- 1.Database Administrators earn a median salary of $101,000 with 8% projected job growth through 2032 (BLS OES 2024)
- 2.Top-ranked Database Administration programs include Northeastern University, University of Nevada-Las Vegas, Bellevue College based on graduation rates, program strength, and career outcomes
- 3.Best value: University of Nevada-Las Vegas offers database administration education at $8,354/year with 90% graduation rate
- 4.24 accredited Database Administration programs analyzed using IPEDS 2023 completion data
Best Database Administration Programs - Top 10 Bachelor's
Northeastern University
Northeastern's IT program leverages the university's signature experiential learning model that has been at the heart of the institution for over a century, allowing students to immediately apply classroom knowledge in real-world workplace settings while earning industry-recognized credentials.
Program Overview
Northeastern University's Bachelor of Science in Information Technology is a STEM-designated program delivered through the College of Professional Studies, designed with working professionals and career changers in mind. The program builds comprehensive IT expertise through a challenge-based, experiential learning model that emphasizes hands-on skills in programming, database management, networking, cybersecurity, and systems administration. Students can pursue optional concentrations in Analytics, Applications Development, Computer Science, or Systems Administration and Cybersecurity, allowing them to tailor their education to specific career goals. The program is available both on-campus in Boston and fully online, with flexible full-time and part-time enrollment options and multiple start terms throughout the year. What sets this program apart is its practical approach to learning—students can apply existing industry certifications like A+, network certifications, and PMP toward course credits, and the curriculum reinforces core business competencies including project management and communications that IT professionals need to succeed in modern workplaces.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Data analysis and management for large-scale datasets including the Mass Killing Database maintained jointly with Associated Press and USA TODAY
Industry Partners
Admissions
University of Nevada-Las Vegas
UNLV integrates database administration training within its Management Information Systems program, uniquely positioning graduates for the data-intensive gaming and hospitality industries that define Las Vegas's economy.
Program Overview
Based on the available information, UNLV does not appear to offer a dedicated Database Administration program. However, the university provides robust pathways to database skills through its Management Information Systems programs in the Lee Business School. The Master of Science in Management Information Systems offers both thesis and non-thesis tracks, with specialized options including a Bridge Program for students transitioning from other fields and a Cybersecurity track that incorporates database security principles. Students can pursue this degree fully online or on-campus, with dual degree options available combining MIS with either an MBA or MS in Cybersecurity. The program prepares students for roles involving database management, systems administration, and information security.
While UNLV's approach integrates database administration within broader information systems curricula rather than as a standalone specialization, students gain comprehensive exposure to database technologies, programming, and enterprise systems management. The university's location in Las Vegas provides unique opportunities in gaming, hospitality, and entertainment industries where database management is critical for customer analytics, transaction processing, and regulatory compliance.
Degree Programs
Admissions
Bellevue College
116 database administration graduates annually
Program Overview
Based on the provided sources, I was unable to locate specific information about a Database Administration program at Bellevue College. The faculty directory shows extensive expertise in computer science, information technology, and data analytics, with faculty like Cheng Cheng teaching in BAS Data Analytics and Fatma Cemile Serce specializing in Computer Science with a doctorate in Information Systems from Middle East Technical University. The college operates under strong leadership including Rodger Harrison as Vice President of Information Technology Services with a Master's in Information Technology Management from Western Governors University. However, without specific program curriculum, degree requirements, or dedicated database administration faculty details in the sources, I cannot provide comprehensive program information.
Western Governors University
200 database administration graduates annually
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
15 database administration graduates annually
Utah State University
31 database administration graduates annually
DePaul University
10 database administration graduates annually
University of St Thomas
21 database administration graduates annually
Lewis University
2 database administration graduates annually
University of San Francisco
15 database administration graduates annually
Best Database Administration Programs - Compare Top 5 Bachelor's
| School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Northeastern University | Boston, MA | Private | $62,000 | N/A | 69.7/100 |
| #2 University of Nevada-Las Vegas | Las Vegas, NV | Public | $8,354 | 90% | 66.6/100 |
| #3 Bellevue College | Bellevue, WA | Public | $4,074 | 96% | 65.4/100 |
| #4 Western Governors University | Salt Lake City, UT | Private | $7,710 | N/A | 62.8/100 |
| #5 Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus | University Park, PA | Public | $19,672 | 87% | 60/100 |
Complete Database Administration Bachelor's Programs Rankings
| Location | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Northeastern University | Boston, MA | $62,000 | — | — | 69.7 |
| 2 | University of Nevada-Las Vegas | Las Vegas, NV | $8,354 | 90% | — | 66.6 |
| 3 | Bellevue College | Bellevue, WA | $4,074 | 96% | — | 65.4 |
| 4 | Western Governors University | Salt Lake City, UT | $7,710 | — | — | 62.8 |
| 5 | Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus | University Park, PA | $19,672 | 87% | — | 60 |
| 6 | Utah State University | Logan, UT | $7,387 | 100% | — | 59.1 |
| 7 | DePaul University | Chicago, IL | $43,379 | 86% | — | 54.7 |
| 8 | University of St Thomas | Saint Paul, MN | $50,788 | 89% | — | 54.4 |
| 9 | Lewis University | Romeoville, IL | $37,592 | 99% | — | 51.1 |
| 10 | University of San Francisco | San Francisco, CA | $57,670 | — | — | 50.7 |
| 11 | George Washington University | Washington, DC | $64,508 | — | — | 50 |
| 12 | University of Southern Mississippi | Hattiesburg, MS | $9,508 | — | — | 45.9 |
| 13 | Northeastern University Professional Programs | Boston, MA | $48,464 | — | — | 45 |
| 14 | Dickinson State University | Dickinson, ND | $7,470 | 88% | — | 44.5 |
| 15 | University of Minnesota-Duluth | Duluth, MN | $12,766 | — | — | 42.8 |
| 16 | University of North Dakota | Grand Forks, ND | $9,237 | — | — | 40.1 |
| 17 | Roosevelt University | Chicago, IL | $20,000 | — | — | 38 |
| 18 | University of Northwestern-St Paul | Saint Paul, MN | $35,970 | — | — | 37.9 |
| 19 | Aquinas College | Grand Rapids, MI | $37,720 | — | — | 37.8 |
| 20 | Northwest Missouri State University | Maryville, MO | $6,442 | — | — | 36.3 |
| 21 | University of Dubuque | Dubuque, IA | $38,260 | — | — | 35 |
| 22 | Vermont State University | Randolph, VT | $9,984 | — | — | 31.6 |
| 23 | University of Phoenix-Arizona | Phoenix, AZ | $9,552 | — | — | 28.6 |
| 24 | Capella University | Minneapolis, MN | $14,436 | 13% | — | 27.7 |
Career Paths
Database Administrator
SOC 15-1141Design, implement, and maintain database systems for organizations. Ensure data security, backup procedures, and optimal performance.
Data Scientist
SOC 15-2051Extract insights from large datasets using statistical analysis and machine learning techniques.
Database Developer
SOC 15-1132Design and create database applications, stored procedures, and data integration solutions.
Data Analyst
SOC 15-2041Analyze business data to identify trends, create reports, and support decision-making processes.
Software Engineer
SOC 15-1252Develop applications that interact with database systems and implement data-driven solutions.
Database Administration Programs by State
California
Texas
Florida
New York
Illinois
Pennsylvania
How to Choose the Right Database Administration Program
Selecting the right database administration program requires careful consideration of your career goals, learning style, and financial situation. Start by evaluating program curricula to ensure they cover current industry technologies. Look for programs that offer both theoretical foundations and practical experience with enterprise database systems.
Consider the program's industry connections and internship opportunities. Universities with strong relationships with technology companies provide valuable networking opportunities and often lead to job offers. Online programs offer flexibility but may lack hands-on laboratory experiences that are crucial for database administration skills.
Evaluate the total cost of education including tuition, fees, and living expenses. Public universities often provide excellent value with quality education at lower costs. However, private institutions may offer smaller class sizes, more individualized attention, and extensive alumni networks.
Research faculty backgrounds and current research projects. Professors with industry experience bring real-world perspectives to the classroom. Look for faculty who publish research in database technologies and collaborate with industry partners on cutting-edge projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Based on 45 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Degree completions (sqrt normalized, capped at 500)
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023
State-specific salary data from BLS OES 2024
Admission rate (lower = more selective)
Institution type (R1/R2 research bonus)
CAE-CD designation, curator bonuses
Data completeness proxy
Reporting completeness
Data Sources and Methodology
Employment and salary data for database administrators
Graduation rates, employment outcomes, and earnings data
Institutional characteristics, enrollment, and financial data
Graduate employment and starting salary surveys
Technology trends and salary benchmarks
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.