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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 Massachusetts

28 Colleges in the United States
$19,952 Avg Student Debt
$55,110 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 best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.

For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 51 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 Massachusetts

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

Middlesex Community College Bedford tops our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools in Massachusetts. Located in the suburb of Bedford, Middlesex Community College Bedford is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,098, while out-of-state students pay about $12,170. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $10,950. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Middlesex Community College Bedford earn a median of $41,796 early in their careers. Set against $10,950 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

2

Bunker Hill Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting, landing the #2 spot this year. Bunker Hill Community College is a large public school located in the city of Boston. In-state tuition and fees average $6,168, with out-of-state students paying around $11,112. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $5,500 in student loans. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Bunker Hill Community College generally make around $47,573. Set against $5,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

3

Students looking for strong value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting will find it at Northern Essex Community College, which ranked #3. Set in the suburb of Haverhill, Northern Essex Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,732, while out-of-state students pay about $12,516. Students borrow a median of $7,432 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Northern Essex Community College generally make around $39,426. That is a strong return on a $7,432 median debt.

4

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Holyoke Community College earned it the #4 place for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Holyoke Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the rural area of Holyoke. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,988, compared with $10,932 for out-of-state students. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $5,658 in student loans. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Holyoke Community College generally make around $37,533. That is a strong return on a $5,658 median debt.

5

A rank of #5 makes Bristol Community College one of the best values for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Located in the suburb of Fall River, Bristol Community College is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,832, while out-of-state students pay about $10,776. Students borrow a median of $6,700 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Bristol Community College generally make around $36,706. That is a strong return on a $6,700 median debt.

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6

Massachusetts Bay Community College ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Set in the suburb of Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts Bay Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,856 in tuition and fees, compared with $10,800 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $6,333 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Massachusetts Bay Community College generally make around $45,144. That is a strong return on a $6,333 median debt.

7

North Shore Community College placed #7 among the best values for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Located in the suburb of Danvers, North Shore Community College is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,352, with out-of-state students paying around $10,920. Students borrow a median of $9,705 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $40,762. Set against $9,705 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

8

Massasoit Community College placed #8 among the best values for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Set in the suburb of Brockton, Massasoit Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,376, compared with $10,320 for out-of-state students. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $10,875 in student loans. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Massasoit Community College earn a median of $36,927 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $10,875 median debt.

9

Quinsigamond Community College ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Quinsigamond Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Worcester. Students from in state pay about $6,262 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $11,206. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $16,768. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $40,039. Set against $16,768 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

10

Springfield Technical Community College ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Springfield Technical Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Springfield. Students from in state pay about $5,904 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $11,112. Students borrow a median of $7,500 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Springfield Technical Community College generally make around $37,044. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

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Roxbury Community College crest
Roxbury Community College
Roxbury Crossing, MA

Roxbury Community College landed the #11 spot for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting value this year. Located in the city of Roxbury Crossing, Roxbury Community College is a mid-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $5,785 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $11,088. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $11,665 in student loans. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Roxbury Community College generally make around $46,124. That is a strong return on a $11,665 median debt.

12

Worcester State University landed the #12 spot for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting value this year. Worcester State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Worcester. In-state tuition and fees average $11,786, compared with $17,866 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $24,953. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Worcester State University generally make around $41,132. That is a strong return on a $24,953 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted.

13

Fitchburg State University earned the #13 position for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Located in the suburb of Fitchburg, Fitchburg State University is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,346, compared with $17,426 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $26,000. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $43,418. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted.

14

Mount Wachusett Community College ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Mount Wachusett Community College is a mid-sized public school located in the suburb of Gardner. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,160, compared with $11,080 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $13,753. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $27,226. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

15
Cape Cod Community College crest
Cape Cod Community College
West Barnstable, MA

Cape Cod Community College placed #15 among the best values for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Located in the city of West Barnstable, Cape Cod Community College is a mid-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $6,000, while out-of-state students pay about $10,944. Students borrow a median of $14,669 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Cape Cod Community College generally make around $47,939. Set against $14,669 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

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Quincy College crest
Quincy College
Quincy, MA

Quincy College landed the #16 spot for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting value this year. Located in the suburb of Quincy, Quincy College is a mid-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $8,938 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $15,600. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,506. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

17

Bridgewater State University placed #17 among the best values for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Set in the suburb of Bridgewater, Bridgewater State University is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,734, while out-of-state students pay about $17,874. Students borrow a median of $26,696 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Bridgewater State University earn a median of $50,327 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,696 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%.

18

University Of Massachusetts Boston placed #18 among the best values for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Located in the city of Boston, University Of Massachusetts Boston is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $15,898 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $38,115. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $27,000. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of University Of Massachusetts Boston earn a median of $42,325 early in their careers. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Massachusetts Boston admits about 84% of applicants.

19

Westfield State University placed #19 among the best values for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Located in the suburb of Westfield, Westfield State University is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $12,179 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,259 for out-of-state students. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $24,422 in student loans. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $42,228. Set against $24,422 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 81%.

20

Salem State University earned the #20 position for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Salem State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Salem. In-state tuition and fees average $12,338, compared with $19,531 for out-of-state students. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $26,220 in student loans. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $51,953. Set against $26,220 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 96%.

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University Of Massachusetts Lowell placed #21 among the best values for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Set in the suburb of Lowell, University Of Massachusetts Lowell is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $16,966, compared with $36,264 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,822 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of University Of Massachusetts Lowell earn a median of $61,649 early in their careers. Set against $24,822 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 83%.

22

University Of Massachusetts Amherst earned the #22 position for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Located in the city of Amherst, University Of Massachusetts Amherst is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,772, compared with $40,449 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,234 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of University Of Massachusetts Amherst earn a median of $53,543 early in their careers. Set against $25,234 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted.

23
Lasell College crest
Lasell College
Newton, MA

Lasell College came in at #23 for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Located in the city of Newton, Lasell College is a small private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $27,040 in tuition and fees. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $26,808 in student loans. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $49,793. Set against $26,808 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted.

24
Boston University crest
Boston University
Boston, MA

Boston University ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Boston University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Boston. Students from in state pay about $68,102 in tuition and fees. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $25,232 in student loans. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Boston University generally make around $63,800. Set against $25,232 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Boston University admits about 11% of applicants.

25

Massachusetts Maritime Academy earned the #25 position for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Located in the suburb of Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts Maritime Academy is a small public university. In-state tuition and fees average $11,420, compared with $23,722 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Massachusetts Maritime Academy earn a median of $70,995 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Massachusetts Maritime Academy admits about 95% of applicants.

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

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

26
Fisher College crest
Fisher College
Boston, MA
27
28
Springfield College crest
Springfield College
Springfield, MA
29
30
Curry College crest
Curry College
Milton, MA
31
32
Nichols College crest
Nichols College
Dudley, MA
33
Dean College crest
Dean College
Franklin, MA
34
35
36
Merrimack College crest
Merrimack College
North Andover, MA
37
Endicott College crest
Endicott College
Beverly, MA

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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 · 51 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 28 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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