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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 Middle Atlantic Region

141 Colleges in the United States
$21,167 Avg Student Debt
$53,415 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. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.

College Factual analyzed 289 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 Middle Atlantic Region

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

Our analysis ranked Cuny John Jay College Of Criminal Justice the best value for a degree in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting in the Middle Atlantic Region. Set in the city of New York, Cuny John Jay College Of Criminal Justice is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,470, compared with $15,420 for out-of-state students. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $11,503 in student loans. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Cuny John Jay College Of Criminal Justice earn a median of $50,224 early in their careers. Set against $11,503 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 57%.

2

Suffolk County Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting, landing the #2 spot this year. Suffolk County Community College is a very large public school located in the suburb of Selden. Students from in state pay about $6,630 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $12,460. Students borrow a median of $7,625 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Suffolk County Community College earn a median of $31,617 early in their careers. Set against $7,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

3

Cuny Borough Of Manhattan Community College came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Cuny Borough Of Manhattan Community College is a very large public school located in the city of New York. In-state tuition and fees average $5,170, while out-of-state students pay about $8,050. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $6,500 in student loans. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Cuny Borough Of Manhattan Community College generally make around $25,302. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

4

Frederick Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the city of Frederick, Frederick Community College is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $3,849 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $10,042. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $10,778 in student loans. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $43,733. That is a strong return on a $10,778 median debt.

5
Nassau Community College crest
Nassau Community College
Garden City, NY

A rank of #5 makes Nassau Community College one of the best values for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Set in the suburb of Garden City, Nassau Community College is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,330, with out-of-state students paying around $12,130. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $10,750. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Nassau Community College generally make around $29,837. Set against $10,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

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6

Raritan Valley Community College landed the #6 spot for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting value this year. Located in the rural area of Branchburg, Raritan Valley Community College is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,664, while out-of-state students pay about $7,584. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $5,500. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Raritan Valley Community College generally make around $47,248. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

7

Cuny Bronx Community College earned the #7 position for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Cuny Bronx Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Bronx. In-state tuition and fees average $5,206, with out-of-state students paying around $8,086. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $6,021 in student loans. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Cuny Bronx Community College earn a median of $28,940 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $6,021 median debt.

8

Cuny Kingsborough Community College earned the #8 position for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Set in the city of Brooklyn, Cuny Kingsborough Community College is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,252, compared with $8,132 for out-of-state students. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $6,167 in student loans. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $29,606. That is a strong return on a $6,167 median debt.

9

Essex County College came in at #9 for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Essex County College is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Newark. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,415, compared with $9,523 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $12,472 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Essex County College earn a median of $31,908 early in their careers. Set against $12,472 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

10

Middlesex County College ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Set in the suburb of Edison, Middlesex County College is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,764, while out-of-state students pay about $7,356. Students borrow a median of $8,119 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Middlesex County College generally make around $32,712. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

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Camden County College crest
Camden County College
Blackwood, NJ

Camden County College placed #11 among the best values for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Set in the suburb of Blackwood, Camden County College is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,320, while out-of-state students pay about $4,416. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $13,322 in student loans. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Camden County College generally make around $43,451. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

12

Cuny Queensborough Community College ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Cuny Queensborough Community College is a large public school located in the city of Bayside. In-state tuition and fees average $5,210, compared with $8,090 for out-of-state students. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $8,884 in student loans. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Cuny Queensborough Community College earn a median of $26,907 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $8,884 median debt.

13
Cuny Laguardia Community College crest
Cuny Laguardia Community College
Long Island City, NY

Cuny Laguardia Community College came in at #13 for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Set in the city of Long Island City, Cuny Laguardia Community College is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,218, with out-of-state students paying around $8,098. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $6,750. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Cuny Laguardia Community College earn a median of $25,515 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

14

Ulster County Community College landed the #14 spot for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting value this year. Ulster County Community College is a mid-sized public school located in the rural area of Stone Ridge. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,666, with out-of-state students paying around $12,146. Students borrow a median of $13,206 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Ulster County Community College generally make around $51,069. Set against $13,206 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

15

Erie Community College came in at #15 for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Set in the city of Buffalo, Erie Community College is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,100, compared with $11,300 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $12,938 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $51,676. Set against $12,938 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

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16

Cuny Hostos Community College ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Set in the city of Bronx, Cuny Hostos Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,254, while out-of-state students pay about $8,134. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $6,256 in student loans. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Cuny Hostos Community College generally make around $28,343. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

17

The Community College Of Baltimore County ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. The Community College Of Baltimore County is a very large public school located in the suburb of Baltimore. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,110, with out-of-state students paying around $10,182. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $14,611. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from The Community College Of Baltimore County generally make around $70,610. Set against $14,611 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

18
Burlington County College crest
Burlington County College
Mount Laurel, NJ

Burlington County College landed the #18 spot for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting value this year. Burlington County College is a large public school located in the suburb of Mount Laurel. In-state tuition and fees average $6,990, with out-of-state students paying around $9,495. Students borrow a median of $10,000 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Burlington County College generally make around $27,775. That is a strong return on a $10,000 median debt.

19

Carroll Community College came in at #19 for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Located in the town of Westminster, Carroll Community College is a mid-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $4,308 in tuition and fees, compared with $10,158 for out-of-state students. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $17,398 in student loans. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Carroll Community College earn a median of $49,058 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $17,398 median debt.

20

Hudson Valley Community College placed #20 among the best values for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Set in the city of Troy, Hudson Valley Community College is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,796, compared with $11,852 for out-of-state students. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $10,700 in student loans. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Hudson Valley Community College generally make around $30,093. That is a strong return on a $10,700 median debt.

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21

Mercer County Community College placed #21 among the best values for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Mercer County Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the rural area of West Windsor. In-state tuition and fees average $5,310, compared with $9,174 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $12,250 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $45,389. That is a strong return on a $12,250 median debt.

22

Monroe Community College landed the #22 spot for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting value this year. Located in the suburb of Rochester, Monroe Community College is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,006, compared with $11,056 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $13,750 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $56,846. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

23

Bucks County Community College placed #23 among the best values for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Located in the rural area of Newtown, Bucks County Community College is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,646, compared with $13,926 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $10,169 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Bucks County Community College generally make around $28,719. That is a strong return on a $10,169 median debt.

24

Cumberland County College placed #24 among the best values for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Cumberland County College is a mid-sized public school located in the city of Vineland. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,160, while out-of-state students pay about $6,000. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $11,931. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Cumberland County College earn a median of $33,568 early in their careers. Set against $11,931 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

25

Butler County Community College earned the #25 position for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Set in the town of Butler, Butler County Community College is a mid-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,910, while out-of-state students pay about $12,000. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $10,836 in student loans. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Butler County Community College generally make around $41,492. 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

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

26
27
Union County College crest
Union County College
Cranford, NJ
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
Dutchess Community College crest
Dutchess Community College
Poughkeepsie, NY
48
49
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 · 289 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 141 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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