© Copyright 2026 Mastersinlibraryscience.org.
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.
The following no-GRE MLIS programs are ordered by a composite of institutional retention rates, completion metrics, and overall quality indicators. Every program listed has confirmed GRE-free or GRE-waived admission for 2026. Where ALA accreditation has been independently verified, we note it; accreditation status matters for many library positions, so always double-check directly with the program before applying.
Iowa City, IA · $11,000 – $33,000/yr
Best for: Iowa educators seeking teacher-librarian endorsement
The University of Iowa is the sole provider of an ALA-accredited library science master's in the state, making it the go-to choice for Iowans who need that credential for public library roles. The program pairs a Book Studies concentration with a separate School Media Certification pathway designed for licensed Iowa teachers, and much of the coursework is delivered via live video so working educators can participate remotely. Students pursuing special collections work can bundle a Certificate in Book Studies or Special Collections Librarianship into their degree plan.
Columbia, SC · $23,000/yr
Best for: Online learners in the Southeast
The University of South Carolina delivers its ALA-accredited MLIS entirely online, covering 36 credit hours with no GRE or MAT requirement. The program has a strong Southeastern alumni network, and its school library track aligns with South Carolina Department of Education standards while also preparing graduates for certification in neighboring states. With a 92% institutional retention rate and median graduate debt of $21,500, it balances affordability with proven student outcomes.
Norman, OK · $10,000 – $27,000/yr
Best for: Budget-minded career changers in Oklahoma
The University of Oklahoma houses the only ALA-accredited MLIS in the state, offering a 36-credit-hour program with both online and hybrid delivery options. Concentrations span archives, data science, and school librarianship, and an accelerated BAIS-to-MLIS pathway lets OU undergraduates move quickly into the profession. With a net price around $15,300 and no GRE requirement, OU is one of the most affordable ALA-accredited options on this list.
Philadelphia, PA · $39,000/yr (net price)
Drexel University's ALA-accredited online MLIS is a 45-quarter-credit program that typically takes about two years to complete. The curriculum leans heavily into digital curation, metadata, and user experience, and Drexel's location in Philadelphia feeds strong practicum pipelines to major academic libraries, museums, and archives across the Mid-Atlantic corridor. At a 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio, it offers unusually close faculty contact for an online program.
Murfreesboro, TN · $13,000/yr
Middle Tennessee State University offers a fully online, 36-credit MLS with asynchronous classes, four specialized focus areas, and no GRE requirement. The program carries ALA precandidacy status rather than full ALA accreditation, which prospective students should weigh carefully if their target employers require the full credential. With an estimated net price of about $13,359 and in-state tuition near $11,718, it ranks among the most affordable options on this list.
Hattiesburg, MS · $22,000/yr
The University of Southern Mississippi provides an ALA-accredited MLIS that can be completed in one to three years, entirely online with synchronous weekly class meetings. Three distinct tracks, including Archives and Special Collections and Youth Services and Literature, are tailored to Gulf South cultural heritage institutions and community libraries. Online students pay in-state tuition regardless of residency, keeping the cost near $578 per credit.
Ann Arbor, MI · $18,000 – $61,000/yr
The University of Michigan's School of Information offers a campus-based Master of Science in Information with a LAKES (Libraries, Archives, and Knowledge Environments in Society) concentration. This is a research-intensive, interdisciplinary alternative to a conventional MLIS, emphasizing policy, social impact, and data-driven practice. With a 97% institutional retention rate and median earnings of $83,648 a decade after enrollment, Michigan graduates place strongly in major academic and research libraries nationwide. The program does not require the GRE.
Los Angeles, CA · $33,000/yr
USC's online Master of Management in Library and Information Science is a 12-month, management-focused degree aimed at mid-career professionals seeking leadership roles. It holds conditional ALA accreditation, so applicants whose employers require full ALA status should verify the program's accreditation timeline relative to their anticipated graduation date. USC's extensive Southern California and West Coast alumni network provides strong placement channels in academic, public, and special libraries.
College Park, MD · $16,000/yr (net price)
The University of Maryland's ALA-accredited MLIS program is available in both online and on-campus formats, and its location near Washington, D.C. gives students direct access to federal libraries, the National Archives, and a dense concentration of research institutions. Specialization options cover archives, government information, and youth services. In-state tuition is approximately $18,276, while out-of-state runs about $38,207, and no GRE is required.
Chapel Hill, NC · $12,000/yr
UNC Chapel Hill's Master of Science in Library Science is a campus-based, research-driven program housed in the School of Information and Library Science. The program is deeply woven into North Carolina's library ecosystem through practicum partnerships with NC public libraries, the State Library, and UNC system campuses. A 97% retention rate and median graduate debt of just $14,000 make it one of the strongest value propositions on this list, though its 15.3% undergraduate admission rate signals a highly selective institutional environment. No GRE is required for the MSLS.
Tallahassee, FL · $11,000/yr
Florida State University's ALA-accredited iSchool offers an online Master of Science in Information with concentrations in School Libraries and Public, Academic, and Special Libraries. Multiple start terms (fall, spring, summer) and fully online delivery make it especially flexible. In-state tuition sits near $10,553, one of the lowest sticker prices among ALA-accredited programs, and no GRE is required.
Madison, WI · ~$17,000/yr (est.)
The University of Wisconsin-Madison's ALA-accredited MA in Library and Information Studies has been accredited since 1924 and offers both campus and online completion paths. The 36-credit curriculum requires a 120-hour practicum and provides five concentration areas including digital librarianship, archives, and youth services. Double-degree options with law and music are also available. No GRE is required, and the program emphasizes social justice and community engagement.
New Brunswick, NJ · $24,000/yr (net price)
Rutgers University offers a 36-credit Master of Information with a Library and Information Science concentration, available on campus and online. The curriculum balances theory and practice, covering cataloging, collection development, information literacy, and community engagement. Its location in central New Jersey places students within reach of the New York City and Philadelphia library markets. No GRE is required.
Seattle, WA · ~$14,000/yr (est.)
The University of Washington's iSchool in Seattle offers an ALA-accredited MLIS with campus, hybrid, and a specialized Law Librarianship track. The main MLIS covers information organization, digital collections, and user services, while the Law Librarianship track is a nine-month intensive designed for JD holders. With a net price around $14,091 and median graduate debt of just $14,615, UW provides strong value. No GRE is required.
Pittsburgh, PA · $30,000/yr
The University of Pittsburgh's ALA-accredited MLIS is available online with an Archives and Information Science concentration geared toward careers in records management and digital preservation. A 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio supports close mentoring, and the program draws on Pittsburgh's cultural and research institutions for practicum opportunities. No GRE is required, though the net price (approximately $30,434) is higher than many public-university peers.
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.
