2026 Best Value Library Science Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Library Science master’s degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 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.
So you can compare your options, Grad Degree analyzed 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:
For return on investment, no school beat Sam Houston State University this year in the United States. This public school is set in Huntsville, TX. Students from in state pay about $9,228 in tuition and fees, compared with $19,068 for out-of-state students. Typical Library Science student debt is $24,850. 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. Get the full Sam Houston State University report
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. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,383, compared with $29,391 for out-of-state students. The median Library Science program debt is $26,582. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,270. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 75% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Colorado Denver
A rank of #3 makes San Jose State University one of the best values in the United States. 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, with out-of-state students paying around $21,010. San Jose State University alumni report median earnings of $78,988 a decade after entry. The acceptance rate is 85%. See the full San Jose State University profile
A rank of #4 makes Texas A And M University Commerce one of the best values in the United States. Based in Commerce, TX, Texas A And M University Commerce is a public institution. 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 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. The acceptance rate is 92%. Get the full Texas A And M University Commerce report
Texas Womans University landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Denton, TX, Texas Womans University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,640 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,480. Typical Library Science student debt is $24,211. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,544. That is a strong return on a $24,211 median debt. Texas Womans University admits about 96% of applicants. See the full Texas Womans University profile
Long Island University C W Post Campus placed #7 among the best-value Library Science schools in the United States. Set in Brookville, NY, Long Island University C W Post Campus is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $42,432. 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. This public school is set in Tahlequah, OK. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,810, compared with $17,290 for out-of-state students. The median Library Science program debt is $23,465. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,379 ten years after entry. Set against $23,465 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. 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. Located in Queens, NY, Cuny Queens College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,538, with out-of-state students paying around $15,488. Students borrow a median of $12,157 to complete their Library Science program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,763. 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 came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Set in Denton, TX, University Of North Texas is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,309, compared with $21,149 for out-of-state students. The median Library Science program debt is $21,817. University Of North Texas alumni report median earnings of $57,010 a decade after entry. Set against $21,817 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of North Texas report
Appalachian State University came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Set in Boone, NC, Appalachian State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,579, compared with $25,212 for out-of-state students. Appalachian State University Library Science students take on a median of $21,992 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,836. That is a strong return on a $21,992 median debt. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Appalachian State University report
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. In-state tuition and fees run about $17,929, with out-of-state students paying around $37,441. The median Library Science program debt is $25,120. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $74,479. Set against $25,120 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 58% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report 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. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $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. Dominican University admits about 90% of applicants. Read more about Dominican University
East Carolina University placed #14 among the best-value Library Science schools in the United States. Based in Greenville, NC, East Carolina University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,361 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $23,638. Graduates carry a median of $24,747 in student loans. Median earnings reach $55,146 ten years out. 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 offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. St Catherine University is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Paul, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $38,428. The median Library Science program debt is $29,883. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,282. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 92%. Get the full St Catherine University report
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Located in Chapel Hill, NC, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,994, compared with $41,203 for out-of-state students. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill Library Science students take on a median of $15,117 in debt. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill alumni report median earnings of $72,200 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,117 median debt. About 15% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
University Of Maryland College Park offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Set in College Park, MD, University Of Maryland College Park is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,809, with out-of-state students paying around $41,186. The median Library Science program debt is $20,836. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $82,860. Set against $20,836 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Maryland College Park admits about 45% of applicants. More 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. In-state tuition and fees average $7,106, while out-of-state students pay about $15,419. Emporia State University Library Science students take on a median of $23,131 in debt. Median earnings reach $47,601 ten years out. Set against $23,131 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Emporia State University
Western Kentucky University offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. 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. The median Library Science program debt is $24,499. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,889 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Western Kentucky University has an acceptance rate of 94%. Get the full Western Kentucky University report
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. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,603, compared with $42,103 for out-of-state students. University Of Wisconsin Madison Library Science students take on a median of $21,813 in debt. Median earnings reach $73,792 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,813 median debt. About 45% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Wisconsin Madison profile
University Of Central Missouri landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Central Missouri is a public school based in Warrensburg, MO. In-state tuition and fees average $10,050, with out-of-state students paying around $18,600. University Of Central Missouri Library Science students take on a median of $24,304 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,560 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,304 median debt. About 64% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Central Missouri
Pratt Institute Main ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Library Science schools. Set in Brooklyn, NY, Pratt Institute Main is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $61,845. Pratt Institute Main Library Science students take on a median of $25,103 in debt. Pratt Institute Main alumni report median earnings of $54,295 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 73% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Pratt Institute Main report
Simmons College placed #23 among the best-value Library Science schools in the United States. Based in Boston, MA, Simmons College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $46,874. Students borrow a median of $26,740 to complete their Library Science program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,494 ten years after entry. Set against $26,740 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Simmons College has an acceptance rate of 70%. Read more about Simmons College
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. In-state tuition and fees average $11,283, compared with $33,371 for out-of-state students. Typical Library Science student debt is $24,463. 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. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Iowa report
University Of South Florida Main Campus ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Library Science schools. 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. Typical Library Science student debt is $21,829. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,743. That is a strong return on a $21,829 median debt. University Of South Florida Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 43%. More on University Of South Florida Main Campus
Valdosta State University came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Located in Valdosta, GA, Valdosta State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,124, with out-of-state students paying around $17,836. Typical Library Science student debt is $28,661. Median earnings reach $49,361 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 72%. More on Valdosta State University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Library Science Master’s Degree 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. The median Library 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 the full report on University Of North Carolina At Greensboro
University Of California Los Angeles offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. This public school is set in Los Angeles, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,233, compared with $46,121 for out-of-state students. University Of California Los Angeles Library Science students take on a median of $16,097 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $82,511 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of California Los Angeles
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a public school based in Milwaukee, WI. Students from in state pay about $10,398 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,398. Students borrow a median of $26,657 to complete their Library Science program here. Median earnings reach $54,990 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,657 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee has an acceptance rate of 91%. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee report
University Of Washington Seattle Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Set in Seattle, WA, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,973 in tuition and fees, 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%. See the full University Of Washington Seattle Campus profile
North Carolina Central University placed #31 among the best-value Library Science schools in the United States. Located in Durham, NC, North Carolina Central University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,699, compared with $19,735 for out-of-state students. Typical Library Science student debt is $31,173. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,968. Set against $31,173 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 87%. See the full North Carolina Central University profile
St Johns University New York offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Located in Queens, NY, St Johns University New York is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $53,529. The median Library Science program debt is $25,521. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $69,571. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. St Johns University New York has an acceptance rate of 83%. More on St Johns University New York
University Of South Carolina Columbia placed #33 among the best-value Library Science schools in the United States. University Of South Carolina Columbia is a public school based in Columbia, SC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,688, with out-of-state students paying around $36,298. Typical Library Science student debt is $24,472. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,177 ten years after entry. Set against $24,472 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 60% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of South Carolina Columbia
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. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,528. Students borrow a median of $26,130 to complete their Library Science program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $79,164 ten years after entry. 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 offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Based in Buffalo, NY, University At Buffalo is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,936, while out-of-state students pay about $31,536. Typical Library Science student debt is $22,232. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $70,814. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University At Buffalo has an acceptance rate of 74%. Read the full report on University At Buffalo
The University Of Tennessee landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. The University Of Tennessee is a public school based in Knoxville, TN. Students from in state pay about $13,812 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $33,256. The University Of Tennessee Library Science students take on a median of $22,859 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,249 ten years after entry. Set against $22,859 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on The University Of Tennessee
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus placed #37 among the best-value Library Science schools in the United States. Located in Norman, OK, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,797, with out-of-state students paying around $27,377. Students borrow a median of $23,138 to complete their Library Science program here. 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. Read the full report on University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus
Drexel University landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Philadelphia, PA, Drexel University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $62,412. Typical Library Science student debt is $28,838. 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. Read the full report on Drexel University
Indiana University Bloomington placed #39 among the best-value Library Science schools in the United States. This public school is set in Bloomington, IN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,144, with out-of-state students paying around $41,891. The median Library Science program debt is $20,542. Ten years after enrolling, 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. More on Indiana University Bloomington
Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Set in Baton Rouge, LA, Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,954, with out-of-state students paying around $28,631. Students borrow a median of $21,348 to complete their Library Science program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,251. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College admits about 73% of applicants. More on Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College
The University Of Alabama came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Tuscaloosa, AL. Students from in state pay about $12,180 in tuition and fees, compared with $34,172 for out-of-state students. Typical Library Science student debt is $24,496. Median earnings reach $59,221 ten years out. Set against $24,496 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of Alabama has an acceptance rate of 77%. More on The University Of Alabama
University Of Hawaii At Manoa came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Set in Honolulu, HI, University Of Hawaii At Manoa is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,186, with out-of-state students paying around $34,218. University Of Hawaii At Manoa Library Science students take on a median of $20,577 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,624. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Hawaii At Manoa profile
Kent State University At Kent placed #43 among the best-value Library Science schools in the United States. Kent State University At Kent is a public school based in Kent, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,220, compared with $21,575 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,174 in student loans. Kent State University At Kent alumni report median earnings of $45,388 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,174 median debt. Kent State University At Kent has an acceptance rate of 86%. More on Kent State University At Kent
University Of Kentucky ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Library Science schools. Located in Lexington, KY, University Of Kentucky is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,502 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $34,140. The median Library Science program debt is $24,094. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,025. That is a strong return on a $24,094 median debt. The acceptance rate is 93%. See the full University Of Kentucky profile
Wayne State University landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Detroit, MI, Wayne State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,159, compared with $34,650 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,689 in student loans. 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. About 81% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Wayne State University report
University Of Rhode Island landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Kingston, RI, University Of Rhode Island is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $16,942, with out-of-state students paying around $37,146. Students borrow a median of $23,432 to complete their Library Science program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $69,743. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 72%. Get the full University Of Rhode Island report
University Of Arizona landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Arizona is a public school based in Tucson, AZ. Students from in state pay about $13,573 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $39,903. Typical Library Science student debt is $21,861. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,979 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,861 median debt. University Of Arizona has an acceptance rate of 86%. Read more about University Of Arizona
University Of Southern California ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Library Science schools. Set 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. The median Library Science program debt is $15,625. Graduates go on to earn a median of $92,498 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Southern California has an acceptance rate of 10%. Read the full report on University Of Southern California
University Of Denver landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Denver, CO. In-state tuition and fees average $61,398. The median Library Science program debt is $22,534. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,155. That is a strong return on a $22,534 median debt. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Denver profile
Marshall University placed #49 among the best-value Library Science schools in the United States. Read more about Marshall University
Joliet Junior College offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. See the full Joliet Junior College profile
Related Library Science Value Rankings
Explore 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
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 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).
GradDegree.com provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© GradDegree.com – All Rights Reserved.