by our College Data Analytics Team
[Homeland Security](/majors/protective-security-safety-services/homeland-security/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 16 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for homeland security students.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in homeland security, balancing cost against outcomes.
Middlesex County College tops our 2026 list of the best value homeland security schools in New Jersey. Located in the suburb of Edison, Middlesex County College is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $4,764, with out-of-state students paying around $7,356. Students borrow a median of $9,514 to complete the homeland security program here. Early-career homeland security graduates make about $37,975. Set against $9,514 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Brookdale Community College came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security schools. Located in the suburb of Lincroft, Brookdale Community College is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $6,270 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $10,140. Typical student debt for homeland security graduates is $12,651. Early-career homeland security graduates make about $37,374. That is a strong return on a $12,651 median debt.
Students looking for strong value in homeland security will find it at New Jersey City University, which ranked #3. Located in the city of Jersey City, New Jersey City University is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,460. Typical student debt for homeland security graduates is $14,562. Early-career homeland security graduates make about $39,624. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. New Jersey City University admits about 98% of applicants.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus earned it the #4 place for homeland security. Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Teaneck. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,010. Homeland Security graduates carry a median of $24,770 in student loans. Early-career homeland security graduates make about $54,505. Set against $24,770 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus admits about 91% of applicants.
Rowan University came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security schools. Rowan University is a very large public school located in the suburb of Glassboro. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,574, with out-of-state students paying around $26,932. Students borrow a median of $24,488 to complete the homeland security program here. Soon after graduation, homeland security degree recipients from Rowan University generally make around $43,002. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 78%.
Monmouth University came in at #6 for value in homeland security this year. Monmouth University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of West Long Branch. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $46,552. Homeland Security graduates carry a median of $26,847 in student loans. Homeland Security graduates of Monmouth University earn a median of $49,709 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 89%.
This list is compiled 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 · 16 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 5 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.
