2027 Best Value Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting Schools in Massachusetts
[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 2027 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 37 schools to find the best return on investment for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting students.
What’s on this page:
2027 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
For return on investment in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting, no school beat Middlesex Community College Bedford this year. Located in the suburb of Bedford, Middlesex Community College Bedford is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $6,098, while out-of-state students pay about $12,170. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $10,950 in student loans. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Middlesex Community College Bedford generally make around $41,796. Set against $10,950 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Bristol Community College earned it the #2 place for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Set in the suburb of Fall River, Bristol Community College is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,832, while out-of-state students pay about $10,776. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $6,700 in student loans. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Bristol Community College generally make around $36,706. Set against $6,700 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Massachusetts Bay Community College came in at #3 on our 2027 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Massachusetts Bay Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Wellesley Hills. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,856, compared with $10,800 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $6,333. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Massachusetts Bay Community College earn a median of $45,144 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $6,333 median debt.
A rank of #4 makes Northern Essex Community College one of the best values for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Located in the suburb of Haverhill, Northern Essex Community College is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $6,732, compared with $12,516 for out-of-state students. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $7,432 in student loans. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $39,426. That is a strong return on a $7,432 median debt.
Bunker Hill Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting, landing the #5 spot this year. Bunker Hill Community College is a large public school located in the city of Boston. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,168, with out-of-state students paying around $11,112. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $5,500. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Bunker Hill Community College generally make around $47,573. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Springfield Technical Community College came in at #6 for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Located in the city of Springfield, Springfield Technical Community College is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,904, compared with $11,112 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $7,500. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Springfield Technical Community College earn a median of $37,044 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $7,500 median debt.
Holyoke Community College earned the #7 position for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Set in the rural area of Holyoke, Holyoke Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,988, with out-of-state students paying around $10,932. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $5,658. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Holyoke Community College generally make around $37,533. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Cape Cod Community College came in at #8 for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Cape Cod Community College is a mid-sized public school located in the city of West Barnstable. Students from in state pay about $6,000 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $10,944. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $14,669. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $47,939. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Massasoit Community College earned the #9 position for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Set in the suburb of Brockton, Massasoit Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $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. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Massasoit Community College generally make around $36,927. Set against $10,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Mount Wachusett Community College ranked #10 on our 2027 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Located in the suburb of Gardner, Mount Wachusett Community College is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $6,160 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $11,080. Students borrow a median of $13,753 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $27,226. Set against $13,753 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
North Shore Community College landed the #11 spot for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting value this year. North Shore Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Danvers. In-state tuition and fees average $5,352, compared with $10,920 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $9,705. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $39,036. That is a strong return on a $9,705 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. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,786, while out-of-state students pay about $17,866. 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. The acceptance rate is 88%.
Quinsigamond Community College earned the #13 position for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Set in the city of Worcester, Quinsigamond Community College is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,262, with out-of-state students paying around $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. That is a strong return on a $16,768 median debt.
Fitchburg State University placed #14 among the best values for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Located in the suburb of Fitchburg, Fitchburg State University is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,346, with out-of-state students paying around $17,426. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $43,418. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted.
Westfield State University ranked #15 on our 2027 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Westfield State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Westfield. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,179, with out-of-state students paying around $18,259. Students borrow a median of $24,422 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Westfield State University generally make around $42,228. That is a strong return on a $24,422 median debt. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted.
Bridgewater State University placed #16 among the best values for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Located in the suburb of Bridgewater, Bridgewater State University is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $11,734 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,874 for out-of-state students. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $26,696 in student loans. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Bridgewater State University generally make around $50,327. That is a strong return on a $26,696 median debt. Bridgewater State University admits about 88% of applicants.
Salem State University earned the #17 position for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Located in the suburb of Salem, Salem State University is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $12,338 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,531. Students borrow a median of $26,220 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $51,953. That is a strong return on a $26,220 median debt. The acceptance rate is 96%.
Berkshire Community College ranked #18 on our 2027 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Located in the rural area of Pittsfield, Berkshire Community College is a mid-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $5,712, compared with $11,328 for out-of-state students. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates carry a median of $16,167 in student loans. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Berkshire Community College generally make around $45,806. Set against $16,167 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
University Of Massachusetts Lowell earned the #19 position for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. University Of Massachusetts Lowell is a very large public school located in the suburb of Lowell. Students from in state pay about $16,966 in tuition and fees, compared with $36,264 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $24,822. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of University Of Massachusetts Lowell earn a median of $61,649 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Massachusetts Lowell admits about 83% of applicants.
Bay Path College came in at #20 for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Located in the suburb of Longmeadow, Bay Path College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $38,302. Students borrow a median of $29,113 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Bay Path College generally make around $32,326. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 85%.
University Of Massachusetts Amherst earned the #21 position for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. University Of Massachusetts Amherst is a very large public school located in the city of Amherst. In-state tuition and fees average $17,772, while out-of-state students pay about $40,449. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $25,195. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of University Of Massachusetts Amherst earn a median of $53,666 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Massachusetts Amherst admits about 60% of applicants.
University Of Massachusetts Boston came in at #22 for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Set in the city of Boston, University Of Massachusetts Boston is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,898 in tuition and fees, compared with $38,115 for out-of-state students. 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. The acceptance rate is 84%.
Quincy College earned the #23 position for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Set in the suburb of Quincy, Quincy College is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,938. Typical student debt for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates is $15,600. Median earnings reach $52,506 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Massachusetts Maritime Academy ranked #24 on our 2027 list of the best value homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Massachusetts Maritime Academy is a small public school located in the suburb of Buzzards Bay. Students from in state pay about $11,420 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $23,722. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $70,995. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Massachusetts Maritime Academy admits about 95% of applicants.
Boston University earned the #25 position for value in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Boston University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Boston. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,102. Students borrow a median of $25,232 to complete the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program here. Early-career homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates make about $63,759. Set against $25,232 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Boston University admits about 11% of applicants.
Rest of the Top 37 Best Value Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting Schools
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting value ranking:
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), 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 · 37 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 37 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.
