2026 Best Value Homeland Security Schools
Looking for the best-value Homeland Security programs programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 352 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor evaluated schools to produce this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Homeland Security Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Nichols College earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Dudley, MA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $42,705. The median Homeland Security program debt is $26,602. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,063. That is a strong return on a $26,602 median debt. Nichols College has an acceptance rate of 81%. More on Nichols College
A rank of #2 makes Columbia Southern University one of the best values in the United States. Set in Orange Beach, AL, Columbia Southern University is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $6,224 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $32,683 in student loans. Median earnings reach $63,534 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $32,683 median debt. Read more about Columbia Southern University
Fox Valley Technical College came in at #3 on this year's best-value Homeland Security ranking in the United States. This public school is set in Appleton, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,040, with out-of-state students paying around $7,283. Students borrow a median of $13,319 to complete their Homeland Security program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,684 ten years after entry. Set against $13,319 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Fox Valley Technical College
You'll get strong value at Bellevue University, which ranked #4 this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Bellevue, NE. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,873. The median Homeland Security program debt is $27,852. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,289 ten years after entry. Set against $27,852 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Bellevue University
You'll get strong value at Charleston Southern University, which ranked #5 this year. Located in Charleston, SC, Charleston Southern University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $32,520. Students borrow a median of $27,569 to complete their Homeland Security program here. Charleston Southern University alumni report median earnings of $45,898 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,569 median debt. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. More on Charleston Southern University
Georgia Military College Milledgeville placed #6 among the best-value Homeland Security schools in the United States. This public school is set in Milledgeville, GA. Students from in state pay about $7,605 in tuition and fees. Georgia Military College Milledgeville Homeland Security students take on a median of $13,587 in debt. Georgia Military College Milledgeville alumni report median earnings of $39,257 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Georgia Military College Milledgeville profile
Middlesex County College came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Located in Edison, NJ, Middlesex County College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,764, with out-of-state students paying around $7,356. Middlesex County College Homeland Security students take on a median of $9,514 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,861. Set against $9,514 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Middlesex County College
Century College placed #8 among the best-value Homeland Security schools in the United States. Based in White Bear Lake, MN, Century College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,214. Graduates carry a median of $21,332 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,424. That is a strong return on a $21,332 median debt. More on Century College
Park University ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Homeland Security schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Parkville, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,116. Typical Homeland Security student debt is $22,112. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,309 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,112 median debt. More on Park University
Oakland Community College came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Based in Auburn Hills, MI, Oakland Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,120, compared with $5,560 for out-of-state students. The median Homeland Security program debt is $15,865. Median earnings reach $37,395 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Oakland Community College
American Public University System offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Based in Charles Town, WV, American Public University System is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,400. Graduates carry a median of $16,339 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,409. Set against $16,339 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full American Public University System profile
Herzing University Atlanta came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Atlanta, GA. In-state tuition and fees average $13,450. Graduates carry a median of $34,030 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $36,909. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Herzing University Atlanta has an acceptance rate of 94%. Read the full report on Herzing University Atlanta
Herzing University Brookfield offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Herzing University Brookfield is a private not-for-profit school based in Brookfield, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,450. The median Homeland Security program debt is $32,325. Herzing University Brookfield alumni report median earnings of $36,909 a decade after entry. Set against $32,325 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 93%. More on Herzing University Brookfield
Herzing University Birmingham offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Birmingham, AL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,450. Herzing University Birmingham Homeland Security students take on a median of $29,954 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $36,909 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Herzing University Birmingham admits about 93% of applicants. See the full Herzing University Birmingham profile
Herzing University Kenner landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Metairie, LA, Herzing University Kenner is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,450. Students borrow a median of $33,897 to complete their Homeland Security program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $36,909 ten years after entry. Set against $33,897 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Herzing University Kenner admits about 92% of applicants. Get the full Herzing University Kenner report
New Mexico State University Dona Ana offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. This public school is set in Las Cruces, NM. Students from in state pay about $2,322 in tuition and fees, compared with $6,360 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $10,284 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,067. Set against $10,284 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on New Mexico State University Dona Ana
Herzing University Madison offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Located in Madison, WI, Herzing University Madison is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,450. The median Homeland Security program debt is $30,328. Median earnings reach $36,909 ten years out. Set against $30,328 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Herzing University Madison has an acceptance rate of 94%. Read more about Herzing University Madison
Liberty University came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lynchburg, VA. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,173. Typical Homeland Security student debt is $27,414. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,813. That is a strong return on a $27,414 median debt. Liberty University has an acceptance rate of 99%. Get the full Liberty University report
Des Moines Area Community College landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Ankeny, IA, Des Moines Area Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,790, while out-of-state students pay about $6,690. Students borrow a median of $22,869 to complete their Homeland Security program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,018. That is a strong return on a $22,869 median debt. More on Des Moines Area Community College
Elizabeth City State University ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Homeland Security schools. Set in Elizabeth City, NC, Elizabeth City State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,536, compared with $10,536 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,992 to complete their Homeland Security program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,026. That is a strong return on a $26,992 median debt. Roughly 64% of applicants are accepted. See the full Elizabeth City State University profile
Guilford Technical Community College placed #22 among the best-value Homeland Security schools in the United States. Guilford Technical Community College is a public school based in Jamestown, NC. In-state tuition and fees average $2,320, compared with $7,696 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,501 to complete their Homeland Security program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $33,934. That is a strong return on a $20,501 median debt. Get the full Guilford Technical Community College report
Bethel University Tennessee landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in McKenzie, TN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,712. Typical Homeland Security student debt is $31,919. Bethel University Tennessee alumni report median earnings of $47,482 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 60% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Bethel University Tennessee profile
Jefferson Community College came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Watertown, NY. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,264, compared with $11,700 for out-of-state students. Typical Homeland Security student debt is $14,804. Median earnings reach $39,991 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Jefferson Community College
Forsyth Technical Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Set in Winston-Salem, NC, Forsyth Technical Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,276, with out-of-state students paying around $6,884. The median Homeland Security program debt is $16,374. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $34,139. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Forsyth Technical Community College
Brookdale Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Set in Lincroft, NJ, Brookdale Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,270, compared with $10,140 for out-of-state students. Brookdale Community College Homeland Security students take on a median of $12,651 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,379 ten years after entry. Set against $12,651 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Brookdale Community College report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Homeland Security Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
West Texas A And M University came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Canyon, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,101, while out-of-state students pay about $10,996. The median Homeland Security program debt is $22,333. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,741. Set against $22,333 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 99%. Read the full report on West Texas A And M University
Rose State College came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Based in Midwest City, OK, Rose State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,030, with out-of-state students paying around $11,407. The median Homeland Security program debt is $13,451. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,555. Set against $13,451 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Rose State College report
Drury University College Of Continuing Professional Studies offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Springfield, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,054. Graduates carry a median of $26,305 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,694 ten years after entry. Set against $26,305 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Drury University College Of Continuing Professional Studies
Ivy Tech Community College placed #30 among the best-value Homeland Security schools in the United States. Set in Indianapolis, IN, Ivy Tech Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,154, while out-of-state students pay about $9,935. Graduates carry a median of $11,889 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,186 ten years after entry. Set against $11,889 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Ivy Tech Community College
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Daytona Beach, FL. In-state tuition and fees average $12,097. The median Homeland Security program debt is $20,500. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide alumni report median earnings of $84,131 a decade after entry. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 58%. Read the full report on Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide
Southwestern College offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Winfield, KS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $39,822. The median Homeland Security program debt is $26,874. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,646. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. More on Southwestern College
Endicott College came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Based in Beverly, MA, Endicott College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $40,650. The median Homeland Security program debt is $25,973. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,336 ten years after entry. Set against $25,973 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 71% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Endicott College
Arizona State University Skysong offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Arizona State University Skysong is a public school based in Scottsdale, AZ. In-state tuition and fees average $11,627, with out-of-state students paying around $13,925. The median Homeland Security program debt is $20,843. Arizona State University Skysong alumni report median earnings of $62,668 a decade after entry. Set against $20,843 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 67% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Arizona State University Skysong
Excelsior College came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Based in Albany, NY, Excelsior College is a private not-for-profit institution. Typical Homeland Security student debt is $19,311. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,493. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Excelsior College
Rio Salado College landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Tempe, AZ, Rio Salado College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,358, with out-of-state students paying around $8,958. Graduates carry a median of $13,679 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,015. Set against $13,679 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Rio Salado College
Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Homeland Security schools. Based in Marion, IN, Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,648. Graduates carry a median of $32,807 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,986 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $32,807 median debt. More on Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global
St Petersburg College placed #39 among the best-value Homeland Security schools in the United States. Located in St. Petersburg, FL, St Petersburg College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,682, with out-of-state students paying around $9,286. Students borrow a median of $24,385 to complete their Homeland Security program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,557. Set against $24,385 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on St Petersburg College
Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Teaneck, NJ. In-state tuition and fees run about $37,010. Typical Homeland Security student debt is $24,770. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,273 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus admits about 91% of applicants. Read the full report on Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus
Lake Superior State University placed #41 among the best-value Homeland Security schools in the United States. Set in Sault Ste Marie, MI, Lake Superior State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,890. Typical Homeland Security student debt is $21,875. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,045. Set against $21,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Lake Superior State University
National University came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Located in San Diego, CA, National University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $13,284 in tuition and fees. National University Homeland Security students take on a median of $23,450 in debt. National University alumni report median earnings of $67,548 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,450 median debt. See the full National University profile
Nash Community College came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Rocky Mount, NC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,866, compared with $8,866 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $16,969 to complete their Homeland Security program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $34,912. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Nash Community College
Palm Beach State College landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Lake Worth, FL, Palm Beach State College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,050 in tuition and fees, compared with $10,910 for out-of-state students. Palm Beach State College Homeland Security students take on a median of $12,518 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,923 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Palm Beach State College report
Post University placed #45 among the best-value Homeland Security schools in the United States. Located in Waterbury, CT, Post University is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $15,922 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $23,625 to complete their Homeland Security program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,696. That is a strong return on a $23,625 median debt. More on Post University
Northern Kentucky University placed #46 among the best-value Homeland Security schools in the United States. Northern Kentucky University is a public school based in Highland Heights, KY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,088, while out-of-state students pay about $21,912. Typical Homeland Security student debt is $25,572. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,220 ten years after entry. Set against $25,572 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. More on Northern Kentucky University
Wilmington University ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Homeland Security schools. Located in New Castle, DE, Wilmington University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,630. Wilmington University Homeland Security students take on a median of $26,054 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,844 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,054 median debt. Read more about Wilmington University
Grand Canyon University came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. Located in Phoenix, AZ, Grand Canyon University is a private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,508. The median Homeland Security program debt is $28,787. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,186. That is a strong return on a $28,787 median debt. About 79% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Grand Canyon University report
National American University Rapid City placed #49 among the best-value Homeland Security schools in the United States. Based in Rapid City, SD, National American University Rapid City is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,065. Students borrow a median of $38,264 to complete their Homeland Security program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,325. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on National American University Rapid City
North Dakota State University Main Campus placed #50 among the best-value Homeland Security schools in the United States. This public school is set in Fargo, ND. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,910, compared with $15,564 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. North Dakota State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $62,203 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. North Dakota State University Main Campus admits about 95% of applicants. Get the full North Dakota State University Main Campus report
Benedictine University placed #50 among the best-value Homeland Security schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lisle, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $32,648. The median Homeland Security program debt is $25,338. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,446. That is a strong return on a $25,338 median debt. The acceptance rate is 95%. See the full Benedictine University profile
Arizona Western College offered strong value this year, earning the #52 position. Arizona Western College is a public school based in Yuma, AZ. In-state tuition and fees average $3,060, while out-of-state students pay about $9,870. Arizona Western College alumni report median earnings of $36,857 a decade after entry. Get the full Arizona Western College report
Best Value Homeland Security Schools by Degree Level
See the best values at each degree level:
- Best Value Homeland Security Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Homeland Security Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Homeland Security Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Homeland Security Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Homeland Security Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Homeland Security Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Homeland Security Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs 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 · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 352 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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