Best MLIS Schools in Rhode Island: Online Programs (2026)

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Rhode Island Library Science At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Library Science Salary$67,197
Salary OutlookRhode Island offers competitive wages for library science professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below.
Primary Licensing BodyRhode Island Department of Education (school librarian certification)
Accreditation RequiredInstitutional + Regional

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


Online Library Science Schools in Rhode Island

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

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 Rhode Island

Kingston, RI
  • 4 year
  • Offers a fully online program
  • Accredited
74.1 BOC Score
Acceptance rate 72%
Graduation rate 72%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $69,743
Avg net price $21,440/yr
Tuition
In‑state$16,942
Out‑of‑state$37,146
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 84%
  • Programs offered: 129

Source:Accreditor: New England Commission on Higher EducationIPEDSCollege Scorecard


Career Outlook and Salaries in Rhode Island

Library Science professionals in Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island.

OccupationMedian Annual Salary (Rhode Island)
Librarian and Media Collections Specialist$75,860
Library Technician$48,740
Archivist$76,990

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


Why Pursue an Online Library Science Degree in Rhode Island?

Choosing a program in Rhode Island can provide several advantages:

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


Frequently Asked Questions

Are online library science programs in Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island compare to other states?

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

What is the primary licensing board for library science in Rhode Island?

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


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