by our College Data Analytics Team
[Library & Information Science](/majors/library-science/library-information-science/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
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.
San Jose State University earned the #1 spot for value among library & information science schools 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. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,988 ten years after entry. San Jose State University admits about 85% of applicants.
A rank of #2 makes Ashford University one of the best values for library & information science. Set in the city of San Diego, Ashford University is a very large private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $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. Set against $35,813 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
A rank of #3 makes University Of Southern California one of the best values for library & information science. University Of Southern California is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Los Angeles. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $71,647. Library & Information Science graduates carry a median of $15,625 in student loans. Library & Information Science graduates of University Of Southern California earn a median of $52,828 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $15,625 median debt. University Of Southern California admits about 10% of applicants.
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 · 4 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 1 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.