2027 Best Value Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting Master’s Degree Schools
[Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting](/majors/protective-security-safety-services/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting education at a price that pays off.
To produce this 2027 ranking, College Factual evaluated 219 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 the United States
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
Our analysis ranked Cuny John Jay College Of Criminal Justice the best value for a degree in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting in the United States. Located in the city of New York, Cuny John Jay College Of Criminal Justice is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,470, while out-of-state students pay about $15,420. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $11,503. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $63,248. That is a strong return on a $11,503 median debt. Cuny John Jay College Of Criminal Justice admits about 57% of applicants.
University Of Florida came in at #2 on our 2027 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Set in the city of Gainesville, University Of Florida is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,381, compared with $28,659 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $12,296. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from University Of Florida generally make around $86,740. That is a strong return on a $12,296 median debt. The acceptance rate is 24%.
Texas A And M International University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the city of Laredo, Texas A And M International University is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,894, while out-of-state students pay about $19,454. Students borrow a median of $15,500 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Texas A And M International University generally make around $46,596. That is a strong return on a $15,500 median debt. Roughly 44% of applicants are accepted.
The University Of Texas Pan American came in at #4 on our 2027 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Located in the city of Edinburg, The University Of Texas Pan American is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,799, while out-of-state students pay about $19,645. Students borrow a median of $11,644 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of The University Of Texas Pan American earn a median of $37,728 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #5 makes University Of North Texas At Dallas one of the best values for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Located in the city of Dallas, University Of North Texas At Dallas is a mid-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,595, with out-of-state students paying around $21,894. University Of North Texas At Dallas admits about 84% of applicants.
Florida Atlantic University ranked #6 on our 2027 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Florida Atlantic University is a very large public school located in the city of Boca Raton. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,879, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. Students borrow a median of $18,753 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $48,276. That is a strong return on a $18,753 median debt. Roughly 66% of applicants are accepted.
University Of South Florida Main Campus came in at #7 for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Set in the city of Tampa, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,410, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $21,829 in student loans. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $59,231. Set against $21,829 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 43%.
California State University Long Beach landed the #8 spot for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting value this year. Set in the city of Long Beach, California State University Long Beach is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,374, while out-of-state students pay about $19,974. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $15,000 in student loans. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $47,471. That is a strong return on a $15,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 46%.
Florida International University placed #9 among the best values for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Florida International University is a very large public school located in the suburb of Miami. In-state tuition and fees average $6,565, compared with $18,964 for out-of-state students. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $18,623 in student loans. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $51,696. Set against $18,623 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 55%.
Florida State University landed the #10 spot for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting value this year. Set in the city of Tallahassee, Florida State University is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,517 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $21,683. Students borrow a median of $21,098 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Florida State University earn a median of $57,626 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 24%.
American Public University System placed #11 among the best values for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Set in the town of Charles Town, American Public University System is a very large private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,400. Students borrow a median of $22,266 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from American Public University System generally make around $73,477. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Purdue University Global ranked #12 on our 2027 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Purdue University Global is a very large public school located in the city of West Lafayette. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,101, with out-of-state students paying around $14,412. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $25,165 in student loans. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $51,526. Set against $25,165 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
University Of Houston Downtown came in at #13 for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Set in the city of Houston, University Of Houston Downtown is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,582, while out-of-state students pay about $17,434. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $22,757 in student loans. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from University Of Houston Downtown generally make around $65,137. That is a strong return on a $22,757 median debt. University Of Houston Downtown admits about 90% of applicants.
University Of North Florida ranked #14 on our 2027 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Located in the city of Jacksonville, University Of North Florida is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,964, with out-of-state students paying around $19,407. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $19,375 in student loans. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $52,216. That is a strong return on a $19,375 median debt. Roughly 53% of applicants are accepted.
University Of New Hampshire At Manchester ranked #15 on our 2027 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. University Of New Hampshire At Manchester is a small public school located in the city of Manchester. Students from in state pay about $15,838 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $36,418. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $23,250. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $51,200. Set against $23,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of New Hampshire At Manchester admits about 81% of applicants.
University Of Central Florida landed the #16 spot for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting value this year. Located in the suburb of Orlando, University Of Central Florida is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $6,368, compared with $22,467 for out-of-state students. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $21,731 in student loans. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from University Of Central Florida generally make around $45,983. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 40%.
Fayetteville State University ranked #17 on our 2027 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Fayetteville State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Fayetteville. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,353, with out-of-state students paying around $8,353. Students borrow a median of $25,060 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Fayetteville State University earn a median of $34,359 early in their careers. Set against $25,060 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Fayetteville State University admits about 82% of applicants.
The University Of West Florida landed the #18 spot for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting value this year. Located in the rural area of Pensacola, The University Of West Florida is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,776, while out-of-state students pay about $18,658. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $21,776. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $36,369. Set against $21,776 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of West Florida admits about 58% of applicants.
Weber State University landed the #19 spot for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting value this year. Located in the city of Ogden, Weber State University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,557, with out-of-state students paying around $17,545. Students borrow a median of $19,828 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Weber State University generally make around $43,281. That is a strong return on a $19,828 median debt.
Lamar University landed the #20 spot for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting value this year. Lamar University is a very large public school located in the city of Beaumont. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,905, while out-of-state students pay about $18,745. Students borrow a median of $31,000 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Lamar University earn a median of $60,274 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Lamar University admits about 86% of applicants.
New Mexico State University Main Campus earned the #21 position for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. New Mexico State University Main Campus is a large public school located in the suburb of Las Cruces. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,183, with out-of-state students paying around $25,307. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $14,034. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $47,420. That is a strong return on a $14,034 median debt. New Mexico State University Main Campus admits about 89% of applicants.
Marshall University came in at #22 for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Set in the city of Huntington, Marshall University is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,162, with out-of-state students paying around $20,342. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $25,873 in student loans. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $36,487. Set against $25,873 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Marshall University admits about 96% of applicants.
The University Of Texas At El Paso came in at #23 for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Set in the city of El Paso, The University Of Texas At El Paso is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,544, compared with $25,502 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,248 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from The University Of Texas At El Paso generally make around $30,277. Set against $20,248 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of Texas At El Paso admits about 100% of applicants.
Austin Peay State University earned the #24 position for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Set in the city of Clarksville, Austin Peay State University is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,006 in tuition and fees, compared with $14,766 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $25,281. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $36,749. That is a strong return on a $25,281 median debt. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted.
The University Of Texas At San Antonio came in at #25 for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Located in the city of San Antonio, The University Of Texas At San Antonio is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $9,326, while out-of-state students pay about $22,249. Students borrow a median of $21,875 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $49,241. Set against $21,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of Texas At San Antonio admits about 87% of applicants.
Rest of the Top 50 Best Value Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting Schools
These schools also delivered strong value for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year:
Other Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting Degree Levels
Looking for a different degree level? Compare best-value Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting rankings across degree levels:
View All Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting Rankings >
Notes and References
This list is compiled 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 · 219 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 219 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.
