[Library & Information Science](/majors/library-science/library-information-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.
To produce this 2027 ranking, College Factual evaluated 5 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes 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.
Leading the list is University Of Maine At Augusta, our #1 best value for library & information science in the United States. Located in the town of Augusta, University Of Maine At Augusta is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,888, compared with $22,178 for out-of-state students. 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, compared with $23,206 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for library & information science graduates is $21,783. Library & Information Science graduates of University Of Nebraska At Omaha earn a median of $25,054 early in their careers. Set against $21,783 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 87%.
Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania came in at #3 on our 2027 list of the best value library & information science schools. 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, while out-of-state students pay about $16,330. Students borrow a median of $26,867 to complete the library & information science program here. Soon after graduation, library & information science degree recipients from Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania generally make around $39,028. Set against $26,867 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania admits about 91% of applicants.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Southern Mississippi earned it the #4 place for library & information science. Set in the city of Hattiesburg, University Of Southern Mississippi is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,998, while out-of-state students pay about $11,998. Library & Information Science graduates carry a median of $24,937 in student loans. Soon after graduation, library & information science degree recipients from University Of Southern Mississippi generally make around $43,862. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Southern Mississippi admits about 99% of applicants.
Ashford University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in library & information science, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the city of Chandler, Ashford University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,960. Library & Information Science graduates carry a median of $35,813 in student loans. 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.
Explore the best-value library & information science schools at other degree levels:
View All Library & Information Science Rankings >
Notes and References
This list is compiled 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.
