2026 Best Value Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting Schools in Missouri
[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.
College Factual analyzed 41 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools.
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2026 Best Value Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting Schools in Missouri
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
For return on investment in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting, no school beat Saint Louis Community College this year. Located in the suburb of Bridgeton, Saint Louis Community College is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $3,660, with out-of-state students paying around $6,990. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $6,625 in student loans. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $38,999. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Crowder College came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Set in the town of Neosho, Crowder College is a moderately-sized public institution. 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. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Crowder College earn a median of $33,869 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Students looking for strong value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting will find it at Jefferson College, which ranked #3. Jefferson College is a mid-sized public school located in the rural area of Hillsboro. In-state tuition and fees average $5,250, compared with $8,850 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $13,664 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Jefferson College earn a median of $61,641 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $13,664 median debt.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Ozarks Technical Community College earned it the #4 place for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Located in the city of Springfield, Ozarks Technical Community College is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $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. That is a strong return on a $15,866 median debt.
A rank of #5 makes Metropolitan Community College Kansas City one of the best values for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. 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, compared with $9,600 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $5,182 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Metropolitan Community College Kansas City earn a median of $48,183 early in their careers. Set against $5,182 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
College Of The Ozarks earned the #6 position for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. College Of The Ozarks is a small private not-for-profit school located in the town of Point Lookout. Students from in state pay about $22,360 in tuition and fees. 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.
Truman State University placed #7 among the best values for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Truman State University is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Kirksville. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,838, with out-of-state students paying around $18,566. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $21,997. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $32,176. Set against $21,997 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Truman State University admits about 84% of applicants.
Mineral Area College came in at #8 for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Set in the town of Park Hills, Mineral Area College is a mid-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,660, with out-of-state students paying around $8,570. Students borrow a median of $9,500 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Mineral Area College generally make around $45,217. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Missouri Southern State University came in at #9 for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Located in the city of Joplin, Missouri Southern State University is a mid-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,600, compared with $18,300 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $21,972. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Missouri Southern State University earn a median of $32,776 early in their careers. Set against $21,972 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted.
Missouri Western State University came in at #10 for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Set in the city of Saint Joseph, Missouri Western State University is a mid-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,545 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,455. Students borrow a median of $20,149 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Missouri Western State University generally make around $39,808. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Drury University College Of Continuing Professional Studies placed #11 among the best values for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Located in the city of Springfield, Drury University College Of Continuing Professional Studies is a small private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $8,054 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $21,133. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Drury University College Of Continuing Professional Studies generally make around $39,646. Set against $21,133 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Lincoln University Missouri ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Lincoln University Missouri is a mid-sized public school located in the city of Jefferson City. Students from in state pay about $9,796 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,692 for out-of-state students. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $37,171 in student loans. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Lincoln University Missouri earn a median of $32,331 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Southeast Missouri State University ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Southeast Missouri State University is a large public school located in the city of Cape Girardeau. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,903. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $26,625 in student loans. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Southeast Missouri State University generally make around $36,537. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 74%.
University Of Central Missouri landed the #14 spot for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting value this year. University Of Central Missouri is a large public school located in the town of Warrensburg. Students from in state pay about $10,050 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,600. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $23,279 in student loans. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from University Of Central Missouri generally make around $41,494. That is a strong return on a $23,279 median debt. The acceptance rate is 64%.
Harris Stowe State University came in at #15 for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Harris Stowe State University is a small public school located in the city of Saint Louis. In-state tuition and fees average $7,008, while out-of-state students pay about $11,640. Students borrow a median of $32,000 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $34,108. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Park University earned the #16 position for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Park University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Parkville. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,116. Students borrow a median of $18,299 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Park University generally make around $49,305. Set against $18,299 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Missouri State University Springfield ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Missouri State University Springfield is a very large public school located in the city of Springfield. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,502, with out-of-state students paying around $18,770. Students borrow a median of $24,408 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Missouri State University Springfield generally make around $46,503. Set against $24,408 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Missouri State University Springfield admits about 90% of applicants.
Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies placed #18 among the best values for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Set in the rural area of Fayette, Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $7,500 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies generally make around $36,223. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies admits about 88% of applicants.
Lindenwood University earned the #19 position for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Lindenwood University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Saint Charles. In-state tuition and fees average $21,600. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Lindenwood University earn a median of $36,253 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 57%.
Culver Stockton College ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Set in the rural area of Canton, Culver Stockton College is a small private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $30,875. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Culver Stockton College earn a median of $33,394 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 99%.
Rockhurst University landed the #21 spot for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting value this year. Set in the city of Kansas City, Rockhurst University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $44,966. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $24,111. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $70,849. That is a strong return on a $24,111 median debt. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted.
Columbia College Missouri came in at #22 for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Columbia College Missouri is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Columbia. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,276. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $27,344 in student loans. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Columbia College Missouri generally make around $46,741. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Central Methodist University College Of Liberal Arts And Sciences placed #23 among the best values for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Located in the rural area of Fayette, Central Methodist University College Of Liberal Arts And Sciences is a small private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $28,620. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Central Methodist University College Of Liberal Arts And Sciences earn a median of $36,223 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 57%.
Missouri Baptist University ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Set in the suburb of Saint Louis, Missouri Baptist University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $33,122. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $23,187. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Missouri Baptist University generally make around $42,555. That is a strong return on a $23,187 median debt. The acceptance rate is 69%.
Webster University earned the #25 position for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Webster University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Saint Louis. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $31,750. Students borrow a median of $25,939 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Webster University generally make around $87,550. That is a strong return on a $25,939 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%.
Rest of the Top 26 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:
More Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting Rankings
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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 · 41 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 17 ranked schools only.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
More about our data sources and methodologies.
