ADBLOCK #102
College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2026 Best Value Library Science Master’s Degree Schools

1 Colleges in the United States
$23,820 Avg Student Debt
$60,424 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Library Science Master's Degree Badge [Library Science](/majors/library-science/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.

College Factual analyzed 128 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value library science schools.

What’s on this page:

ADBLOCK #159
DEBUG: Raw major_slug = ""
DEBUG: Initial offers_url = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/library-science/offers.json", major_slug = ""
DEBUG: After cleaning major_slug = ""
DEBUG: Before URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/library-science/offers.json"
DEBUG: After TrimSuffix = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/library-science/offers.json"
DEBUG: After HTTPS placeholder = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/library-science/offers.json"
DEBUG: After slash cleaning = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/library-science/offers.json"
DEBUG: After URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/library-science/offers.json"
DEBUG: offers_url = https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/library-science/offers.json
DEBUG: major_slug = ""
DEBUG: offers_url is valid, proceeding to fetch data
DEBUG: offers_data.offers found, count = 3
DEBUG: ROOT LEVEL MAJOR detected (no cip4), lowering min_relevance to 0.5
DEBUG: Starting relevance filtering - min_relevance = 0.5, max_relevance = 1
DEBUG: Checking offer "Grad Cert - Library Science (I Have a Bachelors)" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Grad Cert - Library Science (I Have a Bachelors)" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Library Science (I Have a Bachelors)" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Library Science (I Have a Bachelors)" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Library Media (I Have a Masters)" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Library Media (I Have a Masters)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: relevant_offers count = 3
DEBUG: relevant_offers > 0, checking for ESYOH offers
DEBUG: ESYOH filtering - found 3 ESYOH offers with relevance >= 0.5
DEBUG: esyoh_offers count = 3
DEBUG: ESYOH offers found, rendering ESYOH widget
DEBUG: most_relevant_only = true, filtering for most relevant
DEBUG: Found 2 offers with relevance >= 1.0

2026 Best Value Library Science Schools in the United States

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in library science, balancing cost against outcomes.

Best Value Library Science Schools

1

Our analysis ranked Cuny Queens College the best value for a degree in library science in the United States. Set in the city of Queens, Cuny Queens College is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,538, with out-of-state students paying around $15,488. Students borrow a median of $12,157 to complete the library science program here. Early-career library science graduates make about $57,950. That is a strong return on a $12,157 median debt. The acceptance rate is 64%.

2

Students looking for strong value in library science will find it at University Of South Florida Main Campus, which ranked #2. Set in the city of Tampa, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,410, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. Typical student debt for library science graduates is $21,829. Early-career library science graduates make about $45,659. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 43%.

3

A rank of #3 makes Texas Womans University one of the best values for library science. Texas Womans University is a large public school located in the city of Denton. Students from in state pay about $8,640 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,480 for out-of-state students. Library Science graduates carry a median of $24,211 in student loans. Library Science graduates of Texas Womans University earn a median of $54,651 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 96%.

4

University Of Houston Clear Lake came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value library science schools. Set in the city of Houston, University Of Houston Clear Lake is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,346, with out-of-state students paying around $22,290. Students borrow a median of $21,100 to complete the library science program here. Early-career library science graduates make about $63,005. That is a strong return on a $21,100 median debt. University Of Houston Clear Lake admits about 90% of applicants.

5

University Of North Carolina At Greensboro is a great value for students pursuing a degree in library science, landing the #5 spot this year. University Of North Carolina At Greensboro is a large public school located in the city of Greensboro. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,661, with out-of-state students paying around $24,012. Students borrow a median of $24,977 to complete the library science program here. Early-career library science graduates make about $45,185. Set against $24,977 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%.

ADBLOCK #101
6

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill earned the #6 position for value in library science this year. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a very large public school located in the city of Chapel Hill. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,994, with out-of-state students paying around $41,203. Students borrow a median of $15,117 to complete the library science program here. Library Science graduates of University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill earn a median of $47,748 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $15,117 median debt. Roughly 15% of applicants are accepted.

7

University Of California Los Angeles ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value library science schools. University Of California Los Angeles is a very large public school located in the city of Los Angeles. In-state tuition and fees average $14,233, while out-of-state students pay about $46,121. Typical student debt for library science graduates is $16,097. Library Science graduates of University Of California Los Angeles earn a median of $51,407 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Los Angeles admits about 9% of applicants.

8

University Of Washington Seattle Campus came in at #8 for value in library science this year. University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a very large public school located in the city of Seattle. Students from in state pay about $12,973 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $43,209. Typical student debt for library science graduates is $16,481. Library Science graduates of University Of Washington Seattle Campus earn a median of $48,752 early in their careers. Set against $16,481 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 39% of applicants are accepted.

9

San Jose State University came in at #9 for value in library science this year. Located in the city of San Jose, San Jose State University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,410, compared with $21,010 for out-of-state students. Median earnings reach $78,988 ten years out. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted.

10

Texas A And M University Commerce landed the #10 spot for library science value this year. Located in the town of Commerce, Texas A And M University Commerce is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $10,026 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,326. Typical student debt for library science graduates is $23,796. Early-career library science graduates make about $60,756. Set against $23,796 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 92%.

ADBLOCK #115
11

Chicago State University earned the #11 position for value in library science this year. Set in the city of Chicago, Chicago State University is a mid-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,754, with out-of-state students paying around $12,757. Typical student debt for library science graduates is $43,322. Early-career library science graduates make about $47,477. Set against $43,322 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 43%.

12
Western Kentucky University crest
Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green, KY

Western Kentucky University landed the #12 spot for library science value this year. Western Kentucky University is a large public school located in the city of Bowling Green. Students from in state pay about $11,652 in tuition and fees, compared with $27,000 for out-of-state students. Library Science graduates carry a median of $24,499 in student loans. Soon after graduation, library science degree recipients from Western Kentucky University generally make around $51,244. Set against $24,499 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted.

13

Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis came in at #13 for value in library science this year. 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. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted.

14

Northeastern State University earned the #14 position for value in library science this year. Set in the town of Tahlequah, Northeastern State University is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,810, while out-of-state students pay about $17,290. Students borrow a median of $23,465 to complete the library science program here. Library Science graduates of Northeastern State University earn a median of $50,973 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 100%.

15

Middle Tennessee State University ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best value library science schools. Set in the city of Murfreesboro, Middle Tennessee State University is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,266, compared with $31,574 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,754 to complete the library science program here. Early-career library science graduates make about $46,127. That is a strong return on a $22,754 median debt. The acceptance rate is 69%.

ADBLOCK #145
16

Old Dominion University landed the #16 spot for library science value this year. Old Dominion University is a very large public school located in the city of Norfolk. In-state tuition and fees average $12,750, while out-of-state students pay about $33,780. Library Science graduates carry a median of $26,001 in student loans. Early-career library science graduates make about $57,131. That is a strong return on a $26,001 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%.

17

Valdosta State University came in at #17 for value in library science this year. Valdosta State University is a large public school located in the city of Valdosta. In-state tuition and fees average $6,124, while out-of-state students pay about $17,836. Typical student debt for library science graduates is $28,661. Soon after graduation, library science degree recipients from Valdosta State University generally make around $44,126. That is a strong return on a $28,661 median debt. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted.

18

University Of Hawaii At Manoa earned the #18 position for value in library science this year. University Of Hawaii At Manoa is a very large public school located in the city of Honolulu. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,186, while out-of-state students pay about $34,218. Students borrow a median of $20,577 to complete the library science program here. Soon after graduation, library science degree recipients from University Of Hawaii At Manoa generally make around $49,101. That is a strong return on a $20,577 median debt. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted.

19

University Of North Texas came in at #19 for value in library science this year. Set in the city of Denton, University Of North Texas is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,309 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,149. Library Science graduates carry a median of $21,817 in student loans. Library Science graduates of University Of North Texas earn a median of $53,186 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $21,817 median debt. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted.

20

University Of Southern Mississippi came in at #20 for value in library science this year. Located in the city of Hattiesburg, University Of Southern Mississippi is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,998, while out-of-state students pay about $11,998. Library Science graduates carry a median of $24,937 in student loans. Early-career library science graduates make about $43,862. Set against $24,937 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted.

ADBLOCK #150
21

University Of Northern Iowa landed the #21 spot for library science value this year. University Of Northern Iowa is a large public school located in the city of Cedar Falls. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,936, with out-of-state students paying around $21,712. Students borrow a median of $22,635 to complete the library science program here. Soon after graduation, library science degree recipients from University Of Northern Iowa generally make around $46,054. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Northern Iowa admits about 93% of applicants.

22

University Of Maryland College Park landed the #22 spot for library science value this year. Set in the suburb of College Park, University Of Maryland College Park is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,809 in tuition and fees, compared with $41,186 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for library science graduates is $20,836. Soon after graduation, library science degree recipients from University Of Maryland College Park generally make around $54,763. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted.

23

Trevecca Nazarene University earned the #23 position for value in library science this year. Located in the city of Nashville, Trevecca Nazarene University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $31,300. Students borrow a median of $24,962 to complete the library science program here. Library Science graduates of Trevecca Nazarene University earn a median of $52,004 early in their careers. Set against $24,962 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Trevecca Nazarene University admits about 69% of applicants.

24

Indiana University Bloomington landed the #24 spot for library science value this year. Set in the city of Bloomington, Indiana University Bloomington is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,144 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $41,891. Students borrow a median of $20,542 to complete the library science program here. Early-career library science graduates make about $45,031. Set against $20,542 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Indiana University Bloomington admits about 78% of applicants.

25
Dominican University crest
Dominican University
River Forest, IL

Dominican University placed #25 among the best values for library science. Dominican University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of River Forest. Students from in state pay about $38,828 in tuition and fees. Library Science graduates carry a median of $26,236 in student loans. Soon after graduation, library science degree recipients from Dominican University generally make around $47,396. That is a strong return on a $26,236 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%.

Rest of the Top 50 Best Value Library Science Schools

These schools also delivered strong value for library science this year:

26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
University Of Iowa crest
University Of Iowa
Iowa City, IA
49
50

Other Library Science Degree Levels

Explore the best-value library science schools at other degree levels:

All Degree Levels in Library Science
Associate's Degrees in Library Science
Bachelor's Degrees in Library Science
ADBLOCK #173
View All Library Science Rankings >

ADBLOCK #115

Notes and References

This list is compiled 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 · 128 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 1 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

ADBLOCK #116

Popular Reports

College Rankings
Best by Location
Degree Guides by Major
Graduate Programs
ADBLOCK #613

Compare Your School Options