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2026 Best Value Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting Schools in New Jersey

29 Colleges in the United States
$17,931 Avg Student Debt
$52,138 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.

For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 44 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 New Jersey

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 Essex County College the best value for a degree in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting in New Jersey. Set in the city of Newark, Essex County College is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,415, compared with $9,523 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $12,472. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Essex County College generally make around $31,908. Set against $12,472 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

2
Camden County College crest
Camden County College
Blackwood, NJ

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Camden County College earned it the #2 place for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Camden County College is a large public school located in the suburb of Blackwood. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,320, while out-of-state students pay about $4,416. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $13,322. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Camden County College generally make around $43,451. Set against $13,322 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

3

Middlesex County College came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Located in the suburb of Edison, Middlesex County College is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $4,764, compared with $7,356 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $8,119. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $32,712. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

4

Raritan Valley 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 rural area of Branchburg, Raritan Valley Community College is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $5,664, compared with $7,584 for out-of-state students. 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. Set against $5,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

5

Students looking for strong value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting will find it at Mercer County Community College, which ranked #5. Located in the rural area of West Windsor, Mercer County Community College is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $5,310, with out-of-state students paying around $9,174. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $12,250. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Mercer County Community College earn a median of $45,389 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

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6
Burlington County College crest
Burlington County College
Mount Laurel, NJ

Burlington County College earned the #6 position for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Set in the suburb of Mount Laurel, Burlington County College is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,990 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $9,495. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $10,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Burlington County College generally make around $27,775. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

7

Warren County Community College ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Located in the rural area of Washington, Warren County Community College is a mid-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,460, compared with $6,360 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $8,875 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Warren County Community College generally make around $22,140. Set against $8,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

8

Hudson County Community College landed the #8 spot for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting value this year. Located in the city of Jersey City, Hudson County Community College is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $5,384 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $9,248. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $10,671. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $20,232. Set against $10,671 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

9

Cumberland County College ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Cumberland County College is a mid-sized public school located in the city of Vineland. Students from in state pay about $5,160 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $6,000. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $11,931. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $33,568. Set against $11,931 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

10
Union County College crest
Union County College
Cranford, NJ

Union County College came in at #10 for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Located in the suburb of Cranford, Union County College is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,280, while out-of-state students pay about $9,500. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $11,343 in student loans. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Union County College generally make around $30,629. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

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11

Sussex County Community College came in at #11 for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Located in the rural area of Newton, Sussex County Community College is a mid-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $5,544 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $9,024. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $9,875 in student loans. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Sussex County Community College earn a median of $32,079 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $9,875 median debt.

12

Brookdale Community College came in at #12 for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Brookdale Community College is a large public school located in the suburb of Lincroft. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,270, compared with $10,140 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $9,721. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Brookdale Community College generally make around $30,595. That is a strong return on a $9,721 median debt.

13

Passaic County Community College landed the #13 spot for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting value this year. Set in the suburb of Paterson, Passaic County Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,300, while out-of-state students pay about $10,560. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $10,625 in student loans. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Passaic County Community College generally make around $23,559. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

14

County College Of Morris came in at #14 for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Located in the suburb of Randolph, County College Of Morris is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $6,210 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $14,310. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $9,040 in student loans. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from County College Of Morris generally make around $23,024. That is a strong return on a $9,040 median debt.

15

Atlantic Cape Community College earned the #15 position for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Located in the rural area of Mays Landing, Atlantic Cape Community College is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,594, with out-of-state students paying around $8,350. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $12,002 in student loans. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $37,141. Set against $12,002 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

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Ocean County College crest
Ocean County College
Toms River, NJ

Ocean County College earned the #16 position for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Located in the suburb of Toms River, Ocean County College is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $4,906, while out-of-state students pay about $6,970. Students borrow a median of $11,000 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $27,321. That is a strong return on a $11,000 median debt.

17
Kean University crest
Kean University
Union, NJ

Kean University ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Located in the suburb of Union, Kean University is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $14,299 in tuition and fees, compared with $22,446 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,993 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Kean University generally make around $39,408. That is a strong return on a $25,993 median debt. Kean University admits about 76% of applicants.

18

New Jersey City University came in at #18 for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Located in the city of Jersey City, New Jersey City University is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $14,460 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $21,584 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from New Jersey City University generally make around $39,745. That is a strong return on a $21,584 median debt. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted.

19

Gloucester County College earned the #19 position for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Set in the suburb of Sewell, Gloucester County College is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,160, with out-of-state students paying around $6,000. Students borrow a median of $11,931 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Gloucester County College generally make around $33,568. Set against $11,931 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

20
Saint Peters College crest
Saint Peters College
Jersey City, NJ

Saint Peters College placed #20 among the best values for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Set in the city of Jersey City, Saint Peters College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $42,552. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $23,500. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Saint Peters College earn a median of $28,558 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%.

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21

Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus earned the #21 position for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Set in the suburb of Teaneck, Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $37,010. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $24,672 in student loans. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus generally make around $39,055. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 91%.

22

William Paterson University Of New Jersey earned the #22 position for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Set in the suburb of Wayne, William Paterson University Of New Jersey is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,704, with out-of-state students paying around $25,344. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $35,864. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. William Paterson University Of New Jersey admits about 90% of applicants.

23

College Of Saint Elizabeth ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Set in the suburb of Morristown, College Of Saint Elizabeth is a small private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $36,740. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $25,496. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of College Of Saint Elizabeth earn a median of $76,861 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,496 median debt. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted.

24

Rutgers University Camden came in at #24 for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Set in the city of Camden, Rutgers University Camden is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,764, compared with $37,276 for out-of-state students. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $22,431 in student loans. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $45,182. That is a strong return on a $22,431 median debt. Roughly 66% of applicants are accepted.

25

Rutgers University Newark came in at #25 for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Rutgers University Newark is a large public school located in the city of Newark. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,250, compared with $36,762 for out-of-state students. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $22,431 in student loans. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Rutgers University Newark generally make around $45,182. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted.

Rest of the Top 37 Best Value Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting Schools

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

26
Centenary College crest
Centenary College
Hackettstown, NJ
27
28
29
30
Rowan University crest
Rowan University
Glassboro, NJ
31
Caldwell College crest
Caldwell College
Caldwell, NJ
32
33
34
Rider University crest
Rider University
Lawrenceville, NJ
35
Seton Hall University crest
Seton Hall University
South Orange, NJ
36
Monmouth University crest
Monmouth University
West Long Branch, NJ
37

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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 · 44 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 29 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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