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$13,910
Tuition/yr
87%
Grad rate
65.9
Hakia Score
On this page
Reviewed by Taylor Rupe, Founder & EditorSee methodology
Key Takeaways
Best database administration degree programs: U of Colorado Boulder, Colorado State University..., Colorado State University...
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $6,870 to $58,032/year
Colorado State University... offers the most affordable option at $6,870/yr
Database Administration degree programs available: 5 master's, 1 doctoral in Colorado
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
1 online database administration degree programs in Colorado
Flexible scheduling for working professionals
Major employers: Arrow Electronics, IHS Markit, Lockheed Martin, Ping Identity
Tech hubs in Denver and Boulder
Hakia Research 2026
Database Administration degree programs near 31+ cities across Colorado
Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location
Updated July 13, 2026
How we ranked Colorado Database Administration programs
We rank 10 accredited database administration programs in Colorado using IPEDS 2024 institutional data, BLS OEWS 2024 state salary data, and College Scorecard outcomes. A 4-factor weighted composite is normalized to a 0–100 score. Schools cannot pay for placement; rankings are produced algorithmically.
Program completions (35%)Graduation rate (25%)Selectivity (20%)Career outcomes (20%)
See full methodologyAre Database Administration Degree Programs in Colorado Worth It?
Answer
$121,440
Yes. The best database administration degree programs in Colorado deliver strong ROI, graduates earn $121,440 median salary with +22% job growth through 2032. In-state tuition averages $23,366/year.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Database Administration Degree Rankings in Colorado
Compare the top-ranked Database Administration programs in Colorado by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Bachelor's Database Administration Programs in Colorado
4
Programs ranked
$22,278
Avg tuition/yr
90%
Avg grad rate
Program Landscape
Colorado ranks among the nation's top destinations for database administration education, with 4 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 3 public and 1 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are U of Colorado Boulder, Colorado State University..., Colorado State University..., recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Colorado database administration programs earn a median salary of $103,224, 5% above the national average. The state's robust technology sector, anchored by the Denver, Boulder, Colorado Springs metropolitan areas, provides abundant internship and employment opportunities with companies including Arrow Electronics, IHS Markit, Lockheed Martin.
Costs & Value
Tuition ranges from $6,870 to $58,032 annually, with an average of $22,278/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 90%, with the highest reaching 93%. Many programs hold ABET accreditation, the gold standard for computing education, ensuring curriculum meets rigorous industry standards.
Curriculum & Specializations
Students can choose from specializations including software engineering, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data science, and systems architecture. Strong industry partnerships provide access to co-op programs, capstone projects with real companies, and direct recruiting pipelines to Colorado's leading technology employers. For students seeking database administration degrees in Colorado, these top-ranked database administration schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
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Colorado State University-Fort Collins
Fort Collins, COPublic
Explore All 8 Colleges At Colorado State University$10,299
Tuition/yr
93%
Grad rate
60.5
Hakia Score
#4
$58,032
Tuition/yr
49.6
Hakia Score
Best Master's Database Administration Programs in Colorado
5
Programs ranked
$26,665
Avg tuition/yr
92%
Avg grad rate
Program Landscape
Colorado offers 5 master's degree programs in database administration, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, U of Colorado Denver/Ansc..., U of Denver, Colorado State University..., combine advanced technical training with research opportunities and leadership development.
Career Outcomes
Master's graduates in Colorado earn a median salary of $121,440, approximately 20-30% higher than bachelor's degree holders. The concentration of technology companies in Denver, Boulder, Colorado Springs creates strong demand for graduate-level talent, with Arrow Electronics, IHS Markit, Lockheed Martin actively recruiting from these programs.
Costs & Value
Program formats include traditional full-time study (typically 2 years), part-time options for working professionals (2-3 years), and accelerated tracks. Tuition averages $26,665/yr, with many employers offering tuition reimbursement for graduate education. Some programs offer thesis and non-thesis tracks, allowing students to focus on research or professional development based on their career goals.
Curriculum & Specializations
Curriculum covers advanced topics including machine learning, distributed systems, software architecture, and technical management. Many programs include practicum experiences, industry capstone projects, or consulting engagements that provide real-world application of advanced concepts. Among Colorado's database administration schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
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University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus
Denver, COPublic
$9,096
Tuition/yr
95%
Grad rate
83.8
Hakia Score
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$58,032
Tuition/yr
73.3
Hakia Score
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Colorado State University-Fort Collins
Fort Collins, COPublic
Explore All 8 Colleges At Colorado State University$10,299
Tuition/yr
93%
Grad rate
65.0
Hakia Score
#5
$13,910
Tuition/yr
87%
Grad rate
60.7
Hakia Score
Best Doctoral Database Administration Programs in Colorado
1
Programs ranked
$13,910
Avg tuition/yr
87%
Avg grad rate
Program Landscape
Colorado is home to 1 doctoral programs in database administration, preparing students for research positions, faculty appointments, and executive technical roles. Leading programs at U of Colorado Boulder are recognized for cutting-edge research, strong faculty publications, and competitive funding packages.
Career Outcomes
Doctoral graduates command premium salaries, with Colorado PhD holders earning a median of $151,800, reflecting the advanced expertise required for research and executive positions. The Denver, Boulder, Colorado Springs region's research universities and corporate R&D centers provide extensive collaboration opportunities with industry leaders like Arrow Electronics, IHS Markit, Lockheed Martin.
Costs & Value
PhD programs typically require 4-6 years of full-time study, including coursework, qualifying examinations, and original dissertation research. Many programs offer full funding through teaching or research assistantships, covering tuition and providing stipends of $25,000–$40,000 annually.
Curriculum & Specializations
Research strengths across Colorado programs include artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, human-computer interaction, systems, and theoretical computer science. For aspiring researchers pursuing database administration degrees in Colorado, graduates go on to careers as university faculty, industry research scientists, or technical executives, contributing to advances in technology that impact millions of users worldwide.
Database Administration Degree Costs & Tuition in Colorado
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $23,366/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $58,415/year |
| Community college tuition | $5,842/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $140,196 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $35,048 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Database Administration Students in Colorado
State Aid Programs
Standard Colorado aid applies: COF ($116/credit), Colorado Student Grant, federal Pell Grant. Programs within IT or CS departments qualify for all standard aid. Community college programs are most affordable after aid application.
Key Programs & Amounts
Employer certification funding: Many employers pay for Oracle, Microsoft, or AWS certifications. IT departments often have training budgets. Tuition reimbursement programs may cover degree programs. Check with current employer before paying out-of-pocket.
Institutional Scholarships
Vendor training scholarships: Oracle, Microsoft, and AWS occasionally offer discounted or free training for students. Community programs may provide certification vouchers. User groups sometimes have scholarship funds. Research available discounts before purchasing training.
Database Administration Degree ROI Calculator, Colorado
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a database administration degree in Colorado. Enter your expected tuition costs, financial aid, and career goals to see projected payback periods and lifetime earnings. The calculator uses current salary data from BLS and tuition data from IPEDS to provide accurate estimates.
Database Administration Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a database administration degree
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
20 years
10 years20 years30 years
20-Year ROI
+854%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
Net Gain
$1,580,373
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
Break-Even
5 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
COL-Adjusted Salary
$122,727
Your starting salary adjusted for local cost of living. This shows real purchasing power compared to a $100K national baseline.
Why does break-even change with program type? Your "total investment" includes both tuition AND opportunity cost (foregone earnings while in school). A 4-year full-time public university (in-state) means 4 years of not earning a salary ($140,000 in opportunity cost). Shorter full-time programs may have higher tuition but lower total investment because you return to the workforce sooner.
Detailed Breakdown
How we calculate your degree ROI using real salary data
Total Investment$185,000
Tuition plus opportunity cost (earnings you miss while in school)
Program Cost (Tuition)$45,000
Direct cost of the degree program
Opportunity Cost$140,000
4 years × $35K/year foregone salary while studying full-time
20-Year Earnings (with degree)$2,615,781
Projected career earnings starting after graduation, with salary growth
20-Year Earnings (without degree)$850,408
What you'd earn working at $35K/year with 2% annual growth
Starting Salary (Denver, CO)$135,000
Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)
Annualized Return4.7%
Your investment's compound annual growth rate (similar to stock market returns)
Data sources: BLS OEWS May 2024, IPEDS 2024. Calculations use median salaries, 3% discount rate, and assume salary growth declines from 6% to 2% over career. Individual results will vary. | Powered by Hakia.com
Database Administration Salaries by Metro Area
Median annual salary in Colorado metro areas
Denver$134K
Boulder$128K
Colorado Springs$121K
View data table
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Denver | $134K |
| Boulder | $128K |
| Colorado Springs | $121K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Hakia.com
Top Employers Hiring Database Administration Graduates in Colorado
Find database administration jobs in Colorado. These major employers across Colorado metro areas are actively hiring database administration degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Database Administration Jobs in Denver/Boulder
CODenver/Boulder is a growing tech hub with aerospace heritage, outdoor lifestyle appeal, and a thriving startup ecosystem.
Nearby cities: Boulder, Westminster, Broomfield, Englewood, Littleton
Google
Search/Cloud/AI
Amazon
E-commerce/Cloud
Microsoft
Enterprise Software
Meta
Social/VR/AI
Apple
Consumer Electronics
Oracle
Enterprise Software
Lockheed Martin
Defense/Aerospace
Ball Aerospace
Aerospace
Arrow Electronics
Electronics Distribution
DISH Network
Telecommunications
Palantir
Data Analytics
Guild Education
EdTech
Ibotta
Fintech/Rewards
SendGrid (Twilio)
Communications API
Transfer Pathways for Database Administration Degrees in Colorado
State Transfer System
Community college pathways: Take database courses, programming fundamentals, and IT foundations at community college. Transfer to four-year IT or CS program for bachelor's completion. GtPathways covers general education. Technical courses may have individual articulation.
How Transfers Work
Cost-effective approach: Community college database certificates provide job-ready skills at low cost ($3,000-$5,000). Entry-level DBA assistant or junior DBA roles possible with certificate plus experience. Continue education part-time while working for degree completion.
Transfer Planning Tips
Career-based entry: Many DBAs enter through related roles: IT support, systems administration, or software development. Gain database experience on the job. Pursue certifications and formal education concurrently. Experience often valued more than specific degree for DBA roles.
Why Pursue a Database Administration Degree in Colorado?
Industry & Workforce
Database administrators are essential to Colorado's data-driven economy.
DBAs earn a national median of $123,100 (BLS OEWS May 2024), with Colorado salaries competitive at $110,000-$140,000 for experienced professionals. Every organization with significant data needs database expertise: tech companies, healthcare systems, financial institutions, and government agencies.
Salary Outlook
Colorado's industry mix creates diverse DBA opportunities.
Healthcare (DaVita, Optum) needs HIPAA-compliant database management. Financial services require high-availability systems. Tech companies (Google, Amazon, Oracle) manage massive data platforms. Defense contractors need secure database solutions. The shift to cloud databases (AWS RDS, Azure SQL, GCP Cloud SQL) creates new skill demands.
Regional Tech Hubs
DBA skills translate across industries.
Strong database fundamentals (SQL, data modeling, performance tuning) apply everywhere. Cloud platform expertise (AWS, Azure, GCP) increasingly valuable. Career progression leads to data architect, infrastructure architect, or management roles. Compare with data engineering or explore national rankings.
Database Administration Job Growth in Colorado
15%
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 15% growth for database administration occupations in Colorado through 2024-2034. The median salary stands at $121,440 with 6 accredited programs statewide.
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook
Database Administration Job Market & Salary Data in Colorado
Employment Outlook
DBA demand remains strong despite cloud automation.
While some routine tasks are automated, complex database design, migration, performance optimization, and security require human expertise. The BLS projects 7% growth for database administrators and architects through 2034. Colorado's enterprise presence creates steady demand for skilled DBAs.
Salaries by Metro
Salary expectations: Entry-level DBAs earn $70,000-$85,000, mid-career professionals $100,000-$125,000, and senior DBAs/architects $130,000-$160,000. Cloud DBA specialists and those with Oracle/SQL Server expertise command premiums. Defense sector roles with security clearances pay above market.
High-Growth Sectors
In-demand skills: SQL (essential), database platforms (Oracle, SQL Server, PostgreSQL, MySQL), cloud databases (AWS RDS, Azure SQL, GCP Cloud SQL), performance tuning, backup/recovery, data modeling, and security. DevOps/database reliability engineering skills increasingly valuable. See data science careers or IT careers.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Median Salary in Colorado$78,936$176,088
Typical RolesJunior Developer, AnalystStaff Engineer, Architect
Remote Work AccessLimitedCommon
Degree ExpectationBachelor's sufficientMaster's preferred
Online vs On-Campus Database Administration Programs in Colorado
Online Programs
1 available in Colorado
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Typical Tuition$21,029/yr$23,366/yr
Schedule FlexibilitySelf-paced or asyncFixed schedule
NetworkingVirtual cohortsIn-person, career fairs
Best ForWorking professionalsTraditional students
Completion Time2-4 years (flexible)4 years (standard)
Compare Database Administration Programs in Other States
Best Database Administration Degree Programs in Utah
- Total Programs
- 7
- Median Tuition
- $7,700
Best Database Administration Degree Programs in Nebraska
- Total Programs
- 5
- Median Tuition
- $6,500
Best Database Administration Degree Programs in Kansas
- Total Programs
- 7
- Median Tuition
- $6,100
Best Database Administration Degree Programs in Oklahoma
- Total Programs
- 3
- Median Tuition
- $6,600
Best Database Administration Degree Programs in New Mexico
- Total Programs
- 5
- Median Tuition
- $2,000
Best Database Administration Degree Programs in California
- Total Programs
- 25
- Median Tuition
- $11,800
Best Database Administration Degree Programs in Washington
- Total Programs
- 12
- Median Tuition
- $5,100
Database Administration Degree Programs in Colorado: FAQ
What are the best database administration degree programs in Colorado?
The best database administration degree programs in Colorado based on our methodology are: 1) University of Colorado Boulder (87% graduation rate), 2) Colorado State University-Fort Collins, and 3) Colorado State University Pueblo. Our rankings weight graduation rates (25%), program completions (35%), selectivity (20%), and career outcomes (20%). Colorado offers 6 total accredited programs across 4 public and 2 private institutions. See our complete rankings for all 4 bachelor's programs.
How much do database administration degree programs cost in Colorado?
Database Administration degree program costs in Colorado vary significantly by institution type. In-state public tuition averages $23,366/year, while private institutions average $51,405/year. Community colleges offer the most affordable path at approximately $5,842/year for associate's degrees. The total 4-year cost ranges from $93,464 at public schools to $205,621 at private institutions before financial aid. Most students don't pay full sticker price, federal grants, state aid, and institutional scholarships can reduce costs by 30-60%.
What salary can database administration degree graduates earn in Colorado?
Database Administration professionals in Colorado earn a median salary of $121,440, which is 5% above the national average of $115,500. Entry-level positions typically start around $78,936, while senior roles exceed $176,088. Salaries vary by metro area: Denver ($133,584), Boulder ($127,512) offer the highest compensation. Specialized roles like AI/ML engineers and cloud architects command premiums of 15-30% above median.
Are there online database administration degree programs in Colorado?
Yes, Colorado offers 1 accredited online Database Administration programs from state institutions. These programs award the same degree as on-campus options and include synchronous and asynchronous formats. Top-ranked online programs include offerings from Colorado State University Pueblo. Online programs typically cost the same as on-campus tuition for in-state students. Many programs offer flexible scheduling for working professionals, with some offering accelerated completion in 2-3 years. Ensure any online program holds regional accreditation and ideally ABET accreditation for engineering programs.
What companies hire database administration degree graduates in Colorado?
Major Database Administration employers in Colorado include Arrow Electronics, IHS Markit, Lockheed Martin, Ping Identity, Guild Education. The Denver and Boulder metro areas serve as primary tech hubs with thousands of open positions. Top employers maintain recruiting pipelines directly from Colorado universities, with many offering internship-to-hire programs. Beyond tech giants, opportunities exist in healthcare IT, financial services, defense contractors, and growing startups. Colorado's tech sector shows +22% projected job growth through 2033, outpacing most other industries.
Is a database administration degree program worth it in Colorado?
A database administration degree program in Colorado offers strong ROI with a $121,440 median salary and +22% projected job growth. At average in-state tuition of $23,366/year, graduates typically recoup their educational investment within 3-5 years. The degree opens doors to high-paying careers in software development ($137,227), data science, cybersecurity, and AI/ML. Beyond salary, benefits include job security, remote work flexibility, and clear advancement paths. Alternative paths like bootcamps exist for career changers, but bachelor's degrees provide broader career options and higher lifetime earnings.
How long do database administration degree programs take in Colorado?
Standard completion times for database administration degree programs in Colorado are: Associate's (2 years, 60 credits), Bachelor's (4 years, 120 credits), and Master's (1-2 years, 30-36 credits). However, actual timelines vary based on course load, transfer credits, and program format. Accelerated programs can compress a bachelor's to 3 years or a master's to 12 months. Part-time students typically need 5-6 years for a bachelor's degree. Colorado community colleges offer a cost-effective "2+2" path: complete your associate's in 2 years, then transfer to a Colorado university for the final 2 years of a bachelor's program.
What financial aid is available for database administration degree students in Colorado?
Colorado database administration degree students can access multiple financial aid sources. Federal aid includes Pell Grants (up to $7,395/year for qualifying students) and federal student loans. Colorado state grants provide additional support for residents attending in-state schools. Institutional scholarships from universities can significantly reduce costs, many schools offer merit-based awards for STEM students. Work-study programs and teaching/research assistantships (especially for graduate students) provide income while building experience. Complete the FAFSA by Colorado's priority deadline to maximize aid eligibility. Some employers also offer tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing CS degrees.
Data Sources
Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
Colorado salary and employment data
Official University Websites
Program details and admissions information
Last Updated: June 26, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2024 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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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.