2026 Best Value Protective Security Safety Services Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Protective Security Safety Services certificate degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 2040 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To help you make your decision, Course Advisor analyzed 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 Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
For return on investment, no school beat Camden County College this year in the United States. This public school is set in Blackwood, NJ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,320, compared with $4,416 for out-of-state students. Typical Protective Security Safety Services student debt is $13,322. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,212. Set against $13,322 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Camden County College profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Northcentral Technical College earned it the #2 place in the United States. Based in Wausau, WI, Northcentral Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,889, compared with $7,132 for out-of-state students. Typical Protective Security Safety Services student debt is $14,250. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,925. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Northcentral Technical College report
You'll get strong value at Alexandria Technical And Community College, which ranked #3 this year. Located in Alexandria, MN, Alexandria Technical And Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,236. Typical Protective Security Safety Services student debt is $15,400. 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. Get the full Alexandria Technical And Community College report
Out of the 2040 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Lake Region State College landed the #4 spot. Based in Devils Lake, ND, Lake Region State College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,520. 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
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Columbia Southern University earned it the #5 place in the United States. Based in Orange Beach, AL, Columbia Southern University is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,224. Columbia Southern University Protective Security Safety Services students take on a median of $23,364 in debt. 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
Southwest Wisconsin Technical College landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Fennimore, WI, Southwest Wisconsin Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,904, compared with $7,147 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $12,750 in student loans. Southwest Wisconsin Technical College alumni report median earnings of $43,470 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,750 median debt. Read the full report on Southwest Wisconsin Technical College
Mid State Technical College landed the #7 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 run about $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. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,253 ten years after entry. Set against $13,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Mid State Technical College profile
Oakland Community College ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Protective Security Safety Services schools. Based in Auburn Hills, MI, Oakland Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,120, with out-of-state students paying around $5,560. The median Protective Security Safety Services program debt is $13,506. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,395. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Oakland Community College
Hennepin Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. Based in Brooklyn Park, MN, Hennepin Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,940. Graduates carry a median of $19,854 in student loans. Median earnings reach $49,460 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $19,854 median debt. Read more about Hennepin Technical College
South Plains College came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Based in Levelland, TX, South Plains College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,733, compared with $5,157 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $9,291 to complete their Protective Security Safety Services program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,276 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $9,291 median debt. Get the full South Plains College report
Santa Ana College came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Santa Ana, CA. Students from in state pay about $1,180 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $10,756. Students borrow a median of $14,500 to complete their Protective Security Safety Services program here. Median earnings reach $43,552 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Santa Ana College
Gateway Technical College came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Kenosha, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $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. Get the full Gateway Technical College report
Southeast Community College Area came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Lincoln, NE. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,444, while out-of-state students pay about $4,032. Graduates carry a median of $14,552 in student loans. Median earnings reach $43,405 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Southeast Community College Area
College Of The Mainland ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Protective Security Safety Services schools. This public school is set in Texas City, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,310, while out-of-state students pay about $4,140. Typical Protective Security Safety Services student debt is $10,928. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,639 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full College Of The Mainland profile
Wharton County Junior College ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Protective Security Safety Services schools. Set in Wharton, TX, Wharton County Junior College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,192, while out-of-state students pay about $5,904. Students borrow a median of $8,753 to complete their Protective Security Safety Services program here. Wharton County Junior College alumni report median earnings of $44,960 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $8,753 median debt. Read the full report on Wharton County Junior College
Inver Hills Community College landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Inver Grove Heights, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,146. The median Protective Security Safety Services program debt is $23,690. Median earnings reach $49,898 ten years out. Set against $23,690 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Inver Hills Community College
Madison Area Technical College ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Protective Security Safety Services schools. Located in Madison, WI, Madison Area Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,977, compared with $7,141 for out-of-state students. 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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Madison Area Technical College
El Centro College ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Protective Security Safety Services schools. El Centro College is a public school based in Dallas, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,730, while out-of-state students pay about $6,900. The median Protective Security Safety Services program 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 the full report on El Centro College
Western Technical College La Cross placed #19 among the best-value Protective Security Safety Services schools in the United States. This public school is set in La Crosse, WI. Students from in state pay about $4,820 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,078. Typical Protective Security Safety Services student debt is $15,494. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,303. That is a strong return on a $15,494 median debt. Read the full report on Western Technical College La Cross
Normandale Community College ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Protective Security Safety Services schools. Normandale Community College is a public school based in Bloomington, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,329. Normandale Community College Protective Security Safety Services students take on a median of $12,891 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,207. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Normandale Community College
Northland Community And Technical College placed #21 among the best-value Protective Security Safety Services schools in the United States. Set in Thief River Falls, MN, Northland Community And Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,289. The median Protective Security Safety Services program debt is $12,138. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,425. That is a strong return on a $12,138 median debt. Read more about Northland Community And Technical College
Chippewa Valley Technical College placed #22 among the best-value Protective Security Safety Services schools in the United States. This public school is set in Eau Claire, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,297. That is a strong return on a $13,537 median debt. See the full Chippewa Valley Technical College profile
Fox Valley Technical College placed #23 among the best-value Protective Security Safety Services schools 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 $16,540 to complete their Protective Security Safety Services program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,684. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Fox Valley Technical College report
Waukesha County Technical College placed #23 among the best-value Protective Security Safety Services schools in the United States. This public school is set in Pewaukee, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $4,803, with out-of-state students paying around $7,046. Graduates carry a median of $16,813 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,894. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Waukesha County Technical College report
Southern Crescent Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. This public school is set in Griffin, GA. Students from in state pay about $3,516 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $6,084. Southern Crescent Technical College Protective Security Safety Services students take on a median of $17,619 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $36,104. That is a strong return on a $17,619 median debt. Read the full report on Southern Crescent Technical College
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Protective Security Safety Services Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Johnson County Community College placed #26 among the best-value Protective Security Safety Services schools in the United States. Set in Overland Park, KS, Johnson County Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,424, while out-of-state students pay about $5,688. Johnson County Community College Protective Security Safety Services students take on a median of $20,106 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,387. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Johnson County Community College
Amarillo College offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Based in Amarillo, TX, Amarillo College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,136, with out-of-state students paying around $4,704. Students borrow a median of $16,624 to complete their Protective Security Safety Services program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,302 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,624 median debt. Read more about Amarillo College
Tyler Junior College offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Located in Tyler, TX, Tyler Junior College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,424, while out-of-state students pay about $4,536. Typical Protective Security Safety Services student debt is $12,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,140. That is a strong return on a $12,000 median debt. Read more about Tyler Junior College
Southwestern Illinois College placed #29 among the best-value Protective Security Safety Services schools in the United States. Set in Belleville, IL, Southwestern Illinois College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,230, with out-of-state students paying around $6,720. Typical Protective Security Safety Services student debt is $11,161. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $36,884. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Southwestern Illinois College
The University Of Texas At Brownsville came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. The University Of Texas At Brownsville is a public school based in Brownsville, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,148, while out-of-state students pay about $4,948. Graduates carry a median of $8,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,900. Set against $8,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on The University Of Texas At Brownsville
Rio Salado College placed #31 among the best-value Protective Security Safety Services schools in the United States. This public school is set in Tempe, AZ. Students from in state pay about $2,358 in tuition and fees, compared with $8,958 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $11,500 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,015 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Rio Salado College report
Century College ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Protective Security Safety Services schools. This public school is set in White Bear Lake, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,214. Graduates carry a median of $19,366 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,424. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Century College
Augusta Technical College landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Augusta, GA, Augusta Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,282, compared with $7,492 for out-of-state students. Typical Protective Security Safety Services student debt is $11,400. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $33,523. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Augusta Technical College
Santa Rosa Junior College landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Santa Rosa, CA, Santa Rosa Junior College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,318, while out-of-state students pay about $11,308. The median Protective Security Safety Services program debt is $14,125. Median earnings reach $47,224 ten years out. Set against $14,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Santa Rosa Junior College
Moreno Valley College landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Moreno Valley, CA, Moreno Valley College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $1,428 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $12,498. The median Protective Security Safety Services program debt is $12,643. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,133 ten years after entry. Set against $12,643 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Moreno Valley College
Napa Valley College came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Napa Valley College is a public school based in Napa, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,156, while out-of-state students pay about $11,908. Median earnings reach $49,517 ten years out. Read the full report on Napa Valley College
Park University came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Park University is a private not-for-profit school based in Parkville, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,116. Typical Protective Security Safety Services student debt is $18,299. Median earnings reach $56,309 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $18,299 median debt. More on Park University
Blackhawk Technical College ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Protective Security Safety Services schools. Located in Janesville, WI, Blackhawk Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,747, with out-of-state students paying around $6,803. The median Protective Security Safety Services program debt is $14,937. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,620. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Blackhawk Technical College
The Community College Of Baltimore County landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. The Community College Of Baltimore County is a public school based in Baltimore, MD. In-state tuition and fees average $4,110, with out-of-state students paying around $10,182. Typical Protective Security Safety Services student debt is $14,611. Median earnings reach $43,729 ten years out. Set against $14,611 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on The Community College Of Baltimore County
Southern Arkansas University Tech offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Set in Camden, AR, Southern Arkansas University Tech is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,040 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $6,480. Southern Arkansas University Tech Protective Security Safety Services students take on a median of $8,488 in debt. Southern Arkansas University Tech alumni report median earnings of $36,376 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Southern Arkansas University Tech
North Georgia Technical College ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Protective Security Safety Services schools. Set in Clarkesville, GA, North Georgia Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,330, while out-of-state students pay about $5,898. Typical Protective Security Safety Services student debt is $12,279. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $32,932. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on North Georgia Technical College
Savannah Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. This public school is set in Savannah, GA. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,330, with out-of-state students paying around $5,898. The median Protective Security Safety Services program debt is $12,125. Savannah Technical College alumni report median earnings of $33,018 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Savannah Technical College
Wiregrass Georgia Technical College came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Set in Valdosta, GA, Wiregrass Georgia Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,480, with out-of-state students paying around $6,048. Graduates carry a median of $10,864 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $30,864. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Wiregrass Georgia Technical College
Laredo Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Located in Laredo, TX, Laredo Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,300, while out-of-state students pay about $5,748. The median Protective Security Safety Services program debt is $6,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $33,934 ten years after entry. Set against $6,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Laredo Community College
Wor Wic Community College ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Protective Security Safety Services schools. This public school is set in Salisbury, MD. Students from in state pay about $3,840 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $8,400. Wor Wic Community College Protective Security Safety Services students take on a median of $14,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $36,748. That is a strong return on a $14,000 median debt. More on Wor Wic Community College
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Northeast Wisconsin Technical College is a public school based in Green Bay, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $4,960, compared with $7,203 for out-of-state students. Typical Protective Security Safety Services student debt is $14,997. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,553 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,997 median debt. Read more about Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
Hutchinson Community College landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Hutchinson, KS, Hutchinson Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,540 in tuition and fees, compared with $4,770 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $18,148 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,470 ten years after entry. Set against $18,148 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Hutchinson Community College
Golden West College came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. Based in Huntington Beach, CA, Golden West College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $1,380 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $11,628. The median Protective Security Safety Services program debt is $21,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,145. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Golden West College
South Georgia Technical College landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. South Georgia Technical College is a public school based in Americus, GA. Students from in state pay about $3,992 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,202. The median Protective Security Safety Services program debt is $10,423. Median earnings reach $30,364 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full South Georgia Technical College report
American Public University System placed #50 among the best-value Protective Security Safety Services schools in the United States. American Public University System is a private for-profit school based in Charles Town, WV. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,400. American Public University System Protective Security Safety Services students take on a median of $22,266 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,409. That is a strong return on a $22,266 median debt. Get the full American Public University System report
Related Protective Security Safety Services Value Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Value Protective Security Safety Services Schools (All Levels)
- 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).
Course Advisor provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© Course Advisor – All Rights Reserved.