2026 Best Value Library Information Science Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Library Information Science master’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 86 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 reviewed 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 Library Information Science Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Leading the list is Sam Houston State University, our #1 best-value Library Information Science school in the United States. Set in Huntsville, TX, Sam Houston State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,228, with out-of-state students paying around $19,068. Typical Library Information Science student debt is $24,850. Median earnings reach $54,211 ten years out. Set against $24,850 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Sam Houston State University
You'll get strong value at University Of Colorado Denver, which ranked #2 this year. University Of Colorado Denver is a public school based in Denver, CO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,383, with out-of-state students paying around $29,391. The median Library Information Science program debt is $26,582. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,270 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Colorado Denver profile
You'll get strong value at San Jose State University, which ranked #3 this year. This public school is set in San Jose, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,410, while out-of-state students pay about $21,010. San Jose State University alumni report median earnings of $78,988 a decade after entry. San Jose State University admits about 85% of applicants. Get the full San Jose State University report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Texas A And M University Commerce earned it the #4 place in the United States. Based in Commerce, TX, Texas A And M University Commerce is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,026, compared with $22,326 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,796 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,296. Set against $23,796 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 92% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Texas A And M University Commerce
Texas Womans University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Library Information Science schools. Based in Denton, TX, Texas Womans University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,640, compared with $18,480 for out-of-state students. The median Library Information Science program debt is $24,211. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,544. Set against $24,211 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Texas Womans University
Long Island University C W Post Campus placed #7 among the best-value Library Information Science schools in the United States. Set in Brookville, NY, Long Island University C W Post Campus is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $42,432. The median Library Information Science program debt is $25,211. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,950 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Long Island University C W Post Campus report
Northeastern State University placed #8 among the best-value Library Information Science schools in the United States. Located in Tahlequah, OK, Northeastern State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,810, with out-of-state students paying around $17,290. Northeastern State University Library Information Science students take on a median of $23,465 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,379 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northeastern State University has an acceptance rate of 100%. Read more about Northeastern State University
Cuny Queens College ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Library Information Science schools. This public school is set in Queens, NY. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,538, while out-of-state students pay about $15,488. Graduates carry a median of $12,157 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,763. That is a strong return on a $12,157 median debt. Roughly 64% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Cuny Queens College
University Of North Texas ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Library Information Science schools. This public school is set in Denton, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,309, compared with $21,149 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,817 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,010 ten years after entry. Set against $21,817 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Texas has an acceptance rate of 72%. Read the full report on University Of North Texas
Appalachian State University ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Library Information Science schools. Based in Boone, NC, Appalachian State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,579, while out-of-state students pay about $25,212. Typical Library Information Science student debt is $21,992. Median earnings reach $51,836 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Appalachian State University
Rutgers University New Brunswick placed #12 among the best-value Library Information Science schools in the United States. Set in New Brunswick, NJ, Rutgers University New Brunswick is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,929, while out-of-state students pay about $37,441. Rutgers University New Brunswick Library Information Science students take on a median of $25,120 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $74,479 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 58% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Rutgers University New Brunswick
Dominican University came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in River Forest, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $38,828. The median Library Information Science program debt is $26,236. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,327 ten years after entry. Set against $26,236 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Dominican University admits about 90% of applicants. Read the full report on Dominican University
East Carolina University ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Library Information Science schools. Set in Greenville, NC, East Carolina University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,361 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $23,638. Graduates carry a median of $24,747 in student loans. Median earnings reach $55,146 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full East Carolina University report
St Catherine University placed #15 among the best-value Library Information Science schools in the United States. Set in Saint Paul, MN, St Catherine University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $38,428. Graduates carry a median of $29,883 in student loans. Median earnings reach $59,282 ten years out. Set against $29,883 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. St Catherine University has an acceptance rate of 92%. Get the full St Catherine University report
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. 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. Graduates carry a median of $15,117 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,200 ten years after entry. Set against $15,117 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 15% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill profile
University Of Maryland College Park offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Set in College Park, MD, University Of Maryland College Park is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,809, compared with $41,186 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,836 to complete their Library Information Science program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $82,860 ten years after entry. Set against $20,836 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Maryland College Park has an acceptance rate of 45%. More on University Of Maryland College Park
Emporia State University came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Based 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. Graduates carry a median of $23,131 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,601. That is a strong return on a $23,131 median debt. The acceptance rate is 98%. More on Emporia State University
Western Kentucky University came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Set in Bowling Green, KY, Western Kentucky University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,652, compared with $27,000 for out-of-state students. Western Kentucky University Library Information Science students take on a median of $24,499 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,889 ten years after entry. Set against $24,499 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 94%. More on Western Kentucky University
University Of Wisconsin Madison placed #20 among the best-value Library Information Science schools in the United States. Set in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,603, compared with $42,103 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,813 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $73,792. Set against $21,813 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin Madison has an acceptance rate of 45%. See the full University Of Wisconsin Madison profile
University Of Central Missouri offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Based in Warrensburg, MO, University Of Central Missouri is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,050, with out-of-state students paying around $18,600. The median Library Information Science program debt is $24,304. University Of Central Missouri alumni report median earnings of $49,560 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 64% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Central Missouri
Pratt Institute Main placed #22 among the best-value Library Information Science schools in the United States. Located in Brooklyn, NY, Pratt Institute Main is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $61,845. The median Library Information Science program debt is $25,103. Pratt Institute Main alumni report median earnings of $54,295 a decade after entry. Set against $25,103 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Pratt Institute Main has an acceptance rate of 73%. Read more about Pratt Institute Main
Simmons College placed #23 among the best-value Library Information Science schools in the United States. Located in Boston, MA, Simmons College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $46,874. Simmons College Library Information Science students take on a median of $26,740 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,494. Set against $26,740 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 70% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Simmons College
University Of Iowa ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Library Information Science schools. Based in Iowa City, IA, University Of Iowa is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,283, with out-of-state students paying around $33,371. Graduates carry a median of $24,463 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,762 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,463 median debt. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Iowa
University Of South Florida Main Campus landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Tampa, FL. Students from in state pay about $6,410 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. The median Library Information Science program debt is $21,829. Median earnings reach $57,743 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of South Florida Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 43%. Read the full report on University Of South Florida Main Campus
Valdosta State University ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Library Information Science schools. Valdosta State University is a public school based in Valdosta, GA. In-state tuition and fees average $6,124, compared with $17,836 for out-of-state students. Typical Library Information Science student debt is $28,661. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,361. That is a strong return on a $28,661 median debt. Valdosta State University admits about 72% of applicants. Read the full report on Valdosta State University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Library Information Science Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
University Of North Carolina At Greensboro came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Located in Greensboro, NC, University Of North Carolina At Greensboro is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,661, with out-of-state students paying around $24,012. Typical Library Information Science student debt is $24,977. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,160. That is a strong return on a $24,977 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%. Get the full University Of North Carolina At Greensboro report
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Located in Milwaukee, WI, University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,398, compared with $22,398 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,657 in student loans. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee alumni report median earnings of $54,990 a decade after entry. Set against $26,657 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee
University Of Washington Seattle Campus placed #28 among the best-value Library Information Science schools in the United States. Based in Seattle, WA, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,973, while out-of-state students pay about $43,209. Students borrow a median of $16,481 to complete their Library Information Science program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,466. That is a strong return on a $16,481 median debt. About 39% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Washington Seattle Campus
North Carolina Central University landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Durham, NC, North Carolina Central University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,699, compared with $19,735 for out-of-state students. Typical Library Information Science student debt is $31,173. Median earnings reach $42,968 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. North Carolina Central University has an acceptance rate of 87%. Get the full North Carolina Central University report
St Johns University New York landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Queens, NY, St Johns University New York is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $53,529. The median Library Information Science program debt is $25,521. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $69,571. Set against $25,521 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted. More on St Johns University New York
University Of South Carolina Columbia came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Set in Columbia, SC, University Of South Carolina Columbia is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,688, while out-of-state students pay about $36,298. Typical Library Information Science student debt is $24,472. Median earnings reach $62,177 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of South Carolina Columbia has an acceptance rate of 60%. Get the full University Of South Carolina Columbia report
Syracuse University landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Syracuse University is a private not-for-profit school based in Syracuse, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,528. Syracuse University Library Information Science students take on a median of $26,130 in debt. Syracuse University alumni report median earnings of $79,164 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Syracuse University admits about 46% of applicants. See the full Syracuse University profile
University At Buffalo landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Buffalo, NY, University At Buffalo is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,936, with out-of-state students paying around $31,536. Students borrow a median of $22,232 to complete their Library Information Science program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $70,814. That is a strong return on a $22,232 median debt. University At Buffalo admits about 74% of applicants. More on University At Buffalo
The University Of Tennessee offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. This public school is set in Knoxville, TN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,812, compared with $33,256 for out-of-state students. The median Library Information Science program debt is $22,859. The University Of Tennessee alumni report median earnings of $60,249 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. Read more about The University Of Tennessee
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public school based in Norman, OK. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,797, with out-of-state students paying around $27,377. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus Library Information Science students take on a median of $23,138 in debt. 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. Read more about University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus
Drexel University landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Philadelphia, PA, Drexel University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $62,412. Students borrow a median of $28,838 to complete their Library Information Science program here. Median earnings reach $84,648 ten years out. Set against $28,838 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Drexel University admits about 79% of applicants. Read the full report on Drexel University
Indiana University Bloomington ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Library Information Science schools. Indiana University Bloomington is a public school based in Bloomington, IN. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,144, while out-of-state students pay about $41,891. The median Library Information Science program debt is $20,542. Indiana University Bloomington alumni report median earnings of $63,742 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,542 median debt. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Indiana University Bloomington
Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Located in Baton Rouge, LA, Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,954 in tuition and fees, compared with $28,631 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,348 to complete their Library Information Science program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,251. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 73% of applicants are accepted. More on Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College
The University Of Alabama came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Tuscaloosa, AL. Students from in state pay about $12,180 in tuition and fees, compared with $34,172 for out-of-state students. 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. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. Get the full The University Of Alabama report
University Of Hawaii At Manoa offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Set in Honolulu, HI, University Of Hawaii At Manoa is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,186, with out-of-state students paying around $34,218. University Of Hawaii At Manoa Library Information Science students take on a median of $20,577 in debt. University Of Hawaii At Manoa alumni report median earnings of $57,624 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Hawaii At Manoa admits about 87% of applicants. See the full University Of Hawaii At Manoa profile
Kent State University At Kent offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Set in Kent, OH, Kent State University At Kent is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,220, with out-of-state students paying around $21,575. The median Library Information Science program debt is $25,174. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,388. Set against $25,174 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%. More on Kent State University At Kent
University Of Kentucky placed #43 among the best-value Library Information Science schools in the United States. Located in Lexington, KY, University Of Kentucky is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,502, with out-of-state students paying around $34,140. Typical Library Information Science student debt is $24,094. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,025. That is a strong return on a $24,094 median debt. University Of Kentucky has an acceptance rate of 93%. Read the full report on University Of Kentucky
Wayne State University placed #44 among the best-value Library Information Science schools in the United States. Based in Detroit, MI, Wayne State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $16,159 in tuition and fees, compared with $34,650 for out-of-state students. Wayne State University Library Information Science students take on a median of $26,689 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,493 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,689 median debt. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted. See the full Wayne State University profile
University Of Rhode Island placed #45 among the best-value Library Information Science schools in the United States. Based in Kingston, RI, University Of Rhode Island is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,942, with out-of-state students paying around $37,146. The median Library Information Science program debt is $23,432. Graduates go on to earn a median of $69,743 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Rhode Island has an acceptance rate of 72%. Read more about University Of Rhode Island
University Of Arizona came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Set in Tucson, AZ, University Of Arizona is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,573, compared with $39,903 for out-of-state students. University Of Arizona Library Information Science students take on a median of $21,861 in debt. University Of Arizona alumni report median earnings of $59,979 a decade after entry. Set against $21,861 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Arizona admits about 86% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Arizona
University Of Southern California placed #47 among the best-value Library Information Science schools in the United States. Set in Los Angeles, CA, University Of Southern California is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $71,647 in tuition and fees. The median Library Information Science program debt is $15,625. University Of Southern California alumni report median earnings of $92,498 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 10% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Southern California report
University Of Denver placed #48 among the best-value Library Information Science schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Denver, CO. In-state tuition and fees run about $61,398. Typical Library Information Science student debt is $22,534. University Of Denver alumni report median earnings of $71,155 a decade after entry. Set against $22,534 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Denver
Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis placed #48 among the best-value Library Information Science schools in the United States. More on Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis
Blackfeet Community College ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Library Information Science schools. More on Blackfeet Community College
Pontifical Catholic University Of Puerto Rico Ponce ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Library Information Science schools. Read the full report on Pontifical Catholic University Of Puerto Rico Ponce
Related Library Information Science Value Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Value Library Information Science Schools (All Levels)
- 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 Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced 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 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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