2026 Best Value Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting Schools in Massachusetts
[Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting](/majors/protective-security-safety-services/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 51 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 Massachusetts
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting Schools
Middlesex Community College Bedford tops our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools in Massachusetts. Located in the suburb of Bedford, Middlesex Community College Bedford is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,098, while out-of-state students pay about $12,170. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $10,950. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Middlesex Community College Bedford earn a median of $41,796 early in their careers. Set against $10,950 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Bunker Hill Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting, landing the #2 spot this year. Bunker Hill Community College is a large public school located in the city of Boston. In-state tuition and fees average $6,168, with out-of-state students paying around $11,112. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $5,500 in student loans. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Bunker Hill Community College generally make around $47,573. Set against $5,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Students looking for strong value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting will find it at Northern Essex Community College, which ranked #3. Set in the suburb of Haverhill, Northern Essex Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,732, while out-of-state students pay about $12,516. Students borrow a median of $7,432 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Northern Essex Community College generally make around $39,426. That is a strong return on a $7,432 median debt.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Holyoke Community College earned it the #4 place for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Holyoke Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the rural area of Holyoke. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,988, compared with $10,932 for out-of-state students. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $5,658 in student loans. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Holyoke Community College generally make around $37,533. That is a strong return on a $5,658 median debt.
A rank of #5 makes Bristol Community College one of the best values for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Located in the suburb of Fall River, Bristol Community College is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,832, while out-of-state students pay about $10,776. Students borrow a median of $6,700 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Bristol Community College generally make around $36,706. That is a strong return on a $6,700 median debt.
Massachusetts Bay Community College ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Set in the suburb of Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts Bay Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,856 in tuition and fees, compared with $10,800 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $6,333 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Massachusetts Bay Community College generally make around $45,144. That is a strong return on a $6,333 median debt.
North Shore Community College placed #7 among the best values for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Located in the suburb of Danvers, North Shore Community College is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,352, with out-of-state students paying around $10,920. Students borrow a median of $9,705 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $40,762. Set against $9,705 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Massasoit Community College placed #8 among the best values for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Set in the suburb of Brockton, Massasoit Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,376, compared with $10,320 for out-of-state students. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $10,875 in student loans. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Massasoit Community College earn a median of $36,927 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $10,875 median debt.
Quinsigamond Community College ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Quinsigamond Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Worcester. Students from in state pay about $6,262 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $11,206. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $16,768. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $40,039. Set against $16,768 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Springfield Technical Community College ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Springfield Technical Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Springfield. Students from in state pay about $5,904 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $11,112. Students borrow a median of $7,500 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Springfield Technical Community College generally make around $37,044. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Roxbury Community College landed the #11 spot for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting value this year. Located in the city of Roxbury Crossing, Roxbury Community College is a mid-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $5,785 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $11,088. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $11,665 in student loans. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Roxbury Community College generally make around $46,124. That is a strong return on a $11,665 median debt.
Worcester State University landed the #12 spot for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting value this year. Worcester State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Worcester. In-state tuition and fees average $11,786, compared with $17,866 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $24,953. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Worcester State University generally make around $41,132. That is a strong return on a $24,953 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted.
Fitchburg State University earned the #13 position for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Located in the suburb of Fitchburg, Fitchburg State University is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,346, compared with $17,426 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $26,000. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $43,418. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted.
Mount Wachusett Community College ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Mount Wachusett Community College is a mid-sized public school located in the suburb of Gardner. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,160, compared with $11,080 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $13,753. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $27,226. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Cape Cod Community College placed #15 among the best values for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Located in the city of West Barnstable, Cape Cod Community College is a mid-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $6,000, while out-of-state students pay about $10,944. Students borrow a median of $14,669 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Cape Cod Community College generally make around $47,939. Set against $14,669 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Quincy College landed the #16 spot for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting value this year. Located in the suburb of Quincy, Quincy College is a mid-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $8,938 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $15,600. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,506. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Bridgewater State University placed #17 among the best values for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Set in the suburb of Bridgewater, Bridgewater State University is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,734, while out-of-state students pay about $17,874. Students borrow a median of $26,696 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Bridgewater State University earn a median of $50,327 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,696 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%.
University Of Massachusetts Boston placed #18 among the best values for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Located in the city of Boston, University Of Massachusetts Boston is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $15,898 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $38,115. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $27,000. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of University Of Massachusetts Boston earn a median of $42,325 early in their careers. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Massachusetts Boston admits about 84% of applicants.
Westfield State University placed #19 among the best values for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Located in the suburb of Westfield, Westfield State University is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $12,179 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,259 for out-of-state students. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $24,422 in student loans. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $42,228. Set against $24,422 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 81%.
Salem State University earned the #20 position for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Salem State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Salem. In-state tuition and fees average $12,338, compared with $19,531 for out-of-state students. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $26,220 in student loans. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $51,953. Set against $26,220 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 96%.
University Of Massachusetts Lowell placed #21 among the best values for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Set in the suburb of Lowell, University Of Massachusetts Lowell is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $16,966, compared with $36,264 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,822 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of University Of Massachusetts Lowell earn a median of $61,649 early in their careers. Set against $24,822 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 83%.
University Of Massachusetts Amherst earned the #22 position for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Located in the city of Amherst, University Of Massachusetts Amherst is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,772, compared with $40,449 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,234 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of University Of Massachusetts Amherst earn a median of $53,543 early in their careers. Set against $25,234 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted.
Lasell College came in at #23 for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Located in the city of Newton, Lasell College is a small private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $27,040 in tuition and fees. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $26,808 in student loans. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $49,793. Set against $26,808 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted.
Boston University ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Boston University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Boston. Students from in state pay about $68,102 in tuition and fees. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $25,232 in student loans. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Boston University generally make around $63,800. Set against $25,232 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Boston University admits about 11% of applicants.
Massachusetts Maritime Academy earned the #25 position for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Located in the suburb of Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts Maritime Academy is a small public university. In-state tuition and fees average $11,420, compared with $23,722 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Massachusetts Maritime Academy earn a median of $70,995 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Massachusetts Maritime Academy admits about 95% of applicants.
Rest of the Top 37 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
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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 · 51 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 28 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.
