Best MLIS Schools in Colorado: Online Programs (2026)

Updated September 6, 2026 BLS data College Scorecard On this page

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Colorado Library Science At a Glance

Metric Detail
Median Library Science Salary $60,790
Salary Outlook Colorado offers competitive wages for library science professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below.
Primary Licensing Body Colorado Department of Education (school librarian certification)
Accreditation Required Institutional + Regional

Earning an online library science degree in Colorado offers a flexible path into library science careers. Colorado offers competitive wages for library science professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. Whether you’re looking for an affordable in-state option or a nationally available program, Colorado students have access to a variety of accredited online choices that balance quality and cost.

Online Library Science Schools in Colorado

The following schools offer accredited online library science programs and are ranked based on affordability, graduation rates, and student outcomes in Colorado.

How We Rank Schools

Every school list on this site is ordered by the BOC Score, computed from the most recent school-level data published by the U.S. Department of Education (College Scorecard and IPEDS). To qualify, a school must be currently operating and accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Each eligible school is then scored on five measures, percentile-ranked against schools at the same credential level:

  • Graduation rate 30%
  • Median earnings, 10 years after entry 25%
  • Average net price (lower is better) 20%
  • Retention rate 15%
  • Fully online availability 10%

Schools without enough outcome data appear after ranked schools, without a score. Advertising never affects these rankings. Read the full methodology.

Ranked by BOC Score — U.S. Dept. of Education outcome data. Advertising never affects rankings.

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#1

University of Denver

Denver, CO
  • 4 year
  • Offers a fully online program
  • Accredited
70.4 BOC Score
Acceptance rate 78%
Graduation rate 77%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $71,155
Avg net price $36,131/yr
Tuition
In‑state$61,398
Out‑of‑state$61,398
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 88%
  • Programs offered: 116

Source:Accreditor: Higher Learning CommissionIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#2

University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus

Denver, CO
  • 4 year
  • Offers a fully online program
  • Accredited
61.7 BOC Score
Acceptance rate 75%
Graduation rate 47%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $64,270
Avg net price $11,900/yr
Tuition
In‑state$10,383
Out‑of‑state$29,391
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 72%
  • Programs offered: 118

Source:Accreditor: Higher Learning CommissionIPEDSCollege Scorecard

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#3

Pueblo Community College

Pueblo, CO
  • 4 year
  • Offers a fully online program
51.5 BOC Score
Graduation rate 31%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $37,434
Avg net price $12,045/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 54

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

Career Outlook and Salaries in Colorado

Library Science professionals in Colorado experience a dynamic job market with competitive wages. Below are the median annual salaries for key roles in the field, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for Colorado.

Occupation Median Annual Salary (Colorado)
Librarian and Media Collections Specialist $76,480
Library Technician $46,680
Archivist $59,210

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2025 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.

Why Pursue an Online Library Science Degree in Colorado?

Choosing a program in Colorado can provide several advantages:

  • In-State Tuition: Many public universities in Colorado offer lower tuition rates for residents, even for online programs.
  • Local Networking: Attending a school within your state can make it easier to connect with local employers and professional organizations.
  • Regional Relevance: Curriculum often incorporates data and case studies relevant to the Colorado economy and job market.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are online library science programs in Colorado accredited?

The schools in our directory hold institutional accreditation from agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education - that is a condition of inclusion. Verify any specific school and program in the Department’s DAPIP database before enrolling.

How does Library Science pay in Colorado compare to other states?

Colorado offers competitive wages for library science professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. This makes Colorado a strong choice for students looking to maximize their ROI after graduation.

What is the primary licensing board for library science in Colorado?

The Colorado Department of Education (school librarian certification) oversees professional standards and licensure for the field in Colorado. Most accredited programs are designed to align with their specific requirements.

Online Library Science Programs by City in Colorado

Explore city-level guides with local salary data and school options:

Arvada · Aurora · Boulder · Brighton · Broomfield · Canon City · Castle Rock · Centennial · Colorado Springs · Commerce City · Denver · Englewood · Erie · Evans · Firestone · Fort Collins · Fountain · Golden · Grand Junction · Greeley · Johnstown · Lafayette · Lakewood · Littleton · Longmont · Louisville · Loveland · Montrose · Northglenn · Parker · Pueblo · Thornton · Westminster · Wheat Ridge · Windsor

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Back to Best Online MLIS Degrees by State (2026 Directory)