2026 Best Value Library Science Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Library Science master’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 128 institutions 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 help you make your decision, Course Advisor evaluated 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 Science Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Sam Houston State University tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Library Science master's degree schools in the United States. This public school is set in Huntsville, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,228, with out-of-state students paying around $19,068. Graduates carry a median of $24,850 in student loans. Sam Houston State University alumni report median earnings of $54,211 a decade after entry. Set against $24,850 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Sam Houston State University profile
A rank of #2 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. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,270 ten years after entry. Set against $26,582 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. 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. San Jose State University is a public school based in San Jose, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,410, compared with $21,010 for out-of-state students. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,988. San Jose State University admits about 85% of applicants. Read more about San Jose State University
A rank of #4 makes Texas A And M University Commerce one of the best values in the United States. Located in Commerce, TX, Texas A And M University Commerce is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,026, while out-of-state students pay about $22,326. The median Library Science program debt is $23,796. Median earnings reach $50,296 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Texas A And M University Commerce has an acceptance rate of 92%. See the full Texas A And M University Commerce profile
Texas Womans University landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Denton, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $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. Set against $24,211 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas Womans University has an acceptance rate of 96%. Read the full report on Texas Womans University
Long Island University C W Post Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Located in Brookville, NY, Long Island University C W Post Campus is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $42,432 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,211 to complete their Library Science program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,950 ten years after entry. Set against $25,211 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Long Island University C W Post Campus has an acceptance rate of 86%. More on Long Island University C W Post Campus
Northeastern State University offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Northeastern State University is a public school based in Tahlequah, OK. Students from in state pay about $7,810 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,290 for out-of-state students. The median Library Science program debt is $23,465. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,379. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northeastern State University admits about 100% of applicants. Read the full report on Northeastern State University
Cuny Queens College came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Queens, NY. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,538, compared with $15,488 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $12,157 in student loans. Median earnings reach $62,763 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Cuny Queens College has an acceptance rate of 64%. Read the full report on Cuny Queens College
University Of North Texas offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. This public school is set in Denton, TX. Students from in state pay about $11,309 in tuition and fees, compared with $21,149 for out-of-state students. Typical Library Science student debt is $21,817. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,010. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 72%. Read the full report on University Of North Texas
Appalachian State University came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Appalachian State University is a public school based in Boone, NC. In-state tuition and fees average $7,579, while out-of-state students pay about $25,212. Typical Library Science student debt is $21,992. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,836. Set against $21,992 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. See the full Appalachian State University profile
Rutgers University New Brunswick came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. Set in New Brunswick, NJ, Rutgers University New Brunswick is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,929, while out-of-state students pay about $37,441. Graduates carry a median of $25,120 in student loans. Rutgers University New Brunswick alumni report median earnings of $74,479 a decade after entry. Set against $25,120 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 58% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Rutgers University New Brunswick profile
Dominican University came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Located in River Forest, IL, Dominican University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $38,828. Typical Library Science student debt is $26,236. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,327. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Dominican University admits about 90% of applicants. Get the full Dominican University report
East Carolina University offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Located in Greenville, NC, East Carolina University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,361, while out-of-state students pay about $23,638. East Carolina University Library Science students take on a median of $24,747 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,146 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,747 median debt. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. More on East Carolina University
St Catherine University offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Based 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. St Catherine University Library Science students take on a median of $29,883 in debt. Median earnings reach $59,282 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. St Catherine University admits about 92% of applicants. More on St Catherine University
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill placed #16 among the best-value Library Science schools in the United States. Set in Chapel Hill, NC, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,994, with out-of-state students paying around $41,203. Graduates carry a median of $15,117 in student loans. Median earnings reach $72,200 ten years out. Set against $15,117 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill admits about 15% of applicants. See the full University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill profile
University Of Maryland College Park ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Library Science schools. Based in College Park, MD, University Of Maryland College Park is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,809, with out-of-state students paying around $41,186. The median Library Science program debt is $20,836. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $82,860. That is a strong return on a $20,836 median debt. The acceptance rate is 45%. Read the full report on University Of Maryland College Park
Emporia State University came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Located in Emporia, KS, Emporia State University is a public institution. 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. 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. Read the full report on Emporia State University
Western Kentucky University ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Library Science schools. This public school is set in Bowling Green, KY. Students from in state pay about $11,652 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $27,000. Western Kentucky University Library 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. That is a strong return on a $24,499 median debt. Western Kentucky University has an acceptance rate of 94%. More on Western Kentucky University
University Of Wisconsin Madison placed #20 among the best-value Library Science schools in the United States. Based in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,603 in tuition and fees, compared with $42,103 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,813 to complete their Library Science program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $73,792 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,813 median debt. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Madison report
University Of Central Missouri came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Based in Warrensburg, MO, University Of Central Missouri is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,050, compared with $18,600 for out-of-state students. The median Library Science program debt is $24,304. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,560. Set against $24,304 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Central Missouri has an acceptance rate of 64%. More on University Of Central Missouri
Pratt Institute Main offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Located in Brooklyn, NY, Pratt Institute Main is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $61,845. Pratt Institute Main Library Science students take on a median of $25,103 in debt. Median earnings reach $54,295 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Pratt Institute Main admits about 73% of applicants. See the full Pratt Institute Main profile
Simmons College ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Library Science schools. Located in Boston, MA, Simmons College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $46,874. Students borrow a median of $26,740 to complete their Library Science program here. Median earnings reach $63,494 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,740 median debt. The acceptance rate is 70%. See the full Simmons College profile
University Of Iowa ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Library Science schools. Based in Iowa City, IA, University Of Iowa is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,283 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $33,371. Graduates carry a median of $24,463 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,762. That is a strong return on a $24,463 median debt. University Of Iowa has an acceptance rate of 84%. Read the full report on University Of Iowa
University Of South Florida Main Campus came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. Set in Tampa, FL, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,410, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. The median Library Science program 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. The acceptance rate is 43%. Read the full report on University Of South Florida Main Campus
University Of North Carolina At Greensboro ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Library Science schools. Located in Greensboro, NC, University Of North Carolina At Greensboro is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,661 in tuition and fees, compared with $24,012 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,977 to complete their Library Science program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,160. Set against $24,977 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of North Carolina At Greensboro profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Library Science Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Valdosta State University ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Library Science schools. Valdosta State University is a public school based in Valdosta, GA. Students from in state pay about $6,124 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,836. Graduates carry a median of $28,661 in student loans. Median earnings reach $49,361 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $28,661 median debt. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Valdosta State University report
University Of California Los Angeles placed #28 among the best-value Library Science schools in the United States. This public school is set in Los Angeles, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $14,233, with out-of-state students paying around $46,121. The median Library Science program debt is $16,097. University Of California Los Angeles alumni report median earnings of $82,511 a decade after entry. Set against $16,097 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of California Los Angeles
University Of Washington Seattle Campus ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Library Science schools. University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public school based in Seattle, WA. In-state tuition and fees average $12,973, compared with $43,209 for out-of-state students. The median Library Science program debt is $16,481. Median earnings reach $78,466 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $16,481 median debt. Roughly 39% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Washington Seattle Campus profile
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Library Science schools. Set in Milwaukee, WI, University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,398, while out-of-state students pay about $22,398. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee Library Science students take on a median of $26,657 in debt. 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. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee
North Carolina Central University landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. North Carolina Central University is a public school based in Durham, NC. In-state tuition and fees average $6,699, while out-of-state students pay about $19,735. The median Library Science program 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. 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 #32 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Queens, NY. In-state tuition and fees average $53,529. Students borrow a median of $25,521 to complete their Library Science program here. St Johns University New York alumni report median earnings of $69,571 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. St Johns University New York has an acceptance rate of 83%. Read the full report on St Johns University New York
University Of South Carolina Columbia ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Library Science schools. This public school is set in Columbia, SC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,688, while out-of-state students pay about $36,298. Typical Library Science student debt is $24,472. Median earnings reach $62,177 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,472 median debt. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of South Carolina Columbia
Syracuse University ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Library Science schools. Based in Syracuse, NY, Syracuse University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,528. Syracuse University Library Science students take on a median of $26,130 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $79,164. Set against $26,130 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 46% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Syracuse University report
University At Buffalo placed #35 among the best-value Library Science schools in the United States. This public school is set in Buffalo, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,936, with out-of-state students paying around $31,536. Typical Library Science student debt is $22,232. Median earnings reach $70,814 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. More on University At Buffalo
The University Of Tennessee placed #36 among the best-value Library Science schools in the United States. Set in Knoxville, TN, The University Of Tennessee is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,812 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $33,256. The median Library Science program debt is $22,859. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,249. Set against $22,859 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. More on The University Of Tennessee
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus placed #37 among the best-value Library Science schools in the United States. Based in Norman, OK, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,797, with out-of-state students paying around $27,377. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus Library Science students take on a median of $23,138 in debt. Median earnings reach $63,126 ten years out. Set against $23,138 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus has an acceptance rate of 77%. See the full University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus profile
Drexel University offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Philadelphia, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $62,412. The median Library Science program debt is $28,838. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $84,648. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 79% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Drexel University profile
Indiana University Bloomington placed #39 among the best-value Library Science schools in the United States. Located in Bloomington, IN, Indiana University Bloomington is a public institution. 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 has an acceptance rate of 78%. More on Indiana University Bloomington
Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Library Science schools. 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, compared with $28,631 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,348 to complete their Library Science program here. Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College alumni report median earnings of $61,251 a decade after entry. Set against $21,348 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College admits about 73% of applicants. Read the full report on Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College
The University Of Alabama placed #41 among the best-value Library Science schools in the United States. Located in Tuscaloosa, AL, The University Of Alabama is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,180, while out-of-state students pay about $34,172. The University Of Alabama Library Science students take on a median of $24,496 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,221. Set against $24,496 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. Get the full The University Of Alabama report
University Of Hawaii At Manoa ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Library Science schools. This public school is set in Honolulu, HI. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,186, while out-of-state students pay about $34,218. The median Library Science program debt is $20,577. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,624. That is a strong return on a $20,577 median debt. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Hawaii At Manoa
Kent State University At Kent ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Library Science schools. Set in Kent, OH, Kent State University At Kent is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,220 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,575. Graduates carry a median of $25,174 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,388. 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 #44 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Lexington, KY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,502, while out-of-state students pay about $34,140. The median Library Science program debt is $24,094. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,025 ten years after entry. Set against $24,094 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Kentucky admits about 93% of applicants. More on University Of Kentucky
Wayne State University came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Located in Detroit, MI, Wayne State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,159, while out-of-state students pay about $34,650. The median Library Science program debt is $26,689. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,493 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Wayne State University admits about 81% of applicants. Read the full report on Wayne State University
University Of Rhode Island placed #46 among the best-value Library Science schools in the United States. University Of Rhode Island is a public school based in Kingston, RI. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,942, with out-of-state students paying around $37,146. Graduates carry a median of $23,432 in student loans. 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%. Read the full report on University Of Rhode Island
University Of Arizona placed #47 among the best-value Library Science schools in the United States. Located in Tucson, AZ, University Of Arizona is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,573, while out-of-state students pay about $39,903. The median Library Science program debt is $21,861. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,979. Set against $21,861 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%. More on University Of Arizona
University Of Southern California offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. Set in Los Angeles, CA, University Of Southern California is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $71,647. Typical Library Science student debt is $15,625. University Of Southern California alumni report median earnings of $92,498 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,625 median debt. About 10% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Southern California
University Of Denver placed #49 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. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $61,398. Students borrow a median of $22,534 to complete their Library Science program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,155. 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
College Of The Canyons placed #49 among the best-value Library Science schools in the United States. More on College Of The Canyons
Mountwest Community And Technical College landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. Read more about Mountwest Community And Technical College
Related Library Science Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Value Library Science Schools (All Levels)
- 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 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 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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