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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 Florida

30 Colleges in the United States
$18,211 Avg Student Debt
$44,897 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. 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 85 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 Florida

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
St Petersburg College crest
St Petersburg College
St. Petersburg, FL

For return on investment in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting, no school beat St Petersburg College this year. Set in the city of St. Petersburg, St Petersburg College is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,682, compared with $9,286 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $13,710 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from St Petersburg College generally make around $55,704. That is a strong return on a $13,710 median debt.

2

University Of Florida Online is a great value for students pursuing a degree in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the city of Gainesville, University Of Florida Online is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,876 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $16,579. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $12,296 in student loans. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from University Of Florida Online generally make around $86,740. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 61% of applicants are accepted.

3

Florida State College At Jacksonville is a great value for students pursuing a degree in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the city of Jacksonville, Florida State College At Jacksonville is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $2,657, compared with $9,631 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,811 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Florida State College At Jacksonville earn a median of $59,415 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

4

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Seminole State College Of Florida earned it the #4 place for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Located in the city of Sanford, Seminole State College Of Florida is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $3,122 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $11,447. Students borrow a median of $12,942 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Seminole State College Of Florida earn a median of $36,589 early in their careers. Set against $12,942 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

5
Chipola College crest
Chipola College
Marianna, FL

A rank of #5 makes Chipola College one of the best values for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Located in the town of Marianna, Chipola College is a mid-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $3,120, compared with $8,950 for out-of-state students. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $8,847 in student loans. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $38,366. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

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6
University Of Florida crest
University Of Florida
Gainesville, FL

University Of Florida ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Set in the city of Gainesville, University Of Florida is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,381, compared with $28,659 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $12,296. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of University Of Florida earn a median of $86,740 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 24%.

7
Gulf Coast State College crest
Gulf Coast State College
Panama City, FL

Gulf Coast State College placed #7 among the best values for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Located in the city of Panama City, Gulf Coast State College is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,370, compared with $8,635 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $6,250. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Gulf Coast State College generally make around $45,648. That is a strong return on a $6,250 median debt.

8

Florida Gateway College earned the #8 position for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Located in the town of Lake City, Florida Gateway College is a mid-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $3,100 in tuition and fees, compared with $11,747 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $7,500. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Florida Gateway College generally make around $44,048. That is a strong return on a $7,500 median debt.

9

Hillsborough Community College placed #9 among the best values for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Located in the city of Tampa, Hillsborough Community College is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,491, while out-of-state students pay about $9,088. Students borrow a median of $15,692 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Hillsborough Community College generally make around $47,674. Set against $15,692 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

10

Indian River State College earned the #10 position for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Indian River State College is a very large public school located in the suburb of Fort Pierce. In-state tuition and fees average $2,764, compared with $10,201 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $8,838. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Indian River State College generally make around $51,590. That is a strong return on a $8,838 median debt.

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11

North Florida Community College landed the #11 spot for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting value this year. North Florida Community College is a small public school located in the rural area of Madison. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,994, with out-of-state students paying around $11,460. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $7,902 in student loans. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $46,266. Set against $7,902 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

12

South Florida State College came in at #12 for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. South Florida State College is a mid-sized public school located in the suburb of Avon Park. Students from in state pay about $3,165 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $11,859. Students borrow a median of $8,204 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $42,415. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

13

Northwest Florida State College placed #13 among the best values for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Northwest Florida State College is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Niceville. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,583, while out-of-state students pay about $10,612. Students borrow a median of $11,808 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $48,239. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

14

Pasco Hernando Community College placed #14 among the best values for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Set in the suburb of New Port Richey, Pasco Hernando Community College is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,155, while out-of-state students pay about $12,032. Students borrow a median of $14,908 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $53,856. That is a strong return on a $14,908 median debt.

15

Miami Dade College came in at #15 for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Located in the city of Miami, Miami Dade College is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,838, with out-of-state students paying around $9,661. Students borrow a median of $9,568 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $34,219. Set against $9,568 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

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16

Eastern Florida State College ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Located in the city of Melbourne, Eastern Florida State College is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,791, with out-of-state students paying around $10,976. Students borrow a median of $8,635 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Eastern Florida State College earn a median of $51,461 early in their careers. Set against $8,635 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

17

Florida Atlantic University came in at #17 for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Set in the city of Boca Raton, Florida Atlantic University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,879, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $18,753. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Florida Atlantic University generally make around $41,961. Set against $18,753 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 66% of applicants are accepted.

18
Daytona State College crest
Daytona State College
Daytona Beach, FL

Daytona State College came in at #18 for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Located in the city of Daytona Beach, Daytona State College is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,106, compared with $11,994 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $8,056. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Daytona State College generally make around $51,755. Set against $8,056 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

19

Saint Johns River State College earned the #19 position for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Set in the town of Palatka, Saint Johns River State College is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,591, with out-of-state students paying around $9,334. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $16,293 in student loans. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Saint Johns River State College earn a median of $47,807 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

20

The University Of West Florida earned the #20 position for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Located in the rural area of Pensacola, The University Of West Florida is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $5,776, compared with $18,658 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $21,776. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from The University Of West Florida generally make around $36,369. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of West Florida admits about 58% of applicants.

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21
Edison State College crest
Edison State College
Fort Myers, FL

Edison State College ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Set in the suburb of Fort Myers, Edison State College is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,401 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $12,979. Students borrow a median of $13,356 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $48,873. That is a strong return on a $13,356 median debt.

22

Florida International University came in at #22 for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Located in the suburb of Miami, Florida International University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,565, compared with $18,964 for out-of-state students. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $18,623 in student loans. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Florida International University generally make around $42,584. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted.

23
Polk State College crest
Polk State College
Winter Haven, FL

Polk State College landed the #23 spot for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting value this year. Located in the city of Winter Haven, Polk State College is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,694, with out-of-state students paying around $9,818. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $14,451. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $47,071. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

24

University Of South Florida Main Campus placed #24 among the best values for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. University Of South Florida Main Campus is a very large public school located in the city of Tampa. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,410, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. Students borrow a median of $21,829 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from University Of South Florida Main Campus generally make around $59,681. That is a strong return on a $21,829 median debt. The acceptance rate is 43%.

25

Tallahassee Community College earned the #25 position for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Located in the city of Tallahassee, Tallahassee Community College is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $2,026 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $8,062. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $26,862 in student loans. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Tallahassee Community College earn a median of $43,235 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,862 median debt.

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
Florida State University crest
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL
28
29
30
31
Valencia College crest
Valencia College
Orlando, FL
32
33
34
Santa Fe College crest
Santa Fe College
Gainesville, FL
35
36
37
38
39
40
Edward Waters College crest
Edward Waters College
Jacksonville, FL
41
42
43
Saint Leo University crest
Saint Leo University
Saint Leo, FL
44
First Coast Technical College crest
First Coast Technical College
Saint Augustine, FL
45
Bethune Cookman University crest
Bethune Cookman University
Daytona Beach, FL
46
Charlotte Technical College crest
Charlotte Technical College
Port Charlotte, FL
47
48
49
50
Broward College crest
Broward College
Fort Lauderdale, FL

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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 · 85 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 30 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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