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 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 help you make your decision, Grad Degree 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
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Our analysis found Sam Houston State University to be the best-value Library Information Science school in the United States. Located in Huntsville, TX, Sam Houston State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,228 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $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. Sam Houston State University has an acceptance rate of 90%. Read the full report on Sam Houston State University
A rank of #2 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. Students from in state pay about $10,383 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $29,391. Typical Library Information Science student debt is $26,582. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,270. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Colorado Denver has an acceptance rate of 75%. Read the full report on University Of Colorado Denver
Out of the 86 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, San Jose State University landed the #3 spot. 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. Median earnings reach $78,988 ten years out. The acceptance rate is 85%. More on San Jose State University
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Texas A And M University Commerce earned it the #4 place in the United States. This public school is set in Commerce, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,026, while out-of-state students pay about $22,326. Texas A And M University Commerce Library Information Science students take on a median of $23,796 in debt. 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. Get the full Texas A And M University Commerce report
Texas Womans University offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Texas Womans University is a public school based in Denton, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,640, while out-of-state students pay about $18,480. Typical Library Information Science student debt is $24,211. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,544. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 96%. See the full Texas Womans University profile
Long Island University C W Post Campus ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Library Information 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. The median Library Information Science program debt is $25,211. Long Island University C W Post Campus alumni report median earnings of $59,950 a decade after entry. Set against $25,211 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. 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 ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Library Information Science schools. Based in Tahlequah, OK, Northeastern State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,810, while out-of-state students pay about $17,290. Graduates carry a median of $23,465 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,379. That is a strong return on a $23,465 median debt. The acceptance rate is 100%. Get the full Northeastern State University report
Cuny Queens College placed #9 among the best-value Library Information Science schools in the United States. Cuny Queens College is a public school based in Queens, NY. Students from in state pay about $7,538 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $15,488. Students borrow a median of $12,157 to complete their Library Information Science program here. Cuny Queens College alumni report median earnings of $62,763 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Cuny Queens College has an acceptance rate of 64%. Get the full Cuny Queens College report
University Of North Texas placed #10 among the best-value Library Information Science schools in the United States. 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. Students borrow a median of $21,817 to complete their Library Information Science program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,010. That is a strong return on a $21,817 median debt. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of North Texas
Appalachian State University placed #11 among the best-value Library Information Science schools in the United States. Located in Boone, NC, Appalachian State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,579, with out-of-state students paying around $25,212. Graduates carry a median of $21,992 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,836 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,992 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%. Read more about Appalachian State University
Rutgers University New Brunswick offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Located in New Brunswick, NJ, Rutgers University New Brunswick is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $17,929 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $37,441. Graduates carry a median of $25,120 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $74,479 ten years after entry. Set against $25,120 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Rutgers University New Brunswick has an acceptance rate of 58%. More on Rutgers University New Brunswick
Dominican University came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Dominican University is a private not-for-profit school based in River Forest, IL. Students from in state pay about $38,828 in tuition and fees. Dominican University Library Information Science students take on a median of $26,236 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,327. Set against $26,236 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Dominican University profile
East Carolina University came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Located in Greenville, NC, East Carolina University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,361, with out-of-state students paying around $23,638. Typical Library Information Science student debt is $24,747. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,146. Set against $24,747 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. See the full East Carolina University profile
St Catherine University came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Based in Saint Paul, MN, St Catherine University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $38,428. St Catherine University Library Information Science students take on a median of $29,883 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,282. That is a strong return on a $29,883 median debt. St Catherine University admits about 92% of applicants. See the full St Catherine University profile
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill placed #16 among the best-value Library Information Science schools in the United States. Set in Chapel Hill, NC, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,994 in tuition and fees, 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. About 15% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
University Of Maryland College Park placed #17 among the best-value Library Information Science schools in the United States. Set in College Park, MD, University Of Maryland College Park is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,809, while out-of-state students pay about $41,186. Graduates carry a median of $20,836 in student loans. University Of Maryland College Park alumni report median earnings of $82,860 a decade after entry. Set against $20,836 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Maryland College Park
Emporia State University placed #18 among the best-value Library Information Science schools in the United States. Based 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. Emporia State University Library Information Science students take on a median of $23,131 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,601. That is a strong return on a $23,131 median debt. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Emporia State University
Western Kentucky University landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Bowling Green, KY, Western Kentucky University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,652, while out-of-state students pay about $27,000. The median Library Information Science program debt is $24,499. Western Kentucky University alumni report median earnings of $43,889 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,499 median debt. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. More on Western Kentucky University
University Of Wisconsin Madison came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Based in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,603 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. Typical Library Information Science student 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. About 45% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Madison
University Of Central Missouri landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. Set 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. Typical Library Information Science student debt is $24,304. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,560. Set against $24,304 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 64% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Central Missouri report
Pratt Institute Main ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Library Information Science schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Brooklyn, NY. In-state tuition and fees run about $61,845. Pratt Institute Main Library Information Science students take on a median of $25,103 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,295. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Pratt Institute Main has an acceptance rate of 73%. More on 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. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $46,874. Typical Library Information Science student debt is $26,740. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,494. That is a strong return on a $26,740 median debt. About 70% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Simmons College
University Of Iowa placed #24 among the best-value Library Information Science schools in the United States. University Of Iowa is a public school based in Iowa City, IA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,283, while out-of-state students pay about $33,371. Students borrow a median of $24,463 to complete their Library Information Science program here. University Of Iowa alumni report median earnings of $64,762 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,463 median debt. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Iowa report
University Of South Florida Main Campus came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Tampa, FL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,410, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. Graduates carry a median of $21,829 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,743 ten years after entry. Set against $21,829 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 43% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of South Florida Main Campus report
Valdosta State University came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Set in Valdosta, GA, Valdosta State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,124, compared with $17,836 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $28,661 to complete their Library Information Science program here. 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 ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Library Information Science schools. Based 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. The median Library Information Science program 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. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of North Carolina At Greensboro
University Of Washington Seattle Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public school based in Seattle, WA. In-state tuition and fees average $12,973, with out-of-state students paying around $43,209. Graduates carry a median of $16,481 in student loans. University Of Washington Seattle Campus alumni report median earnings of $78,466 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,481 median debt. The acceptance rate is 39%. Read the full report on University Of Washington Seattle Campus
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Set in Milwaukee, WI, University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,398, with out-of-state students paying around $22,398. The median Library Information Science program debt is $26,657. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,990 ten years after entry. 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. North Carolina Central University is a public school based in Durham, NC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,699, while out-of-state students pay about $19,735. The median Library Information Science program debt is $31,173. Median earnings reach $42,968 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. Get the full North Carolina Central University report
St Johns University New York offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Located in Queens, NY, St Johns University New York is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $53,529. Students borrow a median of $25,521 to complete their Library Information Science program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $69,571. Set against $25,521 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 83% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about St Johns University New York
University Of South Carolina Columbia came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Based in Columbia, SC, University Of South Carolina Columbia is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,688 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $36,298. 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. The acceptance rate is 60%. More on University Of South Carolina Columbia
Syracuse University offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Located in Syracuse, NY, Syracuse University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,528. Typical Library Information Science student debt is $26,130. A decade after starting, 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%. More on Syracuse University
University At Buffalo offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. This public school is set in Buffalo, NY. Students from in state pay about $10,936 in tuition and fees, compared with $31,536 for out-of-state students. University At Buffalo Library Information Science students take on a median of $22,232 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $70,814. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University At Buffalo admits about 74% of applicants. Get the full University At Buffalo report
The University Of Tennessee ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Library Information Science schools. This public school is set in Knoxville, TN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,812, while out-of-state students pay about $33,256. Typical Library Information Science student debt is $22,859. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,249 ten years 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
Drexel University offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Philadelphia, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $62,412. The median Library Information Science program debt is $28,838. Drexel University alumni report median earnings of $84,648 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Drexel University admits about 79% of applicants. Read more about Drexel University
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Based in Norman, OK, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,797, while out-of-state students pay about $27,377. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus Library Information Science students take on a median of $23,138 in debt. Median earnings reach $63,126 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus admits about 77% of applicants. Get the full University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus report
Indiana University Bloomington came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Indiana University Bloomington is a public school based in Bloomington, IN. Students from in state pay about $12,144 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $41,891. Indiana University Bloomington Library Information Science students take on a median of $20,542 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,742. Set against $20,542 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Indiana University Bloomington profile
Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Library Information Science schools. Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College is a public school based in Baton Rouge, LA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,954, compared with $28,631 for out-of-state students. Typical Library Information Science student 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. The acceptance rate is 73%. Get the full Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College report
The University Of Alabama landed the #40 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, with out-of-state students paying around $34,172. The median Library Information Science program debt is $24,496. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,221. That is a strong return on a $24,496 median debt. The University Of Alabama has an acceptance rate of 77%. Read more about The University Of Alabama
University Of Hawaii At Manoa landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Honolulu, HI, University Of Hawaii At Manoa is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,624. Set against $20,577 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 87%. Read the full report on University Of Hawaii At Manoa
Kent State University At Kent landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Kent, OH, Kent State University At Kent is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,220, while out-of-state students pay about $21,575. Students borrow a median of $25,174 to complete their Library Information Science program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,388 ten years after entry. Set against $25,174 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Kent State University At Kent has an acceptance rate of 86%. Read more about Kent State University At Kent
University Of Kentucky landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Lexington, KY, University Of Kentucky is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,502, with out-of-state students paying around $34,140. University Of Kentucky Library Information Science students take on a median of $24,094 in debt. University Of Kentucky alumni report median earnings of $59,025 a decade after entry. Set against $24,094 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Kentucky admits about 93% of applicants. Get the full University Of Kentucky report
Wayne State University offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. 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. Graduates carry a median of $26,689 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,493. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Wayne State University has an acceptance rate of 81%. More on Wayne State University
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. Students from in state pay about $16,942 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $37,146. Students borrow a median of $23,432 to complete their Library Information Science program here. University Of Rhode Island alumni report median earnings of $69,743 a decade 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 landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. Based 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. Students borrow a median of $21,861 to complete their Library Information Science program here. University Of Arizona alumni report median earnings of $59,979 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Arizona
University Of Southern California came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Based in Los Angeles, CA, University Of Southern California is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $71,647. The median Library Information Science program debt is $15,625. Graduates go on to earn a median of $92,498 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,625 median debt. University Of Southern California has an acceptance rate of 10%. Read the full report on University Of Southern California
University Of Denver ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Library Information Science schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Denver, CO. Students from in state pay about $61,398 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $22,534 to complete their Library Information 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. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Denver report
University Of Houston Clear Lake offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. More on University Of Houston Clear Lake
University Of Nebraska At Omaha ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Library Information Science schools. Get the full University Of Nebraska At Omaha report
Pennsylvania Western University placed #50 among the best-value Library Information Science schools in the United States. Read more about Pennsylvania Western University
Related Library Information Science Value Rankings
See value rankings for 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
This list is compiled 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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