2026 Best Value Library Information Science Schools
Looking for the best-value Library Information Science programs programs in the United States? We have ranked 86 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor reviewed 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 Library Information Science Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Our analysis found Ashford University to be the best-value Library Information Science school in the United States. Ashford University is a private for-profit school based in San Diego, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $11,960. Ashford University Library Information Science students take on a median of $35,813 in debt. Ashford University alumni report median earnings of $35,404 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Ashford University
Sam Houston State University came in at #2 on this year's best-value Library Information Science ranking in the United States. Based in Huntsville, TX, Sam Houston State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,228, with out-of-state students paying around $19,068. Students borrow a median of $24,850 to complete their Library Information Science program here. Median earnings reach $54,211 ten years out. Set against $24,850 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Sam Houston State University admits about 90% of applicants. See the full Sam Houston State University profile
A rank of #3 makes University Of Colorado Denver one of the best values in the United States. Located in Denver, CO, University Of Colorado Denver is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,383 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $29,391. Graduates carry a median of $26,582 in student loans. Median earnings reach $64,270 ten years out. Set against $26,582 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Colorado Denver has an acceptance rate of 75%. Read more about University Of Colorado Denver
San Jose State University came in at #4 on this year's best-value Library Information Science ranking in the United States. Based in San Jose, CA, San Jose State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,410 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $21,010. Median earnings reach $78,988 ten years out. The acceptance rate is 85%. Read the full report on San Jose State University
A rank of #5 makes Texas A And M University Commerce one of the best values in the United States. Based in Commerce, TX, Texas A And M University Commerce is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,026, while out-of-state students pay about $22,326. Graduates carry a median of $23,796 in student loans. Texas A And M University Commerce alumni report median earnings of $50,296 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,796 median debt. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Texas A And M University Commerce
Texas Womans University came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Texas Womans University is a public school based in Denton, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,640, while out-of-state students pay about $18,480. The median Library Information Science program debt is $24,211. Texas Womans University alumni report median earnings of $56,544 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Texas Womans University profile
Long Island University C W Post Campus landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Brookville, NY, Long Island University C W Post Campus is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $42,432. Typical Library Information Science student debt is $25,211. Long Island University C W Post Campus alumni report median earnings of $59,950 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%. Read the full report on Long Island University C W Post Campus
Northeastern State University ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Library Information Science schools. This public school is set in Tahlequah, OK. In-state tuition and fees average $7,810, compared with $17,290 for out-of-state students. Northeastern State University Library Information Science students take on a median of $23,465 in debt. Northeastern State University alumni report median earnings of $45,379 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 100%. See the full Northeastern State University profile
Cuny Queens College landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Queens, NY, Cuny Queens College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,538, with out-of-state students paying around $15,488. Graduates carry a median of $12,157 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,763. Set against $12,157 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 64%. Read the full report on Cuny Queens College
University Of North Texas offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Located in Denton, TX, University Of North Texas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,309, compared with $21,149 for out-of-state students. University Of North Texas Library Information Science students take on a median of $21,817 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,010. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of North Texas
Appalachian State University offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Based in Boone, NC, Appalachian State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,579, compared with $25,212 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,992 to complete their Library Information Science program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,836 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%. More on Appalachian State University
Rutgers University New Brunswick offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Set in New Brunswick, NJ, Rutgers University New Brunswick is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $17,929 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $37,441. Typical Library Information Science student debt is $25,120. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $74,479. That is a strong return on a $25,120 median debt. Roughly 58% of applicants are accepted. See the full Rutgers University New Brunswick profile
Dominican University placed #14 among the best-value Library Information Science schools in the United States. Located in River Forest, IL, Dominican University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $38,828 in tuition and fees. Typical Library Information Science student debt is $26,236. Dominican University alumni report median earnings of $60,327 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%. More on Dominican University
East Carolina University placed #15 among the best-value Library Information Science schools in the United States. This public school is set in Greenville, NC. Students from in state pay about $7,361 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $23,638. Typical Library Information Science student debt is $24,747. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,146. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. East Carolina University has an acceptance rate of 89%. More on East Carolina University
St Catherine University ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Library Information Science schools. Set in Saint Paul, MN, St Catherine University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $38,428. Students borrow a median of $29,883 to complete their Library Information Science program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,282. That is a strong return on a $29,883 median debt. St Catherine University has an acceptance rate of 92%. See the full St Catherine University profile
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Library Information Science schools. This public school is set in Chapel Hill, NC. In-state tuition and fees average $8,994, compared with $41,203 for out-of-state students. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill Library Information Science students take on a median of $15,117 in debt. Median earnings reach $72,200 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $15,117 median debt. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill has an acceptance rate of 15%. Read the full report on University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
University Of Maryland College Park offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. University Of Maryland College Park is a public school based in College Park, MD. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,809, while out-of-state students pay about $41,186. University Of Maryland College Park Library Information Science students take on a median of $20,836 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $82,860 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,836 median debt. About 45% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Maryland College Park
Emporia State University offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Located in Emporia, KS, Emporia State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,106, while out-of-state students pay about $15,419. Emporia State University Library Information Science students take on a median of $23,131 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,601 ten years after entry. Set against $23,131 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Emporia State University admits about 98% of applicants. See the full Emporia State University profile
Western Kentucky University ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Library Information Science schools. Located in Bowling Green, KY, Western Kentucky University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,652 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $27,000. Students borrow a median of $24,499 to complete their Library Information Science program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,889. Set against $24,499 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 94% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Western Kentucky University
University Of Wisconsin Madison came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public school based in Madison, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $11,603, compared with $42,103 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,813 to complete their Library Information Science program here. University Of Wisconsin Madison alumni report median earnings of $73,792 a decade after entry. Set against $21,813 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 45% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Madison
University Of Central Missouri placed #22 among the best-value Library Information Science schools in the United States. This public school is set in Warrensburg, MO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,050, compared with $18,600 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,304 to complete their Library Information Science program here. University Of Central Missouri alumni report median earnings of $49,560 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,304 median debt. About 64% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Central Missouri profile
Pratt Institute Main ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Library Information Science schools. Located in Brooklyn, NY, Pratt Institute Main is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $61,845. Typical Library Information Science student debt is $25,103. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,295. Set against $25,103 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 73% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Pratt Institute Main
Simmons College ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Library Information Science schools. Set in Boston, MA, Simmons College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $46,874. Graduates carry a median of $26,740 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,494 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,740 median debt. Simmons College has an acceptance rate of 70%. Read the full report on Simmons College
University Of Iowa came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. University Of Iowa is a public school based in Iowa City, IA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,283, compared with $33,371 for out-of-state students. Typical Library Information Science student debt is $24,463. University Of Iowa alumni report median earnings of $64,762 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Iowa has an acceptance rate of 84%. Get the full University Of Iowa report
University Of South Florida Main Campus ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Library Information Science schools. This public school is set in Tampa, FL. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,410, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. The median Library Information Science program debt is $21,829. University Of South Florida Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $57,743 a decade after entry. Set against $21,829 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of South Florida Main Campus admits about 43% of applicants. Get the full University Of South Florida Main Campus report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Library Information Science Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Valdosta State University landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Valdosta, GA, Valdosta State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,124 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,836 for out-of-state students. Valdosta State University Library Information Science students take on a median of $28,661 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,361. Set against $28,661 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Valdosta State University
University Of North Carolina At Greensboro ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Library Information Science schools. Set in Greensboro, NC, University Of North Carolina At Greensboro is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,661, compared with $24,012 for out-of-state students. University Of North Carolina At Greensboro Library Information Science students take on a median of $24,977 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,160 ten years after entry. Set against $24,977 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of North Carolina At Greensboro report
University Of Washington Seattle Campus came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Set in Seattle, WA, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,973, while out-of-state students pay about $43,209. Graduates carry a median of $16,481 in student loans. Median earnings reach $78,466 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 39% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Washington Seattle Campus
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Library Information Science schools. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a public school based in Milwaukee, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $10,398, while out-of-state students pay about $22,398. The median Library Information Science program debt is $26,657. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,990. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee admits about 91% of applicants. More on University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee
North Carolina Central University placed #31 among the best-value Library Information Science schools in the United States. This public school is set in Durham, NC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,699, while out-of-state students pay about $19,735. North Carolina Central University Library Information Science students take on a median of $31,173 in debt. North Carolina Central University alumni report median earnings of $42,968 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $31,173 median debt. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on North Carolina Central University
St Johns University New York landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Queens, NY, St Johns University New York is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $53,529. St Johns University New York Library Information Science students take on a median of $25,521 in debt. Median earnings reach $69,571 ten years out. Set against $25,521 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. St Johns University New York admits about 83% of applicants. See the full St Johns University New York profile
University Of South Carolina Columbia offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Set in Columbia, SC, University Of South Carolina Columbia is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,688 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $36,298. Typical Library Information Science student debt is $24,472. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,177. That is a strong return on a $24,472 median debt. University Of South Carolina Columbia has an acceptance rate of 60%. See the full University Of South Carolina Columbia profile
Syracuse University ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Library Information Science schools. Set in Syracuse, NY, Syracuse University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $65,528 in tuition and fees. The median Library Information Science program debt is $26,130. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $79,164. That is a strong return on a $26,130 median debt. About 46% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Syracuse University profile
University At Buffalo placed #35 among the best-value Library Information Science schools in the United States. This public school is set in Buffalo, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,936, compared with $31,536 for out-of-state students. The median Library Information Science program debt is $22,232. Median earnings reach $70,814 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,232 median debt. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. More on University At Buffalo
The University Of Tennessee offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. The University Of Tennessee is a public school based in Knoxville, TN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,812, with out-of-state students paying around $33,256. Graduates carry a median of $22,859 in student loans. Median earnings reach $60,249 ten years out. Set against $22,859 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 42%. See the full The University Of Tennessee profile
Drexel University ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Library Information Science schools. Based in Philadelphia, PA, Drexel University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $62,412. Graduates carry a median of $28,838 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $84,648. Set against $28,838 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Drexel University has an acceptance rate of 79%. Read the full report on Drexel University
Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Based in Baton Rouge, LA, Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,954, while out-of-state students pay about $28,631. Graduates carry a median of $21,348 in student loans. Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College alumni report median earnings of $61,251 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College has an acceptance rate of 73%. Read more about Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Library Information Science schools. 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, compared with $27,377 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,138 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,126 ten years after entry. Set against $23,138 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus report
Indiana University Bloomington landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. Indiana University Bloomington is a public school based in Bloomington, IN. In-state tuition and fees average $12,144, compared with $41,891 for out-of-state students. Typical Library Information Science student debt is $20,542. Indiana University Bloomington alumni report median earnings of $63,742 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Indiana University Bloomington admits about 78% of applicants. Read the full report on Indiana University Bloomington
The University Of Alabama ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Library Information Science schools. Based in Tuscaloosa, AL, The University Of Alabama is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,180, with out-of-state students paying around $34,172. The University Of Alabama Library Information Science students take on a median of $24,496 in debt. Median earnings reach $59,221 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,496 median debt. The University Of Alabama has an acceptance rate of 77%. Read more about The University Of Alabama
University Of Hawaii At Manoa came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Set in Honolulu, HI, University Of Hawaii At Manoa is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,186, compared with $34,218 for out-of-state students. Typical Library Information Science student debt is $20,577. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,624 ten years after entry. Set against $20,577 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 87%. More on University Of Hawaii At Manoa
Kent State University At Kent ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Library Information Science schools. This public school is set in Kent, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $12,220, compared with $21,575 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,174 to complete their Library Information Science program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,388. That is a strong return on a $25,174 median debt. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Kent State University At Kent
University Of Kentucky offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. University Of Kentucky is a public school based in Lexington, KY. In-state tuition and fees average $13,502, with out-of-state students paying around $34,140. Typical Library Information Science student debt is $24,094. University Of Kentucky alumni report median earnings of $59,025 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,094 median debt. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Kentucky
University Of Rhode Island placed #45 among the best-value Library Information Science schools in the United States. Set in Kingston, RI, University Of Rhode Island is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $16,942, compared with $37,146 for out-of-state students. University Of Rhode Island Library Information Science students take on a median of $23,432 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $69,743 ten years after entry. Set against $23,432 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 72%. See the full University Of Rhode Island profile
Wayne State University offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Based in Detroit, MI, Wayne State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,159, with out-of-state students paying around $34,650. Typical Library Information Science student debt is $26,689. Median earnings reach $53,493 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,689 median debt. About 81% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Wayne State University
University Of Arizona ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Library Information Science schools. Set in Tucson, AZ, University Of Arizona is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,573, with out-of-state students paying around $39,903. Students borrow a median of $21,861 to complete their Library Information Science program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,979 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,861 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%. See the full University Of Arizona profile
University Of Southern California came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. Located in Los Angeles, CA, University Of Southern California is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $71,647. The median Library Information Science program debt is $15,625. Median earnings reach $92,498 ten years out. Set against $15,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Southern California has an acceptance rate of 10%. See the full University Of Southern California profile
University Of Denver came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Located in Denver, CO, University Of Denver is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $61,398 in tuition and fees. University Of Denver Library Information Science students take on a median of $22,534 in debt. Median earnings reach $71,155 ten years out. Set against $22,534 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Denver report
Suny At Albany
Suny At Albany offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Read the full report on Suny At Albany
Blackfeet Community College came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Read more about Blackfeet Community College
Best Value Library Information Science Schools by Degree Level
Explore value rankings for a specific degree level:
- Best Value Library Information Science Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Library Information Science Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Library Information Science Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Library Information Science Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Library Information Science Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Library Information Science Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Library Information Science Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced 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 86 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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