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2026 Best Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting Schools in Virginia

18 Colleges in the United States
4,438 Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting Degrees Awarded
$41,024 Avg Early-Career Salary

Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting is a field worth a close look when choosing where to study. While the number of schools offering the program varies, there are still top-quality ones to be found.

College Factual analyzed 54 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools.

What’s on this page:

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Best Schools for Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting in Virginia

If you are not interested in a particular degree level and want to know which schools are the overall best at delivering an education for the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degrees they offer, see the list below.

Top Schools in Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting

1

No school ranked higher than University Of Virginia Main Campus this year for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Set in the suburb of Charlottesville, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a very large public institution. About 96% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 728 homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting students who graduated with this degree at University Of Virginia Main Campus in the most recent data year. Students who receive their homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree from University Of Virginia Main Campus earn around $69,126 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $18,627 to complete this degree. See the full homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program report for University Of Virginia Main Campus

2

Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting, landing the #2 spot this year. Located in the city of Blacksburg, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a very large public university. About 86% of students finish within six years. About 61 homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degrees were awarded at Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University in the most recent year. Graduates of the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program make about $60,004 in their early career. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University graduates carry a median of $23,393 in student loans. Read more about the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program at Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University

3
James Madison University crest
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA

James Madison University came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Set in the city of Harrisonburg, James Madison University is a very large public institution. Roughly 80% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 20 homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting students who graduated with this degree at James Madison University in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from James Madison University generally make around $52,997. James Madison University graduates carry a median of $21,218 in student loans. See the full homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program report for James Madison University

4

George Mason University came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. George Mason University is a very large public school located in the suburb of Fairfax. About 68% of students finish within six years. George Mason University awarded about 614 homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree from George Mason University earn around $51,385 in the first couple years of their career. George Mason University graduates carry a median of $21,487 in student loans. Read more about the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program at George Mason University

5

Virginia Commonwealth University came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Located in the city of Richmond, Virginia Commonwealth University is a very large public university. Virginia Commonwealth University graduates 63% of students within six years. About 320 homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degrees were awarded at Virginia Commonwealth University in the most recent year. Students who receive their homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree from Virginia Commonwealth University earn around $38,932 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $23,640 to complete this degree. Get the full homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting details for Virginia Commonwealth University

6
Marymount University crest
Marymount University
Arlington, VA

Marymount University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Set in the city of Arlington, Marymount University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 54% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 24 homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degrees were awarded at Marymount University in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Marymount University generally make around $35,642. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete this degree. See the full homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program report for Marymount University

7
Shenandoah University crest
Shenandoah University
Winchester, VA

Shenandoah University placed #7 among the best homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Located in the city of Winchester, Shenandoah University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. The six-year graduation rate is 66%. About 19 homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degrees were awarded at Shenandoah University in the most recent year. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Shenandoah University earn a median of $46,816 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $25,810. See the full homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program report for Shenandoah University

8
Radford University crest
Radford University
Radford, VA

Radford University placed #8 among the best homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Set in the town of Radford, Radford University is a moderately-sized public institution. Roughly 49% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 85 homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degrees were awarded at Radford University in the most recent year. Students who receive their homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree from Radford University earn around $35,935 in the first couple years of their career. Radford University graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Read more about the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program at Radford University

9
Roanoke College crest
Roanoke College
Salem, VA

Roanoke College earned the #9 position for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Set in the suburb of Salem, Roanoke College is a small private not-for-profit institution. Roanoke College graduates 67% of students within six years. Roanoke College awarded about 17 homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degrees in the most recent data year. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Roanoke College earn a median of $33,725 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete this degree. Get the full homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting details for Roanoke College

10
Longwood University crest
Longwood University
Farmville, VA

Longwood University earned the #10 position for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Longwood University is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Farmville. The six-year graduation rate is 61%. About 31 homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degrees were awarded at Longwood University in the most recent year. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Longwood University earn a median of $36,254 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $23,375. Get the full homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting details for Longwood University

11
Liberty University crest
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA

Liberty University ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Located in the city of Lynchburg, Liberty University is a very large private not-for-profit university. Liberty University graduates 67% of students within six years. There were roughly 1,275 homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting students who graduated with this degree at Liberty University in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Liberty University generally make around $49,329. Liberty University graduates carry a median of $29,323 in student loans. Get the full homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting details for Liberty University

12

Northern Virginia Community College earned the #12 position for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. This very large public university is located in the suburb of Annandale. Northern Virginia Community College awarded about 192 homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree from Northern Virginia Community College earn around $40,126 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $25,999. Read more about the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program at Northern Virginia Community College

13
Bluefield College crest
Bluefield College
Bluefield, VA

Bluefield College ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Bluefield College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the town of Bluefield. Roughly 18% of students complete a degree within six years here. Bluefield College awarded about 27 homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degrees in the most recent data year. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Bluefield College earn a median of $41,005 early in their careers. Bluefield College graduates carry a median of $24,250 in student loans. Get the full homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting details for Bluefield College

14
Regent University crest
Regent University
Virginia Beach, VA

Regent University ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Located in the city of Virginia Beach, Regent University is a large private not-for-profit university. About 58% of students finish within six years. About 92 homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degrees were awarded at Regent University in the most recent year. Students who receive their homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree from Regent University earn around $56,406 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $21,237. See the full homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program report for Regent University

15
Virginia Wesleyan College crest
Virginia Wesleyan College
Virginia Beach, VA

Virginia Wesleyan College came in at #15 for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Set in the city of Virginia Beach, Virginia Wesleyan College is a small private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 42%. Virginia Wesleyan College awarded about 14 homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Virginia Wesleyan College generally make around $39,404. Virginia Wesleyan College graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Read more about the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program at Virginia Wesleyan College

16

Blue Ridge Community College Weyers Cave placed #16 among the best homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. This moderately-sized public university is located in the rural area of Weyers Cave. About 26 homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degrees were awarded at Blue Ridge Community College Weyers Cave in the most recent year. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Blue Ridge Community College Weyers Cave earn a median of $40,020 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $11,768 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting from Blue Ridge Community College Weyers Cave

17
Hampton University crest
Hampton University
Hampton, VA

Hampton University came in at #17 for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Hampton University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Hampton. Roughly 57% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 31 homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degrees were awarded at Hampton University in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Hampton University generally make around $31,335. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting from Hampton University

18
Averett University crest
Averett University
Danville, VA

Averett University came in at #18 for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Located in the town of Danville, Averett University is a small private not-for-profit university. The six-year graduation rate is 48%. About 26 homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degrees were awarded at Averett University in the most recent year. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Averett University earn a median of $43,494 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $29,703. See the full homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program report for Averett University

19

John Tyler Community College placed #19 among the best homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. John Tyler Community College is a large public school located in the suburb of Chester. John Tyler Community College awarded about 57 homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degrees in the most recent data year. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of John Tyler Community College earn a median of $33,766 early in their careers. John Tyler Community College graduates carry a median of $11,262 in student loans. Get the full homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting details for John Tyler Community College

20
Ecpi University crest
Ecpi University
Virginia Beach, VA

Ecpi University came in at #20 for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Set in the city of Virginia Beach, Ecpi University is a large private for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 28%. Ecpi University awarded about 82 homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degrees in the most recent data year. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Ecpi University earn a median of $36,287 early in their careers. Ecpi University graduates carry a median of $29,903 in student loans. Get the full homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting details for Ecpi University

21

J Sargeant Reynolds Community College ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Located in the suburb of Richmond, J Sargeant Reynolds Community College is a large public university. There were roughly 25 homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting students who graduated with this degree at J Sargeant Reynolds Community College in the most recent data year. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of J Sargeant Reynolds Community College earn a median of $36,965 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $16,131 to complete this degree. Get the full homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting details for J Sargeant Reynolds Community College

22
Germanna Community College crest
Germanna Community College
Locust Grove, VA

Germanna Community College landed the #22 spot for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. This large public university is located in the rural area of Locust Grove. Germanna Community College awarded about 26 homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree from Germanna Community College earn around $41,880 in the first couple years of their career. Germanna Community College graduates carry a median of $10,999 in student loans. Get the full homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting details for Germanna Community College

23

Lord Fairfax Community College ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. This moderately-sized public university is located in the rural area of Middletown. There were roughly 18 homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting students who graduated with this degree at Lord Fairfax Community College in the most recent data year. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Lord Fairfax Community College earn a median of $37,531 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $10,698. Read more about the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program at Lord Fairfax Community College

24

Wytheville Community College came in at #24 for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Located in the town of Wytheville, Wytheville Community College is a mid-sized public university. There were roughly 78 homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting students who graduated with this degree at Wytheville Community College in the most recent data year. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Wytheville Community College earn a median of $38,907 early in their careers. Wytheville Community College graduates carry a median of $9,542 in student loans. Read more about the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program at Wytheville Community College

25

Central Virginia Community College landed the #25 spot for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Central Virginia Community College is a mid-sized public school located in the city of Lynchburg. Central Virginia Community College awarded about 64 homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree from Central Virginia Community College earn around $32,309 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $10,384 to complete this degree. See the full homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program report for Central Virginia Community College

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

Not far behind, these schools also delivered a strong homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting education:

26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
Ferrum College crest
Ferrum College
Ferrum, VA
34
35
36
37

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Notes and References

This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and program quality, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 54 schools evaluated.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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