2026 Best Value Library Science Schools
Looking for the best-value Library Science programs programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 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, Grad Degree reviewed 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 Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Sam Houston State University tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Library Science programs schools in the United States. Based 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. Sam Houston State University Library Science students take on a median of $24,850 in debt. 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 admits about 90% of applicants. 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. University Of Colorado Denver is a public school based in Denver, CO. In-state tuition and fees average $10,383, compared with $29,391 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,582 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,270. Set against $26,582 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Colorado Denver
Out of the 128 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, San Jose State University landed the #3 spot. Set in San Jose, CA, San Jose State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,410 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $21,010. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,988 ten years after entry. San Jose State University admits about 85% of applicants. Read the full report 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. Set 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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,296. Set against $23,796 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas A And M University Commerce has an acceptance rate of 92%. See the full Texas A And M University Commerce profile
A rank of #5 makes Texas Womans University one of the best values in the United States. This public school is set in Denton, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,640, while out-of-state students pay about $18,480. Texas Womans University Library Science students take on a median of $24,211 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,544. That is a strong return on a $24,211 median debt. Texas Womans University has an acceptance rate of 96%. See the full Texas Womans University profile
Long Island University C W Post Campus placed #6 among the best-value Library Science schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Brookville, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $42,432. The median Library Science program debt is $25,211. Long Island University C W Post Campus alumni report median earnings of $59,950 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%. See the full Long Island University C W Post Campus profile
Northeastern State University offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Northeastern State University is a public school based in Tahlequah, OK. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,810, while out-of-state students pay about $17,290. Students borrow a median of $23,465 to complete their Library Science program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,379. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 100% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Northeastern State University
Cuny Queens College landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Queens, NY. In-state tuition and fees average $7,538, 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 ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Library Science schools. Set in Denton, TX, University Of North Texas is a public institution. 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 Science program here. 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 has an acceptance rate of 72%. More on University Of North Texas
Appalachian State University landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Boone, NC, Appalachian State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,579, while out-of-state students pay about $25,212. Students borrow a median of $21,992 to complete their Library Science program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,836. That is a strong return on a $21,992 median debt. Appalachian State University has an acceptance rate of 90%. More on Appalachian State University
Rutgers University New Brunswick landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Rutgers University New Brunswick is a public school based in New Brunswick, NJ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,929, with out-of-state students paying around $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. That is a strong return on a $25,120 median debt. Rutgers University New Brunswick has an acceptance rate of 58%. More on Rutgers University New Brunswick
Dominican University placed #13 among the best-value Library Science schools in the United States. Based 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. Dominican University Library Science students take on a median of $26,236 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,327. That is a strong return on a $26,236 median debt. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Dominican University profile
East Carolina University ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Library Science schools. Based in Greenville, NC, East Carolina University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,361, while out-of-state students pay about $23,638. Students borrow a median of $24,747 to complete their Library Science program here. Median earnings reach $55,146 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,747 median debt. East Carolina University has an acceptance rate of 89%. More on East Carolina University
St Catherine University placed #15 among the best-value Library Science schools in the United States. Set in Saint Paul, MN, St Catherine University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $38,428. Typical Library Science student debt is $29,883. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,282. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. St Catherine University admits about 92% of applicants. Read more about St Catherine University
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a public school based in Chapel Hill, NC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 15% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
University Of Maryland College Park ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Library Science schools. This public school is set in College Park, MD. Students from in state pay about $11,809 in tuition and fees, compared with $41,186 for out-of-state students. Typical Library Science student debt is $20,836. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $82,860. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Maryland College Park
Emporia State University offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Set in Emporia, KS, Emporia State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,106, compared with $15,419 for out-of-state students. The median Library Science program debt is $23,131. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,601. That is a strong return on a $23,131 median debt. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted. See the full Emporia State University profile
Western Kentucky University landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Bowling Green, KY. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,652, while out-of-state students pay about $27,000. Graduates carry a median of $24,499 in student loans. Median earnings reach $43,889 ten years out. Set against $24,499 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Western Kentucky University
University Of Wisconsin Madison landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,603, compared with $42,103 for out-of-state students. The median Library Science program debt is $21,813. University Of Wisconsin Madison alumni report median earnings of $73,792 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Madison has an acceptance rate of 45%. More on University Of Wisconsin Madison
University Of Central Missouri came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. University Of Central Missouri is a public school based in Warrensburg, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,050, while out-of-state students pay about $18,600. The median Library Science program debt is $24,304. University Of Central Missouri alumni report median earnings of $49,560 a decade after entry. Set against $24,304 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 64%. Read more about University Of Central Missouri
Pratt Institute Main ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Library Science schools. Located in Brooklyn, NY, Pratt Institute Main is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $61,845. Graduates carry a median of $25,103 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,295. Set against $25,103 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Pratt Institute Main admits about 73% of applicants. More on Pratt Institute Main
Simmons College placed #23 among the best-value Library Science schools in the United States. Located in Boston, MA, Simmons College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $46,874. Graduates carry a median of $26,740 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,494. That is a strong return on a $26,740 median debt. The acceptance rate is 70%. More on Simmons College
University Of Iowa landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Iowa City, IA, University Of Iowa is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,283, while out-of-state students pay about $33,371. The median Library Science program debt is $24,463. Median earnings reach $64,762 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Iowa profile
University Of South Florida Main Campus placed #25 among the best-value Library Science schools in the United States. This public school is set in Tampa, FL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,410, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. University Of South Florida Main Campus Library Science students take on a median of $21,829 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,743. Set against $21,829 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 43% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of South Florida Main Campus
Valdosta State University came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Valdosta State University is a public school based in Valdosta, GA. Students from in state pay about $6,124 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,836 for out-of-state students. Valdosta State University Library Science students take on a median of $28,661 in debt. Median earnings reach $49,361 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $28,661 median debt. Valdosta State University admits about 72% of applicants. More on Valdosta State University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Library Science Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
University Of North Carolina At Greensboro came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Greensboro, NC. Students from in state pay about $7,661 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $24,012. Typical Library Science student debt is $24,977. Median earnings reach $48,160 ten years out. Set against $24,977 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Carolina At Greensboro has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read the full report on University Of North Carolina At Greensboro
University Of California Los Angeles came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Based 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. Median earnings reach $82,511 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 9%. Read more about University Of California Los Angeles
University Of Washington Seattle Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. This public school is set in Seattle, WA. In-state tuition and fees average $12,973, with out-of-state students paying around $43,209. University Of Washington Seattle Campus Library Science students take on a median of $16,481 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,466. Set against $16,481 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 39%. More on University Of Washington Seattle Campus
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Library Science schools. This public school is set in Milwaukee, WI. Students from in state pay about $10,398 in tuition and fees, compared with $22,398 for out-of-state students. Typical Library Science student debt is $26,657. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,990. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee
North Carolina Central University placed #31 among the best-value Library Science schools in the United States. This public school is set in Durham, NC. In-state tuition and fees average $6,699, while out-of-state students pay about $19,735. North Carolina Central University Library Science students take on a median of $31,173 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,968 ten years after entry. Set against $31,173 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. Get the full North Carolina Central University report
St Johns University New York placed #32 among the best-value Library Science schools in the United States. Set 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 Science student debt is $25,521. Median earnings reach $69,571 ten years out. Set against $25,521 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 83%. Read the full report on St Johns University New York
University Of South Carolina Columbia placed #33 among the best-value Library Science schools in the United States. Based in Columbia, SC, University Of South Carolina Columbia is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,688, compared with $36,298 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,472 in student loans. 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. University Of South Carolina Columbia has an acceptance rate of 60%. See the full University Of South Carolina Columbia profile
Syracuse University placed #34 among the best-value Library Science schools in the United States. Based in Syracuse, NY, Syracuse University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,528. The median Library Science program debt is $26,130. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $79,164. That is a strong return on a $26,130 median debt. The acceptance rate is 46%. Read more about Syracuse University
University At Buffalo placed #35 among the best-value Library Science schools in the United States. Located in Buffalo, NY, University At Buffalo is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,936, while out-of-state students pay about $31,536. The median Library Science program debt is $22,232. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $70,814. Set against $22,232 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University At Buffalo
The University Of Tennessee ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Library Science schools. Set in Knoxville, TN, The University Of Tennessee is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,812, compared with $33,256 for out-of-state students. The median Library Science program debt is $22,859. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,249. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. Read more about The University Of Tennessee
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Library Science schools. Located in Norman, OK, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,797, compared with $27,377 for out-of-state students. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus Library Science students take on a median of $23,138 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,126 ten years after entry. 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
Drexel University offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Set in Philadelphia, PA, Drexel University is a private not-for-profit institution. 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. That is a strong return on a $28,838 median debt. Roughly 79% of applicants are accepted. See the full Drexel University profile
Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Library Science schools. Set in Baton Rouge, LA, Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,954, while out-of-state students pay about $28,631. The median Library 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. Set against $21,348 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 73%. Read more about Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College
Indiana University Bloomington offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Indiana University Bloomington is a public school based in Bloomington, IN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,144, compared with $41,891 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,542 to complete their Library Science program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,742. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Indiana University Bloomington has an acceptance rate of 78%. See the full Indiana University Bloomington profile
The University Of Alabama placed #41 among the best-value Library Science schools in the United States. Based 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. Median earnings reach $59,221 ten years out. Set against $24,496 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 77%. More on The University Of Alabama
University Of Hawaii At Manoa came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Located in Honolulu, HI, University Of Hawaii At Manoa is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,186, compared with $34,218 for out-of-state students. 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. The acceptance rate is 87%. See the full University Of Hawaii At Manoa profile
Kent State University At Kent landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Kent State University At Kent is a public school based in Kent, OH. Students from in state pay about $12,220 in tuition and fees, compared with $21,575 for out-of-state students. Typical Library Science student debt is $25,174. 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 admits about 86% of applicants. Read the full report on Kent State University At Kent
University Of Kentucky offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Based in Lexington, KY, University Of Kentucky is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,502, compared with $34,140 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,094 in student loans. University Of Kentucky alumni report median earnings of $59,025 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,094 median debt. University Of Kentucky has an acceptance rate of 93%. More on University Of Kentucky
University Of Rhode Island offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. This public school is set in Kingston, RI. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,942, with out-of-state students paying around $37,146. The median Library Science program debt is $23,432. Median earnings reach $69,743 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Rhode Island admits about 72% of applicants. Read more about University Of Rhode Island
Wayne State University offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Based 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. Typical Library Science student debt is $26,689. 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%. Read the full report on Wayne State University
University Of Arizona offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. University Of Arizona is a public school based in Tucson, AZ. In-state tuition and fees average $13,573, while out-of-state students pay about $39,903. Students borrow a median of $21,861 to complete their Library Science program here. University Of Arizona alumni report median earnings of $59,979 a decade after entry. Set against $21,861 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Arizona has an acceptance rate of 86%. More on University Of Arizona
University Of Southern California placed #48 among the best-value Library Science schools in the United States. Based in Los Angeles, CA, University Of Southern California is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $71,647. Typical Library Science student 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. The acceptance rate is 10%. Read more about University Of Southern California
University Of Denver ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Library Science schools. Set in Denver, CO, University Of Denver is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $61,398 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $22,534 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, 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. Read more about University Of Denver
Central Carolina Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. See the full Central Carolina Community College profile
Mountwest Community And Technical College came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Read more about Mountwest Community And Technical College
Best Value Library Science Schools by Degree Level
Explore value rankings for a specific 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
These rankings are produced 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 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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