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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 New York

56 Colleges in the United States
$19,085 Avg Student Debt
$51,694 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 schools below stand out for delivering a strong homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting education at a price that pays off.

To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 95 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes 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 York

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

Leading the list is Cuny John Jay College Of Criminal Justice, our #1 best value for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting in New York. 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, 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 $50,224 early in their careers. Set against $11,503 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 57% of applicants are accepted.

2

Suffolk County Community College came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Located in the suburb of Selden, Suffolk County Community College is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,630, compared with $12,460 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $7,625. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $31,617. That is a strong return on a $7,625 median debt.

3

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Cuny Borough Of Manhattan Community College earned it the #3 place for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Set in the city of New York, Cuny Borough Of Manhattan Community College is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,170 in tuition and fees, compared with $8,050 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $6,500 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $25,302. Set against $6,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

4

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Cuny Bronx Community College earned it the #4 place for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Located in the city of Bronx, Cuny Bronx Community College is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $5,206, compared with $8,086 for out-of-state students. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $6,021 in student loans. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Cuny Bronx Community College generally make around $28,940. Set against $6,021 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

5

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Cuny Queensborough Community College earned it the #5 place for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Located in the city of Bayside, Cuny Queensborough Community College is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $5,210, while out-of-state students pay about $8,090. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $8,884. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Cuny Queensborough Community College earn a median of $26,907 early in their careers. Set against $8,884 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

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Nassau Community College crest
Nassau Community College
Garden City, NY

Nassau Community College earned the #6 position for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Set in the suburb of Garden City, Nassau Community College is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,330 in tuition and fees, compared with $12,130 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $10,750. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Nassau Community College earn a median of $29,837 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $10,750 median debt.

7

Cuny Kingsborough Community College ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Located in the city of Brooklyn, Cuny Kingsborough Community College is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,252, compared with $8,132 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $6,167 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Cuny Kingsborough Community College generally make around $29,606. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

8

Ulster County Community College landed the #8 spot for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting value this year. Set in the rural area of Stone Ridge, Ulster County Community College is a mid-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,666 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $12,146. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $13,206 in student loans. 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.

9
Cuny Laguardia Community College crest
Cuny Laguardia Community College
Long Island City, NY

Cuny Laguardia Community College placed #9 among the best values for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Located in the city of Long Island City, Cuny Laguardia Community College is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,218, with out-of-state students paying around $8,098. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $6,750. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Cuny Laguardia Community College generally make around $25,515. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

10

Cuny Hostos Community College landed the #10 spot for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting value this year. Located in the city of Bronx, Cuny Hostos Community College is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $5,254 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $8,134. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $6,256. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Cuny Hostos Community College earn a median of $28,343 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

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Erie Community College came in at #11 for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Erie Community College is a large public school located in the city of Buffalo. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,100, with out-of-state students paying around $11,300. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $12,938 in student loans. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Erie Community College earn a median of $51,676 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $12,938 median debt.

12

Hudson Valley Community College came in at #12 for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Located in the city of Troy, Hudson Valley Community College is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,796, with out-of-state students paying around $11,852. 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. Set against $10,700 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

13

Monroe Community College came in at #13 for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting 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, with out-of-state students paying around $11,056. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $13,750 in student loans. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Monroe Community College generally make around $56,846. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

14

Schenectady County Community College came in at #14 for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Schenectady County Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Schenectady. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,190, with out-of-state students paying around $8,974. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,902.

15

Niagara County Community College came in at #15 for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Set in the rural area of Sanborn, Niagara County Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,894, with out-of-state students paying around $12,030. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $11,000 in student loans. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Niagara County Community College earn a median of $27,970 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

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Columbia Greene Community College placed #16 among the best values for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Located in the rural area of Hudson, Columbia Greene Community College is a mid-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,048, while out-of-state students pay about $11,448. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $19,168. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $34,411. Set against $19,168 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

17

Orange County Community College landed the #17 spot for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting value this year. Located in the suburb of Middletown, Orange County Community College is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $6,526, while out-of-state students pay about $12,334. Students borrow a median of $14,250 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Orange County Community College earn a median of $36,111 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $14,250 median debt.

18

Farmingdale State College earned the #18 position for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Set in the suburb of Farmingdale, Farmingdale State College is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,626, compared with $18,536 for out-of-state students. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $19,500 in student loans. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $34,267. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 63% of applicants are accepted.

19

Onondaga Community College ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Onondaga Community College is a large public school located in the suburb of Syracuse. In-state tuition and fees average $6,102, with out-of-state students paying around $11,392. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $11,000 in student loans. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $27,432. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

20

Genesee Community College came in at #20 for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Genesee Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Batavia. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,900, compared with $6,500 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $11,500 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $38,483. Set against $11,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

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21

Broome Community College came in at #21 for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Located in the suburb of Binghamton, Broome Community College is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,624, compared with $14,288 for out-of-state students. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $11,674 in student loans. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $40,721. Set against $11,674 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

22

Fulton Montgomery Community College placed #22 among the best values for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Set in the rural area of Johnstown, Fulton Montgomery Community College is a mid-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,198, while out-of-state students pay about $6,798. Students borrow a median of $13,300 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Fulton Montgomery Community College generally make around $31,935. That is a strong return on a $13,300 median debt.

23
Dutchess Community College crest
Dutchess Community College
Poughkeepsie, NY

Dutchess Community College ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Set in the suburb of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,670, compared with $10,670 for out-of-state students. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $11,515 in student loans. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Dutchess Community College generally make around $26,891. That is a strong return on a $11,515 median debt.

24

Rockland Community College landed the #24 spot for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting value this year. Located in the suburb of Suffern, Rockland Community College is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $6,862. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $10,510. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Rockland Community College generally make around $29,633. That is a strong return on a $10,510 median debt.

25

Mohawk Valley Community College landed the #25 spot for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting value this year. Located in the city of Utica, Mohawk Valley Community College is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,218, while out-of-state students pay about $8,851. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $12,500. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Mohawk Valley Community College earn a median of $36,754 early in their careers. 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

Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting:

26
27
28
29
30
31
32
Suny Empire State College crest
Suny Empire State College
Saratoga Springs, NY
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
Suny At Fredonia crest
Suny At Fredonia
Fredonia, NY
41
42
Mercy College crest
Mercy College
Dobbs Ferry, NY
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
Suny At Albany crest
Suny At Albany
Albany, NY

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Notes and References

This ranking is produced 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 · 95 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 56 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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