Best Library Science and Administration institutions in the US, ranked by earnings
Compare 73 U.S. colleges offering Library Science and Administration by graduate earnings, cost, and outcomes. Federal data across 38 states.
About Library Science and Administration programs
The Library Science and Administration program focuses on the study of the creation, organization, management, and use of recorded information. It prepares students for various professional roles in librarianship, information management, and archiving. This program is ideal for individuals interested in facilitating access to information and supporting community learning through library services.
Students in this program will develop essential skills such as active listening, critical thinking, and effective communication. Coursework typically covers topics in customer service, information technology, and administrative practices, equipping graduates to manage library resources and assist patrons effectively.
Top 2 institutions, ranked by graduate earnings
Earnings = median 1 year after graduation (College Scorecard, predominant credential).
| # | Institution | Grad earnings (1 yr) | Completions | Grad rate | Net price | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ashford University San Diego, CA Private for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $29,163 | 11 | 11% | $26,445 | $35,813 |
| 2 | University of Nebraska at Omaha Omaha, NE Public · Bachelor's degree | $25,054 | 17 | 47% | — | — |
Offered across 38 states
The same program, compared state by state. Pick a state for in-state earnings and institutions.
| State | Institutions | Median earnings | Top institution by earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 4 | $29,163 | Ashford University |
| Nebraskalimited | 1 | $25,054 | University of Nebraska at Omaha |
| Alabamalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Arizonalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Colorado | 3 | — | — |
| Connecticutlimited | 1 | — | — |
| District of Columbialimited | 1 | — | — |
| Floridalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Georgialimited | 1 | — | — |
| Hawaiilimited | 1 | — | — |
| Idaholimited | 1 | — | — |
| Illinois | 3 | — | — |
| Indianalimited | 2 | — | — |
| Iowalimited | 2 | — | — |
| Kansaslimited | 1 | — | — |
| Kentuckylimited | 2 | — | — |
| Louisianalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Mainelimited | 1 | — | — |
| Marylandlimited | 1 | — | — |
| Massachusettslimited | 1 | — | — |
| Michiganlimited | 1 | — | — |
| Minnesotalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Mississippilimited | 2 | — | — |
| Missourilimited | 2 | — | — |
| Montanalimited | 1 | — | — |
| New Jerseylimited | 1 | — | — |
| New York | 6 | — | — |
| North Carolina | 5 | — | — |
| Ohiolimited | 1 | — | — |
| Oklahomalimited | 2 | — | — |
| Pennsylvania | 4 | — | — |
| Rhode Islandlimited | 1 | — | — |
| South Carolinalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Tennessee | 4 | — | — |
| Texas | 5 | — | — |
| Virginialimited | 1 | — | — |
| Washingtonlimited | 1 | — | — |
| Wisconsin | 3 | — | — |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 25-4022, Librarians and Media Collections Specialists, and its national outlook.
Career opportunities in Library Science and Administration are projected to grow at a rate of 1.7%, with approximately 13,500 annual openings. The median wage for professionals in this field is $64,320, and a typical education requirement is a master's degree.
Top-paying metros
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Library Science and Administration programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this program most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
What graduates do on the job
- Check books in and out of the library.
- Teach library patrons basic computer skills, such as searching computerized databases.
- Review and evaluate materials, using book reviews, catalogs, faculty recommendations, and current holdings to select and order print, audio-visual, and electronic resources.
- Search standard reference materials, including online sources and the Internet, to answer patrons' reference questions.
- Keep up-to-date records of circulation and materials, maintain inventory, and correct cataloging errors.
- Analyze patrons' requests to determine needed information and assist in furnishing or locating that information.
Tools & technology
Concentrations within Library Science and Administration
Specializations under this field (NCES CIP 2020).
- Library and Information ScienceCIP 25.0101
A program that focuses on the knowledge and skills required to develop, organize, store, retrieve, administer, and facilitate the use of local, remote, and networked collections of information in prin
- Children and Youth Library ServicesCIP 25.0102
A program that prepares individuals to provide library and information services and programming for children and young adults
- Archives/Archival AdministrationCIP 25.0103
A program that prepares individuals to identify, manage, preserve, and make available records with long-term value for documentation, legal, research, and other purposes
- Library Science and Administration, OtherCIP 25.0199
Any instructional program in library science and administration not listed above.
Common questions
What is Library Science and Administration?+
It is a program that studies the management and use of recorded information, preparing students for careers in librarianship and information management.
What skills will I learn?+
You will develop skills in active listening, critical thinking, communication, and information technology.
What are the job prospects?+
The field is expected to see a growth of 1.7%, with about 13,500 job openings each year.
What is the typical education requirement?+
Most positions require a master's degree in Library Science or a related field.
Related programs
Other programs in the same field of study.
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