2026 Best Value Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting Schools in Pennsylvania
[Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting](/majors/protective-security-safety-services/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 103 schools to find the best return on investment for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting students.
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2026 Best Value Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting Schools in Pennsylvania
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 Bucks County Community College this year. Located in the rural area of Newtown, Bucks County Community College is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $5,646, compared with $13,926 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $10,169. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Bucks County Community College earn a median of $28,719 early in their careers. Set against $10,169 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Students looking for strong value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting will find it at Montgomery County Community College, which ranked #2. Located in the suburb of Blue Bell, Montgomery County Community College is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,690, while out-of-state students pay about $17,250. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $16,112 in student loans. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Montgomery County Community College generally make around $58,964. That is a strong return on a $16,112 median debt.
Delaware County Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting, landing the #3 spot this year. Delaware County Community College is a large public school located in the suburb of Media. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,930, with out-of-state students paying around $15,540. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $14,163 in student loans. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $57,464. That is a strong return on a $14,163 median debt.
Butler County Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting, landing the #4 spot this year. Butler County Community College is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Butler. In-state tuition and fees average $5,910, while out-of-state students pay about $12,000. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $10,836. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $41,492. Set against $10,836 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Lehigh Carbon Community College earned it the #5 place for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Set in the rural area of Schnecksville, Lehigh Carbon Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,280, compared with $13,270 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $11,000 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $33,360. Set against $11,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Community College Of Allegheny County ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Located in the city of Pittsburgh, Community College Of Allegheny County is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,956, with out-of-state students paying around $12,583. Students borrow a median of $12,004 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $32,921. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Northampton County Area Community College earned the #7 position for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Set in the suburb of Bethlehem, Northampton County Area Community College is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,550, while out-of-state students pay about $15,270. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $17,449 in student loans. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Northampton County Area Community College generally make around $31,430. Set against $17,449 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Westmoreland County Community College ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Westmoreland County Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Youngwood. In-state tuition and fees average $6,306, while out-of-state students pay about $14,728. Students borrow a median of $11,000 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Median earnings reach $37,439 ten years out. Set against $11,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg landed the #9 spot for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting value this year. Located in the city of Harrisburg, Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $6,975, with out-of-state students paying around $12,472. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $15,750. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg generally make around $37,916. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Reading Area Community College landed the #10 spot for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting value this year. Set in the city of Reading, Reading Area Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,480 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $12,510. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $13,979 in student loans. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $49,248. Set against $13,979 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Community College Of Philadelphia ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Community College Of Philadelphia is a large public school located in the city of Philadelphia. In-state tuition and fees average $4,632, while out-of-state students pay about $12,744. Students borrow a median of $14,250 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Community College Of Philadelphia earn a median of $34,224 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $14,250 median debt.
East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania landed the #12 spot for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting value this year. Located in the town of East Stroudsburg, East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,236, while out-of-state students pay about $19,202. Students borrow a median of $26,888 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania earn a median of $35,206 early in their careers. Set against $26,888 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania admits about 92% of applicants.
Holy Family University ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Located in the city of Philadelphia, Holy Family University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $35,330. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $33,496. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted.
Pennsylvania Highlands Community College came in at #14 for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Set in the rural area of Johnstown, Pennsylvania Highlands Community College is a mid-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,110, with out-of-state students paying around $13,350. Students borrow a median of $11,315 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Pennsylvania Highlands Community College earn a median of $31,499 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus earned the #15 position for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Located in the town of Indiana, Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $11,380 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $16,297. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $26,513. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus earn a median of $42,972 early in their careers. Set against $26,513 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus admits about 91% of applicants.
Pennsylvania State University Penn State Abington placed #16 among the best values for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Located in the suburb of Abington, Pennsylvania State University Penn State Abington is a mid-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $15,268, compared with $25,664 for out-of-state students. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,435. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted.
Commonwealth University Of Pennsylvania ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Set in the town of Bloomsburg, Commonwealth University Of Pennsylvania is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,046, with out-of-state students paying around $22,870. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,416. The acceptance rate is 93%.
Lincoln University Of Pennsylvania ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Lincoln University Of Pennsylvania is a small public school located in the suburb of Lincoln University. Students from in state pay about $12,512 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,384. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $35,000 in student loans. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Lincoln University Of Pennsylvania earn a median of $28,847 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $35,000 median debt. Lincoln University Of Pennsylvania admits about 66% of applicants.
University Of Pittsburgh Bradford earned the #19 position for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. University Of Pittsburgh Bradford is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Bradford. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,770, while out-of-state students pay about $26,644. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from University Of Pittsburgh Bradford generally make around $36,959. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%.
University Of Pittsburgh Greensburg ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Set in the suburb of Greensburg, University Of Pittsburgh Greensburg is a small public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,710, compared with $26,584 for out-of-state students. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from University Of Pittsburgh Greensburg generally make around $36,959. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted.
Pennsylvania Western University earned the #21 position for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Pennsylvania Western University is a large public school located in the town of California. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,436, compared with $16,054 for out-of-state students. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,295 ten years after entry. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Pittsburgh Johnstown earned the #22 position for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Located in the suburb of Johnstown, University Of Pittsburgh Johnstown is a mid-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $14,906 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $26,780. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $27,000. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from University Of Pittsburgh Johnstown generally make around $36,959. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Pittsburgh Johnstown admits about 95% of applicants.
York College Pennsylvania came in at #23 for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Set in the suburb of York, York College Pennsylvania is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $25,588. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of York College Pennsylvania earn a median of $42,175 early in their careers. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 74%.
Pennsylvania State University World Campus earned the #24 position for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Pennsylvania State University World Campus is a large public school located in the city of University Park. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,356. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,435. Pennsylvania State University World Campus admits about 91% of applicants.
Central Pennsylvania College ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Set in the suburb of Summerdale, Central Pennsylvania College is a small private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $19,854. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $47,319. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Central Pennsylvania College earn a median of $40,145 early in their careers. Set against $47,319 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 18% of applicants are accepted.
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:
More Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting Rankings
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Notes and References
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 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 · 103 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 36 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.
