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 2027 ranking, College Factual evaluated 5 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.
For return on investment in homeland security, no school beat Rio Salado College this year. Set in the city of Tempe, Rio Salado College is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,358, while out-of-state students pay about $8,958. Students borrow a median of $13,679 to complete the homeland security program here. Early-career homeland security graduates make about $48,564. That is a strong return on a $13,679 median debt.
Arizona Western College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in homeland security, landing the #2 spot this year. Located in the city of Yuma, Arizona Western College is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,060, compared with $9,870 for out-of-state students. Homeland Security graduates of Arizona Western College earn a median of $44,895 early in their careers.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Arizona State University earned it the #3 place for homeland security. Set in the city of Tempe, Arizona State University is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,223, with out-of-state students paying around $33,139. Typical student debt for homeland security graduates is $20,843. Homeland Security graduates of Arizona State University earn a median of $60,820 early in their careers. Set against $20,843 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at American Intercontinental University Online earned it the #4 place for homeland security. American Intercontinental University Online is a very large private for-profit school located in the city of Chandler. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,397. Typical student debt for homeland security graduates is $39,107. Early-career homeland security graduates make about $43,008. That is a strong return on a $39,107 median debt.
Grand Canyon University came in at #5 on our 2027 list of the best value homeland security schools. Grand Canyon University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Phoenix. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,508. Homeland Security graduates carry a median of $28,787 in student loans. Early-career homeland security graduates make about $68,503. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 79%.
The ranking above is published 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 · 5 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 5 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.