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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 Pennsylvania

36 Colleges in the United States
$24,547 Avg Student Debt
$54,651 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. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.

For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 103 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 Pennsylvania

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

For return on investment in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting, no school beat Bucks County Community College this year. Located in the rural area of Newtown, Bucks County Community College is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $5,646, compared with $13,926 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $10,169. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Bucks County Community College earn a median of $28,719 early in their careers. Set against $10,169 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

2

Students looking for strong value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting will find it at Montgomery County Community College, which ranked #2. Located in the suburb of Blue Bell, Montgomery County Community College is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,690, while out-of-state students pay about $17,250. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $16,112 in student loans. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Montgomery County Community College generally make around $58,964. That is a strong return on a $16,112 median debt.

3

Delaware County Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting, landing the #3 spot this year. Delaware County Community College is a large public school located in the suburb of Media. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,930, with out-of-state students paying around $15,540. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $14,163 in student loans. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $57,464. That is a strong return on a $14,163 median debt.

4

Butler County Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting, landing the #4 spot this year. Butler County Community College is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Butler. In-state tuition and fees average $5,910, while out-of-state students pay about $12,000. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $10,836. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $41,492. Set against $10,836 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

5

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Lehigh Carbon Community College earned it the #5 place for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Set in the rural area of Schnecksville, Lehigh Carbon Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,280, compared with $13,270 for out-of-state students. 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 $33,360. Set against $11,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

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6

Community College Of Allegheny County ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Located in the city of Pittsburgh, Community College Of Allegheny County is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,956, with out-of-state students paying around $12,583. Students borrow a median of $12,004 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $32,921. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

7

Northampton County Area Community College earned the #7 position for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Set in the suburb of Bethlehem, Northampton County Area Community College is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,550, while out-of-state students pay about $15,270. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $17,449 in student loans. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Northampton County Area Community College generally make around $31,430. Set against $17,449 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

8

Westmoreland County Community College ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Westmoreland County Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Youngwood. In-state tuition and fees average $6,306, while out-of-state students pay about $14,728. Students borrow a median of $11,000 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Median earnings reach $37,439 ten years out. Set against $11,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

9

Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg landed the #9 spot for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting value this year. Located in the city of Harrisburg, Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $6,975, with out-of-state students paying around $12,472. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $15,750. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg generally make around $37,916. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

10

Reading Area Community College landed the #10 spot for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting value this year. Set in the city of Reading, Reading Area Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,480 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $12,510. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $13,979 in student loans. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $49,248. Set against $13,979 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

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11

Community College Of Philadelphia ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Community College Of Philadelphia is a large public school located in the city of Philadelphia. In-state tuition and fees average $4,632, while out-of-state students pay about $12,744. Students borrow a median of $14,250 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Community College Of Philadelphia earn a median of $34,224 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $14,250 median debt.

12

East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania landed the #12 spot for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting value this year. Located in the town of East Stroudsburg, East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,236, while out-of-state students pay about $19,202. Students borrow a median of $26,888 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania earn a median of $35,206 early in their careers. Set against $26,888 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania admits about 92% of applicants.

13
Holy Family University crest
Holy Family University
Philadelphia, PA

Holy Family University ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Located in the city of Philadelphia, Holy Family University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $35,330. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $33,496. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted.

14

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College came in at #14 for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Set in the rural area of Johnstown, Pennsylvania Highlands Community College is a mid-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,110, with out-of-state students paying around $13,350. Students borrow a median of $11,315 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Pennsylvania Highlands Community College earn a median of $31,499 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

15

Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus earned the #15 position for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Located in the town of Indiana, Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $11,380 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $16,297. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $26,513. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus earn a median of $42,972 early in their careers. Set against $26,513 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus admits about 91% of applicants.

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16

Pennsylvania State University Penn State Abington placed #16 among the best values for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Located in the suburb of Abington, Pennsylvania State University Penn State Abington is a mid-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $15,268, compared with $25,664 for out-of-state students. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,435. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted.

17

Commonwealth University Of Pennsylvania ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Set in the town of Bloomsburg, Commonwealth University Of Pennsylvania is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,046, with out-of-state students paying around $22,870. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,416. The acceptance rate is 93%.

18
Lincoln University Of Pennsylvania crest
Lincoln University Of Pennsylvania
Lincoln University, PA

Lincoln University Of Pennsylvania ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Lincoln University Of Pennsylvania is a small public school located in the suburb of Lincoln University. Students from in state pay about $12,512 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,384. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $35,000 in student loans. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Lincoln University Of Pennsylvania earn a median of $28,847 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $35,000 median debt. Lincoln University Of Pennsylvania admits about 66% of applicants.

19

University Of Pittsburgh Bradford earned the #19 position for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. University Of Pittsburgh Bradford is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Bradford. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,770, while out-of-state students pay about $26,644. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from University Of Pittsburgh Bradford generally make around $36,959. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%.

20

University Of Pittsburgh Greensburg ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Set in the suburb of Greensburg, University Of Pittsburgh Greensburg is a small public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,710, compared with $26,584 for out-of-state students. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from University Of Pittsburgh Greensburg generally make around $36,959. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted.

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21

Pennsylvania Western University earned the #21 position for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Pennsylvania Western University is a large public school located in the town of California. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,436, compared with $16,054 for out-of-state students. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,295 ten years after entry. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted.

22

University Of Pittsburgh Johnstown earned the #22 position for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Located in the suburb of Johnstown, University Of Pittsburgh Johnstown is a mid-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $14,906 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $26,780. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $27,000. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from University Of Pittsburgh Johnstown generally make around $36,959. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Pittsburgh Johnstown admits about 95% of applicants.

23

York College Pennsylvania came in at #23 for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Set in the suburb of York, York College Pennsylvania is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $25,588. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of York College Pennsylvania earn a median of $42,175 early in their careers. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 74%.

24

Pennsylvania State University World Campus earned the #24 position for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Pennsylvania State University World Campus is a large public school located in the city of University Park. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,356. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,435. Pennsylvania State University World Campus admits about 91% of applicants.

25

Central Pennsylvania College ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Set in the suburb of Summerdale, Central Pennsylvania College is a small private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $19,854. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $47,319. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Central Pennsylvania College earn a median of $40,145 early in their careers. Set against $47,319 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 18% of applicants are accepted.

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
Rosemont College crest
Rosemont College
Rosemont, PA
29
30
31
32
33
La Salle University crest
La Salle University
Philadelphia, PA
34
Seton Hill University crest
Seton Hill University
Greensburg, PA
35
La Roche College crest
La Roche College
Pittsburgh, PA
36
37
38
39
40
Keystone College crest
Keystone College
La Plume, PA
41
Kings College crest
Kings College
Wilkes-Barre, PA
42
43
44
45
Robert Morris University crest
Robert Morris University
Moon Township, PA
46
Lackawanna College crest
Lackawanna College
Scranton, PA
47
Point Park University crest
Point Park University
Pittsburgh, PA
48
Waynesburg University crest
Waynesburg University
Waynesburg, PA
49
Gwynedd Mercy College crest
Gwynedd Mercy College
Gwynedd Valley, PA
50

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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 · 103 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 36 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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