2026 Best Value Protective Security Safety Services Schools
Looking for the best-value Protective Security Safety Services programs programs in the United States? We have ranked 2040 schools 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 build 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 Protective Security Safety Services Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Southeast Community College Area earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. This public school is set in Lincoln, NE. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,444, while out-of-state students pay about $4,032. Southeast Community College Area Protective Security Safety Services students take on a median of $14,552 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,405. Set against $14,552 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Southeast Community College Area report
Out of the 2040 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Nichols College landed the #2 spot. Based in Dudley, MA, Nichols College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $42,705 in tuition and fees. Nichols College Protective Security Safety Services students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,063. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Nichols College report
You'll get strong value at Columbia Southern University, which ranked #3 this year. Columbia Southern University is a private for-profit school based in Orange Beach, AL. In-state tuition and fees average $6,224. The median Protective Security Safety Services program debt is $23,364. Median earnings reach $63,534 ten years out. Set against $23,364 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Columbia Southern University
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Camden County College earned it the #4 place in the United States. Camden County College is a public school based in Blackwood, NJ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,320, while out-of-state students pay about $4,416. Typical Protective Security Safety Services student debt is $13,322. Median earnings reach $41,212 ten years out. Set against $13,322 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Camden County College report
Northeast Community College came in at #5 on this year's best-value Protective Security Safety Services ranking in the United States. Northeast Community College is a public school based in Norfolk, NE. Students from in state pay about $3,840 in tuition and fees, compared with $5,130 for out-of-state students. Typical Protective Security Safety Services student debt is $9,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,634. That is a strong return on a $9,000 median debt. Read more about Northeast Community College
Alexandria Technical And Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Based in Alexandria, MN, Alexandria Technical And Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,236 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $15,400 to complete their Protective Security Safety Services program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,393. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Alexandria Technical And Community College profile
North Hennepin Community College landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Brooklyn Park, MN. Students from in state pay about $5,061 in tuition and fees. Typical Protective Security Safety Services student debt is $30,250. North Hennepin Community College alumni report median earnings of $51,142 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $30,250 median debt. See the full North Hennepin Community College profile
Amarillo College came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Based in Amarillo, TX, Amarillo College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,136 in tuition and fees, compared with $4,704 for out-of-state students. Amarillo College Protective Security Safety Services students take on a median of $16,624 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,302 ten years after entry. Set against $16,624 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Amarillo College
Fond Du Lac Tribal And Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. Based in Cloquet, MN, Fond Du Lac Tribal And Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,006 in tuition and fees. Typical Protective Security Safety Services student debt is $15,665. Median earnings reach $45,665 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Fond Du Lac Tribal And Community College
Northcentral Technical College landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Wausau, WI, Northcentral Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,889, with out-of-state students paying around $7,132. The median Protective Security Safety Services program debt is $14,250. Northcentral Technical College alumni report median earnings of $44,925 a decade after entry. Set against $14,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Northcentral Technical College
Normandale Community College landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. Normandale Community College is a public school based in Bloomington, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $6,329. Typical Protective Security Safety Services student debt is $12,891. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,207. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Normandale Community College report
New Mexico State University Grants offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. New Mexico State University Grants is a public school based in Grants, NM. Students from in state pay about $2,136 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $4,272. New Mexico State University Grants Protective Security Safety Services students take on a median of $7,425 in debt. Median earnings reach $39,067 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full New Mexico State University Grants profile
Lake Region State College offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. This public school is set in Devils Lake, ND. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,520. The median Protective Security Safety Services program debt is $10,131. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,502 ten years after entry. Set against $10,131 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Lake Region State College
Lakeshore Technical College ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Protective Security Safety Services schools. Lakeshore Technical College is a public school based in Cleveland, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,844, with out-of-state students paying around $7,087. Typical Protective Security Safety Services student debt is $11,582. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,113 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Lakeshore Technical College report
South Plains College landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Levelland, TX, South Plains College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,733 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $5,157. South Plains College Protective Security Safety Services students take on a median of $9,291 in debt. South Plains College alumni report median earnings of $41,276 a decade after entry. Set against $9,291 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full South Plains College profile
Southwest Wisconsin Technical College placed #16 among the best-value Protective Security Safety Services schools in the United States. This public school is set in Fennimore, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,904, while out-of-state students pay about $7,147. Typical Protective Security Safety Services student debt is $12,750. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,470. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Southwest Wisconsin Technical College
Mid State Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. This public school is set in Wisconsin Rapids, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,002, with out-of-state students paying around $7,171. Mid State Technical College Protective Security Safety Services students take on a median of $13,500 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,253. Set against $13,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Mid State Technical College
Metropolitan Community College Area placed #18 among the best-value Protective Security Safety Services schools in the United States. Located in Omaha, NE, Metropolitan Community College Area is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,375, while out-of-state students pay about $4,950. Typical Protective Security Safety Services student debt is $13,462. Metropolitan Community College Area alumni report median earnings of $38,773 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Metropolitan Community College Area
Eastern Gateway Community College came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Eastern Gateway Community College is a public school based in Steubenville, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,225, while out-of-state students pay about $6,071. Graduates carry a median of $10,642 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $34,127. That is a strong return on a $10,642 median debt. See the full Eastern Gateway Community College profile
Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Barranquitas ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Protective Security Safety Services schools. Based in Barranquitas, PR, Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Barranquitas is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,742. The median Protective Security Safety Services program debt is $4,217. Median earnings reach $23,204 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%. Read more about Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Barranquitas
The University Of Texas At Brownsville placed #21 among the best-value Protective Security Safety Services schools in the United States. Located in Brownsville, TX, The University Of Texas At Brownsville is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,148, with out-of-state students paying around $4,948. Typical Protective Security Safety Services student debt is $8,000. Median earnings reach $41,900 ten years out. Set against $8,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about The University Of Texas At Brownsville
Oakland Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Set in Auburn Hills, MI, Oakland Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,120 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $5,560. Students borrow a median of $13,506 to complete their Protective Security Safety Services program here. Oakland Community College alumni report median earnings of $37,395 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Oakland Community College
Tyler Junior College placed #23 among the best-value Protective Security Safety Services schools in the United States. Located in Tyler, TX, Tyler Junior College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,424, while out-of-state students pay about $4,536. Graduates carry a median of $12,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,140. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Tyler Junior College profile
Hennepin Technical College placed #24 among the best-value Protective Security Safety Services schools in the United States. This public school is set in Brooklyn Park, MN. Students from in state pay about $5,940 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $19,854 to complete their Protective Security Safety Services program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,460. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Hennepin Technical College profile
El Centro College offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Located in Dallas, TX, El Centro College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,730, with out-of-state students paying around $6,900. Students borrow a median of $13,727 to complete their Protective Security Safety Services program here. El Centro College alumni report median earnings of $41,714 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on El Centro College
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Protective Security Safety Services Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Inver Hills Community College landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Inver Grove Heights, MN, Inver Hills Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,146 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $23,690 to complete their Protective Security Safety Services program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,898. That is a strong return on a $23,690 median debt. Read the full report on Inver Hills Community College
Madison Area Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. This public school is set in Madison, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,977, with out-of-state students paying around $7,141. Students borrow a median of $13,750 to complete their Protective Security Safety Services program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,413. That is a strong return on a $13,750 median debt. See the full Madison Area Technical College profile
Northland Community And Technical College placed #28 among the best-value Protective Security Safety Services schools in the United States. Located in Thief River Falls, MN, Northland Community And Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,289. Graduates carry a median of $12,138 in student loans. Northland Community And Technical College alumni report median earnings of $44,425 a decade after entry. Set against $12,138 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Northland Community And Technical College
Wharton County Junior College came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Set in Wharton, TX, Wharton County Junior College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,192, while out-of-state students pay about $5,904. Wharton County Junior College Protective Security Safety Services students take on a median of $8,753 in debt. Wharton County Junior College alumni report median earnings of $44,960 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Wharton County Junior College
Western Technical College La Cross ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Protective Security Safety Services schools. Set in La Crosse, WI, Western Technical College La Cross is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,820, compared with $7,078 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $15,494 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,303. That is a strong return on a $15,494 median debt. More on Western Technical College La Cross
College Of The Mainland placed #31 among the best-value Protective Security Safety Services schools in the United States. Based in Texas City, TX, College Of The Mainland is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,310, with out-of-state students paying around $4,140. The median Protective Security Safety Services program debt is $10,928. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,639. That is a strong return on a $10,928 median debt. Read the full report on College Of The Mainland
Gateway Technical College placed #32 among the best-value Protective Security Safety Services schools in the United States. Gateway Technical College is a public school based in Kenosha, WI. Students from in state pay about $4,956 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,199 for out-of-state students. Gateway Technical College Protective Security Safety Services students take on a median of $16,084 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,264. Set against $16,084 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Gateway Technical College report
Colorado State University Global Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Set in Denver, CO, Colorado State University Global Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,000. Typical Protective Security Safety Services student debt is $38,276. Colorado State University Global Campus alumni report median earnings of $76,813 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $38,276 median debt. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted. See the full Colorado State University Global Campus profile
Lake Area Technical Institute ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Protective Security Safety Services schools. Based in Watertown, SD, Lake Area Technical Institute is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,718. Students borrow a median of $12,000 to complete their Protective Security Safety Services program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,473. That is a strong return on a $12,000 median debt. Read more about Lake Area Technical Institute
Prince Georges Community College landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Largo, MD, Prince Georges Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,034 in tuition and fees, compared with $8,762 for out-of-state students. Prince Georges Community College Protective Security Safety Services students take on a median of $13,949 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,548. Set against $13,949 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Prince Georges Community College
Century College ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Protective Security Safety Services schools. Set in White Bear Lake, MN, Century College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,214. Students borrow a median of $19,366 to complete their Protective Security Safety Services program here. Median earnings reach $46,424 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Century College profile
Waukesha County Technical College came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Set in Pewaukee, WI, Waukesha County Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,803, with out-of-state students paying around $7,046. Typical Protective Security Safety Services student debt is $16,813. Waukesha County Technical College alumni report median earnings of $46,894 a decade after entry. Set against $16,813 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Waukesha County Technical College
Wayne State College came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Wayne State College is a public school based in Wayne, NE. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,171. The median Protective Security Safety Services program debt is $25,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,075. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Wayne State College
Fox Valley Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Located in Appleton, WI, Fox Valley Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,040, compared with $7,283 for out-of-state students. Typical Protective Security Safety Services student debt is $16,540. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,684 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,540 median debt. Read the full report on Fox Valley Technical College
Chadron State College offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. This public school is set in Chadron, NE. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,294. Chadron State College Protective Security Safety Services students take on a median of $20,250 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,002 ten years after entry. Set against $20,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Chadron State College
American Public University System placed #40 among the best-value Protective Security Safety Services schools in the United States. Based in Charles Town, WV, American Public University System is a private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,400. The median Protective Security Safety Services program debt is $22,266. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,409. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on American Public University System
Chippewa Valley Technical College ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Protective Security Safety Services schools. Located in Eau Claire, WI, Chippewa Valley Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,844, while out-of-state students pay about $7,087. The median Protective Security Safety Services program debt is $13,537. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,297. That is a strong return on a $13,537 median debt. Read more about Chippewa Valley Technical College
Santa Ana College came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Based in Santa Ana, CA, Santa Ana College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $1,180 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $10,756. Typical Protective Security Safety Services student debt is $14,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,552 ten years after entry. Set against $14,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Santa Ana College report
Schoolcraft College came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Livonia, MI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,799, compared with $6,501 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $11,868 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,722 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Schoolcraft College report
Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies placed #45 among the best-value Protective Security Safety Services schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Fayette, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,500. The median Protective Security Safety Services program debt is $26,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,991. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies admits about 88% of applicants. See the full Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies profile
College Of Southern Idaho ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Protective Security Safety Services schools. Located in Twin Falls, ID, College Of Southern Idaho is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,360 in tuition and fees, compared with $6,840 for out-of-state students. The median Protective Security Safety Services program debt is $11,130. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,916 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on College Of Southern Idaho
Southern Crescent Technical College placed #47 among the best-value Protective Security Safety Services schools in the United States. This public school is set in Griffin, GA. Students from in state pay about $3,516 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $6,084. Students borrow a median of $17,619 to complete their Protective Security Safety Services program here. Southern Crescent Technical College alumni report median earnings of $36,104 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,619 median debt. Read the full report on Southern Crescent Technical College
New Mexico State University Carlsbad landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Carlsbad, NM, New Mexico State University Carlsbad is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,176, compared with $4,008 for out-of-state students. New Mexico State University Carlsbad Protective Security Safety Services students take on a median of $7,425 in debt. Get the full New Mexico State University Carlsbad report
Granite State College placed #49 among the best-value Protective Security Safety Services schools in the United States. Set in Manchester, NH, Granite State College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,724 in tuition and fees, compared with $9,284 for out-of-state students. Granite State College Protective Security Safety Services students take on a median of $22,551 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $66,479 ten years after entry. Set against $22,551 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Granite State College report
Lone Star College System offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. Set in The Woodlands, TX, Lone Star College System is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,664, while out-of-state students pay about $7,512. Students borrow a median of $10,542 to complete their Protective Security Safety Services program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,466. Set against $10,542 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Lone Star College System report
Best Value Protective Security Safety Services Schools by Degree Level
Explore value rankings for a specific degree level:
- Best Value Protective Security Safety Services Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Protective Security Safety Services Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Protective Security Safety Services Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Protective Security Safety Services Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Protective Security Safety Services Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Protective Security Safety Services Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Protective Security Safety Services Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 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 · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 2040 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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