Library Science and Administration Colleges Under $20,000

Five public institutions offer Library Science and Administration programs with net costs under $15,000 annually, creating pathways to careers managing digital collections and information systems. The University of Washington-Seattle Campus stands out with an 83.70% graduation rate despite charging $13,485 per year, while the University of Maine at Augusta provides the lowest net cost at $11,353. Federal libraries and academic institutions across these regions increasingly seek graduates skilled in data management and digital archiving technologies.

Programs

$11,353 – $14,224

Net Price Range

48.6%

Avg. Graduation Rate

5 Library Science and Administration Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	University of Maine at Augusta Augusta, Maine	$11,353	$8,618	23.3%
2	University of Nebraska at Omaha Omaha, Nebraska	$12,791	$8,370	47.5%	85.9%
3	Chadron State College Chadron, Nebraska	$13,308	$8,078	38.1%
4	University of Washington-Seattle Campus Seattle, Washington	$13,485	$12,643	83.7%	47.5%
5	University of Southern Mississippi Hattiesburg, Mississippi	$14,224	$9,618	50.6%	98.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the 60-point graduation rate gap between these affordable programs?

The University of Washington-Seattle Campus achieves an 83.70% graduation rate compared to just 23.30% at the University of Maine at Augusta, despite both being public institutions. Larger research universities typically provide more resources and faculty support, though Maine residents pay only $8,618 in-state tuition versus Washington's $12,643.

How selective are these Library Science programs for admission?

The University of Southern Mississippi accepts 98.84% of applicants while the University of Washington-Seattle Campus admits just 47.52%, creating vastly different entry requirements. Most programs welcome career changers and working professionals, with part-time and online options available at institutions like Nebraska Omaha.

Does student debt vary significantly across these affordable options?

Graduate debt ranges from $21,544 at the University of Maine at Augusta to $23,255 at Southern Mississippi, representing manageable levels for library professionals. Starting salaries for academic librarians typically range from $45,000 to $55,000 annually, making these debt loads reasonable for career entry.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.