ADBLOCK #102
College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2026 Best Value Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting Schools in the The Plains States Region

71 Colleges in the United States
$21,821 Avg Student Debt
$48,394 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 best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.

For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 195 schools to find the best return on investment for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting students.

What’s on this page:

ADBLOCK #159
DEBUG: Raw major_slug = ""
DEBUG: Initial offers_url = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/protective-security-safety-services/offers.json", major_slug = ""
DEBUG: After cleaning major_slug = ""
DEBUG: Before URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/protective-security-safety-services/offers.json"
DEBUG: After TrimSuffix = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/protective-security-safety-services/offers.json"
DEBUG: After HTTPS placeholder = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/protective-security-safety-services/offers.json"
DEBUG: After slash cleaning = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/protective-security-safety-services/offers.json"
DEBUG: After URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/protective-security-safety-services/offers.json"
DEBUG: offers_url = https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/protective-security-safety-services/offers.json
DEBUG: major_slug = ""
DEBUG: offers_url is valid, proceeding to fetch data
DEBUG: offers_data.offers found, count = 4
DEBUG: ROOT LEVEL MAJOR detected (no cip4), lowering min_relevance to 0.5
DEBUG: Starting relevance filtering - min_relevance = 0.5, max_relevance = 1
DEBUG: Checking offer "Grad Cert - Law Enforcement (I Have a Bachelors)" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Grad Cert - Law Enforcement (I Have a Bachelors)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Corrections (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Corrections (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Criminology (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" with relevance 0.5
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Criminology (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.5)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Grad Cert - Criminology (I Have a Bachelors)" with relevance 0.5
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Grad Cert - Criminology (I Have a Bachelors)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.5)
DEBUG: relevant_offers count = 4
DEBUG: relevant_offers > 0, checking for ESYOH offers
DEBUG: ESYOH filtering - found 4 ESYOH offers with relevance >= 0.5
DEBUG: esyoh_offers count = 4
DEBUG: ESYOH offers found, rendering ESYOH widget
DEBUG: most_relevant_only = true, filtering for most relevant
DEBUG: Found 0 offers with relevance >= 1.0
DEBUG: Backfilling with 0 offers with relevance >= 0.9
DEBUG: Backfilling with 1 offers with relevance >= 0.8

2026 Best Value Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting Schools in the The Plains States Region

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
Central Community College crest
Central Community College
Grand Island, NE

Central Community College tops our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools in the The Plains States Region. Located in the city of Grand Island, Central Community College is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,360, with out-of-state students paying around $4,800. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $10,277 in student loans. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Central Community College earn a median of $43,218 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $10,277 median debt.

2

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Saint Louis Community College earned it the #2 place for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Set in the suburb of Bridgeton, Saint Louis Community College is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,660 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $6,990. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $6,625. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $38,999. That is a strong return on a $6,625 median debt.

3

A rank of #3 makes Metropolitan Community College Area one of the best values for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Set in the city of Omaha, Metropolitan Community College Area is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,375, while out-of-state students pay about $4,950. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $13,462 in student loans. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $28,511. Set against $13,462 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

4

A rank of #4 makes Hutchinson Community College one of the best values for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Set in the town of Hutchinson, Hutchinson Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,540, with out-of-state students paying around $4,770. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $18,148 in student loans. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $51,007. That is a strong return on a $18,148 median debt.

5
Jefferson College crest
Jefferson College
Hillsboro, MO

Students looking for strong value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting will find it at Jefferson College, which ranked #5. Jefferson College is a mid-sized public school located in the rural area of Hillsboro. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,250, with out-of-state students paying around $8,850. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $13,664 in student loans. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $61,641. That is a strong return on a $13,664 median debt.

ADBLOCK #101
6

Western Iowa Tech Community College landed the #6 spot for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting value this year. Located in the city of Sioux City, Western Iowa Tech Community College is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,186, while out-of-state students pay about $5,330. 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 $43,547. That is a strong return on a $11,500 median debt.

7

Hawkeye Community College came in at #7 for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Set in the rural area of Waterloo, Hawkeye Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,525, compared with $6,612 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $11,000. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Hawkeye Community College earn a median of $49,572 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $11,000 median debt.

8

Northeast Community College came in at #8 for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Set in the town of Norfolk, Northeast Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,840, while out-of-state students pay about $5,130. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $9,000. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Northeast Community College generally make around $33,064. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

9
Crowder College crest
Crowder College
Neosho, MO

Crowder College earned the #9 position for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Crowder College is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Neosho. In-state tuition and fees average $4,104, compared with $5,784 for out-of-state students. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $9,887 in student loans. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $33,869. Set against $9,887 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

10

Iowa Central Community College placed #10 among the best values for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Iowa Central Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Fort Dodge. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,496, with out-of-state students paying around $7,788. Students borrow a median of $14,473 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Iowa Central Community College generally make around $39,121. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

ADBLOCK #115
11

Metropolitan Community College Kansas City landed the #11 spot for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting value this year. Located in the city of Kansas City, Metropolitan Community College Kansas City is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,630, with out-of-state students paying around $9,600. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $5,182 in student loans. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $48,183. Set against $5,182 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

12

Southeast Community College Area earned the #12 position for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Southeast Community College Area is a large public school located in the city of Lincoln. In-state tuition and fees average $3,444, compared with $4,032 for out-of-state students. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $14,552 in student loans. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $28,473. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

13

Riverland Community College earned the #13 position for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Located in the town of Austin, Riverland Community College is a mid-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,297. Students borrow a median of $15,732 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Riverland Community College generally make around $49,194. Set against $15,732 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

14
Century College crest
Century College
White Bear Lake, MN

Century College earned the #14 position for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Century College is a large public school located in the suburb of White Bear Lake. In-state tuition and fees average $6,214. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $19,366. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Century College earn a median of $54,174 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $19,366 median debt.

15

Ozarks Technical Community College ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Located in the city of Springfield, Ozarks Technical Community College is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $4,256, while out-of-state students pay about $7,040. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $15,866. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Ozarks Technical Community College generally make around $36,644. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

ADBLOCK #145
16

North Iowa Area Community College earned the #16 position for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. North Iowa Area Community College is a mid-sized public school located in the rural area of Mason City. Students from in state pay about $6,653 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $9,551. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $12,043 in student loans. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from North Iowa Area Community College generally make around $44,466. That is a strong return on a $12,043 median debt.

17
Kirkwood Community College crest
Kirkwood Community College
Cedar Rapids, IA

Kirkwood Community College ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Located in the city of Cedar Rapids, Kirkwood Community College is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,176, with out-of-state students paying around $8,220. Students borrow a median of $15,779 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Kirkwood Community College generally make around $41,681. That is a strong return on a $15,779 median debt.

18

North Hennepin Community College ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. North Hennepin Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Brooklyn Park. Students from in state pay about $5,061 in tuition and fees. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $30,250 in student loans. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of North Hennepin Community College earn a median of $53,797 early in their careers. Set against $30,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

19

Hibbing Community College A Technical And Community College earned the #19 position for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Set in the town of Hibbing, Hibbing Community College A Technical And Community College is a mid-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,022 in tuition and fees. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $25,125 in student loans. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Hibbing Community College A Technical And Community College earn a median of $56,757 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

20
College Of The Ozarks crest
College Of The Ozarks
Point Lookout, MO

College Of The Ozarks earned the #20 position for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Set in the town of Point Lookout, College Of The Ozarks is a small private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $22,360. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from College Of The Ozarks generally make around $37,944. College Of The Ozarks admits about 12% of applicants.

ADBLOCK #150
21

Des Moines Area Community College landed the #21 spot for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting value this year. Des Moines Area Community College is a very large public school located in the suburb of Ankeny. Students from in state pay about $5,790 in tuition and fees, compared with $6,690 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $12,534 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Des Moines Area Community College generally make around $44,364. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

22

Fond Du Lac Tribal And Community College earned the #22 position for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Fond Du Lac Tribal And Community College is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Cloquet. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,006. Students borrow a median of $15,665 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Fond Du Lac Tribal And Community College earn a median of $51,144 early in their careers. Set against $15,665 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

23

Eastern Iowa Community College District placed #23 among the best values for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Eastern Iowa Community College District is a large public school located in the city of Davenport. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,848, compared with $6,456 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,995 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Eastern Iowa Community College District earn a median of $41,510 early in their careers. Set against $15,995 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

24
Ridgewater College crest
Ridgewater College
Willmar, MN

Ridgewater College ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Ridgewater College is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Willmar. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,121. Students borrow a median of $15,556 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Ridgewater College generally make around $49,040. Set against $15,556 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

25
Inver Hills Community College crest
Inver Hills Community College
Inver Grove Heights, MN

Inver Hills Community College placed #25 among the best values for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Inver Hills Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Inver Grove Heights. Students from in state pay about $6,146 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $23,690 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Inver Hills Community College earn a median of $52,724 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,690 median debt.

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
Hennepin Technical College crest
Hennepin Technical College
Brooklyn Park, MN
29
30
Truman State University crest
Truman State University
Kirksville, MO
31
32
33
Mineral Area College crest
Mineral Area College
Park Hills, MO
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50

Narrow Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting Schools by State

ADBLOCK #173
View All Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting Rankings >

ADBLOCK #115

Notes and References

The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 195 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 71 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

ADBLOCK #116

Popular Reports

College Rankings
Best by Location
Degree Guides by Major
Graduate Programs
ADBLOCK #613

Compare Your School Options