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2026 Best Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting Schools in California

40 Colleges in the United States
19,035 Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting Degrees Awarded
$50,461 Avg Early-Career Salary

Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting programs are offered at a focused set of schools across the country. While the number of schools offering the program varies, there are still top-quality ones to be found.

To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 173 schools to find the best for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting students.

What’s on this page:

Best Schools for Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting in California

If you are not interested in a particular degree level and want to know which schools are the overall best at delivering an education for the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degrees they offer, see the list below.

Top Schools in Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting

1

Our analysis ranked University Of Southern California the best school in the country for a degree in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. Set in the city of Los Angeles, University Of Southern California is a very large private not-for-profit institution. About 92% of students finish within six years. About 124 homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degrees were awarded at University Of Southern California in the most recent year. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of University Of Southern California earn a median of $75,677 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $15,625 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting from University Of Southern California

2

A rank of #2 makes University Of San Diego one of the top schools for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. This large private not-for-profit university is located in the city of San Diego. The six-year graduation rate is 84%. There were roughly 147 homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting students who graduated with this degree at University Of San Diego in the most recent data year. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of University Of San Diego earn a median of $141,202 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $23,795 to complete this degree. Get the full homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting details for University Of San Diego

3

A rank of #3 makes San Jose State University one of the top schools for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting. This very large public university is located in the city of San Jose. The six-year graduation rate is 69%. About 260 homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degrees were awarded at San Jose State University in the most recent year. See the full homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program report for San Jose State University

4

California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Located in the suburb of San Luis Obispo, California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a very large public university. The six-year graduation rate is 86%. There were roughly 11 homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting students who graduated with this degree at California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo generally make around $61,010. Typical student debt for the program is $19,273. Read more about the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program at California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo

5
Sonoma State University crest
Sonoma State University
Rohnert Park, CA

Sonoma State University came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. This moderately-sized public university is located in the suburb of Rohnert Park. Sonoma State University graduates 58% of students within six years. Sonoma State University awarded about 64 homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program make about $38,444 in their early career. Sonoma State University graduates carry a median of $20,000 in student loans. Get the full homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting details for Sonoma State University

6

California State University Sacramento earned the #6 position for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. California State University Sacramento is a very large public school located in the city of Sacramento. California State University Sacramento graduates 56% of students within six years. There were roughly 560 homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting students who graduated with this degree at California State University Sacramento in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from California State University Sacramento generally make around $38,606. Typical student debt for the program is $13,745. See the full homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program report for California State University Sacramento

7

California State University East Bay earned the #7 position for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. California State University East Bay is a large public school located in the suburb of Hayward. Roughly 48% of students complete a degree within six years here. California State University East Bay awarded about 119 homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program make about $45,387 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $15,500 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting from California State University East Bay

8

San Francisco State University came in at #8 for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Located in the city of San Francisco, San Francisco State University is a very large public university. About 50% of students finish within six years. About 168 homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degrees were awarded at San Francisco State University in the most recent year. Students who receive their homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree from San Francisco State University earn around $42,211 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $13,518 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting from San Francisco State University

9

Point Loma Nazarene University ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Set in the city of San Diego, Point Loma Nazarene University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Point Loma Nazarene University graduates 77% of students within six years. About 24 homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degrees were awarded at Point Loma Nazarene University in the most recent year. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Point Loma Nazarene University earn a median of $45,022 early in their careers. Point Loma Nazarene University graduates carry a median of $14,000 in student loans. Get the full homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting details for Point Loma Nazarene University

10

California State University Long Beach landed the #10 spot for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Located in the city of Long Beach, California State University Long Beach is a very large public university. Roughly 69% of students complete a degree within six years here. California State University Long Beach awarded about 375 homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degrees in the most recent data year. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of California State University Long Beach earn a median of $40,842 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $15,000. Get the full homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting details for California State University Long Beach

11

California State University Fullerton came in at #11 for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Located in the suburb of Fullerton, California State University Fullerton is a very large public university. The six-year graduation rate is 70%. There were roughly 380 homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting students who graduated with this degree at California State University Fullerton in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from California State University Fullerton generally make around $34,570. California State University Fullerton graduates carry a median of $11,000 in student loans. See the full homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program report for California State University Fullerton

12

San Diego State University placed #12 among the best homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Located in the city of San Diego, San Diego State University is a very large public university. The six-year graduation rate is 76%. About 545 homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degrees were awarded at San Diego State University in the most recent year. Graduates of the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program make about $33,261 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $12,998. See the full homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program report for San Diego State University

13

California State University Chico ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Set in the city of Chico, California State University Chico is a large public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 63%. California State University Chico awarded about 118 homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degrees in the most recent data year. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of California State University Chico earn a median of $36,045 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $16,331 to complete this degree. See the full homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program report for California State University Chico

14

Santa Rosa Junior College came in at #14 for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Set in the city of Santa Rosa, Santa Rosa Junior College is a very large public institution. About 660 homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degrees were awarded at Santa Rosa Junior College in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from Santa Rosa Junior College generally make around $111,649. Students borrow a median of $14,125 to complete this degree. Get the full homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting details for Santa Rosa Junior College

15

California State University Stanislaus came in at #15 for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. This large public university is located in the suburb of Turlock. About 53% of students finish within six years. About 185 homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degrees were awarded at California State University Stanislaus in the most recent year. Students who receive their homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree from California State University Stanislaus earn around $34,806 in the first couple years of their career. California State University Stanislaus graduates carry a median of $12,500 in student loans. Read more about the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program at California State University Stanislaus

16

California State University San Marcos placed #16 among the best homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Located in the suburb of San Marcos, California State University San Marcos is a large public university. California State University San Marcos graduates 55% of students within six years. There were roughly 18 homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting students who graduated with this degree at California State University San Marcos in the most recent data year. Students who receive their homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree from California State University San Marcos earn around $48,726 in the first couple years of their career. California State University San Marcos graduates carry a median of $17,527 in student loans. Read more about the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program at California State University San Marcos

17

California State University Los Angeles placed #17 among the best homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Set in the city of Los Angeles, California State University Los Angeles is a very large public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 53%. California State University Los Angeles awarded about 443 homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree from California State University Los Angeles earn around $33,411 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $11,686. See the full homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program report for California State University Los Angeles

18

University Of California Davis came in at #18 for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. This very large public university is located in the suburb of Davis. Roughly 86% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 16 homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting students who graduated with this degree at University Of California Davis in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree recipients from University Of California Davis generally make around $65,299. Students borrow a median of $14,404 to complete this degree. Read more about the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program at University Of California Davis

19
Grossmont College crest
Grossmont College
El Cajon, CA

Grossmont College landed the #19 spot for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Grossmont College is a large public school located in the suburb of El Cajon. Grossmont College awarded about 144 homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degrees in the most recent data year. More information about a degree in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting from Grossmont College

20

California State University Dominguez Hills came in at #20 for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. California State University Dominguez Hills is a large public school located in the city of Carson. California State University Dominguez Hills graduates 43% of students within six years. California State University Dominguez Hills awarded about 198 homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program make about $36,092 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $12,256 to complete this degree. Read more about the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program at California State University Dominguez Hills

21
College Of San Mateo crest
College Of San Mateo
San Mateo, CA

College Of San Mateo placed #21 among the best homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. This large public university is located in the city of San Mateo. College Of San Mateo awarded about 74 homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degrees in the most recent data year. Typical student debt for the program is $12,831. See the full homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program report for College Of San Mateo

22

California State University Bakersfield placed #22 among the best homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. Located in the city of Bakersfield, California State University Bakersfield is a large public university. California State University Bakersfield graduates 50% of students within six years. California State University Bakersfield awarded about 138 homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degrees in the most recent data year. Get the full homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting details for California State University Bakersfield

23

California State University San Bernardino came in at #23 for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Set in the city of San Bernardino, California State University San Bernardino is a very large public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 55%. There were roughly 265 homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting students who graduated with this degree at California State University San Bernardino in the most recent data year. Graduates of the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program make about $35,029 in their early career. California State University San Bernardino graduates carry a median of $14,917 in student loans. Get the full homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting details for California State University San Bernardino

24

California State University Northridge ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting schools. California State University Northridge is a very large public school located in the city of Northridge. The six-year graduation rate is 57%. There were roughly 395 homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting students who graduated with this degree at California State University Northridge in the most recent data year. Students who receive their homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree from California State University Northridge earn around $34,870 in the first couple years of their career. California State University Northridge graduates carry a median of $11,000 in student loans. Get the full homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting details for California State University Northridge

25
Sacramento City College crest
Sacramento City College
Sacramento, CA

Sacramento City College earned the #25 position for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting this year. Sacramento City College is a very large public school located in the city of Sacramento. There were roughly 108 homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting students who graduated with this degree at Sacramento City College in the most recent data year. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates of Sacramento City College earn a median of $31,146 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $11,760 to complete this degree. See the full homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program report for Sacramento City College

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
Chabot College crest
Chabot College
Hayward, CA
27
Butte College crest
Butte College
Oroville, CA
28
De Anza College crest
De Anza College
Cupertino, CA
29
30
31
32
Yuba College crest
Yuba College
Marysville, CA
33
College Of The Canyons crest
College Of The Canyons
Santa Clarita, CA
34
35
36
37
Diablo Valley College crest
Diablo Valley College
Pleasant Hill, CA
38
39
Moorpark College crest
Moorpark College
Moorpark, CA
40
Los Angeles Pierce College crest
Los Angeles Pierce College
Woodland Hills, CA
41
Shasta College crest
Shasta College
Redding, CA
42
43
College Of The Desert crest
College Of The Desert
Palm Desert, CA
44
Rio Hondo College crest
Rio Hondo College
Whittier, CA
45
46
Cuesta College crest
Cuesta College
San Luis Obispo, CA
47
Cerritos College crest
Cerritos College
Norwalk, CA
48
Moreno Valley College crest
Moreno Valley College
Moreno Valley, CA
49
50
East Los Angeles College crest
East Los Angeles College
Monterey Park, CA

View All Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting Rankings >

Notes and References

This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 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 · 173 schools evaluated.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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