Best Database Administration Degree Programs

Northeastern University Database Administration Program Overview

Hakia ranks Northeastern University as the #1 in database administration degree program.

Read the label carefully: this is Northeastern's Khoury College BS in Data Science on the Boston campus, not a dedicated database-administration degree. The database and warehousing training lives inside it as two required courses, CS 3200 Introduction to Databases and DS 4300 Large-Scale Information Storage and Retrieval, wrapped in a broader core of algorithms, machine learning (DS 4400/4420), and a required Khoury co-op. It earns the 95.8 Hakia Score, our highest, on a 91% graduation rate.

The real gate is admission, not price: a 5% admit rate shuts out most applicants. Tuition is flat at $64,990 in-state or out (no residency discount), so one year already equals about 54% of the $120,230 national median salary for database roles, and four years runs near $259,960 before aid. Best fit for a strong applicant who wants data science breadth and co-op experience, not a database specialist track.

Program Strengths

Highest Hakia Score in the set at 95.8, on a 91% graduation rate
Database core is CS 3200 Introduction to Databases plus DS 4300 Large-Scale Information Storage and Retrieval
Required Khoury co-op track (CS 1210) builds paid industry experience before graduation
Selective at a 5% admit rate; flat $64,990 tuition with no in-state discount

🥈

University of Pennsylvania

Master's in Database AdministrationOn-campus

Philadelphia, PAPrivate nonprofit

$120,230 median salary · 97% graduation rate

93.9

Score

$61K

Tuition/yr

97%

Grad Rate

$120K

Median Salary

University of Pennsylvania Database Administration Program Overview

Hakia ranks University of Pennsylvania as the #2 in database administration degree program.

This is Penn's on-campus Master's in Data Science, a ten-course-unit degree split across Foundations (2 units), Core Requirements (3), and Technical and Depth Area Electives (5). The core is where the database-and-analytics weight sits: Statistics for Data Science (ESE 5420), Big Data Analytics (CIS 5450), and a Mining and Learning course, before you branch into buckets like Biomedicine or a Thesis/Practicum with joint faculty mentorship. The numbers: a Hakia Score of 93.9 (our No. 2 ranking) and a 97% graduation rate, striking for a program that admits just 5%. Tuition is a flat $60,920 whether you live in Philadelphia or move cross-country, since private schools offer no in-state discount. This fits full-time students who want a research-heavy, elective-driven degree and can clear both the selectivity and the price.

Program Strengths

97% graduation rate at a 5% admit rate
Hakia Score 93.9, our No. 2 ranked program
10 course units: 2 Foundations, 3 Core, 5 electives
Thesis/Practicum option with joint faculty mentorship

🥉

University of Southern California

Master's in Database AdministrationOn-campus

Los Angeles, CAPrivate nonprofit

$120,230 median salary · 92% graduation rate

93.4

Score

$70K

Tuition/yr

92%

Grad Rate

$120K

Median Salary

University of Southern California Database Administration Program Overview

Hakia ranks University of Southern California as the #3 in database administration degree program.

USC Viterbi's Master of Science in Applied Data Science is a 32-unit graduate program built around three required core courses: DSCI 551 Foundations of Data Management, DSCI 552 Machine Learning for Data Science, and DSCI 553 Foundations and Applications of Data Mining, then five electives ranging from advanced data stores to information retrieval. It fits students who want database management taught alongside ML and mining, not in isolation; those without a CS background start with data-formats and Python coursework first. USC carries a Hakia Score of 93.4 (our #3 ranking) and a 92% graduation rate, so most who enroll finish. The honest tradeoff: admission runs a 10% admit rate, and USC charges an identical $69,904 whether you live in California or not, so there is no residency discount to chase. Against the $120,230 national median for database roles, one year of tuition alone eats roughly 58% of that benchmark before you earn a dollar.

Program Strengths

92% graduation rate; most enrollees finish
32-unit core: DSCI 551 Data Management, 552 Machine Learning, 553 Data Mining
Hakia Score 93.4, our #3 ranking
Selective 10% admit rate; flat $69,904 tuition, no residency break

De Anza College

Associate's in Database AdministrationOn-campus

Cupertino, CAPublic

$120,230 median salary · 68% graduation rate

92.1

Score

$1K

Tuition/yr

68%

Grad Rate

$120K

Median Salary

De Anza College Database Administration Program Overview

Hakia ranks De Anza College as the #4 in database administration degree program.

De Anza College runs its Associate's in Data Modeling/Warehousing and Database Administration through a Computer Information Systems Department that mixes certificates and degrees across database design, business and network programming, systems security, and project management. California's Chancellor's "Workforce Stars" initiative singled out the department for its database design outcomes, citing 100% in-field job placement and nearly 80% of students earning at or above the regional living wage. The numbers that anchor its No. 4 rank (Hakia Score 92.1): a 68% graduation rate and in-state tuition of just $1,395/year versus $12,420 out-of-state. Against the $120,230 national median for Database Management roles, resident tuition is roughly 1.2% of one year's pay. It fits cost-conscious California residents wanting a fast, work-ready credential. The tradeoff: about a third of starters don't finish, and those placement figures describe completers, not everyone who enrolls.

Program Strengths

In-state tuition $1,395/yr vs $12,420 out-of-state, an $11,025 gap
68% graduation rate; Hakia Score 92.1 (ranked No. 4)
State "Workforce Stars" recognition cited 100% in-field placement for database design students
CIS Department spans database design, network programming, systems security, and project management

North Carolina State University at Raleigh

Master's in Database AdministrationOn-campus

Raleigh, NCPublic

$120,230 median salary · 85% graduation rate

90.4

Score

$7K

Tuition/yr

85%

Grad Rate

$120K

Median Salary

North Carolina State University at Raleigh Database Administration Program Overview

Hakia ranks North Carolina State University at Raleigh as the #5 in database administration degree program.

NC State's entry here is actually the M.S. in Foundations of Data Science (MSFDS), a terminal, non-thesis degree jointly run by the Computer Science, Mathematics, and Statistics departments and completable full-time in three semesters. Database work shows up as one required course, CSC 540 Database Management Concepts and Systems, so the honest tradeoff is scope: only 3 of 21 required core credits (about 14%) are database-specific inside a broader data science curriculum. The numbers are strong: an 85% graduation rate, 42% admit rate, and a 90.4 Hakia Score, the basis for its No. 5 ranking. Residency drives the value. In-state tuition is $6,535 versus $30,583 out-of-state, a $24,048 gap. Against the $120,230 national median for database roles, that is roughly 5.4% of a year's pay in-state versus 25.4% out. Best fit: NC residents wanting data science breadth over pure DBA depth.

Program Strengths

85% graduation rate, 42% admit rate, 90.4 Hakia Score (No. 5)
Terminal non-thesis MSFDS, finishable full-time in three semesters
Tracks in Computer Science, Mathematics, or Statistics; F-1 students get 2-year STEM OPT
In-state $6,535 vs out-of-state $30,583: a $24,048 residency gap

George Washington University

Bachelor's in Database AdministrationOn-campus

Washington, DCPrivate nonprofit

$120,230 median salary · 84% graduation rate

89.7

Score

$67K

Tuition/yr

84%

Grad Rate

$120K

Median Salary

George Washington University Database Administration Program Overview

Hakia ranks George Washington University as the #6 in database administration degree program.

George Washington University's Data Modeling/Warehousing and Database Administration bachelor's lives inside the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences and carries a STEM designation, so international grads qualify for extended OPT. Admission runs through the standard Common Application, not a dedicated database pipeline, and beyond the university's gen-ed core you also clear the college's G-PAC curriculum, a CCAS first-year seminar, and UW 1020 writing. The numbers: an 84% graduation rate, a 47% admit rate that turns away roughly half of applicants, and a Hakia Score of 89.7 that anchors its No. 6 ranking. As a private nonprofit, GWU charges $67,420 whether you are in-state or out, so there is no residency discount. This fits a student who wants a broad liberal-arts campus and STEM status; the tradeoff is cost with no in-state relief.

Program Strengths

84% graduation rate; 47% admit rate
STEM-designated program per the scraped page (extended OPT eligibility)
Hakia Score 89.7, ranked No. 6
Flat $67,420 tuition, in-state or out; ~56% of the $120,230 national median salary

Boston University

Master's in Database AdministrationOn-campus

Boston, MAPrivate nonprofit

$120,230 median salary · 89% graduation rate

89.5

Score

$67K

Tuition/yr

89%

Grad Rate

$120K

Median Salary

Boston University Database Administration Program Overview

Hakia ranks Boston University as the #7 in database administration degree program.

Boston University's Metropolitan College runs this as an MS in Computer Information Systems with a Database Management & Business Intelligence concentration, teaching database design, data warehousing, and data mining across 32 units. The draw for working professionals is flexibility: it runs online, on campus, or blended, part- or full-time, finishes in 8 to 16 months, is STEM-designated, and requires no GRE or GMAT. The numbers back the reputation. An 89% graduation rate means most who start actually finish, and a Hakia Score of 89.5 puts it seventh in our ranking. The honest catch is cost and selectivity: as a private nonprofit, BU charges one $66,670 rate with no in-state break, and admits just 11%. Note the page's part-time figure of $31,480 in tuition and fees for 2026-2027, which shows the total can be spread out.

Program Strengths

89% graduation rate: most who enroll finish
STEM-designated MS with database + business intelligence concentration
Online, on campus, or blended; 8 to 16 months, no GRE/GMAT
Selective at an 11% admit rate; one $66,670 private rate for all

Mt San Antonio College

Associate's in Database AdministrationOn-campus

Walnut, CAPublic

$120,230 median salary · 45% graduation rate

89.4

Score

$1K

Tuition/yr

45%

Grad Rate

$120K

Median Salary

Mt San Antonio College Database Administration Program Overview

Hakia ranks Mt San Antonio College as the #8 in database administration degree program.

Mt San Antonio College's AS in Database Management Systems (degree code S0706, Business Division) is a two-year, 26.5 to 29 unit community college program that trains you in relational database administration across three real platform tracks: Microsoft Access, Microsoft SQL Server, and Oracle. You also pick Windows or Linux, and the coursework adds VBA programming, SQL development, and normalization theory. At a Hakia Score of 89.4, it ranks 8th on our list. The value case is stark: in-state tuition runs $1,288 a year versus $10,388 out-of-state, a roughly 8x gap. Against the $120,230 national BLS median for database roles (a field-wide figure, not this school's outcome), even the out-of-state rate is under 9 percent of one year's pay. The honest tradeoff: a 45 percent graduation rate means fewer than half finish on schedule, so budget for the advising step the page recommends if you plan to transfer toward a bachelor's.

Program Strengths

Three platform tracks: Microsoft Access, SQL Server, and Oracle, plus VBA and SQL development
In-state tuition $1,288/yr vs $10,388 out-of-state, roughly 8x cheaper for CA residents
Hakia Score 89.4, ranked 8th; two-year AS at 26.5 to 29 units
45% graduation rate; page names a counselor transfer pathway toward a bachelor's

Atlanta Technical College

Associate's in Database AdministrationFully online

Atlanta, GAPublic

$120,230 median salary · 49% graduation rate

87.9

Score

$3K

Tuition/yr

49%

Grad Rate

$120K

Median Salary

Atlanta Technical College Database Administration Program Overview

Hakia ranks Atlanta Technical College as the #9 in database administration degree program.

Atlanta Technical College's Data Modeling/Warehousing and Database Administration is an Associate's-level track, one of four specializations (with Cybersecurity, Computer Programming, and Networking) inside the school's Cybersecurity & Computer Information Systems division. It pairs the degree with short-term certificates aimed at industry certifications, and adds an online option plus Evening/Weekend and Dual Enrollment scheduling for people already working. On price it's hard to beat: $2,568 in-state versus $5,136 out-of-state, roughly 2.1% and 4.3% of the $120,230 national BLS median for the field (a national benchmark, not this school's reported outcome). It earns a 87.9 Hakia Score and the No. 9 rank here. The honest catch is completion: a 49% graduation rate means about half of enrollees don't finish, so weigh that coin-flip against the low tuition before committing.

Program Strengths

In-state tuition just $2,568 (about 2.1% of the $120,230 national field median)
One of four tracks inside the Cybersecurity & Computer Information Systems division
Short-term certificates target industry certifications; online, evening/weekend, and dual enrollment options
Hakia Score 87.9, ranked No. 9; but 49% graduation rate is the tradeoff

#10

American Public University System

Associate's in Database AdministrationFully online

Charles Town, WVPrivate for-profit

$120,230 median salary · 57% graduation rate

87.8

Score

$8K

Tuition/yr

57%

Grad Rate

$120K

Median Salary

Explore Associate's Degree in Database Administration

American Public University System Database Administration Program Overview

Hakia ranks American Public University System as the #10 in database administration degree program.

American Public University's fully online Associate of Science in Computer Technology sits in APU's STEM school and frames itself for database and system administration work alongside general IT and network support. It runs 60 credits, accepts up to 45 in transfer, and starts monthly in 8-to-16-week terms. In-state and out-of-state tuition are identical at $8,400 total, since there is no residency pricing online; that is roughly 7% of the $120,230 national median for database roles, or about one-fourteenth of a single year's field pay. The Hakia Score of 87.8 is what earns its number 10 rank here. Fair for cost-conscious career changers already chasing CompTIA Security+ or A+, since this degree is built to complement those certs and prep for MOS Excel or CIW while awarding none itself. The honest catch: only 57% of starters finish, so budget for a real 43% non-completion risk.

Program Strengths

$8,400 all-in, identical in-state and out-of-state
57% graduation rate (43% do not finish)
Hakia Score 87.8, ranked #10
Complements CompTIA Security+ and A+; up to 45 transfer credits

Best Database Administration Programs - Top 10, Complete Program Data

#1. Northeastern University — Bachelor's Database Administration
Hakia ranks Northeastern University's bachelor's database administration program #1. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Boston, MA | Type: Private nonprofit | Tuition: $64,990/year | Graduation Rate: 91% | Median Salary: $120,230 | Score: 95.8
#2. University of Pennsylvania — Master's Database Administration
Hakia ranks University of Pennsylvania's master's database administration program #2. Degree: Master's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Philadelphia, PA | Type: Private nonprofit | Tuition: $60,920/year | Graduation Rate: 97% | Median Salary: $120,230 | Score: 93.9
#3. University of Southern California — Master's Database Administration
Hakia ranks University of Southern California's master's database administration program #3. Degree: Master's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Los Angeles, CA | Type: Private nonprofit | Tuition: $69,904/year | Graduation Rate: 92% | Median Salary: $120,230 | Score: 93.4
#4. De Anza College — Associate's Database Administration
Hakia ranks De Anza College's associate's database administration program #4. Degree: Associate's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Cupertino, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,395/year | Graduation Rate: 68% | Median Salary: $120,230 | Score: 92.1
#5. North Carolina State University at Raleigh — Master's Database Administration
Hakia ranks North Carolina State University at Raleigh's master's database administration program #5. Degree: Master's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Raleigh, NC | Type: Public | Tuition: $6,535/year | Graduation Rate: 85% | Median Salary: $120,230 | Score: 90.4
#6. George Washington University — Bachelor's Database Administration
Hakia ranks George Washington University's bachelor's database administration program #6. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Washington, DC | Type: Private nonprofit | Tuition: $67,420/year | Graduation Rate: 84% | Median Salary: $120,230 | Score: 89.7
#7. Boston University — Master's Database Administration
Hakia ranks Boston University's master's database administration program #7. Degree: Master's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Boston, MA | Type: Private nonprofit | Tuition: $66,670/year | Graduation Rate: 89% | Median Salary: $120,230 | Score: 89.5
#8. Mt San Antonio College — Associate's Database Administration
Hakia ranks Mt San Antonio College's associate's database administration program #8. Degree: Associate's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Walnut, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,288/year | Graduation Rate: 45% | Median Salary: $120,230 | Score: 89.4
#9. Atlanta Technical College — Associate's Database Administration (Online)
Hakia ranks Atlanta Technical College's online associate's database administration program #9. Degree: Associate's. Delivery: fully online. Location: Atlanta, GA | Type: Public | Tuition: $2,568/year | Graduation Rate: 49% | Median Salary: $120,230 | Score: 87.9
#10. American Public University System — Associate's Database Administration (Online)
Hakia ranks American Public University System's online associate's database administration program #10. Degree: Associate's. Delivery: fully online. Location: Charles Town, WV | Type: Private for-profit | Tuition: $8,400/year | Graduation Rate: 57% | Median Salary: $120,230 | Score: 87.8

Our rankings methodology weighs program strength (25%), graduation rate (20%), career outcomes (15%), institutional quality (12%), industry recognition (10%), selectivity (10%), and data transparency (8%). Learn more about our methodology →

Who Should Study Database Administration?

Database administration is ideal for students who enjoy working with data systems, have strong attention to detail, and are interested in the technical infrastructure that supports data-driven applications. You should be comfortable with logical thinking and problem-solving, as database optimization often requires analytical troubleshooting.

Detail-oriented problem solvers who enjoy optimizing system performance
Students interested in data management rather than data analysis
Technology-minded individuals who want to work behind the scenes supporting applications
Those seeking stable, well-paying careers with consistent demand
Students who prefer structured work environments with clear procedures and protocols

Prior programming experience is helpful but not required. Most programs start with introductory SQL and database concepts. Strong analytical skills and comfort with technology are more important than extensive coding background.

Database Administration Degree Levels Compared

DBA education is available at multiple levels, from short-term certificates to graduate degrees, each suited to different career goals and backgrounds.

Database Administration Programs by Degree Level

Associate's Degree in Database Administration

2-year programs for career entry or transfer to bachelor's programs

Best Database Administration Programs - Bachelor's

Top-ranked undergraduate programs nationwide

Explore Best Database Administration Programs - Bachelor's

Best Database Administration Programs - Master's

Top graduate programs for specialization and advancement

Explore Best Database Administration Programs - Master's

Online Database Administration Degrees

Flexible online programs for working professionals

Explore Online Database Administration

Best Database Administration Programs - Bachelor's

A bachelor's degree in database administration is the standard credential for entry-level positions. These 4-year programs provide comprehensive training and hands-on experience.

Best Database Administration Programs - Top 3 Bachelor's

🥇 #1

Northeastern University

Bachelor's in Database AdministrationOn-campus

Boston, MAPrivate nonprofit

$120,230 median salary · 91% grad rate · 108 grads/yr

$65K

Tuition/yr

91%

Grad Rate

95.8

Score

🥈 #2

George Washington University

Bachelor's in Database AdministrationOn-campus

Washington, DCPrivate nonprofit

$120,230 median salary · 84% grad rate · 13 grads/yr

$67K

Tuition/yr

84%

Grad Rate

89.7

Score

🥉 #3

University of St Thomas

Bachelor's in Database AdministrationOn-campus

Saint Paul, MNPrivate nonprofit

$120,230 median salary · 76% grad rate · 16 grads/yr

$53K

Tuition/yr

76%

Grad Rate

81.2

Score

View All Bachelor's Programs →

4. Western Governors University (Salt Lake City, UT) - Score: 62.8, Tuition: $7,710

5. Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus (University Park, PA) - Score: 60.0, Tuition: $19,672

6. Utah State University (Logan, UT) - Score: 59.1, Tuition: $7,387

7. DePaul University (Chicago, IL) - Score: 54.7, Tuition: $43,379

8. University of St Thomas (Saint Paul, MN) - Score: 54.4, Tuition: $50,788

9. Lewis University (Romeoville, IL) - Score: 51.1, Tuition: $37,592

10. University of San Francisco (San Francisco, CA) - Score: 50.7, Tuition: $57,670

Best Database Administration Programs - Master's

A master's degree in database administration prepares students for senior and specialized roles. These 1-2 year programs offer advanced expertise and leadership training.

Best Database Administration Programs - Top 3 Master's

🥇 #1

University of Pennsylvania

Master's in Database AdministrationOn-campus

Philadelphia, PAPrivate nonprofit

$120,230 median salary · 97% grad rate · 49 grads/yr

$61K

Tuition/yr

97%

Grad Rate

93.9

Score

🥈 #2

Northeastern University

Master's in Database AdministrationOn-campus

Boston, MAPrivate nonprofit

$120,230 median salary · 91% grad rate · 199 grads/yr

$65K

Tuition/yr

91%

Grad Rate

93.5

Score

🥉 #3

University of Southern California

Master's in Database AdministrationOn-campus

Los Angeles, CAPrivate nonprofit

$120,230 median salary · 92% grad rate · 63 grads/yr

$70K

Tuition/yr

92%

Grad Rate

93.4

Score

View All Master's Programs →

4. Northeastern University (Boston, MA) - Score: 69.4, Tuition: $62,000

5. Boston University (Boston, MA) - Score: 65.0, Tuition: $63,798

6. North Carolina State University at Raleigh (Raleigh, NC) - Score: 64.6, Tuition: $6,535

7. Northeastern University Professional Programs (Boston, MA) - Score: 63.3, Tuition: $48,464

8. Brandeis University (Waltham, MA) - Score: 63.3, Tuition: $64,348

9. Western Governors University (Salt Lake City, UT) - Score: 62.8, Tuition: $7,710

10. Auburn University (Auburn, AL) - Score: 60.2, Tuition: $10,704

Best Database Administration Programs - Online

Online database administration programs offer flexibility for working professionals. Top accredited programs provide the same curriculum quality as on-campus alternatives.

Best Database Administration Programs - Top 3 Online

🥇 #1

Atlanta Technical College

Associate's in Database AdministrationFully online

Atlanta, GAPublic

$120,230 median salary · 49% grad rate · 8 grads/yr

$3K

Tuition/yr

49%

Grad Rate

87.9

Score

🥈 #2

American Public University System

Associate's in Database AdministrationFully online

Charles Town, WVPrivate for-profit

$120,230 median salary · 57% grad rate · 2 grads/yr

$8K

Tuition/yr

57%

Grad Rate

87.8

Score

🥉 #3

Auburn University

Master's in Database AdministrationFully online

Auburn, ALPublic

$120,230 median salary · 82% grad rate · 20 grads/yr

$11K

Tuition/yr

82%

Grad Rate

85.0

Score

View All Online Programs →

4. University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PA) - Score: 69.5, Tuition: $58,620

5. Western Governors University (Salt Lake City, UT) - Score: 67.8, Tuition: $7,710

6. University of Nevada-Las Vegas (Las Vegas, NV) - Score: 66.6, Tuition: $8,354

7. Bellevue College (Bellevue, WA) - Score: 65.4, Tuition: $4,074

8. Boston University (Boston, MA) - Score: 65.0, Tuition: $63,798

9. North Carolina State University at Raleigh (Raleigh, NC) - Score: 64.6, Tuition: $6,535

10. Brandeis University (Waltham, MA) - Score: 63.3, Tuition: $64,348

Best Database Administration Programs - Associate's

An associate's degree in database administration provides a 2-year pathway into the field. These programs are ideal for career starters or those planning to transfer to a 4-year program.

Best Database Administration Programs - Top 3 Associate's

🥇 #1

De Anza College

Associate's in Database AdministrationOn-campus

Cupertino, CAPublic

$120,230 median salary · 68% grad rate · 3 grads/yr

$1K

Tuition/yr

68%

Grad Rate

92.1

Score

🥈 #2

Mt San Antonio College

Associate's in Database AdministrationOn-campus

Walnut, CAPublic

$120,230 median salary · 45% grad rate · 8 grads/yr

$1K

Tuition/yr

45%

Grad Rate

89.4

Score

🥉 #3

Atlanta Technical College

Associate's in Database AdministrationFully online

Atlanta, GAPublic

$120,230 median salary · 49% grad rate · 8 grads/yr

$3K

Tuition/yr

49%

Grad Rate

87.9

Score

View All Associate's Programs →

4. Edmonds College (Lynnwood, WA) - Score: 50.0, Tuition: $4,073

5. Santa Monica College (Santa Monica, CA) - Score: 48.7, Tuition: $1,104

6. Skagit Valley College (Mount Vernon, WA) - Score: 48.0, Tuition: $4,623

7. Miami University-Hamilton (Hamilton, OH) - Score: 45.7, Tuition: $6,210

8. Lee College (Baytown, TX) - Score: 43.3, Tuition: $3,132

9. Yakima Valley College (Yakima, WA) - Score: 43.3, Tuition: $4,623

10. Piedmont Technical College (Greenwood, SC) - Score: 42.1, Tuition: $5,430

Best Database Administration Programs - Graduate

Graduate programs in database administration (PhD and doctoral degrees) prepare students for research, academic, and senior leadership positions.

Best Database Administration Programs - Top 3 Graduate

🥇 #1

University of Pennsylvania

Master's in Database AdministrationOn-campus

Philadelphia, PAPrivate nonprofit

$120,230 median salary · 97% grad rate · 49 grads/yr

$61K

Tuition/yr

97%

Grad Rate

93.9

Score

🥈 #2

Northeastern University

Master's in Database AdministrationOn-campus

Boston, MAPrivate nonprofit

$120,230 median salary · 91% grad rate · 199 grads/yr

$65K

Tuition/yr

91%

Grad Rate

93.5

Score

🥉 #3

University of Southern California

Master's in Database AdministrationOn-campus

Los Angeles, CAPrivate nonprofit

$120,230 median salary · 92% grad rate · 63 grads/yr

$70K

Tuition/yr

92%

Grad Rate

93.4

Score

View All Graduate Programs →

4. University of Michigan-Ann Arbor (Ann Arbor, MI) - Score: 74.6, Tuition: $17,977

5. Syracuse University (Syracuse, NY) - Score: 71.2, Tuition: $61,310

6. University of Maryland-College Park (College Park, MD) - Score: 67.0, Tuition: $9,889

7. University of California-Los Angeles (Los Angeles, CA) - Score: 65.9, Tuition: $11,834

8. Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus (University Park, PA) - Score: 61.9, Tuition: $19,672

9. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Chapel Hill, NC) - Score: 61.3, Tuition: $7,019

10. The University of Texas at Austin (Austin, TX) - Score: 61.1, Tuition: $11,678

Most Affordable Database Administration Programs

Looking for quality database administration education without the hefty price tag? These programs offer the best value, balancing tuition costs with strong academic outcomes and career prospects. Our Value Score factors in graduation rates, program strength, and institutional quality relative to cost.

Top 5 Most Affordable Database Administration Programs

Rank	Program & School	Delivery	Annual Tuition	Grad Rate	Median Salary	Hakia Score
#1	Bachelor's in Database Administration Northeastern University Boston, MA · Private nonprofit	On-campus	$64,990	91%	$120,230	95.8
#2	Master's in Database Administration University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PA · Private nonprofit	On-campus	$60,920	97%	$120,230	93.9
#3	Master's in Database Administration University of Southern California Los Angeles, CA · Private nonprofit	On-campus	$69,904	92%	$120,230	93.4
#4	Associate's in Database Administration De Anza College Cupertino, CA · Public	On-campus	$1,395	68%	$120,230	92.1
#5	Master's in Database Administration North Carolina State University at Raleigh Raleigh, NC · Public	On-campus	$6,535	85%	$120,230	90.4
#6	Bachelor's in Database Administration George Washington University Washington, DC · Private nonprofit	On-campus	$67,420	84%	$120,230	89.7
#7	Master's in Database Administration Boston University Boston, MA · Private nonprofit	On-campus	$66,670	89%	$120,230	89.5
#8	Associate's in Database Administration Mt San Antonio College Walnut, CA · Public	On-campus	$1,288	45%	$120,230	89.4
#9	Associate's in Database Administration Atlanta Technical College Atlanta, GA · Public	Online	$2,568	49%	$120,230	87.9
#10	Associate's in Database Administration American Public University System Charles Town, WV · Private for-profit	Online	$8,400	57%	$120,230	87.8
#11	Master's in Database Administration Auburn University Auburn, AL · Public	Online	$11,016	82%	$120,230	85.0
#12	Master's in Database Administration Brandeis University Waltham, MA · Private nonprofit	Online	$67,082	86%	$120,230	83.5
#13	Bachelor's in Database Administration University of St Thomas Saint Paul, MN · Private nonprofit	On-campus	$52,820	76%	$120,230	81.2
#14	Associate's in Database Administration Ivy Tech Community College Indianapolis, IN · Public	On-campus	$5,154	40%	$120,230	80.5
#15	Master's in Database Administration University of North Carolina Wilmington Wilmington, NC · Public	On-campus	$4,443	71%	$120,230	80.3
#16	Bachelor's in Database Administration Lipscomb University Nashville, TN · Private nonprofit	Online	$37,460	72%	$120,230	79.6
#17	Bachelor's in Database Administration University of Cincinnati-Main Campus Cincinnati, OH · Public	Online	$11,685	75%	$120,230	79.0
#18	Associate's in Database Administration Minnesota State Community and Technical College Fergus Falls, MN · Public	On-campus	$5,424	47%	$120,230	78.7
#19	Associate's in Database Administration American River College Sacramento, CA · Public	On-campus	—	37%	$120,230	78.2
#20	Associate's in Database Administration East Mississippi Community College Scooba, MS · Public	On-campus	$3,600	48%	$120,230	78.1
#21	Associate's in Database Administration Northcentral Technical College Wausau, WI · Public	On-campus	$4,485	45%	$120,230	77.4
#22	Associate's in Database Administration Santa Monica College Santa Monica, CA · Public	Online	$1,104	36%	$120,230	76.7
#23	Master's in Database Administration George Mason University Fairfax, VA · Public	Online	$10,392	68%	$120,230	76.7
#24	Bachelor's in Database Administration DePaul University Chicago, IL · Private nonprofit	On-campus	$44,601	68%	$120,230	76.5
#25	Associate's in Database Administration Kaskaskia College Centralia, IL · Public	On-campus	$7,050	49%	$120,230	76.0
#26	Bachelor's in Database Administration Western Governors University Salt Lake City, UT · Private nonprofit	Online	$8,180	46%	$120,230	75.6
#27	Associate's in Database Administration Sinclair Community College Dayton, OH · Public	On-campus	$4,129	41%	$120,230	75.3
#28	Master's in Database Administration Northeastern University Professional Programs Boston, MA · Private nonprofit	On-campus	$50,243	—	$120,230	75.0
#29	Associate's in Database Administration Daytona State College Daytona Beach, FL · Public	Online	$3,072	43%	$120,230	74.8
#30	Master's in Database Administration Rowan University Glassboro, NJ · Public	On-campus	$11,812	67%	$120,230	74.5
#31	Associate's in Database Administration South Puget Sound Community College Olympia, WA · Public	On-campus	$4,777	44%	$120,230	74.1
#32	Master's in Database Administration Appalachian State University Boone, NC · Public	On-campus	$4,242	75%	$120,230	73.5
#33	Associate's in Database Administration Long Beach City College Long Beach, CA · Public	On-campus	$1,472	30%	$120,230	73.1
#34	Associate's in Database Administration Waukesha County Technical College Pewaukee, WI · Public	On-campus	$4,485	44%	$120,230	73.1
#35	Associate's in Database Administration Remington College-Fort Worth Campus North Richland Hills, TX · Private nonprofit	On-campus	$16,071	45%	$120,230	73.1
#36	Associate's in Database Administration Georgia Piedmont Technical College Clarkston, GA · Public	Online	$2,586	44%	$120,230	72.8
#37	Master's in Database Administration University of West Florida Pensacola, FL · Public	On-campus	$3,735	59%	$120,230	72.4
#38	Master's in Database Administration Nova Southeastern University Fort Lauderdale, FL · Private nonprofit	On-campus	$37,500	63%	$120,230	72.1
#39	Bachelor's in Database Administration University of Minnesota-Duluth Duluth, MN · Public	On-campus	$12,958	65%	$120,230	70.2
#40	Associate's in Database Administration Saint Paul College Saint Paul, MN · Public	On-campus	$5,486	40%	$120,230	69.5
#41	Associate's in Database Administration Hillsborough Community College Tampa, FL · Public	On-campus	$1,926	34%	$120,230	69.2
#42	Master's in Database Administration University of Detroit Mercy Detroit, MI · Private nonprofit	Online	$32,946	67%	$120,230	68.9
#43	Bachelor's in Database Administration Bellevue College Bellevue, WA · Public	On-campus	$4,205	36%	$120,230	68.4
#44	Master's in Database Administration Stockton University Galloway, NJ · Public	On-campus	$13,606	69%	$120,230	67.8
#45	Associate's in Database Administration Collin County Community College District McKinney, TX · Public	On-campus	$3,750	20%	$120,230	67.8
#46	Associate's in Database Administration Pierce College District Lakewood, WA · Public	On-campus	$4,775	31%	$120,230	67.4
#47	Master's in Database Administration Wayne State University Detroit, MI · Public	On-campus	$14,274	58%	$120,230	66.7
#48	Associate's in Database Administration Laramie County Community College Cheyenne, WY · Public	Online	$3,150	38%	$120,230	66.3
#49	Master's in Database Administration Regis University Denver, CO · Private nonprofit	Online	$23,700	61%	$120,230	66.2
#50	Master's in Database Administration Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Metro San Juan, PR · Private nonprofit	On-campus	$4,968	39%	$120,230	66.0

Showing all 50 ranked programs.

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Database Administration Career Outcomes

Database administration offers stable, well-compensated career paths with consistent demand across industries. The BLS projects 8% job growth for database administrators through 2032, faster than the average for all occupations. The increasing volume of data generated by businesses drives continued demand for database professionals.

$55,000

Starting Salary

$98,860

Mid-Career

+8%

Job Growth

10,200

Annual Openings

Career Paths

Database Administrator

SOC 15-1242

+8%

Design, implement, and maintain database systems to ensure data availability, security, and performance.

Median Salary:$98,860

Data Architect

SOC 15-1243

+8%

Design the overall structure of database systems and data management frameworks for organizations.

Median Salary:$134,870

Database Developer

SOC 15-1252

+25%

Create and optimize database applications, stored procedures, and data integration solutions.

Median Salary:$130,160

Database Administration Curriculum Overview

DBA programs combine technical database skills with business knowledge and system administration concepts. Core coursework covers both theoretical foundations and practical, hands-on experience with industry-standard database platforms.

SQL Programming: Advanced query writing, stored procedures, triggers, and optimization
Database Design: Data modeling, normalization, entity-relationship diagrams, schema design
Database Systems: Oracle, SQL Server, MySQL, PostgreSQL, and NoSQL databases like MongoDB
Data Security: Access control, encryption, backup and recovery, compliance (GDPR, HIPAA)
Performance Tuning: Query optimization, indexing strategies, monitoring, and troubleshooting
Cloud Databases: AWS RDS, Azure SQL Database, Google Cloud SQL, database migration

Many programs include capstone projects where students design and implement complete database solutions for real or simulated business scenarios. Internships and hands-on lab work provide practical experience with enterprise database environments.

Database Administration Programs by State

Best Database Administration Programs in California

Total Programs: 45
Median Tuition: $12,800

Best Database Administration Programs in Connecticut

UC Berkeley, Stanford

Total Programs: 28
Median Tuition: $16,800

Best Database Administration Programs in Illinois

Yale, UConn

Total Programs: 32
Median Tuition: $13,200

Best Database Administration Programs in Indiana

University of Illinois

Total Programs: 35
Median Tuition: $10,200

Best Database Administration Programs in Maryland

Purdue, IU Bloomington

Total Programs: 35
Median Tuition: $10,900

Best Database Administration Programs in Minnesota

UMD, Johns Hopkins

Total Programs: 32
Median Tuition: $14,600

Best Database Administration Programs in Missouri

U of Minnesota

Total Programs: 32
Median Tuition: $11,300

Best Database Administration Programs in New Jersey

Wash U, Mizzou

Total Programs: 42
Median Tuition: $15,200

Best Database Administration Programs in New York

Rutgers, Princeton

Total Programs: 42
Median Tuition: $15,600

Best Database Administration Programs in Oregon

NYU, Columbia

Total Programs: 25
Median Tuition: $12,400

Oregon State, U of Oregon

Best Database Administration Programs in Tennessee

Total Programs: 30
Median Tuition: $9,800

Best Database Administration Programs in Texas

Vanderbilt, UT Knoxville

Total Programs: 38
Median Tuition: $10,200

Best Database Administration Programs in Utah

UT Austin, Texas A&M

Total Programs: 22
Median Tuition: $8,900

Best Database Administration Programs in Washington

U of Utah, BYU

Total Programs: 28
Median Tuition: $11,400

Best Database Administration Programs in Wisconsin

University of Washington

Total Programs: 28
Median Tuition: $10,700