College placed #20 among the best values for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Located in the rural area of Centralia, Kaskaskia College is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,800, while out-of-state students pay about $12,570. Students borrow a median of $7,875 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $45,658. That is a strong return on a $7,875 median debt.

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21
Morton College crest
Morton College
Cicero, IL

Morton College came in at #21 for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Set in the suburb of Cicero, Morton College is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,884 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $11,028. Students borrow a median of $7,734 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $31,143. Set against $7,734 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

22

University Of Illinois At Springfield placed #22 among the best values for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. University Of Illinois At Springfield is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Springfield. In-state tuition and fees average $12,557, with out-of-state students paying around $20,139. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $22,418. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of University Of Illinois At Springfield earn a median of $41,064 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $22,418 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%.

23
Mchenry County College crest
Mchenry County College
Crystal Lake, IL

Mchenry County College placed #23 among the best values for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Set in the rural area of Crystal Lake, Mchenry County College is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,162, with out-of-state students paying around $14,399. Students borrow a median of $7,440 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $24,177. Set against $7,440 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

24

Rend Lake College ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Rend Lake College is a mid-sized public school located in the rural area of Ina. Students from in state pay about $4,500 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,800. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $8,688. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Rend Lake College earn a median of $42,770 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

25
Governors State University crest
Governors State University
University Park, IL

Governors State University came in at #25 for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Located in the suburb of University Park, Governors State University is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,004. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $22,889. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $42,456. That is a strong return on a $22,889 median debt. Roughly 48% of applicants are accepted.

Rest of the Top 47 Best Value Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting Schools

These schools rounded out the top of this year’s homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting value ranking:

26
27
28
29
Illinois Central College crest
Illinois Central College
East Peoria, IL
30
31
32
33
34
35
Lewis University crest
Lewis University
Romeoville, IL
36
Aurora University crest
Aurora University
Aurora, IL
37
38
39
Elmhurst College crest
Elmhurst College
Elmhurst, IL
40
Maccormac College crest
Maccormac College
Chicago, IL
41
Greenville College crest
Greenville College
Greenville, IL
42
43
Eureka College crest
Eureka College
Eureka, IL
44
45
46
47

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Notes and References

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 · 78 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 25 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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