by our College Data Analytics Team
[Homeland Security](/majors/protective-security-safety-services/homeland-security/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
To produce this 2027 ranking, College Factual evaluated 3 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for homeland security students.
What’s on this page:
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the homeland security degrees they offer, see the list below.
For return on investment in homeland security, no school beat Pennsylvania State University World Campus this year. Located in the city of University Park, Pennsylvania State University World Campus is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,356. Typical student debt for homeland security graduates is $26,062. Early-career homeland security graduates make about $85,563. Set against $26,062 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 91%.
A rank of #2 makes Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania one of the best values for homeland security. Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Slippery Rock. Students from in state pay about $10,568 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $14,676. Typical student debt for homeland security graduates is $26,000. Early-career homeland security graduates make about $31,685. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted.
Students looking for strong value in homeland security will find it at Millersville University Of Pennsylvania, which ranked #3. Located in the suburb of Millersville, Millersville University Of Pennsylvania is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $11,128, compared with $22,952 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,486 to complete the homeland security program here. Homeland Security graduates of Millersville University Of Pennsylvania earn a median of $53,920 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,486 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%.
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 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 · 3 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 3 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.