10 Affordable Online Degrees in Library Science

10 Affordable Online Library Science Degree Programs

To work as a librarian, you typically need a master's degree in library science. However, not everyone has the time or finances to start a new degree program.

Luckily, many universities offer degrees in library science online at an affordable rate. Keep reading to learn more about these programs.

List of Affordable Library Science Degree Programs

Several universities across the United States offer online library science degree programs for less than the average cost.

Library science degrees are almost exclusively offered as master's degrees. We've listed our top choices for affordable online library science degrees below.

1. Appalachian State University

Appalachian State University is a public university in Boone, North Carolina. It offers an online Master of Library Science.

This is a flexible program that prepares students to be successful in careers in libraries, especially school and rural libraries.

The 36-credit program costs $319 per credit for in-state residents, for a total of $5,742 per year. Out-of-state residents pay an average of $14,470 per year.

2. East Carolina University

East Carolina University (ECU) is a public research university in Greenville, North Carolina. It offers a Master of Library Science online.

This program teaches the principles, practices, and technologies you need to succeed in a global, multicultural society. There are three concentrations: academic library, public library, and school library media.

The estimated tuition for state residents is $5,213 per year, while non-residents pay $18,361 per year.

3. Sam Houston State University

Sam Houston State University is a public research university in Huntsville, Texas. It offers an online Master of Library Science.

Students learn a variety of professional library skills and utilize the latest advances in technology and information literacy to maintain a successful library.

This program requires 36 total credits and costs approximately $5764.50 per year. There is no change in price for out-of-state students.

4. San José State University

San José State University is a public university in San Jose, California. Its School of Information offers a Master of Library and Information Science online.

This program prepares graduate students for exciting careers as information professionals who work in myriad information environments and professional positions.

The 43-credit program is $525 per credit, for a total of $11,287.50. However, some students may qualify for a flat-rate tuition program that could reduce this to $9,426 per year.

5. Texas Woman's University

Texas Woman's University is a public university in Denton, Texas that, despite the name, is coeducational. It offers an online Master of Arts in Library Sciences.

This program is designed to prepare library and information professionals to conduct research in different types of information environments, with eight specialization options.

In-state graduate students pay about $5,196 per year, while out-of-state residents pay approximately $12, 540 per year.

6. University of Alabama

The University of Alabama is a public research university in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. It offers a Master of Library and Information Studies online.

Students will gain knowledge on the uses, organization, and management of information in socially responsible ways, while learning the role information plays in personal, educational and organizational contexts.

This program requires 36 credits and costs $440 per credit. This averages out to roughly $7,920 per year before additional fees.

7. University of Buffalo

The University of Buffalo is a public research university based out of Buffalo, New York. It's part of the State University of New York system.

The online, 36-credit Master of Science in information and library science includes practicums, special projects and directed study courses to allow students to gain real-world experience.

Resident students typically pay 11,310 per year, while non-resident students pay 13,570. The SUNY system also offers multiple financial aid opportunities to qualifying students.

8. University of Central Missouri

The University of Central Missouri is a public university in Warrensburg, Missouri. It offers an online Master of Library Science.

This program trains students to connect people with books. An optional school librarian concentration is available.

Online programs at the university cost $413.50 per credit, coming to about $7,443 per year for this 36-credit program. There is no additional charge for out-of-state students.

9. University of North Carolina at Greensboro

The University of North Carolina at Greensboro is a public research university in Greensboro, North Carolina. It offers a Master of Library and Information Science online.

The curriculum emphasizes the rapidly changing library and information field and prepares students for positions of leadership in school, public, special, and academic libraries and other information centers.

In-state online students pay an average of $6,223 per year in tuition, while out-of-state online students pay $19,951 per year. These totals do not include additional fees.

10. Valdosta State University

Valdosta State University is a public university in Valdosta, Georgia. It offers an online Master of Library and Information Science.

This program focuses on educating librarians for academic, public and special libraries in Georgia and beyond.

The university charges $299 per online credit. As the degree requires a total of 39 credit hours, this works out to about $5,830 per year.

How Much Does an Online Master's Degree in Library Science Cost?

The cost of an online master's degree will vary depending on several factors, but on average, the cost from a public institution is $12,394 and from a private institution is $28,445.

How To Make an Online Library Science Degree Affordable

The best ways to make an online degree affordable are to choose a low-cost school and to fill out your Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) so you can receive financial aid.

Is an Online Library Science Degree Worth It?

Most libraries require librarians to hold a library science degree. An online degree can absolutely be worth it if you're looking for a flexible program that doesn't require you to come to campus.

Find an Affordable Degree in Library Science Online Today

An online degree in library science doesn't have to break the bank. Check out the affordable online library science degrees above to find the perfect fit for you.