Best Database Administration Programs in Colorado 2025

Colorado's database administration education sector reflects the state's growing technology industry, with 12 institutions offering specialized DBA programs across bachelor's and master's degree levels. The state's database administrator employment is projected to grow by 8% through 2032, creating approximately 850 new positions annually according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Colorado universities distinguish themselves through strong industry connections with major employers like Comcast, Ball Corporation, and numerous fintech startups in the Denver-Boulder corridor. The average starting salary for DBA graduates in Colorado reaches $78,400, with experienced professionals earning median salaries of $98,200 in the Denver metropolitan area.

The state's database administration programs emphasize practical skills in Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, MySQL, and emerging technologies like NoSQL databases and cloud platforms. Many programs integrate cybersecurity fundamentals given the critical importance of database security in modern enterprises.

Colorado offers 4 bachelor's-level database administration programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are University of Colorado Boulder, Colorado State University-Fort Collins, Colorado State University Pueblo. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $85,008 in the Colorado market.

A bachelor's in database administration typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Database Administration Bachelor's Programs guide.

For graduate study, Colorado offers 5 master's-level database administration programs. Leading institutions include University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Denver, Colorado State University-Fort Collins. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Colorado reaching $157,872 or more.

For budget-conscious students, the most affordable database administration programs in Colorado are at Colorado State University Pueblo ($6,870/year), University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus ($9,096/year), Colorado State University-Fort Collins ($10,299/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Colorado's competitive tech salaries.

At Colorado State University Pueblo, a 4-year degree costs approximately $27,480 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $85,008, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.5 years.

Colorado's database administration job market benefits from a diverse economy spanning technology, aerospace, energy, and financial services. Major employers include Lockheed Martin, IBM, Oracle, and a growing ecosystem of fintech companies in the Denver area. The state's business-friendly environment continues attracting technology companies, creating sustained demand for database professionals.

Database administrators in Colorado earn competitive salaries across experience levels. Entry-level positions average $62,800 annually, while senior DBA roles command salaries of $115,000 or higher. The Denver-Aurora-Lakewood metropolitan area offers the highest compensation, followed by Boulder and Colorado Springs markets.

• Entry-level DBA: $62,800 - $78,400 annually
• Mid-level DBA: $81,200 - $98,500 annually
• Senior DBA: $103,000 - $125,000+ annually
• Database Architect: $118,000 - $145,000+ annually

The state's emphasis on cloud computing and data science creates additional opportunities for database professionals with skills in cloud platforms like AWS RDS, Azure SQL Database, and Google Cloud SQL. Many Colorado employers also seek DBAs with expertise in big data technologies and NoSQL databases.

Admission requirements for database administration programs in Colorado vary by institution and degree level. Most bachelor's programs require a high school diploma with strong mathematics backgrounds, while master's programs typically require a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or related field.

Common admission requirements include

• Minimum GPA of 3.0 for undergraduate programs, 3.2 for graduate programs
• SAT scores of 1200+ or ACT scores of 25+ for bachelor's programs
• Prerequisite coursework in mathematics (calculus, statistics) and basic programming
• Letters of recommendation from academic or professional references
• Personal statement outlining career goals and technical interests
• Some programs require GRE scores for master's degree admission

Several Colorado institutions offer pathway programs for students without traditional computer science backgrounds. These bridge programs typically include foundational courses in programming, database concepts, and systems administration before entering the core DBA curriculum.