Introduction
The Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) degree is a highly desirable, and often essential, educational component for aspiring librarians, archivists, and other information professionals. With increasingly accessible high-speed internet and virtual technology, remote MLIS degree programs are becoming more prevalent, allowing a diverse population of potential students to pursue an advanced education from anywhere. While maintaining the same dedication to academic standards as many on-campus degrees, online MLIS programs offer a higher level of flexibility, making them a better choice for many students, including professionals, seniors, parents, and more. In addition, online MLIS degree programs can offer lower costs, wider networking opportunities, asynchronous learning, and increased comfort for students.
The increased availability of online library and information science degrees has led to both more options and more questions. More than ever, students are having trouble deciding which program is right for them and which will yield the best results. Utilizing criteria such as benefits, challenges, admission requirements, accreditation status, tuition cost, alumni engagement, and faculty expertise, our guide to the 30 best online library science degrees of 2025 showcases the best remote MLIS degree programs in the United States, offering detailed insights to help you find the perfect degree program for you.
Online MLIS Format
The online MLIS format allows for greater flexibility, increased networking abilities, variation in tuition costs, wider choices in schools, and more compared to a traditional on-campus education. In addition, many online MLIS programs allow students to access and complete work asynchronously, making it an ideal choice for those already in the workforce, as well as those with a family or other prior commitments. All of this, however, doesn’t mean that online MLIS degrees lack engagement; on the contrary, many online MLIS programs include synchronous remote lectures, as well as the chance for students to gain in-person and remote work experience through interning opportunities and similar real-life applications.
Benefits And Challenges
As with any MLIS program, online MLIS programs have many important benefits and challenges that students must weigh before choosing the best MLIS degree program for them. As mentioned, flexibility is one of the main benefits of a remote MLIS education. Many online MLIS programs offer asynchronous learning, meaning students can access and work on their degrees when most convenient, allowing them to tailor their program to their lifestyles and schedules. Another benefit is the wide range of campuses available to students across the country. With traditional programs, students must be in close physical proximity to their campus; with online MLIS degrees, students can learn from and connect with other students and professors from anywhere in the country, and often, internationally.
While online education has many upsides, it also has its challenges. One challenge many students face is the feeling of a lack of structure. Because many online MLIS degrees include asynchronous elements, those accustomed to traditional class models may feel that online programs lack structure, leading students to procrastination or a lack of motivation. In addition, pre-recorded lectures and remote communication methods may find other students struggling to engage with their instructors, peers, and material. It’s important to weigh these aspects of an online MLIS education before deciding which program is best for you.
Admission Requirements
The admission requirements for online MLIS programs vary widely. One of the most common (and obvious) requirements for admission is a bachelor’s degree from an accredited school. Be sure to check which accreditation organization your school of choice adheres to before applying. This way, you can be sure your undergraduate education meets the school’s requirements. Most online MLIS programs accept any undergraduate major, meaning you don’t have to hold a degree in a library science-related field to qualify. The majority of programs also require a minimum GPA of around 2.5 to 3.0.
Criteria such as GRE, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose are sometimes required. However, many online masters no longer require them and are proudly moving away from many of the more stringent admission requirements. Be sure to consider each school’s specific admission requirements before deciding on which programs to apply to.
Ranking Online MLIS Programs
When ranking the 30 best online library science degrees of 2025, a number of important factors were carefully considered. Accreditation status, tuition cost, alumni engagement, and faculty expertise were reviewed and analyzed carefully to ensure an accurate assessment of each institution.
Accreditation
One of the most important values when ranking online MLI programs is accreditation. Regional accreditation involves authoritative organizations that assess colleges and universities for general academic standards. More specific accreditations, such as ALA’s (American Library Association) ensure online MLIS programs meet library and information science-specific standards. ALA accreditation is particularly important as the vast majority of career library positions require an ALA-approved MLIS degree. Given the importance of this accreditation, it is in one’s best interest to consider only online MLIS programs that meet ALA’s approval. To be sure of which programs meet their requirements, check the ALA’s searchable database for ALA-accredited programs.
Tuition Costs
Another top consideration when deciding on a program is tuition costs. The average cost of an online MLIS program can be as low as $5,000 and as high as $30,000 and up. Cost depends upon a variety of factors including the institution type, a student’s residency status (local, in-state, out-of-state, international), additional fees, and the length of the degree. With such a wide range of costs and cost models, it is important to assess which will be right for both your budget and your schedule. However, many programs offer grants and/or financial aid to help offset the cost of tuition.
Alumni Engagement
Colleges with strong alumni engagement stand out by offering ways with which former students can network, communicate, and utilize special resources. Ways with which organizations boost alumni engagement include events like fundraisers, career planning tools (both in-person and remotely), and newsletters that inform past and present students of updates on the schools’ activities. These methods of connection offer greater employment and career opportunities and allow alumni to maintain a sense of community.
Faculty Expertise
Faculty expertise is essential to any successful and enriching MLIS experience. Without the proper background and education, faculty will prove ill-equipped to prepare future librarians and information professionals for a career in the field. One crucial, albeit obvious, thing to look for is whether professors hold an accredited MLIS themselves. Additional credentials such as doctorate degrees, academic chair titles, and published articles are good indicators of a well-rounded and dedicated faculty. Most colleges will have a faculty page somewhere on their site that includes biographical information on current staff and professors.
Top 30 Best Online MLIS Degrees 2025
Utilizing criteria such as accreditation, tuition cost, alumni engagement, and faculty expertise, we have ranked the top 30 online library science degrees for 2025. Please note that for the sake of the topic of this article, we have included only those programs that offer 100% online formats.
Rank Institution Details
1. Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY ALA Accredited: Yes
Credits: 36 Credit Hours
Tuition: $35,010
Syracuse University’s online library science program offers a highly customizable course pathway that allows students the freedom to explore topics as they learn or to tailor their program more finely. Students can also gain certificates of advanced study in Data Science, Information Security Management, Enterprise Technology Leadership, or School Media in the course of their regular program. Syracuse’s iSchool alumni network and internship offerings are also benefits of the program. In addition, their career support center offers helpful resources for students preparing to enter the professional realm.
2. University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, IL ALA Accredited: Yes
Credits: 40
Tuition: $37,640/
$27,200 (For IL Residents)
Ranked highly on several “best” lists (including taking the top spot on U.S. News’ list of best library science degrees) the University of Illinois’ online MLIS program has a lot to boast about. In addition to a sterling reputation, the University of Illinois’ library science program offers several targeted degree paths including:
-Archival and Special Collections
-Data and Asset Management
-Information Organization and Management
-Knowledge Management and Competitive Intelligence
-Research and Information Services
-Youth and School Librarianship.
Still, with only two required courses, the remaining elective options allow greater freedom for students than many other programs.
3. University of Washington
Seattle, WA ALA Accredited: Yes
Credits: 63 quarter credits
Tuition: $58,212
The online MLIS program at the University of Washington consists of 63 credits spread throughout core courses, electives, and a final degree project. Ranked second on U.S. News’ best MLIS programs list, UW offers several attractive options, including fully online courses with the option for hybrid learning, making it an ideal option for those looking to incorporate both in-person and remote learning into their schedule.
Their school offers additional flexibility in students’ choice of electives, allowing for either independent program tailoring or one more focused on a specific professional pathway. Additionally, their Directed Fieldwork (DFW) elective allows students the opportunity to gain insightful hands-on experience in library science and social justice-related environments.
4. San Jose State University
San Jose, CA ALA Accredited: Yes
Credits: 43
Tuition: Approximately $24,401 (Special Session)/Approximately $18,462 (Regular Session)
San Jose State’s online MLIS program is one of the country’s fastest-growing. Just last year, SJSU was ranked number four out of all public US colleges by the Wall Street Journal. With its relatively low tuition and high alumni engagement, it’s no wonder the school is gaining attention.
In regards to their MLIS program, SJSU also benefits from a strong faculty, appealing admission requirements, student internship opportunities (both remote and traditional), and the option of an e-portfolio in place of a thesis. Additionally, the program’s alumni engagement takes form in a variety of ways, including free remote seminars led by leading library science experts, career services, and more.
5. Rutgers the State University of New Jersey
New Brunswick, NJ ALA Accredited: Yes
Credits: 36
Tuition: Approximately $37,692
Rutgers’ Master of Information (MI) program combines the best of traditional information theory with emerging technologies and approaches to not only library science, but data, archives and preservation, and information management. Its coursework focuses on an education that is “people-focused, information technology-intensive, data-driven, and career-oriented.” Unlike some other MLIS degrees, Rutgers focuses on current and emerging aspects of information that students can apply to an ever-changing field.
Some may find their admissions requirements a downside, as professional work experience, letters of recommendation, a resume, a letter of intent, and GRE scores are all part of the process. However, GRE scores will be waived with an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher or another master’s degree.
6. Indiana University
Bloomington, IN ALA Accredited: Yes
Credits: 39
Tuition: $19,207.5
Indiana University offers the only ALA-accredited MLIS degree in the state. Admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree, a 3.0 or higher GPA, and the completion of an application (which includes a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and transcripts). International students must also submit a TOEFL score of 100 or better.
While the information on their site about program alumni is scant, one important statistic stood out: “Half of IU Online students advance in their careers before they complete their degree.” Given the uncertainty of the job market and the ever-changing nature of our relationship with information, this is an important aspect to note.
7. University of Tennessee
Knoxville, TN ALA Accredited: Yes
Credits: 36
Tuition: $28,134 (On Average)
The online master of information program at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville covers a wide scope of topics, from big data to children’s programming. Program career pathways like academic librarianship, information organization, and youth services offer educational journeys tailored to students’ specific focuses. Other benefits include no GRE requirement and an optional field experience component. A stand-out statistic noted by the school is that close to 90% of graduates from their program are actively involved in the field within one year following completion.
8. University of North Texas
Denton, TX ALA Accredited: Yes
Credits: 36
Tuition: $16,500 (For Texas Residents)
The University of North Texas offers a well-rounded library science MS that lays a foundation on the organization, storage, and retrieval of information from a user perspective while incorporating more contemporary trends to help students prepare for a variety of careers.
Other upsides include an ALA accreditation, planned program concentrations, and the ability to study hybridly. Some features that may be considered by some as downsides include the requirement of a faculty advisor when choosing electives and their relatively strict admission and academic standards. However, these high standards mirror the school’s strong faculty expertise with many professors holding Ph.D., JD’s, and director titles.
9. University of Maryland
College Park, MD ALA Accredited: Yes
Credits: 36
Tuition: $34,200 (For MD Residents)/$69,500 (Out-Of-State Residents)
Due to its reputation as a research-centered institution, it should come as no surprise that the library science program at the University of Maryland, College Park offers a unique learning experience, blending foundational learning with collaborative research activities. With six research centers and a Human-Computer Interaction Laboratory, students engage with faculty on cooperative research projects, allowing them insight into both emerging theory and practical applications. UMD also offers a dual degree program in history and library science for students who want to expand their options and education further.
The program’s admission requirements are fairly standard and its faculty is outstanding. Many of the professors hold a variety of degrees and have intersecting backgrounds that relate to library science, such as those of lecturer, computer scientist, and public management.
10. Drexel University
Philadelphia, PA ALA Accredited: Yes
Credits: 45
Tuition: $64,035
Drexel University’s online MLIS program prepares students for contemporary library and information work by focusing on technology and areas such as computing and informatics. Courses are taught by professors from Drexel’s College of Computing and Informatics, keeping the program on the cutting edge of the information industry by employing those immersed in its study and development.
Admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree, a GPA of 3.0 or higher, a letter of recommendation, transcripts, a resume, an application, and an essay. International students have additional requirements, including an English proficiency exam and transcript evaluation.
Although the program is relatively expensive, the school offers special tuition rates for alumni, military, and more. It is important to note that the school charges an additional $125 fee per year for online students.
11. Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL ALA Accredited: Yes
Credits: 36
Tuition: $31,953.24 (On Average)
Another program that stands out is Florida State University’s online master of science in information degree. Blending the important basics of information literacy, management, preservation, and retrieval with more complex theoretical research applications, FSU’s information degree provides the best of two crucial frameworks. Furthermore, many of their iSchool coursework was recently approved by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, further solidifying their relevance in today’s technology-centered information realm.
Some drawbacks to the program, however, are its limited student support services and lack of alumni engagement. While there is a general student support email address, there was little else on the school’s site to indicate anything beyond it. In addition, the alumni page for the iSchool consisted solely of a newsletter, a news page, and a donation link.
12. University of Wisconsin
Madison, WI ALA Accredited: Yes
Credits: 36
Tuition: $30,600
The online library and information studies program at the University of Wisconsin provides a well-rounded and relevant information-based education. Including focuses on diversity, tribal libraries, social justice, and digital librarianship, the coursework offers applicable social perspectives on the library field.
In addition, the program provides a sharp focus on contemporary methods for the organization of information including courses on metadata, XML, and taxonomies. The school also offers funding alternatives not found with many other colleges like assistantships, fellowships, and more. Students considering the program should keep in mind that registration is only accepted once a year during the Fall semester.
13. Simmons University
Boston, MA ALA Accredited: Yes
Credits: 36
Tuition: $49,860
Simmons’ School of Information and Technology hosts a solid online MS in library science that can be taken either fully online or in a hybrid model. Along with a balanced general requirement curriculum, the school offers myriad pathways for a broad spectrum of information and library disciplines. Its archives management pathway was ranked first in archives & preservation programs by U.S. News and the school even offers a “design your own pathway” option for students favoring independent program planning. As for their teaching staff, the faculty provides a broad array of expertise and stays in touch with emerging trends.
14. University of Kentucky
Lexington, Ky ALA Accredited: Yes
Credits: 36
Tuition: $27,108
Since 1911, the University of Kentucky has been providing solid library science education for its student population. The school’s current online master of library science program aims to continue that tradition. With faculty involved in research efforts on timely topics such as book bans in public libraries and utilizing data in school libraries, the school proves it is a powerful force in the realm of research and innovation. A bonus is the standardization of the college’s tuition: out-of-state residents will pay the same tuition as resident Kentuckians.
15. University of South Carolina
Columbia, SC ALA Accredited: Yes
Credits: 36
Tuition: $24,921
The University of South Carolina’s online library science degree is a strong option for students new to information science. The Student Services Office provides library science majors the assistance of professional advisors to help tailor their electives to projected career interests to prepare them for life after school. The college also hosts a school librarian certification for those looking to work under the South Carolina Department of Education. The school’s retention rate for the program has remained consistently above 90% for the past five years. In one study, 80% of recent graduates were employed in the library and information field, and over 90% were employed full-time in any field.
16. University of North Carolina
Greensboro, NC ALA Accredited: Yes
Credits: 36
Tuition (Annually): $6,422 (Residents)/$21,137 (Non-Residents)
UNC Greensboro’s online MLIS program has its fair share of attractive elements, as well as some notable downsides. According to their website, the program is “ranked Best Online Master’s by College Choice and Best Online Master’s in Library Science by Affordable Colleges Online” and offers its students valuable insights into the world of information.
However, unlike many of the other programs on this list, the UNC Greensboro program is mostly synchronous – meaning most of the coursework, lectures, meetings, and classes have required meeting times. This can cause conflicts for those with already busy schedules or existing commitments. Furthermore, the disparity of cost between resident and non-resident tuition may be a detraction for those outside of the state.
17. University of Arizona
Tucson, AZ ALA Accredited: Yes
Credits: 37
Tuition: $34,327 (Estimated)
The online MLIS degree from the University of Arizona covers a wide range of topics that include academic librarianship, archives & special collections, digital curation, and legal law topics. University of Arizona’s program has typical application requirements including a 3.0 or higher GPA corresponding to an accredited bachelor’s, a statement of purpose essay, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a resume or curriculum vitae. A benefit of the program not found in many others is the capstone internship course which gives students the tools and experience to successfully apply their education to a hands-on scenario.
18. Kent State
Kent, OH ALA Accredited: Yes
Credits: 37
Tuition: $26,800 (In-State Residents)/$27,200 (Out-Of-State Residents)
Given its specialized concentrations in medical librarianship and archival studies, the slight discount in cost for in-state residents, and the fact that it holds the sole ALA-accredited library science program in Ohio, Kent State’s remote MLIS degree is enticing for students both in and outside the area. The program offers a specialized and accredited school library media certification, a rarity amongst the other schools on our list. Similarly, their Cultural Heritage Informatics cluster highlights emerging trends in the management and preservation of information as a means of cultural heritage and its continued existence, offering students a unique and cutting-edge approach to information perspectives.
19. University of Missouri
Columbia, MO ALA Accredited: Yes
Credits: 39
Tuition: $21,910.20 (Approximately)
As a school with an esteemed history in library science, the University of Missouri has provided a well-founded educational platform to students for decades. With the emergence of online schooling, the university developed an online library and information science program that combines constantly developing curricula with a heritage that stands the test of time. While the courses take place remotely, some in-person events are offered to those in the area. The program work culminates in a three-credit practicum through which students can ease into a professional role.
20. University at Buffalo
Buffalo, NY ALA Accredited: Yes
Credits: 36
Tuition: $19,967.76 (New York Residents)/$23,351.76 (Out-Of-State Residents)
SUNY in Buffalo, New York prepares its students for diverse positions in public and academic libraries, law offices, archives, and other information environments. Accredited by the ALA and fully online, the program offers the familiar flexibility and relative affordability of similar remote information programs.
21. Wayne
Detroit, MI ALA Accredited: Yes
Credits: 36
Tuition: $33,294.6
Wayne University’s online library science program focuses on the needs of both local and global information communities. The program culminates in a Graduation Assessment: a reflective project consisting of an essay, four “artifacts” from students’ coursework, a professional resume, and a survey. This unique final project allows the program to stand out despite its other inconspicuous aspects.
22. University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, AL ALA Accredited: Yes
Credits: 36
Tuition: $15,840
Alabama’s remote MLIS master is structured using a cohort model program in which students and their peers support each other in the study of a diverse range of information studied synchronously. The synchronicity of the coursework may prove to be a disadvantage for those looking for the greater flexibility of a typical distance MLIS education. However, the well-balanced curriculum features a useful and diverse core course list that covers the management of information and technology in the library and information profession.
23. University of South Florida
Tampa, FL ALA Accredited: Yes
Credits: 39
Tuition: $16,825.77 (In-State)/$34,209.63 (Out-Of-State)
University of South Florida’s online MLIS program focuses on a framework that involves four central goals for students: Goal I: Leadership and Innovation, Goal II: Systems and Services, Goal III: Knowledge Representation, and Goal IV: Theory Praxis. This structure sets up a strong foundational education for information students that covers the fundamentals of the field while encouraging students to stick with the degree and meet specific learning milestones. The program’s advisory council also features experienced experts, including the university’s dean of libraries, Tod Chavez, a founding member of the Karst Information Portal Project Team.
24. University of Oklahoma
Norman, OK ALA Accredited: Yes
Credits: 36
Tuition: $17,424–$39,420
The MLIS program at the University of Oklahoma can be taken on campus, hybridly, or fully online. It’s also thesis optional, meaning students can opt to complete their education with a thesis project or an ePortfolio of the work they’ve completed throughout the program.
For those in a hurry to gain their degree, the program is possible to complete in only one year, although the average time is two. Students are given evaluation reports by their advisors each Spring to keep them abreast of their standings, and for those looking for work, faculty facilitates job placement, often helping students with information that helps secure positions during and following education.
25. Dominican University
River Forest/Chicago, IL ALA Accredited: Yes
Credits: 36
Tuition: $30,600
Dominican University offers an MLIS program with a lot of freedom. Students can obtain a degree in as little as one to as long as six years, as opposed to the typical five-year limit.
They also offer the option of synchronous or asynchronous course delivery as well as online or hybrid.
26. University of Denver
Denver, CO ALA Accredited: Yes
Credits: 58 (Quarter)
Tuition: $62,060
The University of Denver’s online MLIS program offers students one-on-one faculty support, a well-rounded course list, and a curriculum that mirrors their traditional one so that nothing gets lost in remote delivery. The program is ALA-accredited, includes live weekly courses, and can be completed in as little as 21 months.
27. University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA ALA Accredited: Yes
Credits: 36
Tuition: N/A
While much of the program is similar to other online MLIS programs, the University of Iowa’s online MLIS program still allows students a solid ALA-accredited education. The program has four areas of specialization including academic librarianship, archives & special collections, K-12 teachers librarianship, and rare books and book studies. Although tuition cost information is not readily available online, their site does state: “Students admitted to Distance and Online Education Programs with a Distance/Online Learning Center are assessed tuition based upon their program of study, semester hours of enrollment, and their status (as a graduate or undergraduate student).”
28. Louisiana State University
Baton Rouge, LA ALA Accredited: Yes
Credits: 36
Tuition: $19.980
The sole ALA-accredited program in the state, Louisiana State University’s program is thorough yet flexible. They offer a non-thesis program that is also completely asynchronous and requires no specific focus.
The cost of courses is relatively low. Lower in-state tuition is available for not only Louisiana residents but neighboring states as well. For those interested in scholarships, the school provided a link to eligible funding.
29. University of Rhode Island
South Kingstown, RI ALA Accredited: Yes
Credits: 36
Tuition: $31,932
The University of Rhode Island stands out from other online MLIS programs with a diverse faculty, unique pathway selections, and real-world library and information student opportunities.
Their mandatory internship has students prepared for libraries and information centers even before graduating. They also offer unique degree pathways covering topics like library equity and library leadership. Focuses on equity throughout the program help students enrich their education by encouraging inclusivity and equitable programming in the field.
30. Valdosta
Valdosta, GA ALA Accredited: Yes
Credits: 39
Tuition: $11,427
Competitive tuition and a basic yet foundational curriculum can be found in Georgia’s Valdosta University’s online library science degree. Although similar to most of the other programs on this list (similar admissions requirements, course structure, and topics), Valdosta offers incredibly affordable tuition for a highly flexible and dependable education. In addition, their alumni services are broader than some; the school offers resume help, job boards for alumni, mock interviewing preparation, and career advice, in addition to annual events.