by our College Data Analytics Team
[Library & Information Science](/majors/library-science/library-information-science/library-and-information-science/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong library & information science education at a price that pays off.
College Factual analyzed 4 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value library & information science schools.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in library & information science, balancing cost against outcomes.
Leading the list is San Jose State University, our #1 best value for library & information science in California. Located in the city of San Jose, San Jose State University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $8,410 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,010. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,988. The acceptance rate is 85%.
Ashford University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in library & information science, landing the #2 spot this year. Ashford University is a very large private for-profit school located in the city of San Diego. Students from in state pay about $11,960 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $35,813 to complete the library & information science program here. Soon after graduation, library & information science degree recipients from Ashford University generally make around $29,163. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
University Of Southern California is a great value for students pursuing a degree in library & information science, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the city of Los Angeles, University Of Southern California is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $71,647 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for library & information science graduates is $15,625. Soon after graduation, library & information science degree recipients from University Of Southern California generally make around $52,828. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Southern California admits about 10% of applicants.
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 · 4 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 1 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.