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I rekeyed all of our kwickset locks in our old house for less than $20. It took a couple of hours becasue of course a few things went wrong here and there. Since quickset re-key sets only come in sets of six, I had to buy a coupld of extra sets to get the right combinations of pins to match my keys. The pins are color coded so it is really easy to do. The first one may take an hour, the second half an hour, then you get down to about ten to fifteen minutes per lock until one gives you trouble in some odd way. Overall it was easy and the locks are still in use 14 years later.
If your big concern is major security, then you should get metal security doors. these doors open out and mount in a metal frame and the bolts go through to the studsso they cannot be kicked in very easily if at all. You should get a decent quality double tumbler deadbolt and you have pretty much relegated any potential theives to going through the windows. That will make them inclined to go elsewhere.
Of course no lock systme can helpp you if you forget to close and or lock your doors.
The cheapest way is to take your locks off yourself and have them rekeyed at a locksmith shop. In my state, only licensed locksmiths can rekey for compensation (IE the box stores cannot charge to rekey unless they have a licensed locksmith on site). Handymen and property owners/managers can rekey the properties they are responsible for.
If the homeowner (as in the OP) has schlage (older is better) you cannot replace the door hardware for cheaper than rekeying unless you go to a lesser quality lock (store brand or some other knockoff).
Schlage has a great deadbolt Model b560... great lock for the price. It has a metal 'pocket' that the bolt goes into with 3 inch screws to help prevent kick ins (which is the #1 break in method in our area)
The self change keys are a good concept. The design is relatively new, so I do not know the longevity of the design. What we see is when the locks are used incorrectly (like the change tool being used as a primary key) or keys being turned before they are completely in the cylinder. These are not good choices in high use areas and impossible in masterkeying applications.
Medeco (as previously mentioned) are absolutely wonderful locks and have key control options. The downside is the cost of the locks (several hundred per lock) and the keys can take time to get if restricted.
If you are going for security, get a good, solid deadbolt. Doorknobs/handlests aren't as important for security. The latch (knob) design is made for ease of use where as a bolt design (deadbolt) is for security). Use your knobs to express design individuality. It doesn't even matter if you have a keyless (passage) knob. If you have a deadbolt and someone can bypass that (drilling or kicking) then your doorknob isn't going to slow them up one bit. Plus, if your knob doesn't lock, you cannot lock your keys in your house.
IMHO, old mortise locks are the best locks ever. The kind put on houses in the 20s and 30s. Baldwin makes good mortise locks (not the Baldwin sold in box stores) but they can be pricey.
On my home, I have the B series deadbolts and a passage knob.
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