2026 Best Value Protective Security Safety Services Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Protective Security Safety Services master’s degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 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.
To help you make your decision, Course Advisor analyzed 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Nichols College earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Located in Dudley, MA, Nichols College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $42,705. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,063. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted. See the full Nichols College profile
Columbia Southern University came in at #2 on this year's best-value Protective Security Safety Services ranking in the United States. Set in Orange Beach, AL, Columbia Southern University is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,224. Graduates carry a median of $23,364 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,534 ten years after entry. Set against $23,364 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Columbia Southern University report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Barranquitas earned it the #3 place in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Barranquitas, PR. Students from in state pay about $5,742 in tuition and fees. Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Barranquitas Protective Security Safety Services students take on a median of $4,217 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $23,204. That is a strong return on a $4,217 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%. See the full Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Barranquitas profile
You'll get strong value at Simpson College, which ranked #4 this year. Set in Indianola, IA, Simpson College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $47,656. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Simpson College alumni report median earnings of $59,274 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Simpson College admits about 86% of applicants. Get the full Simpson College report
A rank of #5 makes Charleston Southern University one of the best values in the United States. Set in Charleston, SC, Charleston Southern University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $32,520. Charleston Southern University Protective Security Safety Services students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,898 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 96%. See the full Charleston Southern University profile
University Of The Cumberlands came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Williamsburg, KY. Students from in state pay about $9,875 in tuition and fees. The median Protective Security Safety Services program debt is $25,000. University Of The Cumberlands alumni report median earnings of $45,036 a decade after entry. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 99%. See the full University Of The Cumberlands profile
Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Ponce offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Located in Mercedita, PR, Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Ponce is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,780. Graduates carry a median of $7,974 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $26,721 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Ponce has an acceptance rate of 34%. Get the full Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Ponce report
Westfield State University came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Westfield State University is a public school based in Westfield, MA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,179, with out-of-state students paying around $18,259. Typical Protective Security Safety Services student debt is $24,422. Westfield State University alumni report median earnings of $57,346 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,422 median debt. Westfield State University admits about 81% of applicants. See the full Westfield State University profile
Minnesota State University Mankato landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Mankato, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,572, while out-of-state students pay about $18,942. Minnesota State University Mankato Protective Security Safety Services students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $56,922 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Minnesota State University Mankato admits about 88% of applicants. Read the full report on Minnesota State University Mankato
Concordia University Saint Paul placed #10 among the best-value Protective Security Safety Services schools in the United States. Located in Saint Paul, MN, Concordia University Saint Paul is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $25,600. Typical Protective Security Safety Services student debt is $28,076. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,871. That is a strong return on a $28,076 median debt. Concordia University Saint Paul has an acceptance rate of 79%. Read more about Concordia University Saint Paul
American Public University System placed #11 among the best-value Protective Security Safety Services schools in the United States. Set in Charles Town, WV, American Public University System is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,400. Graduates carry a median of $22,266 in student loans. Median earnings reach $44,409 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,266 median debt. More on American Public University System
Ferris State University offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Ferris State University is a public school based in Big Rapids, MI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,778. Students borrow a median of $21,880 to complete their Protective Security Safety Services program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,735. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Ferris State University
Colorado State University Global Campus placed #13 among the best-value Protective Security Safety Services schools in the United States. Based in Denver, CO, Colorado State University Global Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,000. The median Protective Security Safety Services program debt is $38,276. Graduates go on to earn a median of $76,813 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $38,276 median debt. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Colorado State University Global Campus report
Universidad Del Este placed #14 among the best-value Protective Security Safety Services schools in the United States. Based in Carolina, PR, Universidad Del Este is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,750. Graduates carry a median of $12,620 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $24,328 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Universidad Del Este
Fitchburg State University ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Protective Security Safety Services schools. Located in Fitchburg, MA, Fitchburg State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,346, with out-of-state students paying around $17,426. The median Protective Security Safety Services program debt is $26,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,874 ten years after entry. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Fitchburg State University
Youngstown State University landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. Youngstown State University is a public school based in Youngstown, OH. Students from in state pay about $9,926 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $10,286. Typical Protective Security Safety Services student debt is $24,465. Median earnings reach $41,544 ten years out. Set against $24,465 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Youngstown State University report
West Texas A And M University ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Protective Security Safety Services schools. Located in Canyon, TX, West Texas A And M University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,101, while out-of-state students pay about $10,996. Typical Protective Security Safety Services student debt is $24,365. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,741. That is a strong return on a $24,365 median debt. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. More on West Texas A And M University
Trine University Fort Wayne Regional Campus landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Angola, IN, Trine University Fort Wayne Regional Campus is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,176. Typical Protective Security Safety Services student debt is $26,000. Trine University Fort Wayne Regional Campus alumni report median earnings of $57,165 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 40% of applicants are accepted. See the full Trine University Fort Wayne Regional Campus profile
Missouri Southern State University came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Missouri Southern State University is a public school based in Joplin, MO. Students from in state pay about $9,600 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,300. Graduates carry a median of $21,972 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,620. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 97%. Read more about Missouri Southern State University
Liberty University came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Located in Lynchburg, VA, Liberty University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,173. Students borrow a median of $29,323 to complete their Protective Security Safety Services program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,813. That is a strong return on a $29,323 median debt. Liberty University has an acceptance rate of 99%. Read more about Liberty University
Guilford College ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Protective Security Safety Services schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Greensboro, NC. Students from in state pay about $41,362 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $27,290 in student loans. Guilford College alumni report median earnings of $47,590 a decade after entry. Set against $27,290 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Guilford College admits about 80% of applicants. See the full Guilford College profile
Southwestern College placed #22 among the best-value Protective Security Safety Services schools in the United States. Based in Winfield, KS, Southwestern College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $39,822 in tuition and fees. Typical Protective Security Safety Services student debt is $26,874. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,646. Set against $26,874 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Southwestern College
Columbia College South Carolina placed #23 among the best-value Protective Security Safety Services schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Columbia, SC. In-state tuition and fees average $20,054. The median Protective Security Safety Services program debt is $26,826. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,338. That is a strong return on a $26,826 median debt. The acceptance rate is 94%. See the full Columbia College South Carolina profile
North Dakota State University Main Campus landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Fargo, ND. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,910, while out-of-state students pay about $15,564. North Dakota State University Main Campus Protective Security Safety Services students take on a median of $23,315 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,203 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 95%. Read the full report on North Dakota State University Main Campus
Illinois State University landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Normal, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,410, while out-of-state students pay about $26,058. The median Protective Security Safety Services program debt is $22,531. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,117 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,531 median debt. Illinois State University has an acceptance rate of 88%. Get the full Illinois State University report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Protective Security Safety Services Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Wayland Baptist University ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Protective Security Safety Services schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Plainview, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $23,782. The median Protective Security Safety Services program debt is $25,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,838. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 56%. Get the full Wayland Baptist University report
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Protective Security Safety Services schools. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public school based in Edwardsville, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,092. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Protective Security Safety Services program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,346. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Wilmington University offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Wilmington University is a private not-for-profit school based in New Castle, DE. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,630. Graduates carry a median of $24,000 in student loans. Wilmington University alumni report median earnings of $53,844 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,000 median debt. Get the full Wilmington University report
Delaware Valley College ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Protective Security Safety Services schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Doylestown, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $44,850. Delaware Valley College Protective Security Safety Services students take on a median of $25,455 in debt. Delaware Valley College alumni report median earnings of $55,838 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,455 median debt. Delaware Valley College has an acceptance rate of 93%. Read more about Delaware Valley College
Arizona State University Skysong came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Set in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,627, with out-of-state students paying around $13,925. Typical Protective Security Safety Services student debt is $21,943. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,668. That is a strong return on a $21,943 median debt. Arizona State University Skysong admits about 67% of applicants. Read more about Arizona State University Skysong
Marywood University offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Based in Scranton, PA, Marywood University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $41,420. Graduates carry a median of $27,744 in student loans. Median earnings reach $55,817 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Marywood University has an acceptance rate of 61%. See the full Marywood University profile
Salve Regina University ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Protective Security Safety Services schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Newport, RI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $50,100. Typical Protective Security Safety Services student debt is $27,000. Salve Regina University alumni report median earnings of $72,975 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Salve Regina University admits about 68% of applicants. See the full Salve Regina University profile
Bellevue University offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Bellevue University is a private not-for-profit school based in Bellevue, NE. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,873. The median Protective Security Safety Services program debt is $18,750. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,289. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Bellevue University report
Midwestern State University came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Midwestern State University is a public school based in Wichita Falls, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,950, with out-of-state students paying around $11,770. Midwestern State University Protective Security Safety Services students take on a median of $25,668 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,747. Set against $25,668 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. More on Midwestern State University
Columbia College Missouri offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Based in Columbia, MO, Columbia College Missouri is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $12,276 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,344 to complete their Protective Security Safety Services program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,378. Set against $27,344 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Columbia College Missouri
Xavier University landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Cincinnati, OH. Students from in state pay about $49,425 in tuition and fees. Typical Protective Security Safety Services student debt is $26,396. Median earnings reach $64,873 ten years out. Set against $26,396 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Xavier University has an acceptance rate of 86%. Read more about Xavier University
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide placed #37 among the best-value Protective Security Safety Services schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Daytona Beach, FL. Students from in state pay about $12,097 in tuition and fees. Typical Protective Security Safety Services student debt is $20,500. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide alumni report median earnings of $84,131 a decade after entry. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide has an acceptance rate of 58%. Read more about Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide
Mount Mercy University offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Based in Cedar Rapids, IA, Mount Mercy University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $40,878. The median Protective Security Safety Services program debt is $25,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,787 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 82%. More on Mount Mercy University
Endicott College came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Beverly, MA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $40,650. Typical Protective Security Safety Services student debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,336. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. More on Endicott College
Walden University offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Set in Minneapolis, MN, Walden University is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $11,067 in tuition and fees. The median Protective Security Safety Services program debt is $48,133. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,810. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Walden University
Mississippi College offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Located in Clinton, MS, Mississippi College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $23,500. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Mississippi College alumni report median earnings of $47,485 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 29% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Mississippi College
Missouri Baptist University offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Set in Saint Louis, MO, Missouri Baptist University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $33,122 in tuition and fees. Missouri Baptist University Protective Security Safety Services students take on a median of $23,187 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,660. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 69%. Read more about Missouri Baptist University
Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Based in Marion, IN, Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,648. Students borrow a median of $29,738 to complete their Protective Security Safety Services program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,986. Set against $29,738 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global profile
Western Illinois University offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Based in Macomb, IL, Western Illinois University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,572. Typical Protective Security Safety Services student debt is $25,699. 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%. Get the full Western Illinois University report
Averett University came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Located in Danville, VA, Averett University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $38,550. Typical Protective Security Safety Services student debt is $29,703. Averett University alumni report median earnings of $51,516 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $29,703 median debt. Averett University has an acceptance rate of 57%. See the full Averett University profile
Anderson University Sc placed #45 among the best-value Protective Security Safety Services schools in the United States. Based in Anderson, SC, Anderson University Sc is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $34,970. Graduates carry a median of $28,500 in student loans. Median earnings reach $42,101 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $28,500 median debt. Anderson University Sc has an acceptance rate of 55%. See the full Anderson University Sc profile
Columbus State University ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Protective Security Safety Services schools. Based in Columbus, GA, Columbus State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,898, compared with $17,610 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,917 in student loans. Median earnings reach $44,544 ten years out. Set against $21,917 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 99%. See the full Columbus State University profile
Universidad Del Turabo offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Gurabo, PR. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,750. Typical Protective Security Safety Services student debt is $10,454. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $26,223. That is a strong return on a $10,454 median debt. Read the full report on Universidad Del Turabo
Holy Family University offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Philadelphia, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $35,330. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,235. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. See the full Holy Family University profile
Webster University came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Louis, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $31,750. Typical Protective Security Safety Services student debt is $25,939. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,876 ten years after entry. Set against $25,939 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Webster University has an acceptance rate of 86%. Read more about Webster University
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 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 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).