2026 Best Value Library Science Schools
Looking for the best-value Library Science programs programs in the United States? We have ranked 128 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect 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 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 Science Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Our analysis found Ashford University to be the best-value Library Science school in the United States. Based in San Diego, CA, Ashford University is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,960. Graduates carry a median of $35,813 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $35,404. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Ashford University
You'll get strong value at Ivy Tech Community College, which ranked #2 this year. Located in Indianapolis, IN, Ivy Tech Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,154, while out-of-state students pay about $9,935. Typical Library Science student debt is $11,889. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,186. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Ivy Tech Community College
Out of the 128 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Sam Houston State University landed the #3 spot. This public school is set in Huntsville, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,228, compared with $19,068 for out-of-state students. Typical Library Science student debt is $24,850. 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 has an acceptance rate of 90%. See the full Sam Houston State University profile
A rank of #4 makes University Of Colorado Denver one of the best values in the United States. Set in Denver, CO, University Of Colorado Denver is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,383, while out-of-state students pay about $29,391. Students borrow a median of $26,582 to complete their Library Science program here. University Of Colorado Denver alumni report median earnings of $64,270 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 75% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Colorado Denver report
You'll get strong value at San Jose State University, which ranked #5 this year. San Jose State University is a public school based in San Jose, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $8,410, with out-of-state students paying around $21,010. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,988. San Jose State University has an acceptance rate of 85%. Get the full San Jose State University report
Texas A And M University Commerce came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Commerce, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $10,026, compared with $22,326 for out-of-state students. The median Library Science program debt is $23,796. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,296. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Texas A And M University Commerce admits about 92% of applicants. Read more about Texas A And M University Commerce
Texas Womans University came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Set in Denton, TX, Texas Womans University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,640, compared with $18,480 for out-of-state students. Typical Library Science student debt is $24,211. Median earnings reach $56,544 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted. See the full Texas Womans University profile
Long Island University C W Post Campus ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Library Science schools. Long Island University C W Post Campus is a private not-for-profit school based in Brookville, NY. In-state tuition and fees run about $42,432. Graduates carry a median of $25,211 in student loans. Median earnings reach $59,950 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Long Island University C W Post Campus admits about 86% of applicants. Read the full report on Long Island University C W Post Campus
Northeastern State University placed #10 among the best-value Library Science schools in the United States. Northeastern State University is a public school based in Tahlequah, OK. Students from in state pay about $7,810 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,290. Graduates carry a median of $23,465 in student loans. Northeastern State University alumni report median earnings of $45,379 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,465 median debt. Northeastern State University has an acceptance rate of 100%. See the full Northeastern State University profile
Cuny Queens College offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Based in Queens, NY, Cuny Queens College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,538 in tuition and fees, compared with $15,488 for out-of-state students. Cuny Queens College Library Science students take on a median of $12,157 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,763. That is a strong return on a $12,157 median debt. The acceptance rate is 64%. See the full Cuny Queens College profile
University Of North Texas offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. University Of North Texas is a public school based in Denton, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $11,309, compared with $21,149 for out-of-state students. Typical Library Science student debt is $21,817. University Of North Texas alumni report median earnings of $57,010 a decade 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 came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Set in Boone, NC, Appalachian State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,579, while out-of-state students pay about $25,212. Typical Library Science student debt is $21,992. Median earnings reach $51,836 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,992 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%. See the full Appalachian State University profile
Rutgers University New Brunswick came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Located in New Brunswick, NJ, Rutgers University New Brunswick is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,929, compared with $37,441 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,120 to complete their Library Science program here. Median earnings reach $74,479 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 58%. Read the full report on Rutgers University New Brunswick
Dominican University came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in River Forest, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $38,828. Typical Library Science student debt is $26,236. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,327. That is a strong return on a $26,236 median debt. Dominican University has an acceptance rate of 90%. Get the full Dominican University report
East Carolina University came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Based in Greenville, NC, East Carolina University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,361 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $23,638. Students borrow a median of $24,747 to complete their Library Science program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,146. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. Get the full East Carolina University report
St Catherine University offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. 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 Science program here. Median earnings reach $59,282 ten years out. Set against $29,883 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 92%. More on St Catherine University
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Chapel Hill, NC. Students from in state pay about $8,994 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $41,203. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill Library Science students take on a median of $15,117 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,200. Set against $15,117 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill has an acceptance rate of 15%. Get the full University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill report
University Of Maryland College Park landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in College Park, MD, University Of Maryland College Park is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,809, with out-of-state students paying around $41,186. The median Library Science program debt is $20,836. 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%. See the full University Of Maryland College Park profile
Emporia State University ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Library Science schools. Emporia State University is a public school based in Emporia, KS. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,106, with out-of-state students paying around $15,419. Graduates carry a median of $23,131 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,601. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Emporia State University
Western Kentucky University offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Based 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. Graduates carry a median of $24,499 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,889. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 94%. See the full Western Kentucky University profile
University Of Wisconsin Madison ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Library Science schools. Set in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,603 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. The median Library Science program debt is $21,813. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $73,792. That is a strong return on a $21,813 median debt. The acceptance rate is 45%. More on University Of Wisconsin Madison
University Of Central Missouri landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Warrensburg, MO, University Of Central Missouri is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,050, while out-of-state students pay about $18,600. Graduates carry a median of $24,304 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,560 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,304 median debt. Roughly 64% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Central Missouri
Pratt Institute Main ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Library Science schools. Based in Brooklyn, NY, Pratt Institute Main is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $61,845. Students borrow a median of $25,103 to complete their Library Science program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,295 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,103 median debt. The acceptance rate is 73%. Get the full Pratt Institute Main report
Simmons College ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Library Science schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Boston, MA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $46,874. Typical Library Science student debt is $26,740. Median earnings reach $63,494 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,740 median debt. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted. More on Simmons College
University Of Iowa placed #26 among the best-value Library Science schools in the United States. Set in Iowa City, IA, University Of Iowa is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,283 in tuition and fees, compared with $33,371 for out-of-state students. University Of Iowa Library Science students take on a median of $24,463 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,762 ten years after entry. Set against $24,463 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Iowa admits about 84% of applicants. Read more about University Of Iowa
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Library Science Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
University Of South Florida Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Set in Tampa, FL, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,410, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. Typical Library Science student debt is $21,829. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,743. That is a strong return on a $21,829 median debt. Roughly 43% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of South Florida Main Campus
University Of North Carolina At Greensboro placed #28 among the best-value Library Science schools in the United States. University Of North Carolina At Greensboro is a public school based in Greensboro, NC. Students from in state pay about $7,661 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $24,012. The median Library Science program debt is $24,977. Median earnings reach $48,160 ten years out. Set against $24,977 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of North Carolina At Greensboro
Valdosta State University placed #28 among the best-value Library Science schools in the United States. Based in Valdosta, GA, Valdosta State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,124, with out-of-state students paying around $17,836. Graduates carry a median of $28,661 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,361. Set against $28,661 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Valdosta State University has an acceptance rate of 72%. More on Valdosta State University
University Of California Los Angeles ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Library Science schools. Located in Los Angeles, CA, University Of California Los Angeles is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,233, compared with $46,121 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $16,097 to complete their Library Science program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $82,511. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Los Angeles admits about 9% of applicants. Get the full University Of California Los Angeles report
University Of Washington Seattle Campus placed #31 among the best-value Library Science schools in the United States. Set in Seattle, WA, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,973, with out-of-state students paying around $43,209. Students borrow a median of $16,481 to complete their Library Science program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,466. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 39% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Washington Seattle Campus
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Library Science schools. Located in Milwaukee, WI, University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,398, while out-of-state students pay about $22,398. 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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 91%. See the full University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee profile
North Carolina Central University came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Durham, NC. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,699, while out-of-state students pay about $19,735. Typical Library Science student debt is $31,173. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,968 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on North Carolina Central University
St Johns University New York landed the #34 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. Students from in state pay about $53,529 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,521 to complete their Library Science program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $69,571. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 83% of those who apply are admitted. More on St Johns University New York
University Of South Carolina Columbia came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Based in Columbia, SC, University Of South Carolina Columbia is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,688, while out-of-state students pay about $36,298. University Of South Carolina Columbia Library Science students take on a median of $24,472 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,177 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of South Carolina Columbia
Syracuse University offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Set in Syracuse, NY, Syracuse University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $65,528. The median Library Science program debt is $26,130. Median earnings reach $79,164 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Syracuse University has an acceptance rate of 46%. Read more about Syracuse University
University At Buffalo ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Library Science schools. This public school is set in Buffalo, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,936, while out-of-state students pay about $31,536. University At Buffalo Library Science students take on a median of $22,232 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $70,814 ten years after entry. Set against $22,232 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University At Buffalo admits about 74% of applicants. Get the full University At Buffalo report
The University Of Tennessee offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Located in Knoxville, TN, The University Of Tennessee is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,812, while out-of-state students pay about $33,256. Students borrow a median of $22,859 to complete their Library Science program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,249 ten years after entry. Set against $22,859 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about The University Of Tennessee
Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Based 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, with out-of-state students paying around $28,631. Students borrow a median of $21,348 to complete their Library Science program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,251. Set against $21,348 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 73%. More on Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College
Drexel University landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Drexel University is a private not-for-profit school based in Philadelphia, PA. Students from in state pay about $62,412 in tuition and fees. Drexel University Library Science students take on a median of $28,838 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $84,648. That is a strong return on a $28,838 median debt. Drexel University has an acceptance rate of 79%. See the full Drexel University profile
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Set in Norman, OK, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,797, while out-of-state students pay about $27,377. Students borrow a median of $23,138 to complete their Library Science program here. Median earnings reach $63,126 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,138 median debt. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus report
Indiana University Bloomington ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Library Science schools. Indiana University Bloomington is a public school based in Bloomington, IN. In-state tuition and fees average $12,144, with out-of-state students paying around $41,891. Students borrow a median of $20,542 to complete their Library Science program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,742. Set against $20,542 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Indiana University Bloomington admits about 78% of applicants. Read the full report on Indiana University Bloomington
The University Of Alabama landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. The University Of Alabama is a public school based in Tuscaloosa, AL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,180, while out-of-state students pay about $34,172. Students borrow a median of $24,496 to complete their Library Science program here. Median earnings reach $59,221 ten years out. Set against $24,496 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about The University Of Alabama
University Of Hawaii At Manoa placed #44 among the best-value Library Science schools in the United States. Set in Honolulu, HI, University Of Hawaii At Manoa is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,186, while out-of-state students pay about $34,218. Graduates carry a median of $20,577 in student loans. 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. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Hawaii At Manoa
Kent State University At Kent landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Kent, OH, Kent State University At Kent is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,220, while out-of-state students pay about $21,575. Graduates carry a median of $25,174 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,388 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Kent State University At Kent has an acceptance rate of 86%. Read the full report on Kent State University At Kent
University Of Kentucky came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Lexington, KY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,502, with out-of-state students paying around $34,140. Typical Library Science student debt is $24,094. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,025 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Kentucky
University Of Rhode Island ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Library Science schools. Set in Kingston, RI, University Of Rhode Island is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,942, with out-of-state students paying around $37,146. Typical Library Science student debt is $23,432. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $69,743. That is a strong return on a $23,432 median debt. University Of Rhode Island has an acceptance rate of 72%. Get the full University Of Rhode Island report
Wayne State University ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Library Science schools. This public school is set in Detroit, MI. In-state tuition and fees average $16,159, compared with $34,650 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,689 to complete their Library Science program here. Median earnings reach $53,493 ten years out. Set against $26,689 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted. See the full Wayne State University profile
University Of Arizona placed #49 among the best-value Library Science schools in the United States. This public school is set in Tucson, AZ. Students from in state pay about $13,573 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $39,903. The median Library Science program debt is $21,861. Median earnings reach $59,979 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,861 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Arizona
University Of Southern California ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Library Science schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Los Angeles, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $71,647. Typical Library Science student debt is $15,625. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $92,498. Set against $15,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 10% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Southern California
University Of Denver placed #51 among the best-value Library Science schools in the United States. University Of Denver is a private not-for-profit school based in Denver, CO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $61,398. The median Library Science program debt is $22,534. Median earnings reach $71,155 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Denver
Best Value Library Science Schools by Degree Level
Compare value rankings by degree level:
- Best Value Library Science Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Library Science Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Library Science Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Library Science Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Library Science Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Library Science Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Library Science Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published 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 128 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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