2026 Best Value Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting Schools in California
[Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting](/majors/protective-security-safety-services/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 173 schools to find the best return on investment for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting students.
What’s on this page:
2026 Best Value Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting Schools in California
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
College Of San Mateo tops our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools in California. College Of San Mateo is a large public school located in the city of San Mateo. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,332, while out-of-state students pay about $11,428. Students borrow a median of $12,831 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,172. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Moorpark College came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Located in the suburb of Moorpark, Moorpark College is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,426, compared with $9,615 for out-of-state students. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $17,075 in student loans. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Moorpark College generally make around $105,599. That is a strong return on a $17,075 median debt.
Cerritos College came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Cerritos College is a very large public school located in the suburb of Norwalk. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,364, while out-of-state students pay about $12,004. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $11,306. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Cerritos College generally make around $29,495. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Oxnard College came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Set in the city of Oxnard, Oxnard College is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,426, compared with $9,615 for out-of-state students. Median earnings reach $41,393 ten years out.
Skyline College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting, landing the #5 spot this year. Set in the suburb of San Bruno, Skyline College is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,332, while out-of-state students pay about $9,956. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,702 ten years after entry.
Grossmont College ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Grossmont College is a large public school located in the suburb of El Cajon. In-state tuition and fees average $1,332, while out-of-state students pay about $10,628. Median earnings reach $40,309 ten years out.
San Diego Miramar College earned the #7 position for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Located in the city of San Diego, San Diego Miramar College is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $1,146, while out-of-state students pay about $10,002. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $10,994 in student loans. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from San Diego Miramar College generally make around $57,185. That is a strong return on a $10,994 median debt.
College Of The Canyons placed #8 among the best values for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Set in the suburb of Santa Clarita, College Of The Canyons is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $1,166 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $10,958. Students borrow a median of $9,776 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $51,913. Set against $9,776 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Moreno Valley College earned the #9 position for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Set in the suburb of Moreno Valley, Moreno Valley College is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,428, compared with $12,498 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $12,643 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $81,339. Set against $12,643 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Reedley College ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Set in the town of Reedley, Reedley College is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $1,378 in tuition and fees, compared with $8,638 for out-of-state students. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $6,500 in student loans. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $30,520. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Fresno City College placed #11 among the best values for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Set in the city of Fresno, Fresno City College is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,378, while out-of-state students pay about $8,638. Students borrow a median of $6,187 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Fresno City College earn a median of $32,658 early in their careers. Set against $6,187 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
College Of The Sequoias placed #12 among the best values for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Set in the city of Visalia, College Of The Sequoias is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,394, with out-of-state students paying around $9,038. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $10,288 in student loans. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $28,851. Set against $10,288 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
West Valley College placed #13 among the best values for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Located in the suburb of Saratoga, West Valley College is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $0, while out-of-state students pay about $9,320. Students borrow a median of $14,308 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $25,378. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Gavilan College ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Gavilan College is a moderately-sized public school located in the rural area of Gilroy. In-state tuition and fees average $1,508, compared with $12,249 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $5,939. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Gavilan College generally make around $28,496. That is a strong return on a $5,939 median debt.
Irvine Valley College ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Set in the city of Irvine, Irvine Valley College is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,156, compared with $11,860 for out-of-state students. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $6,672 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,156 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $6,672 median debt.
California State University Dominguez Hills earned the #16 position for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. California State University Dominguez Hills is a large public school located in the city of Carson. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,454, while out-of-state students pay about $20,054. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $12,256 in student loans. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of California State University Dominguez Hills earn a median of $36,092 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $12,256 median debt. California State University Dominguez Hills admits about 93% of applicants.
Pasadena City College placed #17 among the best values for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Set in the city of Pasadena, Pasadena City College is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,180, with out-of-state students paying around $10,924. Students borrow a median of $9,191 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Pasadena City College generally make around $28,492. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Mt San Antonio College placed #18 among the best values for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Set in the suburb of Walnut, Mt San Antonio College is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $1,364 in tuition and fees, compared with $10,464 for out-of-state students. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $9,384 in student loans. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Mt San Antonio College generally make around $33,692. Set against $9,384 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Yuba College earned the #19 position for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Located in the suburb of Marysville, Yuba College is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,128, while out-of-state students pay about $8,208. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $8,729 in student loans. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Yuba College generally make around $62,350. That is a strong return on a $8,729 median debt.
Ventura College earned the #20 position for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Located in the city of Ventura, Ventura College is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $1,426, with out-of-state students paying around $9,615. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $20,250. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $99,778. Set against $20,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Golden West College came in at #21 for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Set in the suburb of Huntington Beach, Golden West College is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $1,380 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $11,628. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Golden West College generally make around $82,984. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Imperial Valley College earned the #22 position for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Located in the rural area of Imperial, Imperial Valley College is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,126, while out-of-state students pay about $8,830. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $6,176. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Imperial Valley College earn a median of $27,313 early in their careers. Set against $6,176 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
California State University Los Angeles came in at #23 for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. California State University Los Angeles is a very large public school located in the city of Los Angeles. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,164, while out-of-state students pay about $19,764. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $11,686 in student loans. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $33,411. Set against $11,686 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.
Sacramento City College came in at #24 for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Located in the city of Sacramento, Sacramento City College is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $1,288, with out-of-state students paying around $12,616. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $11,760 in student loans. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Sacramento City College earn a median of $31,146 early in their careers. Set against $11,760 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Shasta College earned the #25 position for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Located in the suburb of Redding, Shasta College is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $1,197 in tuition and fees, compared with $8,853 for out-of-state students. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $12,275 in student loans. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $50,330. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Rest of the Top 50 Best Value Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting Schools
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting:
More Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting Rankings
View All Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting Rankings >
Notes and References
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 · 173 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 39 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.
