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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
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2026 Best Value Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting Master’s Degree Schools

155 Colleges in the United States
$24,954 Avg Student Debt
$57,206 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting Master's Degree Badge [Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting](/majors/protective-security-safety-services/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. 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.

What’s on this page:

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2026 Best Value Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting Schools in the United States

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

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. Set in the city of New York, Cuny John Jay College Of Criminal Justice is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,470, while out-of-state students pay about $15,420. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $11,503. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Cuny John Jay College Of Criminal Justice earn a median of $63,161 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $11,503 median debt. Roughly 57% of applicants are accepted.

2

Students looking for strong value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting will find it at California State University Los Angeles, which ranked #2. 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, compared with $19,764 for out-of-state students. 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 $56,807. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California State University Los Angeles admits about 91% of applicants.

3

Texas A And M International University came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Texas A And M International University is a large public school located in the city of Laredo. Students from in state pay about $7,894 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $19,454. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $15,500 in student loans. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $46,596. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Texas A And M International University admits about 44% of applicants.

4
University Of Florida crest
University Of Florida
Gainesville, FL

A rank of #4 makes University Of Florida one of the best values for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Set in the city of Gainesville, University Of Florida is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,381, while out-of-state students pay about $28,659. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $12,296. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $86,740. Set against $12,296 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Florida admits about 24% of applicants.

5

Students looking for strong value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting will find it at The University Of Texas Pan American, which ranked #5. The University Of Texas Pan American is a very large public school located in the city of Edinburg. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,799, while out-of-state students pay about $19,645. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $11,644. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of The University Of Texas Pan American earn a median of $37,728 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Texas Pan American admits about 94% of applicants.

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6

California State University Long Beach ranked #6 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, compared with $19,974 for out-of-state students. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $15,000 in student loans. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of California State University Long Beach earn a median of $47,500 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $15,000 median debt. Roughly 46% of applicants are accepted.

7

Florida Atlantic University earned the #7 position for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Set in the city of Boca Raton, Florida Atlantic University is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,879, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. Students borrow a median of $18,753 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $48,274. That is a strong return on a $18,753 median debt. Roughly 66% of applicants are accepted.

8

New Mexico State University Main Campus earned the #8 position for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Located in the suburb of Las Cruces, New Mexico State University Main Campus is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $8,183 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $25,307. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $14,034 in student loans. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from New Mexico State University Main Campus generally make around $47,420. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 89%.

9

University Of South Florida Main Campus ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Set in the city of Tampa, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,410, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $21,829 in student loans. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $59,681. That is a strong return on a $21,829 median debt. Roughly 43% of applicants are accepted.

10

Florida International University landed the #10 spot for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting value this year. Florida International University is a very large public school located in the suburb of Miami. In-state tuition and fees average $6,565, compared with $18,964 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $18,623 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $50,277. That is a strong return on a $18,623 median debt. Florida International University admits about 55% of applicants.

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11

American Public University System placed #11 among the best values for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Set in the town of Charles Town, American Public University System is a very large private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,400. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $22,266. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from American Public University System generally make around $73,333. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

12

Fayetteville State University earned the #12 position for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Fayetteville State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Fayetteville. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,353, with out-of-state students paying around $8,353. Students borrow a median of $25,060 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Fayetteville State University earn a median of $36,902 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,060 median debt. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted.

13
Florida State University crest
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL

Florida State University ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Located in the city of Tallahassee, Florida State University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,517, with out-of-state students paying around $21,683. Students borrow a median of $21,098 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Florida State University earn a median of $57,618 early in their careers. Set against $21,098 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 24% of applicants are accepted.

14

University Of North Florida ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. University Of North Florida is a large public school located in the city of Jacksonville. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,964, while out-of-state students pay about $19,407. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $19,375. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from University Of North Florida generally make around $52,216. That is a strong return on a $19,375 median debt. University Of North Florida admits about 53% of applicants.

15

University Of Central Florida ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Located in the suburb of Orlando, University Of Central Florida is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $6,368, with out-of-state students paying around $22,467. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $21,731 in student loans. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $45,983. That is a strong return on a $21,731 median debt. Roughly 40% of applicants are accepted.

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16

University Of Alaska Fairbanks came in at #16 for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Set in the city of Fairbanks, University Of Alaska Fairbanks is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,083, with out-of-state students paying around $25,892. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $24,056 in student loans. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from University Of Alaska Fairbanks generally make around $34,617. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

17

Weber State University came in at #17 for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Weber State University is a very large public school located in the city of Ogden. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,557, while out-of-state students pay about $17,545. Students borrow a median of $19,828 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $43,281. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

18
Marshall University crest
Marshall University
Huntington, WV

Marshall University landed the #18 spot for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting value this year. Located in the city of Huntington, Marshall University is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $9,162 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $20,342. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $25,873 in student loans. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Marshall University earn a median of $40,451 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,873 median debt. Marshall University admits about 96% of applicants.

19

East Central University landed the #19 spot for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting value this year. Located in the town of Ada, East Central University is a mid-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,032, while out-of-state students pay about $17,842. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $21,553 in student loans. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of East Central University earn a median of $41,437 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $21,553 median debt. Roughly 58% of applicants are accepted.

20

Eastern Kentucky University earned the #20 position for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Eastern Kentucky University is a large public school located in the town of Richmond. Students from in state pay about $10,320 in tuition and fees, compared with $21,230 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,325 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $42,047. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 78%.

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21

University Of Illinois At Chicago landed the #21 spot for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting value this year. University Of Illinois At Chicago is a very large public school located in the city of Chicago. In-state tuition and fees average $15,949, compared with $32,009 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $15,875. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $34,551. Set against $15,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted.

22
Governors State University crest
Governors State University
University Park, IL

Governors State University earned the #22 position 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. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Governors State University admits about 48% of applicants.

23

Monroe College Main Campus earned the #23 position for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Set in the city of Bronx, Monroe College Main Campus is a large private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $18,464. Students borrow a median of $20,975 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Monroe College Main Campus earn a median of $58,544 early in their careers. Set against $20,975 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 68%.

24

The University Of Tennessee Martin came in at #24 for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Set in the town of Martin, The University Of Tennessee Martin is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,560, compared with $16,600 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,671 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $32,167. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%.

25

Western Illinois University placed #25 among the best values for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Western Illinois University is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Macomb. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,572. Students borrow a median of $25,699 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Western Illinois University generally make around $49,011. That is a strong return on a $25,699 median debt. The acceptance rate is 71%.

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
27
Universidad Del Este crest
Universidad Del Este
Carolina, PR
28
29
30
31
32
Lamar University crest
Lamar University
Beaumont, TX
33
34
Kean University crest
Kean University
Union, NJ
35
36
37
38
39
40
Ferris State University crest
Ferris State University
Big Rapids, MI
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50

Other Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting Degree Levels

Looking for a different degree level? Compare best-value Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting rankings across degree levels:

All Degree Levels in Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting
Associate's Degrees in Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting
Bachelor's Degrees in Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting
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View All Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting Rankings >

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Notes and References

This list is compiled 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 · 2070 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 155 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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