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No-GRE Master’s in Library Science Programs (2027)
Most ALA-accredited MLIS programs have dropped the GRE requirement, making 2026 one of the most accessible moments in decades to pursue a library science degree. Whether you are changing careers or building on existing library experience, the test score barrier that once filtered applicants is largely gone.
Not all no-GRE policies are equal, though. Some programs have made the change permanent, while others issue semester-by-semester waivers. That distinction, covered in the ALA Accreditation and No-GRE Policies section below, affects how you plan your application timeline.
This guide covers ranked programs with confirmed no-GRE admission, what replaces the GRE in competitive applications, a full tuition and cost comparison, and what library science career pay and salary outcomes actually look like after graduation.
Every program in this list has a confirmed no-GRE or GRE-waived admissions policy for 2026, so the ranking question is not whether you can skip the test but which school's outcomes fit your goals. The order below balances first-year retention, completion rates, and institutional quality instead of any single cost or prestige metric. Format notes and ALA accreditation status are included where they matter most.
Columbia, SC · $14,000/yr
Best for: Online career changers drawn to flexible scheduling
The University of South Carolina's fully online MLIS is ALA-accredited, requires 36 credit hours, and lets students specialize in school librarianship, archives, children's services, and other fields. It stands out for a high first-year retention rate and a completion rate well above many peers, and its admissions policy requires no GRE or MAT for the 2026 cycle.
Iowa City, IA · $13,000 – $32,000/yr
Best for: Iowa teachers pursuing school librarian endorsement
This University of Iowa master's in library and information science is the only ALA-accredited LIS degree in the state. Options include a campus-based Book Studies track for archives and special collections work and a school media certification pathway with hybrid delivery aimed at practicing teachers. The school media route can lead to the Iowa teacher librarian endorsement, and no GRE scores are required for admission.
Norman, OK · $9,000 – $26,000/yr
Best for: Oklahoma undergraduates eyeing accelerated MLIS entry
Located in Norman, this is Oklahoma's only ALA-accredited library and information science graduate program available. Its 36-credit MLIS is hybrid by default and supports a fully online completion path, with optional concentrations in archives, data science, and school librarianship. An accelerated bachelor's-to-MLIS option is available for current University of Oklahoma undergraduates, and admission requires no GRE scores.
Philadelphia, PA · $39,000/yr
This private Philadelphia research university delivers its MLIS fully online with a digital-first curriculum and specializations in digital libraries, metadata, archives, and user services. The ALA-accredited program spans about two years and is priced per quarter credit. Drexel confirms that applicants do not need to submit GRE scores.
Murfreesboro, TN · $12,000/yr
Middle Tennessee State University's online Master of Library Science is built for affordability and practical preparation, with asynchronous classes and a field experience component. The 36-credit curriculum offers four focus areas aligned with common library career paths, from public and academic libraries to archives and records work. Applicants do not need the GRE or GMAT, though the program currently holds ALA precandidacy status rather than full ALA accreditation.
Hattiesburg, MS · $10,000/yr
The University of Southern Mississippi offers several fully online MLIS pathways with continuing ALA accreditation through 2027. The 40-credit degree covers cataloging, management, and media skills, with dedicated concentrations in archives and special collections and in youth services and literature. Online students get a per-credit rate near $578 and do not need to submit GRE scores.
Ann Arbor, MI · $29,000 – $58,000/yr
At the University of Michigan, students can pursue the Libraries, Archives, and Knowledge Environments in Society concentration within the campus-based Master of Science in Information. This ALA-accredited path offers a research-intensive alternative to a conventional MLIS, with grounding in ethics, community engagement, and knowledge organization. No GRE is required for this no-exam admissions pathway.
Los Angeles, CA · $72,000/yr
The University of Southern California's online Master of Management in Library and Information Science takes a leadership-focused, 12-month path aimed at mid-career professionals. It is ALA-accredited on a conditional basis and pairs library science fundamentals with management strategy for civic, academic, and community settings. The program does not require an entrance exam like the GRE.
College Park, MD · $18,000/yr
The University of Maryland's hybrid MLIS keeps one foot in College Park and another in the Washington, DC, professional ecosystem, where internships and employer pipelines run deep. Students can choose online or in-person coursework with options in archives, youth services, digital asset management, and more. In-state applicants benefit from public university tuition, and no GRE is required.
Chapel Hill, NC · $13,000/yr
One of the most selective campus-based programs on this list, Carolina's MSLS is grounded in a research-intensive school of information and library science. Graduates are heavily represented across North Carolina's public and academic libraries, and practicum partnerships with state library systems add practical value. The ALA-accredited degree is available without a GRE requirement.
Tallahassee, FL · $11,000/yr
Florida State University delivers an online Master of Science in Information with one concentration covering public, academic, and special libraries and another focused on school libraries. Both formats use flexible online coursework designed for working professionals, and the degree is ALA-accredited. Admitted students in this no-exam pathway do not need a GRE score.
Madison, WI · ~$12,000/yr (est.)
The University of Wisconsin-Madison's ALA-accredited MA in Library and Information Studies requires 36 credits and a 120-hour practicum, with optional specializations in digital librarianship, archives, and more. Students can pursue the main hybrid format or the separately named online pathway, and dual-degree routes are available in law and music. The online option waives the GRE requirement.
New Brunswick, NJ · $23,000/yr
Rutgers delivers its Master of Information with a library and information science concentration in both campus and online formats. The 36-credit curriculum includes required technology coursework, professional capstone work, and electives in cataloging, collection development, and information literacy. No GRE is required under this no-exam admissions policy.
Seattle, WA · ~$19,000/yr (est.)
The University of Washington's hybrid Master of Library and Information Science takes a user-centered approach, combining theory, ethics, and technology for diverse information settings. Law librarians can add a specialized nine-month, post-JD track with an embedded law library internship. GRE scores are not required for admission.
Pittsburgh, PA · $28,000/yr
The University of Pittsburgh offers an online MLIS with an Archives and Information Science concentration for students headed into archives, records management, and digital preservation. The ALA-accredited program uses flexible online delivery for working professionals. No GRE is required for admission.
ALA accreditation is the industry gold standard for library science degrees. Most public library systems and academic libraries require an ALA-accredited degree as a baseline hiring condition. A degree from a non-accredited program can disqualify you from library science jobs, opportunities, and tips before your application is even reviewed. The American Library Association maintains a public directory of accredited programs1, and checking that directory before you enroll is a critical step.
Importantly, ALA accreditation does not mandate any specific standardized test requirement.1 Whether a program requires the GRE, waives it, or makes it optional is entirely up to the institution. That distinction means you can absolutely find fully ALA-accredited programs with no GRE requirement.
Not all no-GRE policies are the same. Some programs have permanently removed the GRE from their admissions requirements. Others offer conditional waivers with eligibility criteria you must meet. Common thresholds include:
UCLA takes a middle-ground approach, listing the GRE as optional but recommending it for applicants whose GPA falls below 3.0.2
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many programs issued temporary GRE waivers. A significant number of those waivers have since become permanent, but not all. Florida State University, for example, has a GRE waiver listed with a noted expiration tied to Fall 2026 admissions, making it essential to verify current policy before applying.2
Programs that currently confirm no-GRE admissions for 2025-2026 include Syracuse University, the University of Denver, the University of Iowa, East Carolina University, the University of Washington, the University at Buffalo (SUNY), and Chicago State University.12 Always cross-reference each program's admissions page and the How to Choose the Best Master's in Library Science Program for Your Goals guide to confirm the policy is still in effect for your application cycle.
Skipping the GRE does not mean skipping rigor. No-GRE MLIS programs still evaluate applicants carefully, and understanding what they look for helps you build a competitive application.
Most programs expect a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Some schools will consider applicants below that threshold if other parts of the application are strong. Relevant undergraduate coursework in areas like information science, education, humanities, or social sciences can also work in your favor, especially at programs that explicitly weigh academic background in lieu of standardized test scores.
Your personal statement is often the most heavily weighted component. Admissions committees want to see a clear rationale for pursuing an MLIS, awareness of library and information science as a field, and a sense of your professional goals. Some programs also request a separate writing sample, typically a research paper or analytical essay, to assess your ability to engage with academic material.
Most programs require two or three letters of recommendation. Academic references are preferred, but professional references from library supervisors or employers in related fields are usually accepted. Prior experience, whether paid work, volunteer hours, or internships in libraries or archives, can meaningfully strengthen your file. Explore Master's in Library Science career pay & salary data to help frame your professional goals in your application materials.
Many no-GRE programs still require TOEFL or IELTS scores for applicants whose first language is not English. Some also ask for credential evaluations or additional documentation. Check each program's international admissions page directly.
One practical advantage of no-GRE programs is that applying broadly becomes far less expensive and time-consuming. Without test prep or score reporting fees, you can submit applications to five or six programs without significant added cost. If budget is a concern, consider affordable library science degree online options to narrow your list. Applying to multiple programs improves your odds of finding the right fit, and financial aid and scholarships for library science students can help offset the remaining costs.
Tuition for no-GRE MLIS programs varies widely depending on the institution, residency status, and total credit hours required. Most programs require between 36 and 48 credit hours, so even small differences in per-credit rates add up quickly.
Below are approximate per-credit tuition figures for several well-known no-GRE MLIS programs. Rates change annually, so confirm current pricing directly with each school.
Total program costs can range from roughly $13,500 for an in-state student at a public university requiring 36 credits to over $60,000 at a private institution requiring 45 or more credits. Programs with higher credit-hour requirements naturally push total costs upward, even when the per-credit rate seems competitive. For a deeper look at budget-friendly options, see our ranking of the cheapest mlis degree online.
Many MLIS programs offer graduate assistantships, tuition waivers, or merit-based scholarships specifically for library science students. Organizations such as the American Library Association also provide financial aid and scholarships for library science students. Applying early and contacting program advisors about funding opportunities can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Hiring managers and ALA guidance consistently point to the same standard: what matters on your resume is ALA accreditation, not whether your program required the GRE. A degree from an ALA-accredited school signals that you met a recognized quality benchmark, and that credential carries the same weight in a job search regardless of how you were admitted.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, librarians and media collections specialists earned a median annual wage of $64,320 in 2024.1 Total employment stood at approximately 142,100 workers, with around 13,500 job openings projected per year through 2034.1 Overall employment in the field is expected to grow about 2 percent over that period, roughly in line with the average for all occupations. The BLS also notes that a master's degree is the typical entry-level requirement, which means your MLIS is the core credential employers expect.1
The largest employment sectors for library professionals include elementary and secondary schools (49,030 jobs), local government agencies (45,520), and colleges and universities (18,720).2 However, the degree opens doors well beyond traditional library settings. MLIS holders increasingly fill roles in:
For a deeper look at emerging career paths, see our guide to Master's in Library Science Jobs, Opportunities, and Tips.
Because the MLIS is a versatile graduate credential, prospective students should research which specializations, such as digital libraries or health informatics, align with their target sector. Salary potential can vary meaningfully by industry and region, so reviewing BLS occupational data for your state is a practical next step before choosing a program.
Skipping the GRE raises practical questions about admissions, accreditation, and how employers view your degree. The answers below address the issues prospective MLIS students ask about most often.
No-GRE MLIS programs offer the same ALA-accredited quality and career outcomes as programs that require the exam. Hiring managers focus on accreditation status, not your admission path, so skipping the GRE does not put you at a disadvantage in the job market.
Before you apply, confirm each program's current admissions policy directly with the school, since no-GRE waivers can change between cycles. Explore MLIS degree resources for details on tuition, credit requirements, and specializations to find the best fit for your goals.
Are there any accredited MLIS programs that don't require the GRE and are offered entirely online? The short answer is yes: several ALA-accredited MLIS programs with no GRE required offer online flexibility. However, because policies and delivery modes change frequently, the most reliable approach is to verify details directly with each school. The following steps will help you pinpoint online no-GRE MLIS options that match your needs.
The American Library Association maintains a searchable list of accredited programs on its website. You can filter results to show only fully online or mostly online programs. This is a quick way to build a list of schools that meet the accreditation standard, but the directory itself does not always specify GRE requirements. Treat it as a starting point, not a final answer.
Once you have a shortlist from the ALA directory, visit each program's official website, specifically the admissions or requirements page. Most schools clearly state whether the GRE is required, optional, or waived for certain applicants. At the same time, review the program's delivery format: some online MLIS programs are asynchronous, allowing you to watch lectures and complete work on your own schedule; others require synchronous attendance at live virtual class sessions. A few programs offer a mix, giving you choice semester by semester.
If the website isn't crystal clear on GRE policies or online structure, a quick email or phone call to the admissions office can save hours of guesswork. Ask directly about GRE waiver conditions, whether online courses are synchronous or asynchronous, and if any on-campus residencies are required. Admissions staff are accustomed to these questions and can often share insights that aren't posted publicly.
While you're researching, you may want to check general career data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov) to understand librarian job outlook and national salary ranges. Keep in mind, however, that employment outcomes and earnings for a specific program depend on many factors, and the most accurate details come from the school's own career services office or program-specific data. Rely on official school sources for admissions and format details, and use professional association resources like ALA for accreditation verification.
