2027 Best Value Library Science Schools in the The Plains States Region

[Library Science](/majors/library-science/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
For its 2027 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 7 schools to find the best return on investment for library science students.
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2027 Best Value Library Science Schools in the The Plains States Region
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the library science degrees they offer, see the list below.
Best Value Library Science Schools
Our analysis ranked University Of Nebraska At Omaha the best value for a degree in library science in the The Plains States Region. Located in the city of Omaha, University Of Nebraska At Omaha is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $8,718, compared with $23,206 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for library science graduates is $21,783. Soon after graduation, library science degree recipients from University Of Nebraska At Omaha generally make around $25,054. That is a strong return on a $21,783 median debt. University Of Nebraska At Omaha admits about 87% of applicants.
Students looking for strong value in library science will find it at University Of Central Missouri, which ranked #2. 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 $24,304 to complete the library science program here. Early-career library science graduates make about $46,099. Set against $24,304 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 64%.
University Of Northern Iowa is a great value for students pursuing a degree in library science, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the city of Cedar Falls, University Of Northern Iowa is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,936, while out-of-state students pay about $21,712. Typical student debt for library science graduates is $22,635. Soon after graduation, library science degree recipients from University Of Northern Iowa generally make around $46,054. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 93%.
Emporia State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in library science, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the town of Emporia, Emporia State University is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,106, compared with $15,419 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for library science graduates is $23,131. Early-career library science graduates make about $47,440. Set against $23,131 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Emporia State University admits about 98% of applicants.
A rank of #5 makes St Catherine University one of the best values for library science. St Catherine University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Saint Paul. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $38,428. Typical student debt for library science graduates is $29,883. Library Science graduates of St Catherine University earn a median of $46,254 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $29,883 median debt. The acceptance rate is 92%.
University Of Missouri Columbia came in at #6 for value in library science this year. Set in the city of Columbia, University Of Missouri Columbia is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,837 in tuition and fees, compared with $36,056 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,818 to complete the library science program here. Soon after graduation, library science degree recipients from University Of Missouri Columbia generally make around $45,466. Set against $21,818 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 78%.
University Of Iowa placed #7 among the best values for library science. Located in the city of Iowa City, University Of Iowa is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,283, with out-of-state students paying around $33,371. Students borrow a median of $24,463 to complete the library science program here. Library Science graduates of University Of Iowa earn a median of $52,881 early in their careers. Set against $24,463 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 84%.
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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 · 7 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 7 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.