Best MLIS Schools in Pennsylvania: Online Programs (2026)

Home > Programs > Library Science > States > Pennsylvania


Pennsylvania Library Science At a Glance

Metric Detail
Median Library Science Salary $63,980
Salary Outlook Pennsylvania offers competitive wages for library science professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below.
Primary Licensing Body Pennsylvania Department of Education (school librarian certification)
Accreditation Required Institutional + Regional

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


Online Library Science Schools in Pennsylvania

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

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.

Sort:
#1

University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus

Pittsburgh, PA
  • 4 year
  • Offers a fully online program
73.3 BOC Score
Graduation rate 82%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $66,125
Avg net price $30,434/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 92%
  • Programs offered: 239

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#2

Drexel University

Philadelphia, PA
  • 4 year
  • Offers a fully online program
71.6 BOC Score
Graduation rate 74%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $84,648
Avg net price $38,509/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 90%
  • Programs offered: 187

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

Sponsored Ad
#3

Kutztown University of Pennsylvania

Kutztown, PA
  • 4 year
  • Offers a fully online program
53.2 BOC Score
Graduation rate 58%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $53,775
Avg net price $21,331/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 76%
  • Programs offered: 56

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard


Career Outlook and Salaries in Pennsylvania

Library Science professionals in Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania.

Occupation Median Annual Salary (Pennsylvania)
Librarian and Media Collections Specialist $62,880
Library Technician $46,100
Archivist $60,690
Library Science Teacher, Postsecondary $86,250

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


Why Pursue an Online Library Science Degree in Pennsylvania?

Choosing a program in Pennsylvania can provide several advantages:

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


Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

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

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


Online Library Science Programs by City in Pennsylvania

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

Allentown · Altoona · Bethel Park · Bethlehem · Bloomsburg · Butler · Chambersburg · Chester · East Stroudsburg · Easton · Erie · Hanover · Harrisburg · Hazleton · Indiana · Johnstown · Lancaster · Lebanon · Lewistown · Meadville · Milton · Monessen · Monroeville · Mount Pocono · Murrysville · New Castle · Norristown · Philadelphia · Pittsburgh · Plum · Pottstown · Pottsville · Reading · Scranton · Shamokin · State College · Sunbury · Uniontown · Waynesboro · Wilkes-Barre · Williamsport · York


Browse Other States