2026 Best Value Protective Security Safety Services Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Protective Security Safety Services graduate certificate degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 2040 schools 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.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor analyzed 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 Protective Security Safety Services Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Park University earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Located in Parkville, MO, Park University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,116. Typical Protective Security Safety Services student debt is $18,299. Park University alumni report median earnings of $56,309 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,299 median debt. Read more about Park University
A rank of #2 makes American Public University System one of the best values in the United States. Located in Charles Town, WV, American Public University System is a private for-profit institution. 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. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,409 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full American Public University System profile
Out of the 2040 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Liberty University landed the #3 spot. Liberty University is a private not-for-profit school based in Lynchburg, VA. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,173. The median Protective Security Safety Services program debt is $29,323. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,813. Set against $29,323 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Liberty University has an acceptance rate of 99%. Get the full Liberty University report
A rank of #4 makes Southwestern College one of the best values in the United States. Set in Winfield, KS, Southwestern College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $39,822. Graduates carry a median of $26,874 in student loans. Southwestern College alumni report median earnings of $55,646 a decade after entry. Set against $26,874 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Southwestern College has an acceptance rate of 76%. Read the full report on Southwestern College
Arizona State University Skysong came in at #5 on this year's best-value Protective Security Safety Services ranking in the United States. Based in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,627 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $13,925. The median Protective Security Safety Services program debt is $21,943. Arizona State University Skysong alumni report median earnings of $62,668 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 67% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Arizona State University Skysong
Salve Regina University offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Located in Newport, RI, Salve Regina University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $50,100. Salve Regina University Protective Security Safety Services students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,975. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 68%. More on Salve Regina University
Western Illinois University landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Western Illinois University is a public school based in Macomb, IL. Students from in state pay about $14,572 in tuition and fees. Western Illinois University Protective Security Safety Services students take on a median of $25,699 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,163 ten years after entry. Set against $25,699 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Western Illinois University has an acceptance rate of 71%. Read more about Western Illinois University
Walden University landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Minneapolis, MN, Walden University is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $11,067 in tuition and fees. Typical Protective Security Safety Services student debt is $48,133. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,810. Set against $48,133 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Walden University profile
Webster University offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. Based in Saint Louis, MO, Webster University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $31,750. Students borrow a median of $25,939 to complete their Protective Security Safety Services program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,876. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Webster University profile
Angelo State University landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. Angelo State University is a public school based in San Angelo, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,460, with out-of-state students paying around $18,300. Students borrow a median of $22,000 to complete their Protective Security Safety Services program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,116. Set against $22,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 83%. Get the full Angelo State University report
University Of Houston Downtown placed #11 among the best-value Protective Security Safety Services schools in the United States. University Of Houston Downtown is a public school based in Houston, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,582, compared with $17,434 for out-of-state students. The median Protective Security Safety Services program debt is $22,757. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,551. Set against $22,757 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Houston Downtown
Northern Kentucky University landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Highland Heights, KY, Northern Kentucky University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,088, compared with $21,912 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Protective Security Safety Services program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,220 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 68%. More on Northern Kentucky University
Towson University ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Protective Security Safety Services schools. Based in Towson, MD, Towson University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,728, while out-of-state students pay about $29,820. Typical Protective Security Safety Services student debt is $21,241. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,390. That is a strong return on a $21,241 median debt. Towson University admits about 82% of applicants. Get the full Towson University report
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Located in Norman, OK, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,797 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $27,377. The median Protective Security Safety Services program debt is $27,156. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,126. That is a strong return on a $27,156 median debt. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus report
Universidad Del Turabo placed #15 among the best-value Protective Security Safety Services schools in the United States. Based in Gurabo, PR, Universidad Del Turabo is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,750. Students borrow a median of $10,454 to complete their Protective Security Safety Services program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $26,223 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,454 median debt. More on Universidad Del Turabo
Benedictine University ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Protective Security Safety Services schools. Set in Lisle, IL, Benedictine University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $32,648. Typical Protective Security Safety Services student debt is $25,979. Median earnings reach $63,446 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Benedictine University
Excelsior College came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Excelsior College is a private not-for-profit school based in Albany, NY. Students borrow a median of $14,875 to complete their Protective Security Safety Services program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,493. That is a strong return on a $14,875 median debt. More on Excelsior College
Sam Houston State University landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Huntsville, TX, Sam Houston State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,228, compared with $19,068 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,218 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,211 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Sam Houston State University admits about 90% of applicants. See the full Sam Houston State University profile
Franklin University placed #19 among the best-value Protective Security Safety Services schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Columbus, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,577. Graduates carry a median of $28,750 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,892. Set against $28,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Franklin University
Desales University ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Protective Security Safety Services schools. Set in Center Valley, PA, Desales University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $46,800. Typical Protective Security Safety Services student debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $61,295 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Desales University profile
Thomas Edison State College ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Protective Security Safety Services schools. Set in Trenton, NJ, Thomas Edison State College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,838 in tuition and fees, compared with $8,856 for out-of-state students. Typical Protective Security Safety Services student debt is $16,245. Median earnings reach $69,331 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Thomas Edison State College
University Of Florida offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. This public school is set in Gainesville, FL. Students from in state pay about $6,381 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,659. University Of Florida Protective Security Safety Services students take on a median of $12,296 in debt. University Of Florida alumni report median earnings of $71,588 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 24% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Florida
Saint Louis University Main Campus ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Protective Security Safety Services schools. Set in Saint Louis, MO, Saint Louis University Main Campus is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $55,760 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $23,694 to complete their Protective Security Safety Services program here. Median earnings reach $70,783 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,694 median debt. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Saint Louis University Main Campus report
Texas A And M University Corpus Christi offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Set in Corpus Christi, TX, Texas A And M University Corpus Christi is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,748, compared with $20,794 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,974 to complete their Protective Security Safety Services program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,865 ten years after entry. Set against $23,974 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. More on Texas A And M University Corpus Christi
Fayetteville State University placed #26 among the best-value Protective Security Safety Services schools in the United States. Set in Fayetteville, NC, Fayetteville State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,353, while out-of-state students pay about $8,353. Graduates carry a median of $25,060 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,144. That is a strong return on a $25,060 median debt. Fayetteville State University admits about 82% of applicants. See the full Fayetteville State University profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Protective Security Safety Services Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Texas State University San Marcos placed #27 among the best-value Protective Security Safety Services schools in the United States. This public school is set in San Marcos, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $11,450, while out-of-state students pay about $22,930. Texas State University San Marcos Protective Security Safety Services students take on a median of $19,500 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,906 ten years after entry. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Texas State University San Marcos profile
University Of Georgia came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Set in Athens, GA, University Of Georgia is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,450, while out-of-state students pay about $31,688. Students borrow a median of $22,978 to complete their Protective Security Safety Services program here. University Of Georgia alumni report median earnings of $68,726 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,978 median debt. Roughly 38% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Georgia report
Oklahoma State University Main Campus placed #29 among the best-value Protective Security Safety Services schools in the United States. Based in Stillwater, OK, Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,110 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $25,630. Students borrow a median of $26,500 to complete their Protective Security Safety Services program here. Oklahoma State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $57,413 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Oklahoma State University Main Campus
George Mason University placed #30 among the best-value Protective Security Safety Services schools in the United States. This public school is set in Fairfax, VA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,220, with out-of-state students paying around $38,688. Typical Protective Security Safety Services student debt is $21,487. Graduates go on to earn a median of $76,343 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,487 median debt. George Mason University has an acceptance rate of 88%. See the full George Mason University profile
Husson University came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Set in Bangor, ME, Husson University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $23,304. Students borrow a median of $27,178 to complete their Protective Security Safety Services program here. Husson University alumni report median earnings of $45,025 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 81%. More on Husson University
San Diego State University ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Protective Security Safety Services schools. This public school is set in San Diego, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $8,728, while out-of-state students pay about $21,328. San Diego State University Protective Security Safety Services students take on a median of $12,998 in debt. Median earnings reach $64,909 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 36% of those who apply are admitted. More on San Diego State University
Iona College placed #33 among the best-value Protective Security Safety Services schools in the United States. Set in New Rochelle, NY, Iona College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $47,260. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Iona College alumni report median earnings of $73,595 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. See the full Iona College profile
Cuny John Jay College Of Criminal Justice landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in New York, NY, Cuny John Jay College Of Criminal Justice is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,470, compared with $15,420 for out-of-state students. The median Protective Security Safety Services program debt is $11,503. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,195 ten years after entry. Set against $11,503 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 57% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Cuny John Jay College Of Criminal Justice report
University Of Louisville placed #35 among the best-value Protective Security Safety Services schools in the United States. University Of Louisville is a public school based in Louisville, KY. In-state tuition and fees average $13,136, with out-of-state students paying around $29,482. University Of Louisville Protective Security Safety Services students take on a median of $18,258 in debt. University Of Louisville alumni report median earnings of $53,899 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 79% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Louisville
University Of Massachusetts Lowell ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Protective Security Safety Services schools. Located in Lowell, MA, University Of Massachusetts Lowell is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,966, while out-of-state students pay about $36,264. Typical Protective Security Safety Services student debt is $24,822. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,874. Set against $24,822 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 83% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Massachusetts Lowell report
University Of Baltimore ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Protective Security Safety Services schools. Based in Baltimore, MD, University Of Baltimore is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,992, while out-of-state students pay about $23,984. Typical Protective Security Safety Services student debt is $25,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,335. That is a strong return on a $25,500 median debt. University Of Baltimore has an acceptance rate of 79%. More on University Of Baltimore
Long Island University C W Post Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Brookville, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $42,432. Students borrow a median of $27,531 to complete their Protective Security Safety Services program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,950. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Long Island University C W Post Campus has an acceptance rate of 86%. Read the full report on Long Island University C W Post Campus
Texas Christian University offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Fort Worth, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $61,740. Texas Christian University Protective Security Safety Services students take on a median of $20,429 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,424 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 44% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Texas Christian University profile
Washington State University came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Washington State University is a public school based in Pullman, WA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,391, compared with $29,950 for out-of-state students. The median Protective Security Safety Services program debt is $21,577. Washington State University alumni report median earnings of $68,905 a decade after entry. Set against $21,577 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Washington State University
Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Set in Indianapolis, IN, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,762, with out-of-state students paying around $34,891. The median Protective Security Safety Services program debt is $21,261. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,198. Set against $21,261 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis admits about 76% of applicants. See the full Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis profile
Jacksonville State University offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. This public school is set in Jacksonville, AL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,894, with out-of-state students paying around $23,334. Jacksonville State University Protective Security Safety Services students take on a median of $26,770 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,235. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. See the full Jacksonville State University profile
Portland State University ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Protective Security Safety Services schools. This public school is set in Portland, OR. In-state tuition and fees average $11,118, compared with $29,136 for out-of-state students. Typical Protective Security Safety Services student debt is $26,641. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,906. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. More on Portland State University
Capella University came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. This private for-profit school is set in Minneapolis, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,400. Graduates carry a median of $36,500 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,189. That is a strong return on a $36,500 median debt. Read the full report on Capella University
University Of New Haven offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Set in West Haven, CT, University Of New Haven is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $47,332. Graduates carry a median of $26,950 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,126. Set against $26,950 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of New Haven profile
American Intercontinental University Online landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. This private for-profit school is set in Chandler, AZ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,397. Students borrow a median of $37,625 to complete their Protective Security Safety Services program here. American Intercontinental University Online alumni report median earnings of $36,144 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full American Intercontinental University Online profile
University Of Colorado At Colorado Springs ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Protective Security Safety Services schools. Located in Colorado Springs, CO, University Of Colorado At Colorado Springs is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,906, compared with $25,039 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $18,625 in student loans. Median earnings reach $54,659 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 97%. Read the full report on University Of Colorado At Colorado Springs
University Of Central Florida placed #47 among the best-value Protective Security Safety Services schools in the United States. Set in Orlando, FL, University Of Central Florida is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,368 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,467. University Of Central Florida Protective Security Safety Services students take on a median of $21,731 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,308. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Central Florida admits about 40% of applicants. Read more about University Of Central Florida
University Of Cincinnati Main Campus placed #49 among the best-value Protective Security Safety Services schools in the United States. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a public school based in Cincinnati, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,363, while out-of-state students pay about $28,697. Graduates carry a median of $21,253 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,810. That is a strong return on a $21,253 median debt. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 85%. See the full University Of Cincinnati Main Campus profile
Virginia Commonwealth University placed #50 among the best-value Protective Security Safety Services schools in the United States. Set in Richmond, VA, Virginia Commonwealth University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,720, with out-of-state students paying around $39,884. Graduates carry a median of $23,640 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,128. Set against $23,640 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Virginia Commonwealth University has an acceptance rate of 93%. More on Virginia Commonwealth University
The University Of Texas At San Antonio ranked #51 on our 2026 list of the best-value Protective Security Safety Services schools. Based in San Antonio, TX, The University Of Texas At San Antonio is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,326, compared with $22,249 for out-of-state students. The University Of Texas At San Antonio Protective Security Safety Services students take on a median of $21,875 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,131. Set against $21,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 87%. Read the full report on The University Of Texas At San Antonio
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 Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Protective Security Safety Services Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Protective Security Safety Services Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Protective Security Safety Services Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider 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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