Best MLIS Schools in Illinois: Online Programs (2026)

Updated September 1, 2026 BLS data College Scorecard On this page

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Illinois Library Science At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Library Science Salary$62,480
Salary OutlookIllinois offers competitive wages for library science professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below.
Primary Licensing BodyIllinois Department of Education (school librarian certification)
Accreditation RequiredInstitutional + Regional

Earning an online library science degree in Illinois offers a flexible path into library science careers. Illinois 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, Illinois students have access to a variety of accredited online choices that balance quality and cost.

Online Library Science Schools in Illinois

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

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

Illinois State University

Normal, IL
  • 4 year
  • Offers a fully online program
  • Accredited
71.9 BOC Score
Acceptance rate 88%
Graduation rate 65%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $62,117
Avg net price $19,398/yr
Tuition
In‑state$16,144
Out‑of‑state$28,210
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 81%
  • Programs offered: 112

Source:Accreditor: Higher Learning CommissionIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#2

Dominican University

River Forest, IL
  • 4 year
  • Offers a fully online program
68.6 BOC Score
Graduation rate 59%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $60,327
Avg net price $11,745/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 79%
  • Programs offered: 63

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#3

Chicago State University

Chicago, IL
  • 4 year
  • Offers a fully online program
36.3 BOC Score
Graduation rate 36%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $42,778
Avg net price $12,335/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 52%
  • Programs offered: 39

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

Career Outlook and Salaries in Illinois

Library Science professionals in Illinois 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 Illinois.

OccupationMedian Annual Salary (Illinois)
Librarian and Media Collections Specialist$62,700
Library Technician$47,120
Archivist$59,340
Library Science Teacher, Postsecondary$80,760

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

Why Pursue an Online Library Science Degree in Illinois?

Choosing a program in Illinois can provide several advantages:

  • In-State Tuition: Many public universities in Illinois 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 Illinois economy and job market.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are online library science programs in Illinois 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 Illinois compare to other states?

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

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

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

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