by our College Data Analytics Team
[Library Science](/majors/library-science/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong library science education at a price that pays off.
To produce this 2027 ranking, College Factual evaluated 12 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for library science students.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in library science, balancing cost against outcomes.
Leading the list is Santa Ana College, our #1 best value for library science in the United States. Set in the city of Santa Ana, Santa Ana College is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,180, while out-of-state students pay about $10,756. Students borrow a median of $11,196 to complete the library science program here. Early-career library science graduates make about $39,633. That is a strong return on a $11,196 median debt.
A rank of #2 makes Oakland Community College one of the best values for library science. Oakland Community College is a very large public school located in the suburb of Auburn Hills. Students from in state pay about $3,120 in tuition and fees, compared with $5,560 for out-of-state students. Library Science graduates carry a median of $15,865 in student loans. Early-career library science graduates make about $43,205. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
A rank of #3 makes Pasadena City College one of the best values for library science. Pasadena City College is a very large public school located in the city of Pasadena. Students from in state pay about $1,180 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $10,924. Students borrow a median of $9,191 to complete the library science program here. Library Science graduates of Pasadena City College earn a median of $38,841 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $9,191 median debt.
Long Beach City College came in at #4 on our 2027 list of the best value library science schools. Long Beach City College is a very large public school located in the city of Long Beach. Students from in state pay about $1,556 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $12,544. Students borrow a median of $6,000 to complete the library science program here. Median earnings reach $38,870 ten years out. Set against $6,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Students looking for strong value in library science will find it at Central Carolina Community College, which ranked #5. Set in the town of Sanford, Central Carolina Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,711, while out-of-state students pay about $8,855. Students borrow a median of $10,266 to complete the library science program here. Soon after graduation, library science degree recipients from Central Carolina Community College generally make around $38,198. That is a strong return on a $10,266 median debt.
City College Of San Francisco landed the #6 spot for library science value this year. City College Of San Francisco is a very large public school located in the city of San Francisco. In-state tuition and fees average $1,696, while out-of-state students pay about $14,656. Students borrow a median of $10,332 to complete the library science program here. Library Science graduates of City College Of San Francisco earn a median of $100,031 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
College Of Dupage ranked #7 on our 2027 list of the best value library science schools. Set in the suburb of Glen Ellyn, College Of Dupage is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,560, with out-of-state students paying around $12,750. Library Science graduates carry a median of $12,492 in student loans. Soon after graduation, library science degree recipients from College Of Dupage generally make around $31,514. That is a strong return on a $12,492 median debt.
Sacramento City College placed #8 among the best values for library science. Sacramento City College is a very large public school located in the city of Sacramento. In-state tuition and fees average $1,288, compared with $12,616 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for library science graduates is $13,180. Soon after graduation, library science degree recipients from Sacramento City College generally make around $46,522. That is a strong return on a $13,180 median debt.
Fresno City College came in at #9 for value in library science this year. Fresno City College is a very large public school located in the city of Fresno. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,378, compared with $8,638 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $7,234 to complete the library science program here. Early-career library science graduates make about $37,470. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Spokane Falls Community College placed #10 among the best values for library science. Located in the city of Spokane, Spokane Falls Community College is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,461, while out-of-state students pay about $6,612. Library Science graduates carry a median of $17,031 in student loans. Early-career library science graduates make about $34,901. Set against $17,031 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Cuesta College came in at #11 for value in library science this year. Located in the rural area of San Luis Obispo, Cuesta College is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,350, with out-of-state students paying around $11,010. Library Science graduates carry a median of $18,958 in student loans. Early-career library science graduates make about $64,492. That is a strong return on a $18,958 median debt.
San Bernardino Valley College ranked #12 on our 2027 list of the best value library science schools. Located in the city of San Bernardino, San Bernardino Valley College is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $1,196 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $4,528. Students borrow a median of $19,500 to complete the library science program here. Library Science graduates of San Bernardino Valley College earn a median of $69,642 early in their careers. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Looking for a different degree level? Compare best-value Library Science rankings across degree levels:
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 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 · 12 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 12 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.