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Key Takeaways
Best database administration degree programs: U of Arkansas Grantham, U of Arkansas at Little Rock, Arkansas Tech
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $2,616 to $24,240/year
Arkansas State University... offers the most affordable option at $2,616/yr
Database Administration degree programs available: 2 associate's, 2 master's in Arkansas
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
1 online database administration degree programs in Arkansas
Flexible scheduling for working professionals
Arkansas community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
2 associate's programs provide transfer pathways to bachelor's degrees
Education Commission of the States
Major employers: Walmart, Tyson Foods, JB Hunt, Dillards
Tech hubs in Bentonville and Little Rock
Hakia Research 2026
Database Administration degree programs near 42+ cities across Arkansas
Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location
Updated June 28, 2026
How we ranked Arkansas Database Administration programs
We rank 8 accredited database administration programs in Arkansas 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 Arkansas Worth It?
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Database Administration Degree Rankings in Arkansas
Compare the top-ranked Database Administration programs in Arkansas by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Database Administration Programs in Arkansas
Program Landscape
Arkansas offers 2 accredited associate's degree programs in database administration, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include Arkansas State University..., North Arkansas College, which combine rigorous technical curriculum with practical skills training.
Costs & Value
Community colleges in Arkansas offer these two-year programs at an average cost of $2,808/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 $47,152 in Arkansas.
Career Pathways
Many programs feature guaranteed transfer agreements with Arkansas's public universities, allowing students to complete their first two years at reduced cost before transferring to complete a bachelor's degree. The Bentonville, Little Rock, Fayetteville areas offer particularly strong job markets for associate's degree holders, with employers like Walmart, Tyson Foods, JB Hunt 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 Arkansas, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their database administration degrees in Arkansas.
Best Bachelor's Database Administration Programs in Arkansas
Program Landscape
Arkansas ranks among the nation's top destinations for database administration education, with 4 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 3 public and 1 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are U of Arkansas Grantham, U of Arkansas at Little Rock, Arkansas Tech, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Arkansas database administration programs earn a median salary of $72,871, 26% below the national average. The state's robust technology sector, anchored by the Bentonville, Little Rock, Fayetteville metropolitan areas, provides abundant internship and employment opportunities with companies including Walmart, Tyson Foods, JB Hunt.
Costs & Value
Tuition ranges from $5,995 to $24,240 annually, with an average of $10,979/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 Arkansas's leading technology employers. For students seeking database administration degrees in Arkansas, these top-ranked database administration schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
Best Master's Database Administration Programs in Arkansas
Program Landscape
Arkansas offers 2 master's degree programs in database administration, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, Harding, U of Arkansas at Little Rock, combine advanced technical training with research opportunities and leadership development.
Career Outcomes
Master's graduates in Arkansas earn a median salary of $85,730, approximately 20-30% higher than bachelor's degree holders. The concentration of technology companies in Bentonville, Little Rock, Fayetteville creates strong demand for graduate-level talent, with Walmart, Tyson Foods, JB Hunt 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 $15,420/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 Arkansas's database administration schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
Database Administration Degree Costs & Tuition in Arkansas
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $8,255/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $20,638/year |
| Community college tuition | $2,064/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $49,532 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $12,382 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Database Administration Students in Arkansas
State Aid Programs
Arkansas students pursuing database administration degrees have access to multiple funding pathways at both federal and state levels. The primary federal funding mechanism is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), available through (Federal Student Aid), which determines eligibility for grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. Arkansas also offers the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship, which awards up to $5,000 per year for academically talented students attending eligible institutions within the state. This scholarship is particularly valuable for database administration students, as it can significantly reduce the overall cost of earning an associate's, bachelor's, or master's degree in the field.
Key Programs & Amounts
Beyond grants and scholarships, many Arkansas institutions offering database administration programs provide institutional financial aid packages tailored to program participants. Students should visit (Arkansas Division of Higher Education) to explore additional state-specific funding opportunities and verify scholarship eligibility requirements. For comprehensive financial planning, prospective students can use (College Scorecard) to compare net price calculators across Arkansas institutions, which helps estimate out-of-pocket costs after grants and aid are applied. Whether attending a community college like University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College or a four-year university, financial aid resources are designed to make database administration education affordable and accessible across the state's diverse institutional landscape.
Database Administration Degree ROI Calculator, Arkansas
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a database administration degree in Arkansas. 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
+907%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
$1,677,254
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
5 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
$133,333
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 Arkansas metro areas
View data table
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Bentonville | $94K |
| Little Rock | $90K |
| Fayetteville | $86K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Hakia.com
Top Employers Hiring Database Administration Graduates in Arkansas
Find database administration jobs in Arkansas. These major employers across Arkansas metro areas are actively hiring database administration degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Database Administration Jobs in Bentonville-Rogers
ARDatabase Administration Jobs in Little Rock
ARDatabase Administration Jobs in Fayetteville
ARTransfer Pathways for Database Administration Degrees in Arkansas
State Transfer System
Arkansas's coordinated transfer system provides seamless pathways for database administration students moving from associate's to bachelor's degree programs. The Arkansas Course Transfer System (ACTS) is a state-mandated articulation agreement that guarantees course credits transfer among Arkansas public institutions, eliminating course duplication and reducing time to degree. With 3 associate's degree programs and 5 bachelor's-granting institutions statewide, students can begin their education at more affordable community colleges and transition directly into upper-level bachelor's coursework. For example, students earning an associate's in database administration from University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College ($4,260 tuition) or University of Arkansas Community College-Morrilton ($2,688 tuition) can transfer to institutions like University of Arkansas at Little Rock (#4 bachelor's ranked, $6,600 tuition) or Arkansas Tech University ($5,995 tuition) with guaranteed credit recognition (Arkansas Division of Higher Education).
How Transfers Work
The ACTS system ensures that all general education and program-specific prerequisites transfer without loss of credit, accelerating degree completion and reducing overall cost. Students should work with academic advisors at their current institution to align course selections with the receiving institution's degree requirements and use the Arkansas Course Transfer System (ACTS) portal to verify specific articulation agreements. Additionally, the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship ($5,000 annually) applies to transfer students who maintain academic eligibility, further reducing financial burden. For those exploring alternative technology pathways, consider Database Management in Arkansas, Data Analytics in Arkansas, and Information Systems in Arkansas to identify complementary degree options. Prospective transfer students should contact the Registrar's Office or Student Services at their target institution to confirm transfer credit evaluation procedures and program-specific admission requirements.
Why Pursue a Database Administration Degree in Arkansas?
Industry & Workforce
Arkansas offers a strong pathway into database administration through 11 institutions statewide, including 5 bachelor's-granting universities and 3 associate's degree programs (IPEDS). The state's educational infrastructure is complemented by a strong tech ecosystem in major metros. Little Rock, Fayetteville, and the Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers metro area serve as regional innovation hubs, anchored by major employers like Walmart, Tyson Foods, and J.B. Hunt, all of which rely heavily on strong database management systems. For prospective students, Arkansas's public four-year institutions offer an average in-state tuition of $6,494, making database administration degrees both accessible and affordable compared to national peers (Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Salary Outlook
Top-performing institutions like Harding University (39 completions), University of Arkansas at Little Rock (26 completions), and University of Arkansas Grantham (24 completions) demonstrate strong program output and employer connections. Master's-level programs are particularly strong, with 59 total completions across three institutions, offering pathways to advanced roles in data governance and enterprise systems. Students pursuing database administration in Arkansas benefit from the state's Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship, which awards up to $5,000 per year for academically talented students. Explore related technical fields through Database Management in Arkansas, Data Analytics in Arkansas, and Cloud Computing in Arkansas to understand the broader data career landscape.
Database Administration Program Availability in Arkansas
Source: IPEDS 2024
Database Administration Job Market & Salary Data in Arkansas
Employment Outlook
Arkansas offers a growing job market for database administration professionals, with opportunities concentrated in major metropolitan areas and regional tech hubs. The state's economy is increasingly digitized, creating steady demand for skilled database administrators across multiple sectors. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Arkansas employers are actively recruiting database professionals to manage critical data infrastructure. The Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway metro area and the Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers metro area represent the strongest job markets, with both regions experiencing significant growth in tech-related employment. These metros serve as primary employment centers for database administration graduates from institutions like the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and Arkansas State University.
Salaries by Metro
The state's educational infrastructure supports this job market with 11 institutions offering database administration programs across associate's, bachelor's, and master's levels. Recent IPEDS data shows 35 bachelor's degree completions and 59 master's degree completions annually, providing a steady pipeline of qualified professionals. Entry-level positions require a bachelor's degree, while advancement opportunities often lead to specialized roles in data security, cloud infrastructure, or enterprise database management. Students graduating from Arkansas Tech University or University of Central Arkansas find competitive employment prospects in both public and private sectors throughout the state.
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 Arkansas
Online Programs
1 available in Arkansas
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Database Administration Programs in Other States
- Total Programs
- 47
- Median Tuition
- $7,700
- Total Programs
- 11
- Median Tuition
- $4,500
- Total Programs
- 4
- Median Tuition
- $6,500
- Total Programs
- 6
- Median Tuition
- $12,500
- Total Programs
- 9
- Median Tuition
- $8,300
- Total Programs
- 3
- Median Tuition
- $6,600
- Total Programs
- 25
- Median Tuition
- $11,800
- Total Programs
- 12
- Median Tuition
- $5,100
Database Administration Degree Programs in Arkansas: FAQ
What are the best database administration degree programs in Arkansas?
How much do database administration degree programs cost in Arkansas?
What salary can database administration degree graduates earn in Arkansas?
Are there online database administration degree programs in Arkansas?
What companies hire database administration degree graduates in Arkansas?
Is a database administration degree program worth it in Arkansas?
How long do database administration degree programs take in Arkansas?
What financial aid is available for database administration degree students in Arkansas?
Data Sources
Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
Arkansas 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.