2027 Best Value Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting Schools in Illinois
[Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting](/majors/protective-security-safety-services/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
To produce this 2027 ranking, College Factual evaluated 49 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting students.
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2027 Best Value Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting Schools in Illinois
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
For return on investment in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting, no school beat Moraine Valley Community College this year. Moraine Valley Community College is a large public school located in the suburb of Palos Hills. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,822, with out-of-state students paying around $9,846. Students borrow a median of $11,149 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Moraine Valley Community College generally make around $43,844. Set against $11,149 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Joliet Junior College came in at #2 on our 2027 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Located in the suburb of Joliet, Joliet Junior College is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,530, compared with $13,800 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $11,995 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Joliet Junior College generally make around $40,118. That is a strong return on a $11,995 median debt.
Illinois Valley Community College came in at #3 on our 2027 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Illinois Valley Community College is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Oglesby. Students from in state pay about $4,200 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $16,385. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $8,099 in student loans. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Illinois Valley Community College generally make around $33,224. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Lewis And Clark Community College earned it the #4 place for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Located in the suburb of Godfrey, Lewis And Clark Community College is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $4,340 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,840. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $9,120. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Lewis And Clark Community College generally make around $31,763. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Lake Land College came in at #5 on our 2027 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Set in the rural area of Mattoon, Lake Land College is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,415 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $14,301. Students borrow a median of $7,769 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $30,294. Set against $7,769 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Triton College placed #6 among the best values for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Triton College is a large public school located in the suburb of River Grove. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,070, compared with $15,330 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $12,994. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Triton College earn a median of $43,278 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $12,994 median debt.
Kankakee Community College earned the #7 position for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Set in the city of Kankakee, Kankakee Community College is a mid-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,220, while out-of-state students pay about $25,830. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $13,289. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Kankakee Community College earn a median of $60,509 early in their careers. Set against $13,289 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Lincoln Land Community College landed the #8 spot for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting value this year. Set in the rural area of Springfield, Lincoln Land Community College is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,744, with out-of-state students paying around $10,464. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $11,272. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Lincoln Land Community College earn a median of $43,834 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $11,272 median debt.
Oakton Community College landed the #9 spot for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting value this year. Oakton Community College is a large public school located in the city of Des Plaines. Students from in state pay about $3,985 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $12,462. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $7,750 in student loans. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $48,838. Set against $7,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Kishwaukee College ranked #10 on our 2027 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Kishwaukee College is a mid-sized public school located in the rural area of Malta. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,560, with out-of-state students paying around $13,680. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $10,328 in student loans. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Kishwaukee College earn a median of $30,398 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $10,328 median debt.
Prairie State College ranked #11 on our 2027 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Located in the suburb of Chicago Heights, Prairie State College is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,176, compared with $11,064 for out-of-state students. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $15,663 in student loans. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Prairie State College earn a median of $37,500 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $15,663 median debt.
Elgin Community College earned the #12 position for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Located in the city of Elgin, Elgin Community College is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,252, with out-of-state students paying around $9,516. Students borrow a median of $7,727 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $43,975. Set against $7,727 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Morton College landed the #13 spot for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting value this year. Morton College is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Cicero. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,884, with out-of-state students paying around $11,028. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $7,734 in student loans. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Morton College generally make around $31,143. That is a strong return on a $7,734 median debt.
Mchenry County College earned the #14 position for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Located in the rural area of Crystal Lake, Mchenry County College is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $4,162 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $14,399. Students borrow a median of $7,440 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $24,177. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Kaskaskia College came in at #15 for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Kaskaskia College is a moderately-sized public school located in the rural area of Centralia. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,800, with out-of-state students paying around $12,570. Students borrow a median of $7,875 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Kaskaskia College earn a median of $45,658 early in their careers. Set against $7,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
College Of Dupage placed #16 among the best values for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Set in the suburb of Glen Ellyn, College Of Dupage is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,560, compared with $12,750 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $7,521 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of College Of Dupage earn a median of $30,062 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $7,521 median debt.
City Colleges Of Chicago Wilbur Wright College landed the #17 spot for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting value this year. Located in the city of Chicago, City Colleges Of Chicago Wilbur Wright College is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $4,590 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $15,150. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $8,093 in student loans. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $33,073. That is a strong return on a $8,093 median debt.
College Of Lake County earned the #18 position for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. College Of Lake County is a very large public school located in the suburb of Grayslake. Students from in state pay about $4,788 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $14,400. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $9,785 in student loans. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from College Of Lake County generally make around $50,314. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
John Wood Community College placed #19 among the best values for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. John Wood Community College is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Quincy. In-state tuition and fees average $5,100, while out-of-state students pay about $8,700. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $13,844. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from John Wood Community College generally make around $45,748. Set against $13,844 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
University Of Illinois At Springfield earned the #20 position for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. University Of Illinois At Springfield is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Springfield. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,557, while out-of-state students pay about $20,139. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $22,418. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of University Of Illinois At Springfield earn a median of $41,064 early in their careers. Set against $22,418 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Illinois At Springfield admits about 86% of applicants.
University Of Illinois At Chicago landed the #21 spot for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting value this year. Located in the city of Chicago, University Of Illinois At Chicago is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $15,949, compared with $32,009 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $15,875. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of University Of Illinois At Chicago earn a median of $34,551 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $15,875 median debt. The acceptance rate is 77%.
City Colleges Of Chicago Richard J Daley College ranked #22 on our 2027 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Set in the city of Chicago, City Colleges Of Chicago Richard J Daley College is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,590, compared with $15,150 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $7,500. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from City Colleges Of Chicago Richard J Daley College generally make around $33,326. That is a strong return on a $7,500 median debt.
Saint Xavier University ranked #23 on our 2027 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Located in the city of Chicago, Saint Xavier University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $38,945 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Saint Xavier University generally make around $39,033. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Saint Xavier University admits about 84% of applicants.
Southwestern Illinois College landed the #24 spot for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting value this year. Southwestern Illinois College is a large public school located in the suburb of Belleville. Students from in state pay about $4,230 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $6,720. Students borrow a median of $11,161 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $77,935. That is a strong return on a $11,161 median debt.
City Colleges Of Chicago Olive Harvey College ranked #25 on our 2027 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. City Colleges Of Chicago Olive Harvey College is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Chicago. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,590, while out-of-state students pay about $15,150. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $8,478 in student loans. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of City Colleges Of Chicago Olive Harvey College earn a median of $25,842 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Rest of the Top 49 Best Value Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting Schools
These schools also delivered strong value for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year:
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Notes and References
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 49 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 49 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.
