Top 3 Database Administration Programs in Alabama 2025
University of Alabama at Birmingham
77 database administration graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
Auburn University
15 database administration graduates annually, 81% graduation rate
University of South Alabama
11 database administration graduates annually, 99% graduation rate
- 1.Alabama offers 7+ accredited database administration programs across public and private universities
- 2.University of Alabama at Birmingham leads with strong% graduation rate
- 3.Alabama software developers earn median $98,520 annually (BLS OES 2024)
- 4.Tech opportunities concentrated in Huntsville, Birmingham, Mobile
- 5.Cost of living index: 89.3% of US average (below average)
Database Administration Education in Alabama: Overview
Alabama offers 7 accredited database administration programs, producing approximately 143 graduates annually. The state's tech industry is centered in Huntsville, Birmingham, Mobile, with major employers including NASA Marshall, Boeing, Lockheed Martin.
With a median software developer salary of $98,520 (BLS OES May 2024) and a cost of living index of 89.3% compared to the US average, Alabama offers above-average purchasing power for tech workers.
The top database administration programs in the state are led by University of Alabama at Birmingham, Auburn University, University of South Alabama, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Alabama Database Administration Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Alabama at Birmingham | Birmingham, AL | Public | $8,832 | — | 62.1 |
| 2 | Auburn University | Auburn, AL | Public | $10,704 | 81% | 57.2 |
| 3 | University of South Alabama | Mobile, AL | Public | $8,976 | 99% | 56.8 |
| 4 | Jacksonville State University | Jacksonville, AL | Public | $10,290 | 62% | 47.8 |
| 5 | South University-Montgomery | Montgomery, AL | For-Profit | $15,732 | 65% | 45.8 |
| 6 | Strayer University-Alabama | Birmingham, AL | For-Profit | $13,725 | — | 43 |
| 7 | Alabama State University | Montgomery, AL | Public | $8,328 | — | 41.2 |
Top 5 Database Administration Programs in Alabama: Side-by-Side
| School | U of Alabama at Birmingham | Auburn | U of South Alabama | Jacksonville State | South University-Montgomery |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $8,832 | $10,704 | $8,976 | $10,290 | $15,732 |
| Graduation Rate | N/A% | 81% | 99% | 62% | 65% |
| Annual Graduates | 77 | 15 | 11 | 16 | 3 |
| Acceptance Rate | 88% | 50% | 65% | 76% | N/A |
| Type | Public | Public | Public | Public | For-Profit |
| Score | 62.1/100 | 57.2/100 | 56.8/100 | 47.8/100 | 45.8/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Database Administration in Alabama
Alabama offers 5 bachelor's-level database administration programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are University of South Alabama, Jacksonville State University, South University-Montgomery. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $68,964 in the Alabama market.
A bachelor's in database administration typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Database Administration Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Database Administration Bachelor's Programs in Alabama
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of South Alabama | $8,976 | 99% | 11 | 56.8 |
| #2 Jacksonville State | $10,290 | 62% | 16 | 47.8 |
| #3 South University-Montgomery | $15,732 | 65% | 3 | 45.8 |
Top Database Administration Schools for Master's Degrees in Alabama
For graduate study, Alabama offers 4 master's-level database administration programs. Leading institutions include University of Alabama at Birmingham, Auburn University, South University-Montgomery. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Alabama reaching $128,076 or more.
Explore our complete national rankings of the best database administration master's programs for more options beyond Alabama.
Top 3 Database Administration Master's Programs in Alabama
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Alabama at Birmingham | $8,832 | N/A% | 77 | 62.1 |
| #2 Auburn | $10,704 | 81% | 15 | 57.2 |
| #3 South University-Montgomery | $15,732 | 65% | 2 | 44.7 |
Most Affordable Database Administration Colleges in Alabama
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable database administration programs in Alabama are at Alabama State University ($8,328/year), University of Alabama at Birmingham ($8,832/year), University of South Alabama ($8,976/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Alabama's competitive tech salaries.
At Alabama State University, a 4-year degree costs approximately $33,312 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $68,964, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 1 years. See our Most Affordable Database Administration Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Database Administration Programs in Alabama (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Alabama State | $8,328 | $33,312 | 1 years | Public |
| #2 U of Alabama at Birmingham | $8,832 | $35,328 | 1 years | Public |
| #3 U of South Alabama | $8,976 | $35,904 | 1.1 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Database Administration Schools in Alabama
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 database administration programs in Alabama, including admissions requirements, curriculum highlights, career outcomes, and what makes each program unique. Data sourced from official university websites and IPEDS 2023.
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, AL • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $8,832 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Database Administration Graduates: 77 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 88%
- • Ranking Score: 62.1 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 77 database administration graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 62.1 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (77 graduates), state salary outcomes ($98,520), and selectivity (88% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Auburn University
Auburn, AL • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $10,704 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 81% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Database Administration Graduates: 15 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 50%
- • Ranking Score: 57.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- 81% graduation rate
- 15 database administration graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 57.2 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (81%), program size (15 graduates), state salary outcomes ($98,520), and selectivity (50% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
University of South Alabama
Mobile, AL • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $8,976 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 99% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Database Administration Graduates: 11 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 65%
- • Ranking Score: 56.8 / 100
Program Strengths
- 99% graduation rate
- 11 database administration graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 56.8 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (99%), program size (11 graduates), state salary outcomes ($98,520), and selectivity (65% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Jacksonville State University
Jacksonville, AL • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $10,290 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 62% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Database Administration Graduates: 16 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 76%
- • Ranking Score: 47.8 / 100
Program Strengths
- 62% graduation rate
- 16 database administration graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 47.8 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (62%), program size (16 graduates), state salary outcomes ($98,520), and selectivity (76% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
South University-Montgomery
Montgomery, AL • For-Profit
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $15,732 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 65% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Database Administration Graduates: 3 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 45.8 / 100
Program Strengths
- 65% graduation rate
- 3 database administration graduates annually
- For-Profit institution
- Overall score: 45.8 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (65%), program size (3 graduates), state salary outcomes ($98,520), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Available Scholarships
Admissions
- Min GPA: 1.5 on a 4.0 scale
- Transfer Friendly
Career Paths
Software Developer
SOC 15-1252Software Developer opportunities in Alabama with strong job growth.
Systems Analyst
SOC 15-1211Systems Analyst opportunities in Alabama with strong job growth.
IT Manager
SOC 15-1299IT Manager opportunities in Alabama with strong job growth.
Technical Consultant
SOC 15-1299Technical Consultant opportunities in Alabama with strong job growth.
Database Administrator
SOC 15-1242Database Administrator opportunities in Alabama with strong job growth.
Database Administration Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Washington
Massachusetts
Illinois
Georgia
Which Should You Choose?
- You want access to tech jobs in Huntsville, Birmingham, Mobile
- You're seeking lower cost of living (89.3% of US average)
- You want to work at companies like NASA Marshall or Boeing
- You prefer Alabama's quality of life
- You prioritize highest possible salary (consider CA, WA, NY)
- You want more program options (CA has 100+ vs Alabama's 7)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration
Database Administration in Alabama FAQ
Based on 7 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Database Administration degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources (IPEDS 2023)
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023
Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)
Alabama-specific salaries from BLS OES May 2024
Related Resources
Data Sources & Methodology
Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System - program completions, graduation rates, tuition, admissions
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics - Alabama salary data
2023-2033 occupational outlook and growth projections
Program-specific admissions, curriculum, and career outcome data
Taylor Rupe
Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)
Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.