by our College Data Analytics Team
[Library Science](/majors/library-science/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 19 schools to find the best return on investment for library science students.
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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the library science degrees they offer, see the list below.
Leading the list is College Of Dupage, our #1 best value for library science in the Great Lakes Region. Located in the suburb of Glen Ellyn, College Of Dupage is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,560, while out-of-state students pay about $12,750. Library Science graduates carry a median of $12,492 in student loans. Early-career library science graduates make about $31,514. That is a strong return on a $12,492 median debt.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Chicago State University earned it the #2 place for library science. Chicago State University is a mid-sized public school located in the city of Chicago. In-state tuition and fees average $12,754, while out-of-state students pay about $12,757. Typical student debt for library science graduates is $43,322. Soon after graduation, library science degree recipients from Chicago State University generally make around $47,477. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 43%.
A rank of #3 makes Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis one of the best values for library science. Located in the city of Indianapolis, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,762, while out-of-state students pay about $34,891. Typical student debt for library science graduates is $23,146. Soon after graduation, library science degree recipients from Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis generally make around $42,458. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 76%.
Wayne State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in library science, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the city of Detroit, Wayne State University is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,159, with out-of-state students paying around $34,650. Typical student debt for library science graduates is $26,689. Library Science graduates of Wayne State University earn a median of $44,885 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Wayne State University admits about 81% of applicants.
Dominican University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in library science, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the suburb of River Forest, Dominican University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $38,828. Students borrow a median of $26,236 to complete the library science program here. Library Science graduates of Dominican University earn a median of $47,396 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%.
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Indiana University Bloomington ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value library science schools. Indiana University Bloomington is a very large public school located in the city of Bloomington. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,144, compared with $41,891 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for library science graduates is $20,542. Early-career library science graduates make about $45,031. That is a strong return on a $20,542 median debt. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee placed #7 among the best values for library science. Set in the city of Milwaukee, University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,398, with out-of-state students paying around $22,398. Library Science graduates carry a median of $26,657 in student loans. Early-career library science graduates make about $44,702. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee admits about 91% of applicants.
University Of Wisconsin Madison ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value library science schools. Set in the city of Madison, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,603 in tuition and fees, compared with $42,103 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,813 to complete the library science program here. Early-career library science graduates make about $44,787. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Madison admits about 45% of applicants.
Kent State University At Kent earned the #9 position for value in library science this year. Kent State University At Kent is a very large public school located in the suburb of Kent. Students from in state pay about $12,220 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $21,575. Students borrow a median of $25,174 to complete the library science program here. Early-career library science graduates make about $40,429. Set against $25,174 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on 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 · 19 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 1 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.