- 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 Best Value
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 Best Value
| 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 |
Best Value Database Administration Programs Rankings 2026
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Western Governors University | Salt Lake City, UT | $7,710 | — | — | — |
| 2 | Bellevue College | Bellevue, WA | $4,074 | — | — | — |
| 3 | Northeastern University | Boston, MA | $62,000 | — | — | — |
| 4 | University of Nevada-Las Vegas | Las Vegas, NV | $8,354 | — | — | — |
| 5 | Utah State University | Logan, UT | $7,387 | — | — | — |
| 6 | Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus | University Park, PA | $19,672 | — | — | — |
| 7 | University of San Francisco | San Francisco, CA | $57,670 | — | — | — |
| 8 | University of St Thomas | Saint Paul, MN | $50,788 | — | — | — |
| 9 | DePaul University | Chicago, IL | $43,379 | — | — | — |
| 10 | University of Minnesota-Duluth | Duluth, MN | $12,766 | — | — | — |
| 11 | University of Southern Mississippi | Hattiesburg, MS | $9,508 | — | — | — |
| 12 | University of Northwestern-St Paul | Saint Paul, MN | $35,970 | — | — | — |
| 13 | Capella University | Minneapolis, MN | $14,436 | — | — | — |
Career Paths
Database Administrator
SOC 15-1242Design, implement, and maintain database systems for organizations
Database Architect
SOC 15-1243Design database solutions and data models for complex business requirements
Data Engineer
SOC 15-1244Build and maintain data pipelines and infrastructure systems
Cloud Database Specialist
SOC 15-1245Manage cloud-based database systems and migrations
Data Security Analyst
SOC 15-1212Protect database systems from security threats and breaches
Best Value Database Administration Programs by State
Arizona
California
Colorado
Florida
Georgia
Illinois
Massachusetts
New York
Texas
What Makes a Database Administration Program Good Value?
A high-value database administration program combines affordable tuition with strong career outcomes. The most valuable programs typically offer tuition rates below $15,000 annually while maintaining graduation rates above 60% and job placement rates exceeding 85%. These programs focus on practical skills training with industry-standard database systems including Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, MySQL, and PostgreSQL.
The best value programs also provide hands-on experience through internship partnerships, capstone projects with real databases, and access to enterprise-level software. Career outcomes data shows that graduates from top-value programs achieve with mid-career earnings reaching $95,000 or higher.
Online database administration degrees frequently offer better value than traditional on-campus programs. Students save on housing, commuting, and campus fees while accessing the same curriculum and faculty. Many online DBA programs use competency-based learning models that allow motivated students to complete degrees faster, further reducing total costs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Database Administration Program Value
Based on 347 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
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.