College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2027 Best Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting Schools

1,390 Colleges in the United States
60,454 Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting Degrees Awarded
$47,354 Avg Early-Career Salary

Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting degree programs prepare students for a range of careers in the field. While the number of schools offering the program varies, there are still top-quality ones to be found.

For its 2027 ranking, College Factual looked at 1390 schools in the United States to determine which ones were the best for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting students pursuing a degree.

What’s on this page:

Choosing a Great Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting School

Best Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting Schools

The school you choose for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting can shape your career. To help, we created our Best Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting Schools rankings. Our overall ranking combines our degree-level rankings, weighted by degrees awarded at each level.

To find the best fit, you can narrow this list to a specific degree level below.

Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting Rankings by Degree Level

Associate's Degrees in Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting
Bachelor's Degrees in Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting
Master's Degrees in Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting

We offer several rankings, including this Best Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting Schools list, to help you decide. Want schools in a particular part of the country? Narrow the list by region or state.

Want to compare schools head to head? Try our College Combat tool to weigh the factors that matter most to you.

Read more about College Factual’s methodology

Best Schools for Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting in the United States

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest overall homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting education, regardless of degree level.

Top Schools in Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting

1

Our analysis ranked University Of Virginia Main Campus the best school in the country for a degree in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Located in the suburb of Charlottesville, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a very large public university. Roughly 96% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 1,171 homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting students who graduated with this degree at University Of Virginia Main Campus in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from University Of Virginia Main Campus generally make around $69,126. Typical student debt for the program is $18,627. Read more about the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program at University Of Virginia Main Campus

2

Students looking for a strong homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program will find one at Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University, which ranked #2. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a very large public school located in the city of Blacksburg. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University graduates 86% of students within six years. About 81 homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degrees were awarded at Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University in the most recent year. Students who receive their homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University earn around $60,004 in the first couple years of their career. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University graduates carry a median of $23,393 in student loans. See the full homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program report for Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University

3

Students looking for a strong homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program will find one at The University Of Texas At Austin, which ranked #3. Located in the city of Austin, The University Of Texas At Austin is a very large public university. About 89% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 160 homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting students who graduated with this degree at The University Of Texas At Austin in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from The University Of Texas At Austin generally make around $57,819. Typical student debt for the program is $21,275. See the full homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program report for The University Of Texas At Austin

4

University Of Southern California is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting, ranking #4. Located in the city of Los Angeles, University Of Southern California is a very large private not-for-profit university. About 92% of students finish within six years. University Of Southern California awarded about 151 homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree from University Of Southern California earn around $75,677 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $15,625. More information about a degree in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting from University Of Southern California

5

A rank of #5 makes San Jose State University one of the top schools for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Set in the city of San Jose, San Jose State University is a very large public institution. About 69% of students finish within six years. San Jose State University awarded about 285 homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degrees in the most recent data year. More information about a degree in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting from San Jose State University

6

University Of Chicago ranked #6 on our 2027 list of the best homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. This very large private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Chicago. University Of Chicago graduates 96% of students within six years. There were roughly 24 homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting students who graduated with this degree at University Of Chicago in the most recent data year. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of University Of Chicago earn a median of $100,258 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $15,854 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting from University Of Chicago

7

University Of San Diego came in at #7 for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. This large private not-for-profit university is located in the city of San Diego. University Of San Diego graduates 84% of students within six years. University Of San Diego awarded about 182 homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degrees in the most recent data year. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of University Of San Diego earn a median of $141,304 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $23,795. Read more about the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program at University Of San Diego

8
James Madison University crest
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA

James Madison University came in at #8 for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Set in the city of Harrisonburg, James Madison University is a very large public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 80%. About 14 homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degrees were awarded at James Madison University in the most recent year. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of James Madison University earn a median of $52,997 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $21,218 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting from James Madison University

9
Georgetown University crest
Georgetown University
Washington, DC

Georgetown University ranked #9 on our 2027 list of the best homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. This very large private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Washington. Roughly 95% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 32 homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting students who graduated with this degree at Georgetown University in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Georgetown University generally make around $81,481. Students borrow a median of $16,483 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting from Georgetown University

10

Baylor University ranked #10 on our 2027 list of the best homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. This very large private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Waco. Roughly 80% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 29 homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degrees were awarded at Baylor University in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Baylor University generally make around $49,888. Baylor University graduates carry a median of $23,928 in student loans. More information about a degree in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting from Baylor University

11
University Of Florida crest
University Of Florida
Gainesville, FL

University Of Florida landed the #11 spot for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Located in the city of Gainesville, University Of Florida is a very large public university. Roughly 91% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 70 homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting students who graduated with this degree at University Of Florida in the most recent data year. Students who receive their homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree from University Of Florida earn around $86,740 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $12,296. More information about a degree in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting from University Of Florida

12

George Washington University came in at #12 for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. George Washington University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Washington. Roughly 84% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 124 homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting students who graduated with this degree at George Washington University in the most recent data year. Graduates of the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program make about $52,766 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting from George Washington University

13

University Of Massachusetts Amherst landed the #13 spot for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Located in the city of Amherst, University Of Massachusetts Amherst is a very large public university. University Of Massachusetts Amherst graduates 83% of students within six years. About 37 homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degrees were awarded at University Of Massachusetts Amherst in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from University Of Massachusetts Amherst generally make around $53,666. Students borrow a median of $25,195 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting from University Of Massachusetts Amherst

14

Northeastern University earned the #14 position for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. This very large private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Boston. The six-year graduation rate is 90%. There were roughly 161 homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting students who graduated with this degree at Northeastern University in the most recent data year. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Northeastern University earn a median of $49,316 early in their careers. Northeastern University graduates carry a median of $22,809 in student loans. Get the full homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting details for Northeastern University

15

Texas A And M University College Station earned the #15 position for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Texas A And M University College Station is a very large public school located in the city of College Station. The six-year graduation rate is 84%. There were roughly 145 homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting students who graduated with this degree at Texas A And M University College Station in the most recent data year. Students who receive their homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree from Texas A And M University College Station earn around $41,335 in the first couple years of their career. Texas A And M University College Station graduates carry a median of $20,031 in student loans. See the full homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program report for Texas A And M University College Station

16

Iowa State University earned the #16 position for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Located in the city of Ames, Iowa State University is a very large public university. The six-year graduation rate is 75%. There were roughly 84 homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting students who graduated with this degree at Iowa State University in the most recent data year. Students who receive their homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree from Iowa State University earn around $41,624 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $23,250 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting from Iowa State University

17

California State University East Bay placed #17 among the best homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Located in the suburb of Hayward, California State University East Bay is a large public university. California State University East Bay graduates 48% of students within six years. About 117 homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degrees were awarded at California State University East Bay in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from California State University East Bay generally make around $45,387. Typical student debt for the program is $15,500. Read more about the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program at California State University East Bay

18

George Mason University ranked #18 on our 2027 list of the best homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. This very large public university is located in the suburb of Fairfax. About 68% of students finish within six years. About 634 homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degrees were awarded at George Mason University in the most recent year. Graduates of the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program make about $51,432 in their early career. George Mason University graduates carry a median of $21,487 in student loans. Read more about the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program at George Mason University

19

New Jersey Institute Of Technology earned the #19 position for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. This large public university is located in the city of Newark. About 73% of students finish within six years. About 11 homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degrees were awarded at New Jersey Institute Of Technology in the most recent year. Graduates of the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program make about $71,549 in their early career. New Jersey Institute Of Technology graduates carry a median of $24,755 in student loans. Read more about the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program at New Jersey Institute Of Technology

20
Sonoma State University crest
Sonoma State University
Rohnert Park, CA

Sonoma State University landed the #20 spot for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Set in the suburb of Rohnert Park, Sonoma State University is a moderately-sized public institution. Roughly 58% of students complete a degree within six years here. Sonoma State University awarded about 51 homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Sonoma State University generally make around $38,444. Students borrow a median of $20,000 to complete this degree. Get the full homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting details for Sonoma State University

21
Boston University crest
Boston University
Boston, MA

Boston University landed the #21 spot for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Boston University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Boston. About 89% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 132 homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting students who graduated with this degree at Boston University in the most recent data year. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Boston University earn a median of $63,759 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $25,232 to complete this degree. Get the full homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting details for Boston University

22

Rutgers University New Brunswick placed #22 among the best homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Located in the city of New Brunswick, Rutgers University New Brunswick is a very large public university. Rutgers University New Brunswick graduates 84% of students within six years. About 176 homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degrees were awarded at Rutgers University New Brunswick in the most recent year. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Rutgers University New Brunswick earn a median of $45,182 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $22,431. Get the full homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting details for Rutgers University New Brunswick

23

The College Of New Jersey ranked #23 on our 2027 list of the best homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. The College Of New Jersey is a large public school located in the suburb of Ewing. About 86% of students finish within six years. About 61 homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degrees were awarded at The College Of New Jersey in the most recent year. Students who receive their homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree from The College Of New Jersey earn around $36,070 in the first couple years of their career. The College Of New Jersey graduates carry a median of $20,500 in student loans. More information about a degree in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting from The College Of New Jersey

24

University Of Arizona landed the #24 spot for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. This very large public university is located in the city of Tucson. The six-year graduation rate is 68%. There were roughly 204 homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting students who graduated with this degree at University Of Arizona in the most recent data year. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of University Of Arizona earn a median of $34,103 early in their careers. University Of Arizona graduates carry a median of $20,312 in student loans. More information about a degree in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting from University Of Arizona

25

California State University Sacramento earned the #25 position for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Located in the city of Sacramento, California State University Sacramento is a very large public university. California State University Sacramento graduates 56% of students within six years. About 473 homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degrees were awarded at California State University Sacramento in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from California State University Sacramento generally make around $38,606. Students borrow a median of $13,745 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting from California State University Sacramento

Rest of the Top 50 Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting Schools

These schools rounded out the top of this year’s homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting ranking:

26
27
American University crest
American University
Washington, DC
28
29
High Point University crest
High Point University
High Point, NC
30
31
32
33
34
Florida State University crest
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
Salisbury University crest
Salisbury University
Salisbury, MD
48
49
Michigan State University crest
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI
50

Additional Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting Award Winners

These schools also earned a top-quality badge for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year:

Rank School Location
#51 Charter Oak State College New Britain, CT
#52 Salt Lake Community College Salt Lake City, UT
#53 California State University Chico Chico, CA
#54 Quinnipiac University Hamden, CT
#55 Texas Tech University Lubbock, TX
#56 Aurora University Aurora, IL
#57 University Of Massachusetts Lowell Lowell, MA
#58 Appalachian State University Boone, NC
#59 Lewis University Romeoville, IL
#60 Rockhurst University Kansas City, MO
#61 University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus Pittsburgh, PA
#62 Rowan University Glassboro, NJ
#63 Grossmont College El Cajon, CA
#64 University Of North Dakota Grand Forks, ND
#65 California State University San Marcos San Marcos, CA
#66 University Of New Hampshire Main Campus Durham, NH
#67 Robert Morris University Moon Township, PA
#68 Roger Williams University Bristol, RI
#69 Diablo Valley College Pleasant Hill, CA
#70 Massachusetts School Of Professional Psychology Newton, MA
#71 Grand Valley State University Allendale, MI
#72 Southern Illinois University Carbondale Carbondale, IL
#73 Saint Cloud State University Saint Cloud, MN
#74 Suffolk County Community College Selden, NY
#75 Central Washington University Ellensburg, WA

Honorable Mentions

Also worth considering for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting:

>

Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting by Region

View the Best Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting Schools for a specific region near you.

Region
Southeast
New England
Rocky Mountains
Plains States
Middle Atlantic
Far Western US
Southwest
Great Lakes
Outlying Areas

View All Rankings >

Explore other rankings in majors related to Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting. Browse the parent area of study.

Major Annual Graduates
Criminal Justice/Safety Studies 22,701
Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration 11,365
Criminal Justice/Police Science 5,587
Forensic Science and Technology 2,790
Corrections and Criminal Justice, Other 2,782
Fire Science/Fire-fighting 2,778
Homeland Security 1,853
Fire Services Administration 1,707
Crisis/Emergency/Disaster Management 1,625
Cybersecurity Defense Strategy/Policy 1,195
Cyber/Computer Forensics and Counterterrorism 1,159
Fire Prevention and Safety Technology/Technician 805
Corrections 751
Criminal Justice and Corrections 544
Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services, Other 541
Securities Services Administration/Management 461
Critical Infrastructure Protection 455
Criminalistics and Criminal Science 248
Law Enforcement Investigation and Interviewing 192
Financial Forensics and Fraud Investigation 188
Law Enforcement Intelligence Analysis 174
Terrorism and Counterterrorism Operations 140
Security and Loss Prevention Services 139
Corrections Administration 71
Wildland/Forest Firefighting and Investigation 49
Security Science and Technology, General 47
Homeland Security, Other 35
Fire Protection, Other 18
Critical Incident Response/Special Police Operations 16
Juvenile Corrections 15
Fire/Arson Investigation and Prevention 14
Geospatial Intelligence 9

View All Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting Concentrations >

Notes and References

This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. The methodology weighs graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and program quality, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 1390 schools evaluated.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

Popular Reports

College Rankings
Best by Location
Degree Guides by Major
Graduate Programs

Compare Your School Options