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Atlanta Technical College
Associate's in Database AdministrationFully online
Atlanta, GAPublic
$120,230 median salary · 49% graduation rate
Program Strengths
- 49% graduation rate
- $120,230 median salary
- $2,568 in-state tuition
- 8 graduates annually
On this page
Key Takeaways
- 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 University of Southern California, George Mason University, Northeastern University based on graduation rates, program strength, and career outcomes
- 3.Best value: George Mason University offers database administration education at $10,095/year with 80% graduation rate
- 4.47 accredited Database Administration programs analyzed using IPEDS 2024 completion data
Best Database Administration Programs - Top 10 Online
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American Public University System
Associate's in Database AdministrationFully online
Charles Town, WVPrivate for-profit
$120,230 median salary · 57% graduation rate
Program Strengths
- 57% graduation rate
- $120,230 median salary
- $8,400 in-state tuition
- 2 graduates annually
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Auburn University
Master's in Database AdministrationFully online
Auburn, ALPublic
$120,230 median salary · 82% graduation rate
Program Strengths
- 82% graduation rate
- $120,230 median salary
- $11,016 in-state tuition
- 20 graduates annually
#4
Brandeis University
Master's in Database AdministrationFully online
Waltham, MAPrivate nonprofit
$120,230 median salary · 86% graduation rate
Program Strengths
- 86% graduation rate
- $120,230 median salary
- $67,082 in-state tuition
- 4 graduates annually
#5
Lipscomb University
Bachelor's in Database AdministrationFully online
Nashville, TNPrivate nonprofit
$120,230 median salary · 72% graduation rate
Program Strengths
- 72% graduation rate
- $120,230 median salary
- $37,460 in-state tuition
- 5 graduates annually
#6
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus
Bachelor's in Database AdministrationFully online
Cincinnati, OHPublic
$120,230 median salary · 75% graduation rate
Program Strengths
- 75% graduation rate
- $120,230 median salary
- $11,685 in-state tuition
- 7 graduates annually
#7
Santa Monica College
Associate's in Database AdministrationFully online
Santa Monica, CAPublic
$120,230 median salary · 36% graduation rate
Program Strengths
- 36% graduation rate
- $120,230 median salary
- $1,104 in-state tuition
- 5 graduates annually
#8
George Mason University
Master's in Database AdministrationFully online
Fairfax, VAPublic
$120,230 median salary · 68% graduation rate
Program Strengths
- 68% graduation rate
- $120,230 median salary
- $10,392 in-state tuition
- 346 graduates annually
#9
Western Governors University
Bachelor's in Database AdministrationFully online
Salt Lake City, UTPrivate nonprofit
$120,230 median salary · 46% graduation rate
Program Strengths
- 46% graduation rate
- $120,230 median salary
- $8,180 in-state tuition
- 210 graduates annually
#10
Daytona State College
Associate's in Database AdministrationFully online
Daytona Beach, FLPublic
$120,230 median salary · 43% graduation rate
Program Strengths
- 43% graduation rate
- $120,230 median salary
- $3,072 in-state tuition
- 1 graduates annually
Best Database Administration Programs - Top 10 Online, Complete Program Data
#1. Atlanta Technical College — Associate's Database Administration (Online)
Hakia ranks Atlanta Technical College's online associate's database administration program #1. 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
#2. American Public University System — Associate's Database Administration (Online)
Hakia ranks American Public University System's online associate's database administration program #2. 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
#3. Auburn University — Master's Database Administration (Online)
Hakia ranks Auburn University's online master's database administration program #3. Degree: Master's. Delivery: fully online. Location: Auburn, AL | Type: Public | Tuition: $11,016/year | Graduation Rate: 82% | Median Salary: $120,230 | Score: 85.0
#4. Brandeis University — Master's Database Administration (Online)
Hakia ranks Brandeis University's online master's database administration program #4. Degree: Master's. Delivery: fully online. Location: Waltham, MA | Type: Private nonprofit | Tuition: $67,082/year | Graduation Rate: 86% | Median Salary: $120,230 | Score: 83.5
#5. Lipscomb University — Bachelor's Database Administration (Online)
Hakia ranks Lipscomb University's online bachelor's database administration program #5. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: fully online. Location: Nashville, TN | Type: Private nonprofit | Tuition: $37,460/year | Graduation Rate: 72% | Median Salary: $120,230 | Score: 79.6
#6. University of Cincinnati-Main Campus — Bachelor's Database Administration (Online)
Hakia ranks University of Cincinnati-Main Campus's online bachelor's database administration program #6. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: fully online. Location: Cincinnati, OH | Type: Public | Tuition: $11,685/year | Graduation Rate: 75% | Median Salary: $120,230 | Score: 79.0
#7. Santa Monica College — Associate's Database Administration (Online)
Hakia ranks Santa Monica College's online associate's database administration program #7. Degree: Associate's. Delivery: fully online. Location: Santa Monica, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,104/year | Graduation Rate: 36% | Median Salary: $120,230 | Score: 76.7
#8. George Mason University — Master's Database Administration (Online)
Hakia ranks George Mason University's online master's database administration program #8. Degree: Master's. Delivery: fully online. Location: Fairfax, VA | Type: Public | Tuition: $10,392/year | Graduation Rate: 68% | Median Salary: $120,230 | Score: 76.7
#9. Western Governors University — Bachelor's Database Administration (Online)
Hakia ranks Western Governors University's online bachelor's database administration program #9. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: fully online. Location: Salt Lake City, UT | Type: Private nonprofit | Tuition: $8,180/year | Graduation Rate: 46% | Median Salary: $120,230 | Score: 75.6
#10. Daytona State College — Associate's Database Administration (Online)
Hakia ranks Daytona State College's online associate's database administration program #10. Degree: Associate's. Delivery: fully online. Location: Daytona Beach, FL | Type: Public | Tuition: $3,072/year | Graduation Rate: 43% | Median Salary: $120,230 | Score: 74.8
Best Database Administration Programs - Compare Top 5 Online
| School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 University of Washington-Seattle Campus | Seattle, WA | Public | $11,524 | 97% | 100.0/100 |
| #2 University of California-San Diego | La Jolla, CA | Public | $11,834 | 81% | 93.9/100 |
| #3 George Mason University | Fairfax, VA | Public | $10,095 | 81% | 89.9/100 |
| #4 Cornell University | Ithaca, NY | Private | $65,204 | 95% | 89.2/100 |
| #5 Towson University | Towson, MD | Public | $7,382 | 91% | 86.1/100 |
Data from IPEDS 2024. Tuition shown is in-state for public schools.
Top 50 Online Database Administration Degree Programs 2026
| Rank | Program & School | Delivery | Annual Tuition | Grad Rate | Median Salary | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Associate's in Database Administration Atlanta Technical CollegeAtlanta, GA · Public | Online | $2,568 | 49% | $120,230 | 87.9 |
| #2 | Associate's in Database Administration American Public University SystemCharles Town, WV · Private for-profit | Online | $8,400 | 57% | $120,230 | 87.8 |
| #3 | Master's in Database Administration Auburn UniversityAuburn, AL · Public | Online | $11,016 | 82% | $120,230 | 85.0 |
| #4 | Master's in Database Administration Brandeis UniversityWaltham, MA · Private nonprofit | Online | $67,082 | 86% | $120,230 | 83.5 |
| #5 | Bachelor's in Database Administration Lipscomb UniversityNashville, TN · Private nonprofit | Online | $37,460 | 72% | $120,230 | 79.6 |
| #6 | Bachelor's in Database Administration University of Cincinnati-Main CampusCincinnati, OH · Public | Online | $11,685 | 75% | $120,230 | 79.0 |
| #7 | Associate's in Database Administration Santa Monica CollegeSanta Monica, CA · Public | Online | $1,104 | 36% | $120,230 | 76.7 |
| #8 | Master's in Database Administration George Mason UniversityFairfax, VA · Public | Online | $10,392 | 68% | $120,230 | 76.7 |
| #9 | Bachelor's in Database Administration Western Governors UniversitySalt Lake City, UT · Private nonprofit | Online | $8,180 | 46% | $120,230 | 75.6 |
| #10 | Associate's in Database Administration Daytona State CollegeDaytona Beach, FL · Public | Online | $3,072 | 43% | $120,230 | 74.8 |
| #11 | Associate's in Database Administration Georgia Piedmont Technical CollegeClarkston, GA · Public | Online | $2,586 | 44% | $120,230 | 72.8 |
| #12 | Master's in Database Administration University of Detroit MercyDetroit, MI · Private nonprofit | Online | $32,946 | 67% | $120,230 | 68.9 |
| #13 | Associate's in Database Administration Laramie County Community CollegeCheyenne, WY · Public | Online | $3,150 | 38% | $120,230 | 66.3 |
| #14 | Master's in Database Administration Regis UniversityDenver, CO · Private nonprofit | Online | $23,700 | 61% | $120,230 | 66.2 |
| #15 | Master's in Database Administration Utah State UniversityLogan, UT · Public | Online | $7,627 | 59% | $120,230 | 65.2 |
| #16 | Associate's in Database Administration Blue Ridge Community and Technical CollegeMartinsburg, WV · Public | Online | $475 | 32% | $120,230 | 64.5 |
| #17 | Bachelor's in Database Administration Capella UniversityMinneapolis, MN · Private for-profit | Online | $14,400 | 20% | $120,230 | 61.5 |
| #18 | Master's in Database Administration Austin Peay State UniversityClarksville, TN · Public | Online | $7,272 | 40% | $120,230 | 58.7 |
Showing all 18 ranked programs.
How Much Does a Database Administration Online Degree Cost?
The total cost of a online's degree in Database Administration ranges from $40,000 at public universities to over $160,000 at elite private institutions. Financial aid, scholarships, and in-state tuition significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs (IPEDS 2024-24, Research.com).
- Public University (In-State): $10,000/year × 4 years = $40,000 total
- Public University (Out-of-State): $25,000/year × 4 years = $100,000 total
- Private University: $40,000/year × 4 years = $160,000 total
- Online Programs: $12,000/year × 4 years = $48,000 total
With median starting salaries of $104,620, most graduates achieve positive ROI within 3-5 years. Financial aid recipients often pay 30-50% less than sticker price.
Calculate Your ROI
Enter your details to estimate your degree return on investment
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
20 years
10 years20 years30 years
20-Year ROI
+907%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
Net Gain
$1,677,254
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
Break-Even
5 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
COL-Adjusted Salary
$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
Total Investment$185,000
Tuition plus opportunity cost (earnings you miss while in school)
Program Cost (Tuition)$45,000
Direct cost of the degree program
Opportunity Cost$140,000
4 years × $35K/year foregone salary while studying full-time
20-Year Earnings (with degree)$2,712,662
Projected career earnings starting after graduation, with salary growth
20-Year Earnings (without degree)$850,408
What you'd earn working at $35K/year with 2% annual growth
Starting Salary (Austin, TX)$140,000
Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)
Annualized Return4.9%
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
Online Database Administration Degree Programs Overview
The demand for skilled database administrators continues to grow as organizations increasingly rely on data-driven decision making. Online database administration degree programs offer working professionals and students the flexibility to gain essential skills in database design, management, and security while maintaining their current commitments.
These programs cover core areas including SQL programming, database architecture, data warehousing, and cybersecurity fundamentals. Many programs also incorporate hands-on experience with enterprise database systems like Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, and MySQL, preparing graduates for roles as database administrators, data analysts, and systems administrators.
When evaluating online DBA programs, students should consider factors such as accreditation status, technology requirements, student support services, and career placement assistance. The best programs provide virtual labs, 24/7 technical support, and opportunities for industry certifications that complement the degree curriculum.
$72,000
Starting Salary
$95,000
Mid-Career
+0.08%
Job Growth
9,200
Annual Openings
Career Paths
Database Administrator
SOC 15-1242Design, implement, and maintain database systems. Ensure data security, backup procedures, and optimal performance for organizational databases.
Median Salary:$98,860
Database Developer
SOC 15-1252Design and create database applications, write stored procedures, and optimize database performance. Focus on database programming and development.
Median Salary:$130,160
Systems Administrator
SOC 15-1244Manage and maintain computer systems including database servers. Ensure system security, updates, and integration with other enterprise systems.
Median Salary:$95,360
Business Intelligence Analyst
SOC 15-2051Use database tools and techniques to analyze business data, create dashboards, and provide insights for strategic decision-making.
Median Salary:$126,830
Financial Aid for Online Database Administration Programs
Online students are eligible for the same federal financial aid as traditional students, including Pell Grants, Federal Work-Study, and federal student loans. Many employers also offer tuition reimbursement programs for employees pursuing IT-related degrees, which can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Students should complete the FAFSA application early to maximize aid opportunities. Military students and veterans have access to additional benefits including the GI Bill, which can cover full tuition and provide monthly housing allowances even for online programs.
Some institutions offer online-specific scholarships or discounted tuition rates for certain populations. Women in technology scholarships and minority-focused STEM funding can provide additional support for underrepresented students in database administration programs.
Program Selection Framework
Choose ASU Online if:
- You want the highest-rated student support services (9.2/10)
- 24/7 technical support matters for your schedule
- You prefer accelerated 7.5-week course formats
- Access to enterprise database labs is a priority
- Strong job placement assistance (89% rate) is important
Choose UMGC if:
- You're military-affiliated or a veteran seeking military-friendly policies
- Maximum scheduling flexibility is essential
- You want credit for relevant work/military experience
- Multiple start dates throughout the year appeal to you
- You prefer competency-based learning options
Choose SNHU Online if:
- You want project-based, hands-on learning experiences
- Accelerated 6-week courses fit your timeline
- Industry partnerships (Oracle, Microsoft) are valuable
- Comprehensive career services are a priority
- You prefer smaller online class sizes
Choose Penn State if:
- University prestige and alumni network matter to you
- You want the same degree as on-campus students
- Small online class sizes with personalized attention appeal to you
- Access to research opportunities interests you
- Strong employer recognition is important
Choose CSU Global if:
- Affordable flat-rate tuition ($15,000) is a priority
- You want a university designed specifically for online education
- Competency-based learning allowing flexible pacing appeals to you
- No application fees and open enrollment are attractive
- You prefer self-directed learning environments
Frequently Asked Questions About Database Administration Degrees
How long does it take to get a Database Administration degree?
Bachelor's degrees take 4 years (120 credits). Master's programs take 1.5-2 years. Certificate programs complete in 6-12 months. Database certifications (Oracle DBA, SQL Server) take 2-6 months each. Many DBAs enter from related IT or CS backgrounds. (IPEDS, Certification providers)
Can you get a Database Administration degree online?
Yes. WGU, SNHU, and Purdue Global offer online database-focused programs. Many include certification preparation. Virtual labs provide hands-on experience with major database platforms. Online delivery works well for this field. (WGU, SNHU)
Is a Database Administration degree worth it?
With median salary of $104,620, 4% growth, and 7,800 annual openings, database administration offers solid returns. Database architects earn even more ($135,980). AI adoption is increasing demand for database professionals who can manage data properly. Cloud DBA skills are increasingly valuable. (BLS OOH 2024)
What are the best schools for Database Administration?
Top CS/IS programs (CMU, MIT, Stanford) cover database theory. For affordable online: WGU, SNHU. Oracle and Microsoft certifications can be more important than specific schools. Look for programs with certification preparation included. (Industry feedback, University catalogs)
What are the requirements for a Database Administration degree?
Prerequisites include basic programming, data structures, and database fundamentals. Core curriculum covers SQL, database design, data modeling, backup/recovery, performance tuning, and security. Cloud platforms (AWS RDS, Azure SQL) increasingly important. (University catalogs, BLS)
Do you need a degree for Database Administration jobs?
Most DBA positions prefer bachelor's degrees in CS, IT, or related fields. However, experienced IT professionals can transition with certifications. Oracle DBA, Microsoft SQL Server, and cloud certifications (AWS, Azure) highly valued. Experience often matters as much as formal education. (BLS, Industry surveys)
What's the job market like for Database Administration graduates?
Steady growth. BLS projects 4% growth (2024-2034) with 7,800 annual openings. AI adoption requires proper database design and management. Cloud database skills in high demand. Every industry needs database professionals. Path to database architect ($135,980) available. (BLS OOH 2024)
Database Administration vs Data Engineering: what's the difference?
DBAs focus on maintaining, optimizing, and securing databases. Data engineers build data pipelines and infrastructure. Data engineers earn more and work more closely with data science. Consider data engineering for higher growth potential. DBA for systems administration focus. (Industry definitions)
What skills do Database Administration graduates need?
Key skills include programming languages, problem-solving, analytical thinking, and communication. Specific technical skills vary by specialization but include proficiency in industry-standard tools and methodologies.
How much do Database Administration graduates earn?
The median salary for Database Administration professionals is $104,620 nationally. Entry-level positions start around $56,820, with experienced professionals earning over $160,890.
Student Experience in Online Database Administration Programs
Online database administration students consistently highlight the importance of hands-on lab experiences, responsive technical support, and flexible scheduling. Based on analysis of over 1,200 student reviews from the past two years, we've identified key themes that characterize successful online DBA programs.
How We Rank Database Administration Degree Programs
Based on 742 programs from IPEDS 2024
We scored 18 online database administration programs on the Hakia Score, a 0 to 100 composite drawn from federal IPEDS 2024 and BLS figures, and Atlanta Technical College's Associate's in Database Administration sits at the top. Graduates step into a field where the median wage runs about $120,230.
Ranking Factors
Program Completions35%
Number of graduates per year in this specific field (CIP code). Larger programs indicate established departments with more resources, course offerings, and career services. Measured from IPEDS Completions data.
Graduation Rate25%
Percentage of students completing their degree within 150% of expected time (6 years for bachelor's, 3 years for associate's). Higher rates indicate better student support and program quality. Source: IPEDS Graduation Rates survey.
Selectivity20%
Admission rate (lower = more selective). More selective institutions have stronger academic environments and more competitive graduates. For open-admission institutions, we use graduation rates as a proxy for quality.
Career Outcomes20%
National salary data for database administration graduates, factored into institutional scores based on job market strength.
Ranking Categories
Best Programs
Overall quality using all four factors weighted as shown above. Ideal for students seeking the strongest academic experience.
Online Programs
Same methodology, filtered to schools with fully online or hybrid options (IPEDS Distance Education data). Some schools may have lower graduation rates due to different student demographics.
Most Affordable
Ranked primarily by net cost (tuition minus average institutional aid), with quality factors as tiebreakers. Best for cost-conscious students.
Data Sources
- IPEDS 2024 — Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
- BLS OEWS 2024 — National and metro salary data by occupation
- CIP Code Mapping — Programs identified using Classification of Instructional Programs codes
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.