[School Librarian/School Library Media Specialist](/majors/education/teacher-education-and-development/school-librarian-school-library-media-specialist/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
To produce this 2027 ranking, College Factual evaluated 38 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for school librarian/school library media specialist students.
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The school librarian/school library media specialist program you select can have a big impact on your finances and your future. To help, we created our Best Value School Librarian/School Library Media Specialist Schools ranking. We score each school on the balance of tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the best value.
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Customizing Your List
Since the program you select can have a significant impact on your future, we offer several rankings, including this Best Value School Librarian/School Library Media Specialist Schools list, to help you choose. More interested in schools in a specific area of the country? Filter this list by region or state.
To further help you make the college decision, we have developed a unique tool called College Combat that lets you compare schools on the factors that matter most to you.
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Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in school librarian/school library media specialist, balancing cost against outcomes.
Our analysis ranked Cuny Queens College the best value for a degree in school librarian/school library media specialist in the United States. Located in the city of Queens, Cuny Queens College is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,538, compared with $15,488 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $16,000 to complete the school librarian/school library media specialist program here. School Librarian/school Library Media Specialist graduates of Cuny Queens College earn a median of $67,212 early in their careers. Set against $16,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 64%.
Valley City State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in school librarian/school library media specialist, landing the #2 spot this year. Located in the town of Valley City, Valley City State University is a mid-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,580, compared with $13,544 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for school librarian/school library media specialist graduates is $24,394. Soon after graduation, school librarian/school library media specialist degree recipients from Valley City State University generally make around $51,170. That is a strong return on a $24,394 median debt. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted.
Students looking for strong value in school librarian/school library media specialist will find it at Murray State University, which ranked #3. Located in the town of Murray, Murray State University is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,900, compared with $19,836 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,420 to complete the school librarian/school library media specialist program here. School Librarian/school Library Media Specialist graduates of Murray State University earn a median of $47,734 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,420 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.
Fresno Pacific University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in school librarian/school library media specialist, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the city of Fresno, Fresno Pacific University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $36,660. Typical student debt for school librarian/school library media specialist graduates is $21,875. Early-career school librarian/school library media specialist graduates make about $77,547. Set against $21,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Fresno Pacific University admits about 64% of applicants.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Eastern Kentucky University earned it the #5 place for school librarian/school library media specialist. Located in the town of Richmond, Eastern Kentucky University is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $10,320 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,230. School Librarian/school Library Media Specialist graduates carry a median of $19,750 in student loans. School Librarian/school Library Media Specialist graduates of Eastern Kentucky University earn a median of $44,712 early in their careers. Set against $19,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Eastern Kentucky University admits about 78% of applicants.
University Of West Georgia placed #6 among the best values for school librarian/school library media specialist. Located in the town of Carrollton, University Of West Georgia is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,088, compared with $17,800 for out-of-state students. School Librarian/school Library Media Specialist graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, school librarian/school library media specialist degree recipients from University Of West Georgia generally make around $50,413. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 52% of applicants are accepted.
East Central University placed #7 among the best values for school librarian/school library media specialist. Set in the town of Ada, East Central University is a mid-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,032 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,842. Students borrow a median of $21,840 to complete the school librarian/school library media specialist program here. School Librarian/school Library Media Specialist graduates of East Central University earn a median of $49,619 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $21,840 median debt. The acceptance rate is 58%.
Saint Cloud State University earned the #8 position for value in school librarian/school library media specialist this year. Set in the city of Saint Cloud, Saint Cloud State University is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,245. School Librarian/school Library Media Specialist graduates carry a median of $30,795 in student loans. Early-career school librarian/school library media specialist graduates make about $43,279. That is a strong return on a $30,795 median debt. Saint Cloud State University admits about 95% of applicants.
Southern Arkansas University Main Campus placed #9 among the best values for school librarian/school library media specialist. Set in the town of Magnolia, Southern Arkansas University Main Campus is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,960, while out-of-state students pay about $15,690. Typical student debt for school librarian/school library media specialist graduates is $12,000. School Librarian/school Library Media Specialist graduates of Southern Arkansas University Main Campus earn a median of $44,843 early in their careers. Set against $12,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 75%.
Northwestern State University Of Louisiana ranked #10 on our 2027 list of the best value school librarian/school library media specialist schools. Located in the town of Natchitoches, Northwestern State University Of Louisiana is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $8,864 in tuition and fees, compared with $19,652 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for school librarian/school library media specialist graduates is $27,962. Soon after graduation, school librarian/school library media specialist degree recipients from Northwestern State University Of Louisiana generally make around $46,458. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted.
Columbus State University came in at #11 for value in school librarian/school library media specialist this year. Located in the city of Columbus, Columbus State University is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,898, while out-of-state students pay about $17,610. Typical student debt for school librarian/school library media specialist graduates is $28,040. Soon after graduation, school librarian/school library media specialist degree recipients from Columbus State University generally make around $51,154. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Columbus State University admits about 99% of applicants.
Old Dominion University landed the #12 spot for school librarian/school library media specialist value this year. Old Dominion University is a very large public school located in the city of Norfolk. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,750, with out-of-state students paying around $33,780. School Librarian/school Library Media Specialist graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Early-career school librarian/school library media specialist graduates make about $44,883. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%.
University Of Central Missouri landed the #13 spot for school librarian/school library media specialist value this year. Located in the town of Warrensburg, University Of Central Missouri is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,050, with out-of-state students paying around $18,600. Students borrow a median of $25,741 to complete the school librarian/school library media specialist program here. Soon after graduation, school librarian/school library media specialist degree recipients from University Of Central Missouri generally make around $37,460. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Central Missouri admits about 64% of applicants.
Salem State University landed the #14 spot for school librarian/school library media specialist value this year. Located in the suburb of Salem, Salem State University is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $12,338 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $19,531. Typical student debt for school librarian/school library media specialist graduates is $27,000. Soon after graduation, school librarian/school library media specialist degree recipients from Salem State University generally make around $59,390. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Salem State University admits about 96% of applicants.
Oklahoma State University Main Campus placed #15 among the best values for school librarian/school library media specialist. Located in the town of Stillwater, Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,110, with out-of-state students paying around $25,630. Students borrow a median of $23,102 to complete the school librarian/school library media specialist program here. Early-career school librarian/school library media specialist graduates make about $51,097. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 75%.
Suny At Albany placed #16 among the best values for school librarian/school library media specialist. Set in the city of Albany, Suny At Albany is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,601, while out-of-state students pay about $30,991. Typical student debt for school librarian/school library media specialist graduates is $23,521. Early-career school librarian/school library media specialist graduates make about $54,318. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Suny At Albany admits about 69% of applicants.
Georgia Southern University landed the #17 spot for school librarian/school library media specialist value this year. Set in the town of Statesboro, Georgia Southern University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,022, while out-of-state students pay about $17,734. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the school librarian/school library media specialist program here. Soon after graduation, school librarian/school library media specialist degree recipients from Georgia Southern University generally make around $41,063. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%.
University Of Maine came in at #18 for value in school librarian/school library media specialist this year. University Of Maine is a large public school located in the suburb of Orono. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,326, compared with $36,756 for out-of-state students. School Librarian/school Library Media Specialist graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, school librarian/school library media specialist degree recipients from University Of Maine generally make around $42,428. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. University Of Maine admits about 97% of applicants.
Missouri State University Springfield earned the #19 position for value in school librarian/school library media specialist this year. Located in the city of Springfield, Missouri State University Springfield is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,502, while out-of-state students pay about $18,770. School Librarian/school Library Media Specialist graduates carry a median of $30,294 in student loans. Soon after graduation, school librarian/school library media specialist degree recipients from Missouri State University Springfield generally make around $39,237. Set against $30,294 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Missouri State University Springfield admits about 90% of applicants.
William Paterson University Of New Jersey landed the #20 spot for school librarian/school library media specialist value this year. Located in the suburb of Wayne, William Paterson University Of New Jersey is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $15,704 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $25,344. Typical student debt for school librarian/school library media specialist graduates is $31,000. Soon after graduation, school librarian/school library media specialist degree recipients from William Paterson University Of New Jersey generally make around $46,981. Set against $31,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Central Oklahoma earned the #21 position for value in school librarian/school library media specialist this year. Located in the suburb of Edmond, University Of Central Oklahoma is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,818, with out-of-state students paying around $19,704. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete the school librarian/school library media specialist program here. Early-career school librarian/school library media specialist graduates make about $47,741. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. University Of Central Oklahoma admits about 78% of applicants.
Longwood University ranked #22 on our 2027 list of the best value school librarian/school library media specialist schools. Longwood University is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Farmville. In-state tuition and fees average $15,740, compared with $27,980 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for school librarian/school library media specialist graduates is $25,649. Early-career school librarian/school library media specialist graduates make about $53,792. Set against $25,649 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%.
Minnesota State University Mankato ranked #23 on our 2027 list of the best value school librarian/school library media specialist schools. Set in the city of Mankato, Minnesota State University Mankato is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,572, compared with $18,942 for out-of-state students. School Librarian/school Library Media Specialist graduates carry a median of $26,082 in student loans. Soon after graduation, school librarian/school library media specialist degree recipients from Minnesota State University Mankato generally make around $53,463. Set against $26,082 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Minnesota State University Mankato admits about 88% of applicants.
University Of Vermont landed the #24 spot for school librarian/school library media specialist value this year. Located in the city of Burlington, University Of Vermont is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $19,058, with out-of-state students paying around $45,502. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete the school librarian/school library media specialist program here. School Librarian/school Library Media Specialist graduates of University Of Vermont earn a median of $44,588 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Missouri Columbia placed #25 among the best values for school librarian/school library media specialist. University Of Missouri Columbia is a very large public school located in the city of Columbia. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,837, with out-of-state students paying around $36,056. Typical student debt for school librarian/school library media specialist graduates is $17,654. School Librarian/school Library Media Specialist graduates of University Of Missouri Columbia earn a median of $53,134 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $17,654 median debt. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted.
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value in school librarian/school library media specialist:
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Notes and References
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 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 · 38 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 38 ranked schools only.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
More about our data sources and methodologies.
