2026 Best Value Library Information Science Schools
Looking for the best-value Library Information Science programs programs in the United States? This list ranks 86 institutions 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, Grad Degree evaluated schools to compile 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
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Sam Houston State University tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Library Information Science programs schools in the United States. Sam Houston State University is a public school based in Huntsville, TX. Students from in state pay about $9,228 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $19,068. Students borrow a median of $24,850 to complete their Library Information Science program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,211. Set against $24,850 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Sam Houston State University admits about 90% of applicants. Get the full Sam Houston State University report
You'll get strong value at University Of Colorado Denver, which ranked #2 this year. Located in Denver, CO, University Of Colorado Denver is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,383 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $29,391. Students borrow a median of $26,582 to complete their Library Information Science program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,270. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Colorado Denver admits about 75% of applicants. Read more about University Of Colorado Denver
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at San Jose State University earned it the #3 place 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, compared with $21,010 for out-of-state students. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,988 ten years after entry. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. More on San Jose State University
Texas A And M University Commerce came in at #4 on this year's best-value Library Information Science ranking 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, compared with $22,326 for out-of-state students. The median Library Information Science program debt is $23,796. 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 more about Texas A And M University Commerce
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Texas Womans University earned it the #5 place in the United States. Texas Womans University is a public school based in Denton, TX. Students from in state pay about $8,640 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,480 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,211 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,544 ten years after entry. 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 placed #6 among the best-value Library Information Science schools in the United States. Based 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. The median Library Information Science program debt is $25,211. Median earnings reach $59,950 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,211 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. More on Long Island University C W Post Campus
Northeastern State University placed #8 among the best-value Library Information Science schools in the United States. Based in Tahlequah, OK, Northeastern State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,810, with out-of-state students paying around $17,290. Typical Library Information Science student 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 ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Library Information Science schools. Located in Queens, NY, Cuny Queens College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,538, compared with $15,488 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $12,157 to complete their Library Information Science program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,763 ten years after entry. 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 came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Set in Denton, TX, University Of North Texas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,309, with out-of-state students paying around $21,149. Graduates carry a median of $21,817 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,010. Set against $21,817 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Texas admits about 72% of applicants. More on University Of North Texas
Appalachian State University came in at #11 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, compared with $25,212 for out-of-state students. Typical Library Information Science student debt is $21,992. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,836 ten years after entry. Set against $21,992 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. More on Appalachian State University
Rutgers University New Brunswick ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Library Information Science schools. 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. Rutgers University New Brunswick Library Information Science students take on a median of $25,120 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $74,479. Set against $25,120 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Rutgers University New Brunswick has an acceptance rate of 58%. Get the full Rutgers University New Brunswick report
Dominican University landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in River Forest, IL, Dominican University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $38,828. Typical Library Information Science student debt is $26,236. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,327 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,236 median debt. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. More on Dominican University
East Carolina University offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Located in Greenville, NC, East Carolina University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,361, with out-of-state students paying around $23,638. East Carolina University Library Information Science students take on a median of $24,747 in debt. East Carolina University alumni report median earnings of $55,146 a decade after entry. Set against $24,747 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. More on East Carolina University
St Catherine University landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. St Catherine University is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Paul, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $38,428. The median Library Information Science program debt is $29,883. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,282. That is a strong return on a $29,883 median debt. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted. See the full St Catherine University profile
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Located in Chapel Hill, NC, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,994, compared with $41,203 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,117 to complete their Library Information Science program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,200 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,117 median debt. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill admits about 15% of applicants. More on University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
University Of Maryland College Park came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in College Park, MD. In-state tuition and fees average $11,809, compared with $41,186 for out-of-state students. University Of Maryland College Park Library Information Science students take on a median of $20,836 in debt. Median earnings reach $82,860 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,836 median debt. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Maryland College Park report
Emporia State University placed #18 among the best-value Library Information Science schools in the United States. Located in Emporia, KS, Emporia State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,106 in tuition and fees, compared with $15,419 for out-of-state students. The median Library Information Science program debt is $23,131. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,601. Set against $23,131 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Emporia State University
Western Kentucky University landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. Western Kentucky University is a public school based in Bowling Green, KY. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,652, while out-of-state students pay about $27,000. Typical Library Information Science student debt is $24,499. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,889. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. More on Western Kentucky University
University Of Wisconsin Madison placed #20 among the best-value Library Information Science schools in the United States. Located in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,603, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. Graduates carry a median of $21,813 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $73,792. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Madison has an acceptance rate of 45%. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Madison
University Of Central Missouri placed #21 among the best-value Library Information Science schools in the United States. This public school is set in Warrensburg, MO. Students from in state pay about $10,050 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,600. Students borrow a median of $24,304 to complete their Library Information Science program here. Median earnings reach $49,560 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 64%. Get the full University Of Central Missouri report
Pratt Institute Main offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Based in Brooklyn, NY, Pratt Institute Main is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $61,845 in tuition and fees. The median Library Information Science program debt is $25,103. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,295. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 73% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Pratt Institute Main
Simmons College ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Library Information Science schools. Simmons College is a private not-for-profit school based in Boston, MA. In-state tuition and fees average $46,874. Typical Library Information 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. The acceptance rate is 70%. See the full Simmons College profile
University Of Iowa offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. University Of Iowa is a public school based in Iowa City, IA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,283, with out-of-state students paying around $33,371. Students borrow a median of $24,463 to complete their Library Information Science program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,762 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Iowa
University Of South Florida Main Campus placed #25 among the best-value Library Information Science schools in the United States. 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. Students borrow a median of $21,829 to complete their Library Information Science program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,743. Set against $21,829 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of South Florida Main Campus admits about 43% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of South Florida Main Campus
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, compared with $24,012 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,977 to complete their Library Information Science program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,160. That is a strong return on a $24,977 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of North Carolina At Greensboro 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 came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Based in Valdosta, GA, Valdosta State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,124, while out-of-state students pay about $17,836. Students borrow a median of $28,661 to complete their Library Information Science program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,361 ten years after entry. Set against $28,661 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. More on Valdosta State University
University Of Washington Seattle Campus ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Library Information Science schools. University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public school based in Seattle, WA. In-state tuition and fees average $12,973, while out-of-state students pay about $43,209. University Of Washington Seattle Campus Library Information Science students take on a median of $16,481 in debt. Median earnings reach $78,466 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Washington Seattle Campus admits about 39% of applicants. Get the full University Of Washington Seattle Campus report
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Based 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. Typical Library Information Science student debt is $26,657. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,990. That is a strong return on a $26,657 median debt. The acceptance rate is 91%. More on University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee
North Carolina Central University came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Durham, NC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,699, compared with $19,735 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $31,173 to complete their Library Information Science program here. North Carolina Central University alumni report median earnings of $42,968 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full North Carolina Central University report
St Johns University New York ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Library Information Science schools. 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. Typical Library Information Science student debt is $25,521. Graduates go on to earn a median of $69,571 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,521 median debt. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on St Johns University New York
University Of South Carolina Columbia offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. University Of South Carolina Columbia is a public school based in Columbia, SC. Students from in state pay about $12,688 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $36,298. Graduates carry a median of $24,472 in student loans. University Of South Carolina Columbia alumni report median earnings of $62,177 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,472 median debt. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of South Carolina Columbia report
Syracuse University ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Library Information Science schools. Based in Syracuse, NY, Syracuse University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $65,528. Typical Library Information Science student debt is $26,130. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $79,164. Set against $26,130 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Syracuse University has an acceptance rate of 46%. Read more about Syracuse University
University At Buffalo landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Buffalo, NY, University At Buffalo is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,936 in tuition and fees, compared with $31,536 for out-of-state students. Typical Library Information Science student debt is $22,232. Median earnings reach $70,814 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,232 median debt. University At Buffalo has an acceptance rate of 74%. Read the full report on University At Buffalo
The University Of Tennessee came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. The University Of Tennessee is a public school based in Knoxville, TN. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,812, while out-of-state students pay about $33,256. The median Library Information Science program debt is $22,859. 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. The acceptance rate is 42%. More on The University Of Tennessee
Drexel University came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Philadelphia, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $62,412. Graduates carry a median of $28,838 in student loans. Drexel University alumni report median earnings of $84,648 a decade after entry. Set against $28,838 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 79% of applicants are accepted. See the full Drexel University profile
Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. 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. The median Library Information Science program debt is $21,348. 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%. See the full Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College profile
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus placed #36 among the best-value Library Information Science schools in the United States. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public school based in Norman, OK. Students from in state pay about $9,797 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $27,377. Typical Library Information Science student debt is $23,138. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus alumni report median earnings of $63,126 a decade after entry. Set against $23,138 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus has an acceptance rate of 77%. Read more about University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus
Indiana University Bloomington placed #39 among the best-value Library Information Science schools in the United States. Located in Bloomington, IN, Indiana University Bloomington is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,144, compared with $41,891 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,542 to complete their Library Information Science program here. 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. Indiana University Bloomington admits about 78% of applicants. Read the full report on Indiana University Bloomington
The University Of Alabama ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Library Information Science schools. The University Of Alabama is a public school based 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 median Library Information Science program debt is $24,496. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,221 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,496 median debt. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full The University Of Alabama report
University Of Hawaii At Manoa ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Library Information Science schools. Set in Honolulu, HI, University Of Hawaii At Manoa is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,186, while out-of-state students pay about $34,218. Graduates carry a median of $20,577 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,624. Set against $20,577 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Hawaii At Manoa has an acceptance rate of 87%. See the full University Of Hawaii At Manoa profile
Kent State University At Kent offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. This public school is set in Kent, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,220, with out-of-state students paying around $21,575. The median Library Information Science program debt is $25,174. Median earnings reach $45,388 ten years out. Set against $25,174 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. More on Kent State University At Kent
University Of Kentucky came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Set in Lexington, KY, University Of Kentucky is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,502, while out-of-state students pay about $34,140. The median Library Information Science program debt is $24,094. University Of Kentucky alumni report median earnings of $59,025 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Kentucky admits about 93% of applicants. Get the full University Of Kentucky report
Wayne State University ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Library Information Science schools. Wayne State University is a public school based in Detroit, MI. In-state tuition and fees average $16,159, with out-of-state students paying around $34,650. Wayne State University Library Information Science students take on a median of $26,689 in debt. Median earnings reach $53,493 ten years out. Set against $26,689 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 81% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Wayne State University
University Of Rhode Island placed #44 among the best-value Library Information Science schools in the United States. This public school is set in Kingston, RI. Students from in state pay about $16,942 in tuition and fees, 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. 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 offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Set in Tucson, AZ, University Of Arizona is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,573 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $39,903. The median Library Information Science program debt is $21,861. Median earnings reach $59,979 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Arizona profile
University Of Southern California landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Southern California is a private not-for-profit school based in Los Angeles, CA. Students from in state pay about $71,647 in tuition and fees. The median Library Information Science program debt is $15,625. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $92,498. Set against $15,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Southern California admits about 10% of applicants. Read more about University Of Southern California
University Of Denver landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. 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. Typical Library Information Science student debt is $22,534. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,155. That is a strong return on a $22,534 median debt. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Denver
University Of Southern Mississippi placed #48 among the best-value Library Information Science schools in the United States. See the full University Of Southern Mississippi profile
University Of Memphis ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Library Information Science schools. Get the full University Of Memphis report
University Of Missouri Columbia came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Read more about University Of Missouri Columbia
Best Value Library Information Science Schools by Degree Level
See the best values at each 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
The ranking above is published by Grad Degree (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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