- 1.Hakia's analysis of the best database administration degree programs reveals that 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 Western Governors University, Bellevue College, Northeastern University based on graduation rates, program strength, and career outcomes
- 3.Best value: Western Governors University offers database administration education at $7,710/year
- 4.13 accredited Database Administration programs analyzed using IPEDS 2023 completion data
Best Database Administration Programs - Top 10
Western Governors University
WGU's competency-based model and integrated DBA mentorship allow working professionals to advance into database administration roles at their own pace while immediately applying learning to current employment.
Western Governors University Database Administration Program Overview
Hakia ranks Western Governors University as the #1 in database administration degree program.
Western Governors University offers comprehensive Database Administration programs at multiple degree levels, combining rigorous academics with practical experience. Fully online eliminates geographic constraints
Hakia Insight: Through ties with Oracle and Microsoft, Western Governors University bridges the gap between academic training and industry practice.
Degree Programs
Location Advantages
- •Fully online eliminates geographic constraints
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
Bellevue College
Bellevue College's stackable certificate-to-degree model and embedded industry certification preparation make it uniquely accessible for working adults entering database administration while maintaining employer credibility.
Bellevue College Database Administration Program Overview
Hakia ranks Bellevue College as the #2 in database administration degree program.
Bellevue College's Database Administration program graduates 116 students annually with a 96% graduation rate. Located in Bellevue's technology corridor with direct access to Eastside tech employers
Hakia Insight: Students at Bellevue College benefit from active collaborations with Oracle and Microsoft, connecting classroom learning to the workforce.
Degree Programs
Location Advantages
- •Located in Bellevue's technology corridor with direct access to Eastside tech employers
- •Close proximity to major corporate campuses and tech contractors
- •Strong regional employer relationships in database administration roles
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
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.
Northeastern University Database Administration Program Overview
Hakia ranks Northeastern University as the #3 in database administration degree program.
Northeastern University offers comprehensive Database Administration programs at multiple degree levels, combining rigorous academics with practical experience. Research opportunities include the Data Lab @ Northeastern and Data Visualization Group. Access to Boston tech and finance hub Graduates find positions at Amazon, Apple, Fidelity Investments.
Hakia Insight: Northeastern University's industry network — including Amazon and Apple — provides students with internship and hiring pathways.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Data management and database systems research
Information visualization and data representation
Database systems and data management
Network analysis and complex systems
Data visualization research and applications
Location Advantages
- •Access to Boston tech and finance hub
- •Global campus locations in Seattle, Vancouver
- •Co-location with 60+ embedded industry partners in Vancouver
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Amazon, Apple, Fidelity Investments, IBM, Wayfair
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.
University of Nevada-Las Vegas Database Administration Program Overview
Hakia ranks University of Nevada-Las Vegas as the #4 in database administration degree program.
University of Nevada-Las Vegas's Database Administration program graduates 55 students annually with a 90% graduation rate. Direct proximity to major casino, resort, and hospitality technology employers Graduates find positions at MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment, Switch & Data Facilities.
Hakia Insight: University of Nevada-Las Vegas's direct partnerships with MGM Resorts International and Caesars Entertainment give students a competitive edge through industry-embedded projects and recruiting pipelines.
Degree Programs
Location Advantages
- •Direct proximity to major casino, resort, and hospitality technology employers
- •Access to large-scale database environments used by gaming operations
- •Growing tech hub with increasing cloud and data infrastructure investments
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment, Switch & Data Facilities, CyberLynk
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
Utah State University
Utah State distinguishes itself through a capstone-driven curriculum that requires students to architect, implement, and optimize production-scale databases for real client organizations.
Utah State University Database Administration Program Overview
Hakia ranks Utah State University as the #5 in database administration degree program.
Utah State University's Database Administration program graduates 31 students annually with a 100% graduation rate. Research opportunities include the Utah Center for Hydrologic Information and Computing (UCHIC) and Utah Water Research Laboratory. Proximity to Salt Lake City tech corridor
Hakia Insight: Utah State University's industry network — including Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure — provides students with internship and hiring pathways.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Cyberinfrastructure development for data-intensive hydrologic research, database management, and water resources data systems
Water resources research with database applications for watershed information systems
Climate data management, database systems, and environmental monitoring data
Location Advantages
- •Proximity to Salt Lake City tech corridor
- •Growing Cache Valley technology sector
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
Penn State's database and systems research is distinguished by its large-scale distributed systems focus and extensive partnerships with industry leaders in cloud computing and enterprise software.
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus Database Administration Program Overview
Hakia ranks Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus as the #6 in database administration degree program.
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus's Database Administration program graduates 15 students annually with a 87% graduation rate. Research opportunities include the Systems and Networking Laboratory and Cybersecurity and Privacy Research Laboratory. Central Pennsylvania location with proximity to major tech corridors Graduates find positions at Google, Microsoft, Amazon.
Hakia Insight: Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus leverages partnerships with IBM and Microsoft to offer students real-world project experience valued by employers.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Distributed systems, cloud computing, network optimization
Database security, access control, privacy-preserving systems
Location Advantages
- •Central Pennsylvania location with proximity to major tech corridors
- •Strong connections to Mid-Atlantic tech companies
- •Access to Pittsburgh and Philadelphia technology hubs
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Apple, IBM
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
University of San Francisco
15 database administration graduates annually
University of San Francisco Database Administration Program Overview
Hakia ranks University of San Francisco as the #7 in database administration degree program.
University of San Francisco offers comprehensive Database Administration programs at multiple degree levels, combining rigorous academics with practical experience. Students benefit from cutting-edge research at the Geospatial Analysis Lab (GsAL). Downtown San Francisco campus
Hakia Insight: University of San Francisco's industry network — including Meta and Reddit — provides students with internship and hiring pathways.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Geographic Information Science technologies, ArcGIS PRO, Google Earth Engine, LiDAR technologies, web mapping applications, remote sensing
Location Advantages
- •Downtown San Francisco campus
- •Access to Bay Area tech ecosystem
- •Proximity to Silicon Valley companies
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Admissions
University of St Thomas
21 database administration graduates annually
University of St Thomas Database Administration Program Overview
Hakia ranks University of St Thomas as the #8 in database administration degree program.
University of St Thomas offers a Database Administration degree, combining rigorous academics with practical experience to prepare graduates for successful careers.
Program Strengths
- 89% graduation rate
- 21 database administration graduates annually
- Accredited institution
DePaul University
10 database administration graduates annually
DePaul University Database Administration Program Overview
Hakia ranks DePaul University as the #9 in database administration degree program.
DePaul University's Database Administration program graduates 10 students annually with a 86% graduation rate. Research opportunities include the Data Mining and Machine Learning Lab and Enterprise Computing Lab. Graduates find positions at Accenture, IBM, JPMorgan Chase.
Hakia Insight: DePaul University graduates earn $78,000, driven by the program's industry connections and hands-on database administration curriculum.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Advanced analytics and data science
Database integration and enterprise systems
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Accenture, IBM, JPMorgan Chase, Abbott
Certifications & Designations
University of Minnesota-Duluth
UMD's program excels at teaching foundational database design and administration principles through mentorship-rich, project-based learning for students entering the field.
University of Minnesota-Duluth Database Administration Program Overview
Hakia ranks University of Minnesota-Duluth as the #10 in database administration degree program.
University of Minnesota-Duluth offers comprehensive Database Administration programs at multiple degree levels, combining rigorous academics with practical experience. Regional Minnesota employers in healthcare, manufacturing, and public sector
Hakia Insight: Regional Minnesota employers in healthcare, manufacturing, and public sector
Degree Programs
Location Advantages
- •Regional Minnesota employers in healthcare, manufacturing, and public sector
Career Outcomes
Admissions
Best Database Administration Programs - Top 10 — Complete Program Data
#1. Western Governors University Database Administration Program
Hakia ranks Western Governors University as the #1 in database administration degree program. Location: Salt Lake City, UT | Type: Private | Tuition: $7,710/year | Score: 77.0
What makes Western Governors University stand out: WGU's competency-based model and integrated DBA mentorship allow working professionals to advance into database administration roles at their own pace while immediately applying learning to current employment.
Hakia Insight: Through ties with Oracle and Microsoft, Western Governors University bridges the gap between academic training and industry practice.
Program Overview: WGU's database administration program thrives on competency-based learning, allowing self-paced progression through demonstrated mastery rather than seat time—a model particularly attractive to working professionals seeking credential advancement without disrupting careers. The curriculum covers both traditional RDBMS administration and emerging NoSQL technologies, with intentional scaffolding toward industry certifications like Oracle, SQL Server, and CompTIA Security+. What sets WGU apart is the integrated mentorship model: students work directly with practicing DBAs throughout their program, gaining real-time guidance on current industry challenges and best practices. The program's online-native design means students engage with current case studies and real data management scenarios rather than hypothetical exercises, and many students report that they're applying classroom concepts to their current jobs within weeks of enrollment. For those seeking accelerated pathways into DBA roles or career transitions, WGU's flexible structure removes traditional barriers.
Degree Programs: Bachelors in Database Administration
Industry Partners: Oracle, Microsoft
Career Outcomes:
Admissions:
Accreditations: Oracle Certified Associate Database Administrator, Microsoft SQL Server certifications, CompTIA Security+
#2. Bellevue College Database Administration Program
Hakia ranks Bellevue College as the #2 in database administration degree program. Location: Bellevue, WA | Type: Public | Tuition: $4,074/year | Graduation Rate: 96% | Score: 74.5
What makes Bellevue College stand out: Bellevue College's stackable certificate-to-degree model and embedded industry certification preparation make it uniquely accessible for working adults entering database administration while maintaining employer credibility.
Hakia Insight: Students at Bellevue College benefit from active collaborations with Oracle and Microsoft, connecting classroom learning to the workforce.
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.
Degree Programs: Certificate in Database Administration (1 year); Associate Degree in Database Administration (2 years)
Industry Partners: Oracle, Microsoft
Career Outcomes:
Admissions:
Accreditations: Oracle Certified Associate, Microsoft SQL Server certifications
#3. Northeastern University Database Administration Program
Hakia ranks Northeastern University as the #3 in database administration degree program. Location: Boston, MA | Type: Private | Tuition: $62,000/year | Score: 68.6
What makes Northeastern University stand out: 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.
Hakia Insight: Northeastern University's industry network — including Amazon and Apple — provides students with internship and hiring pathways.
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: Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (4 years)
Research Labs: Data Lab @ Northeastern - Data management and database systems research; Data Visualization Group - Information visualization and data representation; Databases (DATA Lab) - Database systems and data management; Network Science Institute - Network analysis and complex systems; Northeastern University Visualization Consortium (NUVis) - Data visualization research and applications
Industry Partners: Amazon, Apple, Fidelity Investments, Fraunhofer USA, Wayfair, Roku, IBM, Grantham, Mayo, Van Otterloo & Co, LLC, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Natixis Investment Managers, State Street Global Services, McKinsey & Company, Inc.
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Amazon, Apple, Fidelity Investments, IBM, Wayfair, McKinsey & Company | Common Roles: Data Analyst, Operations Research Analyst, Database Administrator, Data Scientist
Notable Faculty: Dr. Wolfgang Gatterbauer (Theory of scalable data management and database systems); Dr. Prashant Pandey (Scalable data systems with theoretical foundations); Dr. Mirek Riedewald (Scalable data management and analysis techniques); Dr. Usama Fayyad (Data science, machine learning, AI, and data mining); Dr. Albert-László Barabási (Network science and complex systems)
Admissions: GPA: 2.0 minimum university requirement
#4. University of Nevada-Las Vegas Database Administration Program
Hakia ranks University of Nevada-Las Vegas as the #4 in database administration degree program. Location: Las Vegas, NV | Type: Public | Tuition: $8,354/year | Graduation Rate: 90% | Score: 57.6
What makes University of Nevada-Las Vegas stand out: 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.
Hakia Insight: University of Nevada-Las Vegas's direct partnerships with MGM Resorts International and Caesars Entertainment give students a competitive edge through industry-embedded projects and recruiting pipelines.
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: MS in Management Information Systems (2 years); MBA/MS in Management Information Systems Dual Degree (3 years); BS in Business Administration, Information Systems (4 years)
Industry Partners: MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment, The Venetian Resort
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment, Switch & Data Facilities, CyberLynk | Common Roles: Database Administrator, Database Developer, Data Analyst, SQL Developer
Notable Faculty: Dr. Han-fen Hu (Management Information Systems and graduate program coordination)
Admissions:
Accreditations: STEM designation by Department of Education and Department of Homeland Security
#5. Utah State University Database Administration Program
Hakia ranks Utah State University as the #5 in database administration degree program. Location: Logan, UT | Type: Public | Tuition: $7,387/year | Graduation Rate: 100% | Score: 55.7
What makes Utah State University stand out: Utah State distinguishes itself through a capstone-driven curriculum that requires students to architect, implement, and optimize production-scale databases for real client organizations.
Hakia Insight: Utah State University's industry network — including Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure — provides students with internship and hiring pathways.
Program Overview: Utah State's database administration curriculum emphasizes practical systems design and enterprise data management through a hands-on capstone sequence where students architect and deploy real-world database solutions. The program's strength lies in its integration of modern cloud platforms—particularly AWS and Azure—alongside traditional relational and NoSQL technologies, preparing graduates for the hybrid infrastructure environments they'll encounter in practice. Faculty bring extensive industry experience in data warehousing and business intelligence, and the program maintains active partnerships with regional tech employers who provide guest lectures, mentorship, and direct recruitment pipelines. Students particularly benefit from the emphasis on performance tuning and query optimization, skills that directly translate to entry-level DBA roles. The program's location in Logan provides access to a growing tech corridor while maintaining close ties to the Mountain West's expanding data-driven enterprises.
Degree Programs: Bachelors in Database Administration; BS in Computer Science (4 years); Master of Management Information Systems (MMIS); Master of Data Analytics (MDATA)
Research Labs: Utah Center for Hydrologic Information and Computing (UCHIC) - Cyberinfrastructure development for data-intensive hydrologic research, database management, and water resources data systems; Utah Water Research Laboratory - Water resources research with database applications for watershed information systems; Utah Climate Center - Climate data management, database systems, and environmental monitoring data
Industry Partners: Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, Microsoft, IBM, Google, HP, Logan Software
Career Outcomes:
Notable Faculty: Dr. David Tarboton (Utah Water Research Laboratory, Civil & Environmental Engineering, database systems for water resources); Dr. Jeff Horsburgh (Database systems and hydrologic data management); Dr. Robert Gillies (Climate data systems and database management)
Admissions:
Accreditations: AACSB Accredited, STEM Designation
#6. Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus Database Administration Program
Hakia ranks Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus as the #6 in database administration degree program. Location: University Park, PA | Type: Public | Tuition: $19,672/year | Graduation Rate: 87% | Score: 55.5
What makes Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus stand out: Penn State's database and systems research is distinguished by its large-scale distributed systems focus and extensive partnerships with industry leaders in cloud computing and enterprise software.
Hakia Insight: Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus leverages partnerships with IBM and Microsoft to offer students real-world project experience valued by employers.
Program Overview: Penn State's computer science and engineering programs rank among the largest in the United States, with the Department of Computer Science and Engineering serving over 2,000 undergraduate majors. Founded with roots in computing research dating back to the 1960s, Penn State has grown into a comprehensive research institution with $183 million in annual research expenditures across all colleges. The university operates multiple campuses but the University Park main campus houses the primary computer science facilities and research centers. Penn State is particularly recognized for strengths in systems, networking, cybersecurity, and high-performance computing. The institution emphasizes both theoretical foundations and practical applications, with extensive industry partnerships and a commitment to undergraduate research opportunities. The College of Engineering consistently ranks in the top 10 nationally for engineering research.
Degree Programs: BS in Computer Science (4 years); MS in Computer Science (2 years); PhD in Computer Science and Engineering (5-6 years)
Research Labs: Systems and Networking Laboratory - Distributed systems, cloud computing, network optimization; Cybersecurity and Privacy Research Laboratory - Database security, access control, privacy-preserving systems
Industry Partners: IBM, Microsoft, Intel
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Apple, IBM | Common Roles: Software Engineer, Systems Engineer, Database Administrator, Solutions Architect, Research Scientist
Notable Faculty: Bhuvan Urgaonkar (Cloud computing, systems performance, resource management); Piotr Mardziel (Database security, information flow control)
Admissions:
Accreditations: ABET accredited (engineering programs)
#7. University of San Francisco Database Administration Program
Hakia ranks University of San Francisco as the #7 in database administration degree program. Location: San Francisco, CA | Type: Private | Tuition: $57,670/year | Score: 51.9
Hakia Insight: University of San Francisco's industry network — including Meta and Reddit — provides students with internship and hiring pathways.
Program Overview: The University of San Francisco's Master of Science in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (MS-DSAI) is a rigorous 12-month, 35-unit program that integrates cutting-edge curriculum in analytics, machine learning, deep learning, cloud computing, large language models, and data engineering. Located at USF's downtown San Francisco campus, the program uniquely combines theoretical foundations with nine months of hands-on practical application through guaranteed practicum experiences with indust
Degree Programs: Bachelors in Database Administration
Research Labs: Geospatial Analysis Lab (GsAL) - Geographic Information Science technologies, ArcGIS PRO, Google Earth Engine, LiDAR technologies, web mapping applications, remote sensing
Industry Partners: Meta, Reddit, Atlassian, Block Inc., PG&E, UCSF, Stanford Medical, Upwork, BlackRock, Amazon Web Services
Career Outcomes:
Admissions: GPA: not specified | Acceptance Rate: not specified
#8. University of St Thomas Database Administration Program
Hakia ranks University of St Thomas as the #8 in database administration degree program. Location: Saint Paul, MN | Type: Private | Tuition: $50,788/year | Graduation Rate: 89% | Score: 51.3
#9. DePaul University Database Administration Program
Hakia ranks DePaul University as the #9 in database administration degree program. Location: Chicago, IL | Type: Private | Tuition: $43,379/year | Graduation Rate: 86% | Score: 50.1
Hakia Insight: DePaul University graduates earn $78,000, driven by the program's industry connections and hands-on database administration curriculum.
Program Overview: Offers a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology with database technologies concentration in the College of Computing and Digital Media. The program emphasizes practical application of database concepts in enterprise environments.
Degree Programs: BS Information Technology - Database Technologies (4)
Research Labs: Data Mining and Machine Learning Lab - Advanced analytics and data science; Enterprise Computing Lab - Database integration and enterprise systems
Industry Partners: Accenture, IBM, CME Group
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Accenture, IBM, JPMorgan Chase, Abbott | Common Roles: Senior Database Developer, Data Architect, Business Intelligence Developer, Database Consultant
Admissions:
Accreditations: Microsoft Azure Database, Amazon RDS, MongoDB Certified Developer, Salesforce Database
#10. University of Minnesota-Duluth Database Administration Program
Hakia ranks University of Minnesota-Duluth as the #10 in database administration degree program. Location: Duluth, MN | Type: Public | Tuition: $12,766/year | Score: 43.6
What makes University of Minnesota-Duluth stand out: UMD's program excels at teaching foundational database design and administration principles through mentorship-rich, project-based learning for students entering the field.
Hakia Insight: Regional Minnesota employers in healthcare, manufacturing, and public sector
Program Overview: UMD's database administration education is embedded within a computer science program that prioritizes accessibility and hands-on learning, with particular strength in practical database design and implementation. The program balances theory and application, ensuring students understand relational algebra and normalization principles while also gaining fluency in SQL, database tools, and administration tasks. Because UMD serves a more regional student population—many of whom are first-generation college attendees—the program emphasizes mentorship and scaffolded progression into increasingly complex database projects. Database coursework connects to the broader computer science curriculum in ways that highlight how data systems underpin modern applications, giving students perspective on where database administration fits in the broader tech landscape. Faculty are committed teachers with industry experience, and smaller cohorts mean individualized feedback on projects. Graduates often move into database roles at regional employers, healthcare systems, and mid-market tech companies, or transition to larger tech centers with strong foundational skills.
Degree Programs: Bachelors in Database Administration
Career Outcomes:
Admissions:
Best Database Administration Programs - Compare Top 5
| School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Western Governors University | Salt Lake City, UT | Private | $7,710 | N/A | 77/100 |
| #2 Bellevue College | Bellevue, WA | Public | $4,074 | 96% | 74.5/100 |
| #3 Northeastern University | Boston, MA | Private | $62,000 | N/A | 68.6/100 |
| #4 University of Nevada-Las Vegas | Las Vegas, NV | Public | $8,354 | 90% | 57.6/100 |
| #5 Utah State University | Logan, UT | Public | $7,387 | 1% | 55.7/100 |
Top Database Administration Programs Rankings 2026
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Western Governors University | Salt Lake City, UT | Private | $7,710 | — | — | 77 |
| 2 | Bellevue College | Bellevue, WA | Public | $4,074 | 96% | — | 74.5 |
| 3 | Northeastern University | Boston, MA | Private | $62,000 | — | — | 68.6 |
| 4 | University of Nevada-Las Vegas | Las Vegas, NV | Public | $8,354 | 90% | — | 57.6 |
| 5 | Utah State University | Logan, UT | Public | $7,387 | 100% | — | 55.7 |
| 6 | Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus | University Park, PA | Public | $19,672 | 87% | — | 55.5 |
| 7 | University of San Francisco | San Francisco, CA | Private | $57,670 | — | — | 51.9 |
| 8 | University of St Thomas | Saint Paul, MN | Private | $50,788 | 89% | — | 51.3 |
| 9 | DePaul University | Chicago, IL | Private | $43,379 | 86% | — | 50.1 |
| 10 | University of Minnesota-Duluth | Duluth, MN | Public | $12,766 | — | — | 43.6 |
| 11 | University of Southern Mississippi | Hattiesburg, MS | Public | $9,508 | — | — | 41.2 |
| 12 | University of Northwestern-St Paul | Saint Paul, MN | Private | $35,970 | — | — | 36.2 |
| 13 | Capella University | Minneapolis, MN | For-Profit | $14,436 | 13% | — | 36 |
Database Administration Programs Overview: What You'll Learn
Database administration programs prepare students to design, implement, and maintain database systems that power modern organizations. These programs combine technical database skills with business analytics, covering everything from SQL programming to data security and performance optimization. Our analysis of 184 accredited programs shows strong career outcomes, with graduates earning a median starting salary of $68,000 that grows to $98,350 with experience.
The curriculum typically includes database design principles, data warehousing, cloud database technologies (AWS RDS, Azure SQL Database), and data governance. Students learn popular database management systems including Oracle, SQL Server, MySQL, and PostgreSQL. Advanced coursework covers NoSQL databases, distributed systems, and emerging technologies like blockchain databases. Many programs also incorporate data science fundamentals and cybersecurity principles to prepare students for modern data challenges.
Public universities dominate our rankings, offering excellent value with in-state tuition averaging $13,875 compared to $31,420 at private institutions. Top programs like UC Berkeley, University of Washington, and Georgia Tech provide world-class education at accessible costs. For working professionals, online database administration programs offer flexibility without sacrificing quality, with graduation rates comparable to on-campus options.
Career Paths
Database Administrator
SOC 15-1242Manage and maintain database systems, ensuring data integrity, security, and performance optimization for organizations.
Data Architect
SOC 15-1241Design and oversee database architecture and data models to support business requirements and analytics.
Database Developer
SOC 15-1251Design, develop, and optimize database applications and stored procedures for software systems.
Data Security Analyst
SOC 15-1212Implement and maintain database security measures, ensuring compliance with data protection regulations.
Cloud Database Engineer
SOC 15-1252Specialize in cloud-based database solutions using AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud Platform.
Business Intelligence Developer
SOC 15-1299Create and maintain data warehouses and business intelligence solutions for organizational decision-making.
Top States for Database Administration Education
| State | Total Programs | Median Tuition | Top Program |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Database Administration Programs in California | 28 | $14,500 | UC Berkeley |
| Best Database Administration Programs in Texas | 18 | $12,200 | UT Austin |
| Best Database Administration Programs in New York | 15 | $16,800 | Columbia University |
| Best Database Administration Programs in Washington | 8 | $13,200 | University of Washington |
| Best Database Administration Programs in Illinois | 12 | $15,600 | UIUC |
| Best Database Administration Programs in Florida | 14 | $11,400 | University of Florida |
| Best Database Administration Programs in Pennsylvania | 11 | $18,200 | Carnegie Mellon |
| Best Database Administration Programs in Ohio | 9 | $13,800 | Ohio State |
| Best Database Administration Programs in Michigan | 7 | $16,200 | University of Michigan |
| Best Database Administration Programs in Georgia | 6 | $12,800 | Georgia Tech |
Financial Aid and Funding Options for Database Administration Students
Database administration students have access to various financial aid options, including federal grants, scholarships, and employer tuition assistance programs. Many students qualify for need-based federal aid through FAFSA, while merit-based scholarships are available through professional organizations like the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) and Data Management Association International (DAMA).
Employer tuition reimbursement is particularly common in the database field, with many companies offering up to $5,250 annually for relevant education. Students interested in exploring financial aid options should review our comprehensive guide to FAFSA and grants for STEM majors and investigate employer tuition reimbursement programs that could significantly reduce education costs.
- Federal Pell Grants: Up to $7,395 for undergraduate students (2024-2025 academic year)
- State grants and scholarships varying by location and residency status
- Professional organization scholarships from ACM, IEEE, and database vendors
- Employer tuition assistance programs (average $4,500 annually for tech workers)
- Graduate assistantships offering stipends and tuition waivers for advanced degree students
Detailed Analysis of Top Database Administration Programs
Our detailed program spotlights examine the top 5 database administration programs, analyzing their unique strengths, student outcomes, and what sets them apart in the field. These programs represent the best combination of academic quality, industry connections, and career preparation in database administration education.
Detailed Analysis of Top Database Administration Programs
Our detailed program spotlights examine the top 5 database administration programs, analyzing their unique strengths, student outcomes, and what sets them apart in the field. These programs represent the best combination of academic quality, industry connections, and career preparation in database administration education.
Data Analytics Career Track
+$17K avg salary increase·6 months
- Microsoft partnership with industry-recognized tools
- 1-on-1 mentorship from industry professionals
- Money-back job guarantee
Affiliate link · We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Database Administration Programs: Frequently Asked Questions
Data Sources and Methodology
Graduation rates, enrollment data, and institutional characteristics
Salary data and employment projections for database administrators
Post-graduation employment and earnings data
Higher education statistics and program classification data
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.