Key Takeaways:
- Online MLIS programs in 2026 offer fully accredited, flexible pathways into careers in public, academic, and special libraries.
- Costs range widely, from around $11,000 to over $33,000, so comparing programs carefully can make a real difference to your budget.
- ALA accreditation, from the American Library Association, is the professional gold standard for MLIS programs and is often required by employers.
If you want to work as a professional librarian, a Master of Library and Information Science is almost always the required credential. Earning one online has never been more practical, with accredited options available at a wider range of price points than ever before.
GetEducated makes it easy to compare online MLIS programs by cost, accreditation, and format. Below are 20 of the best accredited online MLIS degrees for 2026, sorted by estimated cost.
Top Accredited Online MLIS Programs for 2026
From budget-friendly state university programs to nationally recognized iSchools, these degrees span a wide range of specializations and career paths.
GetEducated's Picks
- University of West Alabama Master of Education in Library Media
- East Central University Master of Education in Library Media
- Eastern Washington University Master of Education in Library Media
1. University of Kentucky: Master of Library Science
UK’s online MLS offers asynchronous full- or part-time coursework across a wide range of library settings, and includes a pathway to School Librarian Certification for those targeting K-12 roles.
- Estimated Cost: $25,758 | Per Credit: $716
- Credits: 36
- Format: 100% Online
- Admission: Bachelor’s degree; minimum 3.0 GPA; GRE; statement of purpose; recommendation letters
- Accreditation: ALA; SACSCOC
Concentrations span Academic Libraries, Health Information, Public Libraries, School Librarian, Youth Services, and a Generalist track. Visit the UK tuition page for current rates.
2. Valdosta State University: Master of Library & Information Science
Valdosta State offers one of the most affordable ALA-accredited MLIS programs available. The non-thesis format blends traditional library science with information technology and is built for working professionals.
- Estimated Cost: $11,687 | Per Credit: $300
- Credits: 39
- Format: 100% Online
- Admission: Bachelor’s degree; minimum 3.0 GPA; essay; recommendation letters; resume
- Accreditation: ALA; CAEP; SACSCOC
Optional tracks cover cataloging, library management, reference services, and technology; check the VSU tuition page for pricing.
3. Trevecca Nazarene University: Master of Library & Information Science
Trevecca’s cohort-model MLIS is built for aspiring K-12 school librarians. Students take one class at a time alongside the same group, with a curriculum centered on literacy promotion, technology integration, and research instruction.
- Estimated Cost: $13,050 | Per Credit: $435
- Credits: 30
- Format: 100% Online
- Admission: Bachelor’s degree; minimum 3.0 GPA; official transcripts; criminal background check; interview
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
At 30 credits, this is one of the shorter programs on this list. Visit the Trevecca program page for tuition details.
4. University of Central Missouri: Master of Library Science & Information Services
UCM’s program builds expertise in information gathering with a capstone project and practical experience baked in. Graduates move into careers as librarians, postsecondary teachers, managers, and media collections specialists.
- Estimated Cost: $15,827 | Per Credit: $440
- Credits: 36
- Format: 100% Online
- Admission: Bachelor’s degree; minimum 2.75 GPA; statement of purpose; interview; recommendation letters
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Use the UCM cost calculator for current rates.
5. The University of Alabama: Master of Library & Information Studies
UA’s cohort-based MLIS covers the organization, management, and use of information across educational, organizational, and personal contexts. Students attend synchronous courses typically one night per week, which supports strong professional networking.
- Estimated Cost: $16,200 | Per Credit: $450
- Credits: 36
- Format: Mostly Online
- Admission: Bachelor’s degree; minimum 3.0 GPA; GRE or MAT; official transcripts; statement of purpose; recommendation letters
- Accreditation: ALA; SACSCOC
Concentrations are available in School Library Media and Archival Studies. See UA’s tuition page for pricing. If you are still weighing ALA accreditation as a factor, GetEducated has a detailed guide to ALA-accredited MLS and MLIS programs worth reviewing.
6. Louisiana State University: Master of Library & Information Science
LSU’s non-thesis MLIS balances applied and theoretical study, preparing graduates for a variety of information environments. Students can also earn a graduate certificate in Archival Studies or Records and Information Management as part of the same program.
- Estimated Cost: $17,460 | Per Credit: $485
- Credits: 36
- Format: 100% Online
- Admission: Bachelor’s degree; minimum 3.0 GPA; official transcripts; resume; statement of purpose
- Accreditation: ALA; SACSCOC
See the LSU program page for tuition details.
7. Old Dominion University: Master of Library & Information Studies
ODU’s program centers on leadership, social justice, and authentic practice, with a project-based curriculum that puts students inside real library settings throughout most courses.
- Estimated Cost: $18,794 (out of state) / $18,074 (in state) | Per Credit: $626
- Credits: 30
- Format: 100% Online
- Admission: Bachelor’s degree; official transcripts; recommendation letters; statement of purpose; interview
- Accreditation: ALA; SACSCOC
Graduates are prepared for roles as information specialists, librarians, and media specialists. Visit ODU's graduate cost page for details.
8. Sam Houston State University: Master of Library Science
SHSU’s MLS focuses on managing media collections, maintaining library resources, and staying current on research technologies, with graduates prepared for school and professional library settings alike.
- Estimated Cost: $19,870 | Per Credit: $552
- Credits: 36
- Format: 100% Online
- Admission: Bachelor’s degree; minimum 3.0 GPA; official transcripts; interview; essay; occupational license
- Accreditation: CAEP; SACSCOC
Visit the SHSU cashier page for current tuition rates.
9. University of Missouri-Columbia: Master of Library & Information Science
Mizzou’s MLIS offers four concentrations: General, Archival Studies, E-Learning Information, and Library Media Specialist. Most courses follow the traditional semester schedule, while some run as accelerated 8-week sessions. Graduates pursue careers as museum archivists, research analysts, medical reference librarians, and more.
- Estimated Cost: $19,910 | Per Credit: $510
- Credits: 39
- Format: 100% Online
- Admission: Bachelor’s degree; minimum 3.0 GPA; official transcripts; recommendation letters; statement of purpose
- Accreditation: ALA; CAEP; Higher Learning Commission
See Mizzou’s MLIS financial page for tuition information.
10. San Jose State University: Master of Library & Information Science
SJSU’s iSchool is one of the largest online library science programs in the country. Students choose between a thesis or an e-portfolio to complete the degree, and the curriculum covers government information, academic library management, and emerging digital roles. Graduates pursue careers in digital preservation, records management, and information architecture.
- Estimated Cost: $20,382 | Per Credit: $474
- Credits: 43
- Format: 100% Online
- Admission: Bachelor’s degree; minimum 3.0 GPA; official transcripts
- Accreditation: ALA; WASC Senior College and University Commission
Check the SJSU iSchool fees page for pricing.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, librarians and library media specialists earned a median annual wage of $64,320 as of May 2024, with the top 10% earning above $100,880. That context is worth keeping in mind as you weigh program costs.
11. University of South Carolina-Columbia: Master of Library & Information Science
USC’s MLIS is highly customizable, with career paths spanning colleges, schools, and businesses. All courses are online, though the practicum and internship must be completed in person.
- Estimated Cost: $20,601 | Per Credit: $572
- Credits: 36
- Format: 100% Online
- Admission: Bachelor’s degree; minimum 3.0 GPA; GRE or MAT; official transcripts; recommendation letters
- Accreditation: ALA; SACSCOC
Visit the USC MLIS program page for current tuition.
12. University of Southern Mississippi: Master of Library & Information Science
USM’s synchronous format keeps students actively engaged with instructors and classmates across a curriculum covering web design, reference services, cataloging, and library management.
- Estimated Cost: $21,565 | Per Credit: $539
- Credits: 40
- Format: 100% Online
- Admission: Bachelor’s degree; official transcripts; recommendation letters; resume; statement of purpose
- Accreditation: ALA; CAEP; SACSCOC
Visit USM's online pricing page for tuition details.
13. Indiana University Online: Master of Library & Information Science (IUPUI)
IU’s MLIS focuses on technology-driven access to information, developing expertise in information literacy and metadata management. Students work in collaborative teams with instructor-coaches and move into roles as metadata specialists, digital librarians, and information architects.
- Estimated Cost: $22,021 | Per Credit: $565
- Credits: 39
- Format: 100% Online
- Admission: Bachelor’s degree; minimum 3.0 GPA; official transcripts; recommendation letters; statement of purpose
- Accreditation: ALA; Higher Learning Commission
Use IU’s cost calculator for estimated tuition.
14. University of North Carolina at Greensboro: Master of Library & Information Studies
UNCG’s program is community-centered and synchronous, keeping students on a steady pace while building technical skills in archival management, database evaluation, information architecture, and web management.
- Estimated Cost: $23,208 (out of state) / $12,770 (in state) | Per Credit: $645
- Credits: 36
- Format: 100% Online
- Accreditation: ALA; SACSCOC
In-state students will find this among the most affordable ALA-accredited options available. Check UNCG's graduate tuition page for rates.
15. Kent State University: Master of Library and Information Science
Kent State’s MLIS is built for leadership in librarianship, with coursework covering access to information, its organization, and management for information professionals.
- Estimated Cost: $27,380 | Per Credit: $740
- Credits: 37
- Format: 100% Online
- Accreditation: CAEP; Higher Learning Commission
Visit Kent State's online tuition page for current pricing.
16. University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee: Master of Library & Information Science
UWM’s MLIS offers transcript-designated concentrations in academic libraries, digital libraries, information law and ethics, and information literacy, so graduates can signal their specialization clearly to employers.
- Estimated Cost: $28,800 | Per Credit: $800
- Credits: 36
- Format: 100% Online
- Accreditation: ALA; Higher Learning Commission
Visit UWM's online programs page for tuition information.
17. Texas Woman’s University: Master of Library Science
TWU’s MLS covers library research, information environments, and teaching those skills to a wide range of patrons. Optional specialization tracks include academic libraries, public libraries, special libraries, information technology, and technical services.
- Estimated Cost: $29,643 (out of state) / $14,955 (in state) | Per Credit: $823
- Credits: 36
- Format: 100% Online
- Accreditation: ALA; SACSCOC
In-state students will find TWU considerably more affordable. See TWU's financial information page for rates.
18. Middle Tennessee State University: Master of Library Science
MTSU’s program emphasizes leadership and technology trends, preparing graduates for school, medical, legal, and public library careers.
- Estimated Cost: $31,032 (out of state) / $21,636 (in state) | Per Credit: $862
- Credits: 36
- Format: 100% Online
- Accreditation: CAEP; SACSCOC
Visit the MTSU tuition page for current rates.
19. Dominican University: Master of Library & Information Science
Dominican’s MLIS focuses on the core values of librarianship, ethical decision-making, and organizing knowledge systems, pairing asynchronous coursework with practicums and internships.
- Estimated Cost: $31,725 | Per Credit: $881
- Credits: 36
- Format: 100% Online, Institution-Paced
- Accreditation: ALA; Higher Learning Commission
See Dominican's tuition page for pricing.
20. Southern Connecticut State University: Master of Library & Information Science
SCSU’s MLIS runs two tracks through a shared core curriculum: a School Library Media option (with student teaching) and an Individualized Program for public library or digital information careers.
- Estimated Cost: $33,344 | Per Credit: $926
- Credits: 36
- Format: 100% Online
- Accreditation: ALA; NECHE
Visit SCSU's tuition page for details.
Online MLIS Programs FAQ
Here are answers to the most common questions about earning an MLIS online.
What does MLIS stand for, and is it the same as an MLS?
MLIS stands for Master of Library and Information Science. It is the same professional credential as the MLS (Master of Library Science), with a name that reflects the growing role of information technology in the field. The American Library Association accredits both, and employers generally treat them as equivalent. Other accredited names include Master of Library and Information Studies, Master of Information Studies, and Master of Science in Library Science.
Do online MLIS programs offer ALA accreditation?
Many do. ALA accreditation means a program has been formally reviewed by the American Library Association and found to meet established professional standards. Most public and academic libraries require or strongly prefer candidates with an ALA-accredited degree, so it is a key factor to check when comparing programs.
How much do librarians earn after completing an online MLIS program?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, librarians and library media specialists earned a median annual wage of $64,320 as of May 2024, with the top 10% earning more than $100,880. Salaries vary by setting and specialization, with academic, government, and special library roles often paying higher than public or school library positions.
What careers can I pursue with an online MLIS degree?
An MLIS opens doors well beyond the public library. Graduates work as academic librarians, archivists, digital content specialists, metadata librarians, information architects, records managers, research analysts, and knowledge management professionals in corporate, legal, medical, and government settings.
Start Comparing Online MLIS Programs Today
Browse GetEducated's MLIS rankings to compare accredited online library science degrees by cost, read verified student reviews, and find the program that fits your budget and career goals.
