- 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 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
200 database administration graduates annually
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 for Database Administration based on 200 graduates, and overall score of 77/100. Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Program Strengths
- 200 database administration graduates annually
- Accredited institution
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.
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.
Utah State University
31 database administration graduates annually
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
15 database administration graduates annually
University of San Francisco
15 database administration graduates annually
University of St Thomas
21 database administration graduates annually
DePaul University
10 database administration graduates annually
University of Minnesota-Duluth
27 database administration graduates annually
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
California
Texas
New York
Washington
Illinois
Florida
Pennsylvania
Ohio
Michigan
Georgia
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.
Database Administration Programs: Frequently Asked Questions
Based on 184 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Database Administration degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023 (4-year institutions weighted higher)
Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)
State-specific database administration salaries from BLS OES 2024
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
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.