2026 Best Value Protective Security Safety Services Associate’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Protective Security Safety Services associate’s degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 2040 institutions 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.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor evaluated schools to compile 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 Associate’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Southeast Community College Area earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Based in Lincoln, NE, Southeast Community College Area is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,444, with out-of-state students paying around $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. That is a strong return on a $14,552 median debt. More on Southeast Community College Area
Out of the 2040 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Columbia Southern University landed the #2 spot. Located in Orange Beach, AL, Columbia Southern University is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,224. Graduates carry a median of $23,364 in student loans. Columbia Southern University alumni report median earnings of $63,534 a decade after entry. Set against $23,364 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Columbia Southern University
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Amarillo College earned it the #3 place in the United States. Located 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. Typical Protective Security Safety Services student debt is $16,624. Median earnings reach $41,302 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $16,624 median debt. Get the full Amarillo College report
A rank of #4 makes Alexandria Technical And Community College one of the best values in the United States. Located in Alexandria, MN, Alexandria Technical And Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,236. Alexandria Technical And Community College Protective Security Safety Services students take on a median of $15,400 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,393 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,400 median debt. Read the full report on Alexandria Technical And Community College
A rank of #5 makes Northeast Community College one of the best values in the United States. Based in Norfolk, NE, Northeast Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,840, with out-of-state students paying around $5,130. Graduates carry a median of $9,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $42,634 ten years out. Set against $9,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Northeast Community College
Camden County College placed #6 among the best-value Protective Security Safety Services schools in the United States. Set in Blackwood, NJ, Camden County College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,320, compared with $4,416 for out-of-state students. Typical Protective Security Safety Services student debt is $13,322. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,212. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Camden County College
North Hennepin Community College ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Protective Security Safety Services schools. Located in Brooklyn Park, MN, North Hennepin Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,061. The median Protective Security Safety Services program debt is $30,250. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,142 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $30,250 median debt. Get the full North Hennepin Community College report
Fond Du Lac Tribal And Community College landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Fond Du Lac Tribal And Community College is a public school based in Cloquet, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $6,006. The median Protective Security Safety Services program debt is $15,665. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,665 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,665 median debt. See the full Fond Du Lac Tribal And Community College profile
South Plains College placed #9 among the best-value Protective Security Safety Services schools in the United States. Based in Levelland, TX, South Plains College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,733, compared with $5,157 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $9,291 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,276. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on South Plains College
Normandale Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Set in Bloomington, MN, Normandale Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,329 in tuition and fees. Typical Protective Security Safety Services student debt is $12,891. Normandale Community College alumni report median earnings of $50,207 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,891 median debt. Read the full report on Normandale Community College
New Mexico State University Grants came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Based in Grants, NM, New Mexico State University Grants is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,136, compared with $4,272 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $7,425 to complete their Protective Security Safety Services program here. New Mexico State University Grants alumni report median earnings of $39,067 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $7,425 median debt. Read the full report on New Mexico State University Grants
Tyler Junior College came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. Located in Tyler, TX, Tyler Junior College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,424, compared with $4,536 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $12,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,140. That is a strong return on a $12,000 median debt. More on Tyler Junior College
The University Of Texas At Brownsville placed #13 among the best-value Protective Security Safety Services schools in the United States. Based in Brownsville, TX, The University Of Texas At Brownsville is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,148, compared with $4,948 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $8,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,900. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on The University Of Texas At Brownsville
El Centro College placed #13 among the best-value Protective Security Safety Services schools in the United States. Based in Dallas, TX, El Centro College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,730, compared with $6,900 for out-of-state students. Typical Protective Security Safety Services student debt is $13,727. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,714. That is a strong return on a $13,727 median debt. Read more about El Centro College
Southwest Wisconsin Technical College ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Protective Security Safety Services schools. Southwest Wisconsin Technical College is a public school based in Fennimore, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,904, compared with $7,147 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $12,750 to complete their Protective Security Safety Services program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,470. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Southwest Wisconsin Technical College
Lakeshore Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. This public school is set in Cleveland, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,844, with out-of-state students paying around $7,087. The median Protective Security Safety Services program debt is $11,582. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,113. That is a strong return on a $11,582 median debt. Read more about Lakeshore Technical College
Mid State Technical College landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Wisconsin Rapids, WI, Mid State Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,002, while out-of-state students pay about $7,171. Mid State Technical College Protective Security Safety Services students take on a median of $13,500 in debt. Median earnings reach $42,253 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Mid State Technical College
Metropolitan Community College Area landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Omaha, NE, Metropolitan Community College Area is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,375, while out-of-state students pay about $4,950. Metropolitan Community College Area Protective Security Safety Services students take on a median of $13,462 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,773 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,462 median debt. Read more about Metropolitan Community College Area
Eastern Gateway Community College placed #19 among the best-value Protective Security Safety Services schools in the United States. This public school is set in Steubenville, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $4,225, compared with $6,071 for out-of-state students. Typical Protective Security Safety Services student debt is $10,642. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $34,127. Set against $10,642 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Eastern Gateway Community College
Madison Area Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Located in Madison, WI, Madison Area Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,977, while out-of-state students pay about $7,141. The median Protective Security Safety Services program debt is $13,750. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,413. That is a strong return on a $13,750 median debt. Read more about Madison Area Technical College
Northcentral Technical College came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Northcentral Technical College is a public school based in Wausau, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,889, compared with $7,132 for out-of-state students. Typical Protective Security Safety Services student debt is $14,250. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,925 ten years after entry. Set against $14,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Northcentral Technical College report
Inver Hills Community College came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Located in Inver Grove Heights, MN, Inver Hills Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,146. The median Protective Security Safety Services program debt is $23,690. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,898 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Inver Hills Community College report
Century College placed #23 among the best-value Protective Security Safety Services schools in the United States. Century College is a public school based in White Bear Lake, MN. Students from in state pay about $6,214 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $19,366 to complete their Protective Security Safety Services program here. Median earnings reach $46,424 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $19,366 median debt. Read more about Century College
Western Technical College La Cross offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Set in La Crosse, WI, Western Technical College La Cross is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,820, with out-of-state students paying around $7,078. Typical Protective Security Safety Services student debt is $15,494. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,303. That is a strong return on a $15,494 median debt. See the full Western Technical College La Cross profile
Northland Community And Technical College landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. Northland Community And Technical College is a public school based in Thief River Falls, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,289. Northland Community And Technical College Protective Security Safety Services students take on a median of $12,138 in debt. Median earnings reach $44,425 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $12,138 median debt. See the full Northland Community And Technical College profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Protective Security Safety Services Associate’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Waukesha County Technical College came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. Set in Pewaukee, WI, Waukesha County Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,803 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,046. Graduates carry a median of $16,813 in student loans. Median earnings reach $46,894 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $16,813 median debt. Read more about Waukesha County Technical College
Fox Valley Technical College landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Appleton, WI, Fox Valley Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,040, with out-of-state students paying around $7,283. Typical Protective Security Safety Services student debt is $16,540. Median earnings reach $45,684 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $16,540 median debt. Read more about Fox Valley Technical College
Lake Region State College landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Devils Lake, ND. Students from in state pay about $5,520 in tuition and fees. The median Protective Security Safety Services program debt is $10,131. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,502. That is a strong return on a $10,131 median debt. Read the full report on Lake Region State College
Oakland Community College ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Protective Security Safety Services schools. Oakland Community College is a public school based in Auburn Hills, MI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,120, while out-of-state students pay about $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. Set against $13,506 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Oakland Community College report
College Of Southern Idaho offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. This public school is set in Twin Falls, ID. Students from in state pay about $3,360 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $6,840. The median Protective Security Safety Services program debt is $11,130. Median earnings reach $40,916 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $11,130 median debt. More on College Of Southern Idaho
Lake Area Technical Institute came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Located in Watertown, SD, Lake Area Technical Institute is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,718. Lake Area Technical Institute Protective Security Safety Services students take on a median of $12,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,473. Set against $12,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Lake Area Technical Institute
Prince Georges Community College came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Prince Georges Community College is a public school based in Largo, MD. Students from in state pay about $4,034 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $8,762. Prince Georges Community College Protective Security Safety Services students take on a median of $13,949 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,548. Set against $13,949 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Prince Georges Community College profile
Chippewa Valley Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Set in Eau Claire, WI, Chippewa Valley Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,844, compared with $7,087 for out-of-state students. Chippewa Valley Technical College Protective Security Safety Services students take on a median of $13,537 in debt. Chippewa Valley Technical College alumni report median earnings of $46,297 a decade after entry. Set against $13,537 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Chippewa Valley Technical College
Mclennan Community College placed #34 among the best-value Protective Security Safety Services schools in the United States. Set in Waco, TX, Mclennan Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,660 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $5,910. Mclennan Community College Protective Security Safety Services students take on a median of $11,953 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,163. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Mclennan Community College report
El Paso Community College landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in El Paso, TX, El Paso Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,274, while out-of-state students pay about $5,314. Students borrow a median of $6,084 to complete their Protective Security Safety Services program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $35,212 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $6,084 median debt. Read more about El Paso Community College
Gateway Technical College landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Kenosha, WI, Gateway Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,956, compared with $7,199 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $16,084 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,264. That is a strong return on a $16,084 median debt. More on Gateway Technical College
Schoolcraft College offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Based in Livonia, MI, Schoolcraft College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,799 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $6,501. Students borrow a median of $11,868 to complete their Protective Security Safety Services program here. Median earnings reach $42,722 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Schoolcraft College
Lone Star College System offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. This public school is set in The Woodlands, TX. Students from in state pay about $2,664 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,512 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $10,542 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,466. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Lone Star College System
College Of Western Idaho came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Set in Nampa, ID, College Of Western Idaho is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,446, while out-of-state students pay about $7,454. College Of Western Idaho Protective Security Safety Services students take on a median of $7,381 in debt. More on College Of Western Idaho
Itawamba Community College ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Protective Security Safety Services schools. Located in Fulton, MS, Itawamba Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,420 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $5,820. Typical Protective Security Safety Services student debt is $10,942. Itawamba Community College alumni report median earnings of $32,912 a decade after entry. Set against $10,942 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Itawamba Community College
College Of The Mainland landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. College Of The Mainland is a public school based in Texas City, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,310, with out-of-state students paying around $4,140. Typical Protective Security Safety Services student debt is $10,928. College Of The Mainland alumni report median earnings of $39,639 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full College Of The Mainland report
American Public University System offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Located in Charles Town, WV, American Public University System is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $8,400 in tuition and fees. Typical Protective Security Safety Services student 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
New Mexico State University Carlsbad came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Based 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. Typical Protective Security Safety Services student debt is $7,425. Read more about New Mexico State University Carlsbad
Delgado Community College came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Based in New Orleans, LA, Delgado Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,279. The median Protective Security Safety Services program debt is $30,687. Graduates go on to earn a median of $33,305 ten years after entry. Set against $30,687 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Delgado Community College profile
Hibbing Community College A Technical And Community College placed #45 among the best-value Protective Security Safety Services schools in the United States. Located in Hibbing, MN, Hibbing Community College A Technical And Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,022. Students borrow a median of $25,125 to complete their Protective Security Safety Services program here. Median earnings reach $45,570 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,125 median debt. See the full Hibbing Community College A Technical And Community College profile
Southern Crescent Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Set in Griffin, GA, Southern Crescent Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,516, with out-of-state students paying around $6,084. Graduates carry a median of $17,619 in student loans. Median earnings reach $36,104 ten years out. Set against $17,619 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Southern Crescent Technical College profile
Georgia Military College Milledgeville ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Protective Security Safety Services schools. Based in Milledgeville, GA, Georgia Military College Milledgeville is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,605. Georgia Military College Milledgeville Protective Security Safety Services students take on a median of $12,401 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,257. That is a strong return on a $12,401 median debt. Get the full Georgia Military College Milledgeville report
Macomb Community College landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Warren, MI, Macomb Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,660, compared with $8,370 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $6,964 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,596. That is a strong return on a $6,964 median debt. Read the full report on Macomb Community College
Napa Valley College placed #49 among the best-value Protective Security Safety Services schools in the United States. Based in Napa, CA, Napa Valley College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $1,156 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $11,908. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,517. See the full Napa Valley College profile
Spokane Community College placed #50 among the best-value Protective Security Safety Services schools in the United States. Spokane Community College is a public school based in Spokane, WA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,461, compared with $6,612 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $16,486 to complete their Protective Security Safety Services program here. Spokane Community College alumni report median earnings of $41,984 a decade after entry. Set against $16,486 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Spokane Community College
Related Protective Security Safety Services Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Value Protective Security Safety Services Schools (All Levels)
- 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 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. 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 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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