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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 the Southwest Region

83 Colleges in the United States
$18,333 Avg Student Debt
$44,975 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting Badge [Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting](/majors/protective-security-safety-services/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. 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 229 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 the Southwest Region

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

Pima Community College tops our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools in the Southwest Region. Pima Community College is a very large public school located in the city of Tucson. In-state tuition and fees average $2,442, while out-of-state students pay about $7,758. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $7,562. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Pima Community College generally make around $47,257. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

2

A rank of #2 makes Texas A And M University Central Texas one of the best values for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Texas A And M University Central Texas is a mid-sized public school located in the rural area of Killeen. Students from in state pay about $7,363 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,155. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $24,750. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Texas A And M University Central Texas generally make around $45,976. The acceptance rate is 100%.

3

A rank of #3 makes Texas A And M International University one of the best values for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Located in the city of Laredo, Texas A And M International University is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,894, while out-of-state students pay about $19,454. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $15,500. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $38,668. Set against $15,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 44% of applicants are accepted.

4
College Of The Mainland crest
College Of The Mainland
Texas City, TX

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at College Of The Mainland earned it the #4 place for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Located in the city of Texas City, College Of The Mainland is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $2,310, compared with $4,140 for out-of-state students. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $10,928 in student loans. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from College Of The Mainland generally make around $48,704. That is a strong return on a $10,928 median debt.

5
Del Mar College crest
Del Mar College
Corpus Christi, TX

A rank of #5 makes Del Mar College one of the best values for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Del Mar College is a large public school located in the city of Corpus Christi. In-state tuition and fees average $3,500, compared with $6,050 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $6,250 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $40,661. That is a strong return on a $6,250 median debt.

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6

Alvin Community College earned the #6 position for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Set in the suburb of Alvin, Alvin Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,906, with out-of-state students paying around $4,402. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $8,600. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Alvin Community College earn a median of $67,797 early in their careers. Set against $8,600 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

7

South Texas College came in at #7 for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Set in the city of McAllen, South Texas College is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,920, compared with $7,620 for out-of-state students. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $6,500 in student loans. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from South Texas College generally make around $37,432. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

8

Central New Mexico Community College placed #8 among the best values for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Set in the city of Albuquerque, Central New Mexico Community College is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,060 in tuition and fees, compared with $8,684 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $10,112. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Central New Mexico Community College earn a median of $35,865 early in their careers. Set against $10,112 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

9

El Paso Community College earned the #9 position for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Set in the city of El Paso, El Paso Community College is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,274, with out-of-state students paying around $5,314. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $6,084. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from El Paso Community College generally make around $25,846. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

10
El Centro College crest
El Centro College
Dallas, TX

El Centro College earned the #10 position for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Set in the city of Dallas, El Centro College is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,730, with out-of-state students paying around $6,900. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $13,727 in student loans. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of El Centro College earn a median of $36,386 early in their careers. Set against $13,727 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

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11

Lamar State College Orange came in at #11 for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Lamar State College Orange is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Orange. In-state tuition and fees average $2,832, compared with $13,824 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $18,506 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Lamar State College Orange generally make around $45,299. That is a strong return on a $18,506 median debt.

12
San Juan College crest
San Juan College
Farmington, NM

San Juan College ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Located in the rural area of Farmington, San Juan College is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,910, while out-of-state students pay about $5,393. Students borrow a median of $8,768 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of San Juan College earn a median of $49,243 early in their careers. Set against $8,768 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

13

Laredo Community College ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Located in the city of Laredo, Laredo Community College is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $3,300 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $5,748. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $6,000. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $48,194. That is a strong return on a $6,000 median debt.

14

Trinity Valley Community College landed the #14 spot for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting value this year. Located in the town of Athens, Trinity Valley Community College is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $2,640, with out-of-state students paying around $5,970. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $14,750. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Trinity Valley Community College generally make around $32,623. Set against $14,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

15

Wharton County Junior College placed #15 among the best values for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Wharton County Junior College is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Wharton. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,192, with out-of-state students paying around $5,904. Students borrow a median of $8,753 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $55,919. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

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16

Eastern New Mexico University Roswell Campus placed #16 among the best values for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Set in the town of Roswell, Eastern New Mexico University Roswell Campus is a mid-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,256 in tuition and fees, compared with $5,616 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $11,110. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $21,129. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

17
Grayson College crest
Grayson College
Denison, TX

Grayson College landed the #17 spot for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting value this year. Grayson College is a moderately-sized public school located in the rural area of Denison. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,000, with out-of-state students paying around $6,300. Students borrow a median of $11,627 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Grayson College generally make around $42,487. That is a strong return on a $11,627 median debt.

18

New Mexico State University Dona Ana came in at #18 for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. New Mexico State University Dona Ana is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Las Cruces. Students from in state pay about $2,322 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $6,360. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $7,425. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of New Mexico State University Dona Ana earn a median of $27,638 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $7,425 median debt.

19

Tarrant County College District ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Set in the city of Fort Worth, Tarrant County College District is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,863, while out-of-state students pay about $8,370. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $16,262 in student loans. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Tarrant County College District generally make around $32,315. Set against $16,262 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

20

Oklahoma State University Oklahoma City placed #20 among the best values for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Oklahoma State University Oklahoma City is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Oklahoma City. Students from in state pay about $3,779 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $9,564. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $16,375 in student loans. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $45,580. That is a strong return on a $16,375 median debt.

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21

Central Texas College placed #21 among the best values for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Located in the suburb of Killeen, Central Texas College is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $3,750, compared with $7,500 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $10,521. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $39,465. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

22
San Antonio College crest
San Antonio College
San Antonio, TX

San Antonio College landed the #22 spot for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting value this year. Located in the city of San Antonio, San Antonio College is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $3,412, while out-of-state students pay about $9,952. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $13,003. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from San Antonio College generally make around $43,712. That is a strong return on a $13,003 median debt.

23
Amarillo College crest
Amarillo College
Amarillo, TX

Amarillo College placed #23 among the best values for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Amarillo College is a large public school located in the city of Amarillo. Students from in state pay about $2,136 in tuition and fees, compared with $4,704 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $16,624 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Amarillo College earn a median of $42,434 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $16,624 median debt.

24
Midland College crest
Midland College
Midland, TX

Midland College landed the #24 spot for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting value this year. Set in the city of Midland, Midland College is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,180, compared with $6,180 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $9,000 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $43,454. Set against $9,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

25

Mclennan Community College ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Set in the city of Waco, Mclennan Community College is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,660 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $5,910. Students borrow a median of $11,953 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Mclennan Community College generally make around $35,016. 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
33
34
Yavapai College crest
Yavapai College
Prescott, AZ
35
36
37
38
Temple College crest
Temple College
Temple, TX
39
South Plains College crest
South Plains College
Levelland, TX
40
41
Lee College crest
Lee College
Baytown, TX
42
43
44
45
Cochise College crest
Cochise College
Sierra Vista, AZ
46
Hill College crest
Hill College
Hillsboro, TX
47
48
49
50
Texarkana College crest
Texarkana College
Texarkana, TX

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Notes and References

The ranking above is published 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 · 229 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 83 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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