[Library & Information Science](/majors/library-science/library-information-science/library-and-information-science/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong library & information science education at a price that pays off.
For its 2027 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 5 schools to find the best return on investment for library & information science students.
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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the library & information science degrees they offer, see the list below.
Our analysis ranked University Of Maine At Augusta the best value for a degree in library & information science in the United States. Located in the town of Augusta, University Of Maine At Augusta is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $8,888, while out-of-state students pay about $22,178. Typical student debt for library & information science graduates is $34,536. Early-career library & information science graduates make about $45,574. Set against $34,536 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
University Of Nebraska At Omaha is a great value for students pursuing a degree in library & information science, landing the #2 spot this year. University Of Nebraska At Omaha is a large public school located in the city of Omaha. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,718, with out-of-state students paying around $23,206. Students borrow a median of $21,783 to complete the library & information science program here. Early-career library & information science graduates make about $25,054. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania earned it the #3 place for library & information science. Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Kutztown. Students from in state pay about $11,206 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $16,330. Library & Information Science graduates carry a median of $26,867 in student loans. Soon after graduation, library & information science degree recipients from Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania generally make around $39,028. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 91%.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Southern Mississippi earned it the #4 place for library & information science. Located in the city of Hattiesburg, University Of Southern Mississippi is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,998, with out-of-state students paying around $11,998. Typical student debt for library & information science graduates is $24,937. Early-career library & information science graduates make about $43,862. That is a strong return on a $24,937 median debt. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted.
Ashford University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in library & information science, landing the #5 spot this year. Ashford University is a very large public school located in the city of Chandler. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,960. Students borrow a median of $35,813 to complete the library & information science program here. Library & Information Science graduates of Ashford University earn a median of $29,163 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $35,813 median debt.
Explore the best-value library & information science schools at other degree levels:
View All Library & Information Science Rankings >
Notes and References
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 5 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 5 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.
