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Key Takeaways
Best database administration degree programs: DeVry University-Arizona, U of Phoenix-Arizona,
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $2,208 to $14,392/year
Pima Community College offers the most affordable option at $2,208/yr
Database Administration degree programs available: 11 associate's, 1 master's, 1 doctoral in Arizona
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
1 online database administration degree programs in Arizona
Flexible scheduling for working professionals
Arizona community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
11 associate's programs provide transfer pathways to bachelor's degrees
Education Commission of the States
Major employers: Intel, GoDaddy, Axon, Carvana
Tech hubs in Phoenix and Scottsdale
Hakia Research 2026
Database Administration degree programs near 25+ cities across Arizona
Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location
Updated July 13, 2026
How we ranked Arizona Database Administration programs
We rank 15 accredited database administration programs in Arizona using IPEDS 2024 institutional data, BLS OEWS 2024 state salary data, and College Scorecard outcomes. A 4-factor weighted composite is normalized to a 0–100 score. Schools cannot pay for placement; rankings are produced algorithmically.
Are Database Administration Degree Programs in Arizona Worth It?
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Database Administration Degree Rankings in Arizona
Compare the top-ranked Database Administration programs in Arizona by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Database Administration Programs in Arizona
Program Landscape
Arizona offers 11 accredited associate's degree programs in database administration, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include Pima Community College, Phoenix College, Rio Salado College, which combine rigorous technical curriculum with practical skills training.
Costs & Value
Community colleges in Arizona offer these two-year programs at an average cost of $2,311/yr, significantly less than four-year university tuition. Students completing associate's degrees can pursue entry-level technical positions and transfer opportunities, with entry-level salaries averaging $58,262 in Arizona.
Career Pathways
Many programs feature guaranteed transfer agreements with Arizona's public universities, allowing students to complete their first two years at reduced cost before transferring to complete a bachelor's degree. The Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe areas offer particularly strong job markets for associate's degree holders, with employers like Intel, GoDaddy, Axon hiring for technical support, junior development, and IT specialist positions.
Curriculum & Specializations
Programs typically include coursework in programming fundamentals, database management, networking basics, and software development. Among database administration schools in Arizona, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their database administration degrees in Arizona.
Show all 11 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Mesa Community College | Mesa, AZ | Public | $2,328 | — | 45.9 |
| #7 | Eastern Arizona College | Thatcher, AZ | Public | $2,352 | — | 51.7 |
| #8 | Scottsdale Community College | Scottsdale, AZ | Public | $2,328 | — | 44.0 |
| #9 | Chandler-Gilbert Community College | Chandler, AZ | Public | $2,328 | — | 44.0 |
| #10 | Paradise Valley Community College | Phoenix, AZ | Public | $2,328 | — | 41.7 |
| #11 | Estrella Mountain Community College | Avondale, AZ | Public | $2,328 | — | 41.7 |
Best Bachelor's Database Administration Programs in Arizona
Program Landscape
Arizona ranks among the nation's top destinations for database administration education, with 2 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 0 public and 0 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are DeVry University-Arizona, U of Phoenix-Arizona, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Arizona database administration programs earn a median salary of $90,041, 8% below the national average. The state's robust technology sector, anchored by the Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe metropolitan areas, provides abundant internship and employment opportunities with companies including Intel, GoDaddy, Axon.
Costs & Value
Tuition ranges from $9,552 to $14,392 annually, with an average of $11,972/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 0%, with the highest reaching -Infinity%. Many programs hold ABET accreditation, the gold standard for computing education, ensuring curriculum meets rigorous industry standards.
Curriculum & Specializations
Students can choose from specializations including software engineering, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data science, and systems architecture. Strong industry partnerships provide access to co-op programs, capstone projects with real companies, and direct recruiting pipelines to Arizona's leading technology employers. For students seeking database administration degrees in Arizona, these top-ranked database administration schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
Best Master's Database Administration Programs in Arizona
Program Landscape
Arizona offers 1 master's degree programs in database administration, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, U of Arizona, combine advanced technical training with research opportunities and leadership development.
Career Outcomes
Master's graduates in Arizona earn a median salary of $105,930, approximately 20-30% higher than bachelor's degree holders. The concentration of technology companies in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe creates strong demand for graduate-level talent, with Intel, GoDaddy, Axon actively recruiting from these programs.
Costs & Value
Program formats include traditional full-time study (typically 2 years), part-time options for working professionals (2-3 years), and accelerated tracks. Tuition averages $11,546/yr, with many employers offering tuition reimbursement for graduate education. Some programs offer thesis and non-thesis tracks, allowing students to focus on research or professional development based on their career goals.
Curriculum & Specializations
Curriculum covers advanced topics including machine learning, distributed systems, software architecture, and technical management. Many programs include practicum experiences, industry capstone projects, or consulting engagements that provide real-world application of advanced concepts. Among Arizona's database administration schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
Best Doctoral Database Administration Programs in Arizona
Program Landscape
Arizona is home to 1 doctoral programs in database administration, preparing students for research positions, faculty appointments, and executive technical roles. Leading programs at U of Arizona are recognized for cutting-edge research, strong faculty publications, and competitive funding packages.
Career Outcomes
Doctoral graduates command premium salaries, with Arizona PhD holders earning a median of $132,413, reflecting the advanced expertise required for research and executive positions. The Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe region's research universities and corporate R&D centers provide extensive collaboration opportunities with industry leaders like Intel, GoDaddy, Axon.
Costs & Value
PhD programs typically require 4-6 years of full-time study, including coursework, qualifying examinations, and original dissertation research. Many programs offer full funding through teaching or research assistantships, covering tuition and providing stipends of $25,000–$40,000 annually.
Curriculum & Specializations
Research strengths across Arizona programs include artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, human-computer interaction, systems, and theoretical computer science. For aspiring researchers pursuing database administration degrees in Arizona, graduates go on to careers as university faculty, industry research scientists, or technical executives, contributing to advances in technology that impact millions of users worldwide.
Database Administration Degree Costs & Tuition in Arizona
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $4,350/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $10,875/year |
| Community college tuition | $1,088/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $26,100 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $6,524 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Database Administration Students in Arizona
State Aid Programs
The Arizona Financial Aid Trust (AFAT) provides need-based grants up to $2,000 annually for database administration students. Arizona residents qualify for in-state tuition rates significantly lower than comparable programs in neighboring states. Federal Pell Grants cover substantial portions of community college tuition, while Arizona universities offer institutional scholarships based on academic merit and financial need. Work-study programs place students in campus IT departments, providing relevant database experience.
Key Programs & Amounts
Technology-specific scholarships target database administration students. Intel sponsors annual scholarships of $5,000 for students pursuing semiconductor-related database careers (Intel Foundation). The Arizona Technology Council awards multiple $2,500 scholarships for computer science majors. Corporate partnerships provide tuition assistance for students committed to post-graduation employment with sponsoring organizations.
Institutional Scholarships
Veterans receive comprehensive educational benefits through Arizona universities' military-friendly programs. The Yellow Ribbon Program supplements GI Bill benefits for private institution attendance. Financial aid guide resources help students navigate application processes and maximize funding opportunities. Graduate assistantships in database research provide tuition waivers plus monthly stipends for qualified students pursuing advanced degrees.
Database Administration Degree ROI Calculator, Arizona
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a database administration degree in Arizona. Enter your expected tuition costs, financial aid, and career goals to see projected payback periods and lifetime earnings. The calculator uses current salary data from BLS and tuition data from IPEDS to provide accurate estimates.
Database Administration Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a database administration degree
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
+697%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
$1,289,731
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
6 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
$126,316
Your starting salary adjusted for local cost of living. This shows real purchasing power compared to a $100K national baseline.
Why does break-even change with program type? Your "total investment" includes both tuition AND opportunity cost (foregone earnings while in school). A 4-year full-time public university (in-state) means 4 years of not earning a salary ($140,000 in opportunity cost). Shorter full-time programs may have higher tuition but lower total investment because you return to the workforce sooner.
Detailed Breakdown
How we calculate your degree ROI using real salary data
Tuition plus opportunity cost (earnings you miss while in school)
Direct cost of the degree program
4 years × $35K/year foregone salary while studying full-time
Projected career earnings starting after graduation, with salary growth
What you'd earn working at $35K/year with 2% annual growth
Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)
Your investment's compound annual growth rate (similar to stock market returns)
Data sources: BLS OEWS May 2024, IPEDS 2024. Calculations use median salaries, 3% discount rate, and assume salary growth declines from 6% to 2% over career. Individual results will vary. | Powered by Hakia.com
Database Administration Salaries by Metro Area
Median annual salary in Arizona metro areas
View data table
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Phoenix | $117K |
| Scottsdale | $111K |
| Tempe | $106K |
| Tucson | $101K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Hakia.com
Top Employers Hiring Database Administration Graduates in Arizona
Find database administration jobs in Arizona. These major employers across Arizona metro areas are actively hiring database administration degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Database Administration Jobs in Phoenix
AZThe Phoenix metro is the 5th largest in the US with a growing tech sector. Intel, Amazon, and major defense contractors have significant operations here.
Nearby cities: Tempe, Scottsdale, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Glendale, Peoria, Surprise
Database Administration Jobs in Tucson
AZTucson is home to the University of Arizona and major defense contractors like Raytheon. The metro offers lower cost of living than Phoenix.
Nearby cities: Oro Valley, Marana, Sahuarita, Green Valley, Sierra Vista
Database Administration Jobs in Scottsdale
AZThe Scottsdale-Tempe corridor is a major tech hub with GoDaddy, Axon, and numerous startups. ASU drives talent pipeline.
Nearby cities: Paradise Valley, Fountain Hills, Cave Creek, Carefree
Transfer Pathways for Database Administration Degrees in Arizona
State Transfer System
The Arizona Transfer (AZTransfer) system facilitates seamless credit transfer between community colleges and universities statewide. Maricopa Community Colleges offer comprehensive computer science prerequisites that transfer directly to Arizona State University and University of Arizona database administration programs. Pima Community College maintains articulation agreements ensuring junior-year entry into university programs. Students can complete general education and introductory programming coursework at significantly reduced costs.
How Transfers Work
Specific transfer pathways exist for database-focused coursework. Scottsdale Community College's database design and SQL programming courses transfer as direct equivalents to university requirements (Maricopa Community Colleges). Mesa Community College offers Oracle certification preparation that universities recognize as advanced standing credit. Most affordable programs database administration often begin at community colleges, reducing total degree costs by $15,000-$25,000. Reverse transfer agreements allow students to complete associate degrees while pursuing bachelor's programs.
Why Pursue a Database Administration Degree in Arizona?
Industry & Workforce
Arizona's tech sector is experiencing unprecedented growth, making it an ideal location for database administration students. The state added 4,300 tech jobs in February alone, maintaining a stable 4.0% unemployment rate (Arizona Economy). Tech roles are projected to grow 9% through 2028, significantly higher than national averages. Arizona's lower cost of living compared to California and Washington provides database administrators with higher purchasing power while accessing similar career opportunities.
Salary Outlook
Major semiconductor investments are reshaping Arizona's data infrastructure needs. Intel's $20 billion Chandler expansion will create 9,000 new positions, while TSMC's $65 billion Phoenix fabrication facilities will generate over 6,000 high-tech jobs (Arizona Tech Council). These manufacturing operations require sophisticated database systems to manage supply chains, quality control, and production analytics. The convergence of traditional tech companies and advanced manufacturing creates unique opportunities for database professionals.
Regional Tech Hubs
Students can explore various specializations through best bachelors programs database administration that align with Arizona's industry demands. The state's strategic position between California's Silicon Valley and Texas tech hubs creates networking advantages for graduates. For those considering alternatives, database administration in california offers different opportunities, though with significantly higher living costs and more intense competition.
Database Administration Job Growth in Arizona
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook
Database Administration Job Market & Salary Data in Arizona
Employment Outlook
Maricopa County ranks among the top regions nationally for tech job postings, with sustained demand for database professionals throughout 2024 (Technical Talent Group). The Phoenix metro area leads hiring for cloud architects, DevOps engineers, and database administrators. Software development and cybersecurity sectors show particularly strong growth, with companies actively recruiting for full-stack developers and data infrastructure specialists. Remote work flexibility has expanded opportunities beyond traditional office locations.
Salaries by Metro
Entry-level database administrators in Arizona earn $65,000-$75,000 annually, while experienced professionals command $95,000-$130,000 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). Phoenix and Scottsdale offer the highest compensation packages, reflecting concentrated tech activity. Semiconductor and aerospace industries provide premium salaries plus equity compensation. Benefits packages often include professional development budgets and certification reimbursements.
High-Growth Sectors
Emerging technologies drive demand for specialized database skills. Companies seek expertise in cloud-native databases, real-time analytics, and AI integration. Software developer roles frequently overlap with database administration, creating hybrid career opportunities. The convergence of data science and database management opens paths to data scientist positions with statistical modeling responsibilities.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Online vs On-Campus Database Administration Programs in Arizona
Online Programs
1 available in Arizona
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Database Administration Programs in Other States
- Total Programs
- 25
- Median Tuition
- $11,800
- Total Programs
- 7
- Median Tuition
- $7,700
- Total Programs
- 5
- Median Tuition
- $2,000
- Total Programs
- 10
- Median Tuition
- $13,900
- Total Programs
- 12
- Median Tuition
- $5,100
- Total Programs
- 47
- Median Tuition
- $7,700
- Total Programs
- 65
- Median Tuition
- $7,100
Database Administration Degree Programs in Arizona: FAQ
What are the best database administration degree programs in Arizona?
How much do database administration degree programs cost in Arizona?
What salary can database administration degree graduates earn in Arizona?
Are there online database administration degree programs in Arizona?
What companies hire database administration degree graduates in Arizona?
Is a database administration degree program worth it in Arizona?
How long do database administration degree programs take in Arizona?
What financial aid is available for database administration degree students in Arizona?
Data Sources
Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
Arizona salary and employment data
Program details and admissions information
Last Updated: June 26, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2024 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
Taylor Rupe
Co-founder & Editor (B.S. Computer Science, Oregon State • B.A. Psychology, University of Washington)
Taylor combines technical expertise in computer science with a deep understanding of human behavior and learning. His dual background drives Hakia's mission: leveraging technology to build authoritative educational resources that help people make better decisions about their academic and career paths.