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.

Top No-GRE MLIS Programs

Earning a Master of Library and Information Science no longer requires the stress of standardized testing, as many top-ranked programs have dropped the GRE requirement. The programs below are ALA-accredited or highly regarded, offer flexible delivery formats, and welcome applicants based on academic records and professional experience rather than test scores. Whether you are a career changer or a working professional seeking advancement, these no-GRE MLIS programs provide accessible pathways into the library and information science field.

Data sources: Independent program research · U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (collegescorecard.ed.gov) · National Center for Education Statistics (NCES-IPEDS) (nces.ed.gov)

ALA Accreditation and No-GRE Policies: What You Need to Know

Why ALA Accreditation Matters

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.

Permanent No-GRE vs. Conditional Waivers

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:

• A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0, as seen at San Jose State University, the University of Alabama, and the University of Arizona²
• Relevant professional experience in libraries or information settings
• A strong personal statement in place of test scores

UCLA takes a middle-ground approach, listing the GRE as optional but recommending it for applicants whose GPA falls below 3.0.²

Post-COVID Policy Shifts: Check the Current Year

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.

How to Get Into an MLIS Program Without the GRE

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.

Academic Baseline Requirements

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.

Personal Statement and Writing Sample

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.

Letters of Recommendation and Professional Experience

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.

International Applicants

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.

Cast a Wider Net

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 and Cost Comparison for No-GRE MLIS Programs

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.

Per-Credit Rates at a Glance

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.

• San Jose State University: roughly $400 per credit (in-state) and $550 per credit (out-of-state), 40 credits required
• University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign: approximately $530 per credit hour (in-state) and $1,035 (out-of-state), 40 credits required
• University of North Texas: around $380 per credit (in-state) and $780 (out-of-state), 36 credits required
• University of Washington: approximately $680 per credit (in-state) and $1,140 (out-of-state), 72 quarter credits required
• Syracuse University: roughly $1,700 per credit, 36 credits required
• Drexel University: approximately $1,150 per credit, 45 credits required
• University of Alabama: around $420 per credit (in-state) and $720 (out-of-state), 36 credits required
• University of South Carolina: roughly $530 per credit (in-state) and $1,060 (out-of-state), 36 credits required

Estimated Total Program Costs

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.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

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.

Career Outcomes and Salary Expectations After a No-GRE MLIS

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.

What the Numbers Say

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

Where MLIS Graduates Work

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:

• UX research and information architecture
• Data management and data governance
• Digital curation and preservation
• Corporate knowledge management
• Archives and records administration

For a deeper look at emerging career paths, see our guide to Master's in Library Science Jobs, Opportunities, and Tips.

Planning Your Path

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.

FAQs About No-GRE Library Science Programs

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.

Can I get a master's in library science without taking the GRE?

Yes. The majority of ALA-accredited MLIS and MLS programs no longer require GRE scores for admission. Most schools now evaluate applicants based on undergraduate GPA, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and relevant work or volunteer experience in libraries or information settings.

Do employers care if my MLIS program didn't require the GRE?

No. Hiring managers in libraries, archives, and information organizations focus on whether your degree comes from an ALA-accredited program, along with your practical skills, internships, and references. Admission requirements are not part of the conversation when you apply for jobs.

Are GRE waivers the same as no-GRE programs?

Not exactly. A no-GRE program never requires the test from any applicant. A GRE waiver means the school still has the test on its books but allows you to skip it if you meet certain conditions, such as a minimum GPA, prior graduate coursework, or several years of professional experience. Always confirm the policy in writing before applying.

Can international students apply to no-GRE MLIS programs?

Yes. International applicants are welcome at most no-GRE programs, but you should expect additional requirements, including TOEFL or IELTS scores to demonstrate English proficiency and a credential evaluation that translates your transcripts into a U.S. equivalent. Visa documentation is also required for on-campus study.

Are there scholarships specifically for no-GRE MLIS students?

Scholarships are tied to program enrollment, financial need, or career interests rather than GRE status. The American Library Association offers several scholarships through its Spectrum Scholarship Program and divisional awards. Many universities also provide institutional aid, graduate assistantships, and diversity-focused funding to admitted MLIS students.

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.