Best colleges for Library Science
Any instructional program in library science not listed above.
9 U.S. institutions graduated 135 Library Science students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 25.9999, a specialization of Library Science (CIP 25.99).
About Library Science programs
Any instructional program in library science not listed above.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Library Science program, specifically categorized as Library Science, Other, offers students a comprehensive understanding of various aspects of library science not covered in more specialized programs. This program is ideal for individuals seeking to expand their knowledge and skills in library management, information organization, and resource accessibility.
Students in this program will engage in coursework that covers essential skills in library science, including information retrieval, cataloging, and digital resource management. The curriculum is designed to equip students with the tools necessary to navigate the evolving landscape of library services.
Credentials awarded
What Library Science graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Master's degree111 graduates / yr · 4 institutions82%
- Associate's degree12 graduates / yr · 3 institutions8.9%
- Postbaccalaureate certificate12 graduates / yr · 2 institutions8.9%
Graduates over time
Library Science completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 262 |
| 2013 | 204 |
| 2014 | 160 |
| 2015 | 137 |
| 2016 | 133 |
| 2017 | 188 |
| 2018 | 146 |
| 2019 | 139 |
| 2020 | 128 |
| 2021 | 125 |
| 2022 | 115 |
| 2023 | 131 |
| 2024 | 145 |
| 2025 | 135 |
Top 9 institutions for Library Science, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of California-Los Angeles Los Angeles, CAPublicMaster's | 51 | 93% | — |
| 2 | University of Central Arkansas Conway, ARPublicMaster's | 26 | 54% | — |
| 3 | Long Island University Brookville, NYPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 17 | 57% | $24,639 |
| 4 | University of Washington-Seattle Campus Seattle, WAPublicMaster's | 17 | 85% | — |
| 5 | Oakland Community College Auburn Hills, MIPublicAssociate's | 10 | 21% | — |
| 6 | Pratt Institute Brooklyn, NYPrivate not-for-profitPost-degree cert. | 10 | 74% | $49,088 |
| 7 | Marshall University Huntington, WVPublicPost-degree cert. | 2 | 51% | — |
| 8 | Monterey Peninsula College Monterey, CAPublicAssociate's | 1 | 40% | — |
| 9 | Itawamba Community College Fulton, MSPublicAssociate's | 1 | 50% | — |
Offered in 7 states
Where Library Science graduates come from. Each state links to all Library Science programs offered there.
| State | Institutions | Graduates / yr | Top institution by graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 2 | 52 | University of California-Los Angeles51 / yr |
| New York | 2 | 27 | Long Island University17 / yr |
| Arkansas | 1 | 26 | University of Central Arkansas26 / yr |
| Washington | 1 | 17 | University of Washington-Seattle Campus17 / yr |
| Michigan | 1 | 10 | Oakland Community College10 / yr |
| West Virginia | 1 | 2 | Marshall University2 / yr |
| Mississippi | 1 | 1 | Itawamba Community College1 / yr |
Common questions
What degrees can I earn in this program?+
You can earn a Master's degree, Associate's degree, or a Postbaccalaureate certificate.
How many colleges offer this program in the U.S.?+
There are 9 colleges offering the Library Science program in the U.S.
What is the typical number of graduates each year?+
Approximately 135 graduates complete this program each year.
What career opportunities are available after graduation?+
Graduates can pursue various careers in library and information science.
What is the CIP code for Library Science?+
Library Science is CIP 25.9999 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Library Science (CIP 25.99). NCES defines it as: Any instructional program in library science not listed above.
How many institutions offer Library Science programs?+
9 U.S. institutions reported Library Science graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 7 states, awarding 135 credentials in the year. That is 100.0% of all Library Science graduates.
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license. This specialization accounts for nearly all Library Science graduates, so its figures match the Library Science program page.
Explore every U.S. college in one conversation
Clema turns plain-language questions into sourced answers across every U.S. institution — earnings, aid, acceptance, graduation, safety, and athletics from IPEDS, College Scorecard, and 10+ federal datasets, built in.
Free for teams up to 3 · No credit card