Best Value Database Administration Programs 2026

Best Database Administration Programs - Top 10 Best Value — Complete Program Data

1. #1. Western Governors University

   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: Western Governors University's partnerships with Oracle and Microsoft translate research into real-world experience — a key differentiator for hiring managers.

   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. #2. Bellevue College

   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: Bellevue College's partnerships with Oracle and Microsoft translate research into real-world experience — a key differentiator for hiring managers.

   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. #3. Northeastern University

   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 partnerships with Amazon and Apple translate research into real-world experience — a key differentiator for hiring managers.

   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. #4. University of Nevada-Las Vegas

   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 partnerships with MGM Resorts International and Caesars Entertainment translate research into real-world experience — a key differentiator for hiring managers.

   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. #5. Utah State University

   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 partnerships with Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure translate research into real-world experience — a key differentiator for hiring managers.

   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. #6. Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus

   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's partnerships with IBM and Microsoft translate research into real-world experience — a key differentiator for hiring managers.

   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. #7. University of San Francisco

   Location: San Francisco, CA | Type: Private | Tuition: $57,670/year | Score: 51.9

   Hakia Insight: University of San Francisco's partnerships with Meta and Reddit translate research into real-world experience — a key differentiator for hiring managers.

   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. #8. University of St Thomas

   Location: Saint Paul, MN | Type: Private | Tuition: $50,788/year | Graduation Rate: 89% | Score: 51.3

9. #9. DePaul University

   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. #10. University of Minnesota-Duluth

    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: