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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 Ohio

26 Colleges in the United States
$19,030 Avg Student Debt
$45,385 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. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.

For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 105 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 Ohio

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

Our analysis ranked Cuyahoga Community College District the best value for a degree in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting in Ohio. Cuyahoga Community College District is a very large public school located in the city of Cleveland. Students from in state pay about $3,249 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,249. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $7,149 in student loans. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Cuyahoga Community College District generally make around $38,595. Set against $7,149 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

2

North Central State College came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Set in the rural area of Mansfield, North Central State College is a mid-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,786, while out-of-state students pay about $11,374. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $10,782 in student loans. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of North Central State College earn a median of $50,218 early in their careers. Set against $10,782 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

3

Marion Technical College came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Set in the town of Marion, Marion Technical College is a mid-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,595, while out-of-state students pay about $11,225. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $11,828. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Marion Technical College earn a median of $48,132 early in their careers. Set against $11,828 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

4

Students looking for strong value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting will find it at Lorain County Community College, which ranked #4. Set in the suburb of Elyria, Lorain County Community College is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,265, while out-of-state students pay about $8,860. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $17,611. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Lorain County Community College earn a median of $40,095 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

5

Sinclair Community College came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Located in the city of Dayton, Sinclair Community College is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,675, with out-of-state students paying around $8,556. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $11,044. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Sinclair Community College generally make around $29,888. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

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Stark State College crest
Stark State College
North Canton, OH

Stark State College landed the #6 spot for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting value this year. Set in the suburb of North Canton, Stark State College is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,790, compared with $7,886 for out-of-state students. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $16,350 in student loans. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Stark State College generally make around $35,014. Set against $16,350 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

7

Lakeland Community College ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Located in the suburb of Kirtland, Lakeland Community College is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,872, compared with $9,235 for out-of-state students. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $19,857 in student loans. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Lakeland Community College generally make around $51,941. Set against $19,857 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

8

Columbus State Community College came in at #8 for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Set in the city of Columbus, Columbus State Community College is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,488, compared with $11,224 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $9,041 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,435 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

9

University Of Cincinnati Blue Ash College ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. University Of Cincinnati Blue Ash College is a large public school located in the suburb of Blue Ash. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,106, while out-of-state students pay about $15,904. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $16,799 in student loans. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from University Of Cincinnati Blue Ash College generally make around $38,399. Set against $16,799 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

10

University Of Cincinnati Clermont College earned the #10 position for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. University Of Cincinnati Clermont College is a large public school located in the suburb of Batavia. Students from in state pay about $6,639 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $13,871. Students borrow a median of $16,799 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from University Of Cincinnati Clermont College generally make around $38,399. That is a strong return on a $16,799 median debt.

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11

Edison State Community College ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Set in the rural area of Piqua, Edison State Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,499, with out-of-state students paying around $8,346. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $15,406. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Edison State Community College earn a median of $43,481 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

12

Clark State Community College came in at #12 for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Located in the city of Springfield, Clark State Community College is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $4,393 in tuition and fees, compared with $8,049 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,522 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Clark State Community College earn a median of $39,734 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $15,522 median debt.

13
Owens Community College crest
Owens Community College
Perrysburg, OH

Owens Community College ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Located in the suburb of Perrysburg, Owens Community College is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,870, while out-of-state students pay about $10,502. Students borrow a median of $15,663 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $51,319. Set against $15,663 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

14

Central Ohio Technical College placed #14 among the best values for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Set in the suburb of Newark, Central Ohio Technical College is a mid-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,256, compared with $8,016 for out-of-state students. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $16,779 in student loans. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Central Ohio Technical College earn a median of $40,065 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $16,779 median debt.

15

Washington State Community College ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Washington State Community College is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Marietta. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,128, while out-of-state students pay about $4,152. Students borrow a median of $16,291 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $45,305. That is a strong return on a $16,291 median debt.

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Zane State College crest
Zane State College
Zanesville, OH

Zane State College earned the #16 position for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Zane State College is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Zanesville. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,006, compared with $11,766 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $8,556. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Zane State College earn a median of $35,764 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $8,556 median debt.

17
Auburn Career Center crest
Auburn Career Center
Concord Twp, OH

Auburn Career Center came in at #17 for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Located in the suburb of Concord Twp, Auburn Career Center is a small public university. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $10,807 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,032 ten years after entry. Set against $10,807 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

18

Kent State University At Trumbull came in at #18 for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Kent State University At Trumbull is a mid-sized public school located in the rural area of Warren. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,211, while out-of-state students pay about $17,969. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $22,843. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Kent State University At Trumbull earn a median of $33,980 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

19

Youngstown State University landed the #19 spot for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting value this year. Set in the city of Youngstown, Youngstown State University is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,926, compared with $10,286 for out-of-state students. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $24,465 in student loans. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Youngstown State University earn a median of $37,325 early in their careers. Set against $24,465 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 84%.

20

Southern State Community College placed #20 among the best values for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Located in the town of Hillsboro, Southern State Community College is a mid-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,912, compared with $10,818 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,282 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $45,611. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

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Hocking College crest
Hocking College
Nelsonville, OH

Hocking College earned the #21 position for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Hocking College is a mid-sized public school located in the rural area of Nelsonville. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,646, with out-of-state students paying around $10,290. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $14,750 in student loans. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $37,002. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

22

Miami University Hamilton ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Set in the suburb of Hamilton, Miami University Hamilton is a mid-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,012 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,811 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,505 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Miami University Hamilton generally make around $37,118. That is a strong return on a $23,505 median debt.

23

University Of Akron Main Campus placed #23 among the best values for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. University Of Akron Main Campus is a large public school located in the city of Akron. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,135, while out-of-state students pay about $20,815. Students borrow a median of $21,720 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $36,966. That is a strong return on a $21,720 median debt. The acceptance rate is 60%.

24

University Of Toledo ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Located in the city of Toledo, University Of Toledo is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $12,157 in tuition and fees, compared with $21,517 for out-of-state students. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from University Of Toledo generally make around $37,548. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Toledo admits about 92% of applicants.

25

Greene County Vocational School District ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Set in the rural area of Xenia, Greene County Vocational School District is a small public institution. Students borrow a median of $8,919 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Greene County Vocational School District earn a median of $46,623 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $8,919 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
28
Walsh University crest
Walsh University
North Canton, OH
29
30
Central State University crest
Central State University
Wilberforce, OH
31
Polaris Career Center crest
Polaris Career Center
Middleburg Heights, OH
32
33
34
35
Muskingum University crest
Muskingum University
New Concord, OH
36
Lake Erie College crest
Lake Erie College
Painesville, OH
37
Ashland University crest
Ashland University
Ashland, OH
38
Lourdes College crest
Lourdes College
Sylvania, OH
39
40
41
Franklin University crest
Franklin University
Columbus, OH
42
43
Wilmington College crest
Wilmington College
Wilmington, OH
44
45
Defiance College crest
Defiance College
Defiance, OH
46
Tiffin University crest
Tiffin University
Tiffin, OH
47
Cedarville University crest
Cedarville University
Cedarville, OH
48
49
50

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Notes and References

The ranking above is published 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 · 105 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 26 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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