Best Database Administration Programs in Georgia 2025

Georgia's database administration programs benefit from the state's thriving technology sector, particularly in Atlanta's Silicon Valley of the South. The state hosts major database operations for companies like Delta Air Lines, Coca-Cola, and Home Depot, creating strong demand for skilled database professionals.

Database administrators in Georgia earn a median salary of $87,200 annually, 3% above the national average according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The state's tech ecosystem has grown by 25% since 2020, with database and cloud infrastructure roles leading job creation. Georgia's computer science programs consistently produce graduates who secure positions at Fortune 500 companies headquartered in the state.

The University System of Georgia offers multiple pathways into database administration through information systems, computer science, and specialized data management programs. Students benefit from proximity to major data centers, including Microsoft's $1 billion Atlanta facility and Google's planned expansion in Douglas County.

Georgia's database administration job market reflects the state's position as a southeastern business hub. With over 2,800 database administrator positions across the state, Georgia offers diverse opportunities from financial services in Atlanta to logistics operations in Savannah.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 8.2% growth in database administrator roles in Georgia through 2032, outpacing the national average of 8%. Atlanta metropolitan area accounts for 68% of the state's database positions, with an average salary premium of 15% over other Georgia markets. Major employers include Delta Air Lines, The Home Depot, Equifax, and State Farm's regional operations.

Entry-level database administrators in Georgia start at approximately $52,000-$65,000, with experienced professionals earning $90,000-$125,000. The state's growing fintech sector, anchored by companies like Kabbage and OnDeck, creates specialized opportunities for database professionals with financial services experience. Cloud migration projects at established companies provide additional career growth paths for data science and cybersecurity specialists.

Georgia's top database administration programs maintain selective admission standards, particularly at Georgia Tech and UGA. Most programs require a minimum 3.0 GPA for computer science or information systems majors, with stronger candidates showing 3.5+ GPAs.

Prerequisites typically include calculus, statistics, and introductory programming courses in languages like Java, Python, or C++. Georgia Tech requires completion of CS 1331 (Object-Oriented Programming) and CS 1332 (Data Structures) before declaring the database systems concentration. Students interested in artificial intelligence applications should consider additional mathematics coursework.

• Georgia Tech: 3.7 average GPA, completion of CS prerequisites, competitive admission to College of Computing
• University of Georgia: 3.3 average GPA for MIS program, calculus and statistics required
• Georgia Southern: 2.8 minimum GPA, basic programming experience recommended
• Kennesaw State: 2.5 minimum GPA, math placement test or precalculus completion

Georgia residents benefit from the HOPE Scholarship, which covers significant tuition costs at public universities. Students maintaining a 3.0 GPA receive full tuition coverage, while those with 3.7+ GPAs and high test scores qualify for Zell Miller Scholarship benefits.

Technology companies in Atlanta offer substantial scholarship and internship programs. Delta Air Lines provides $5,000 annual scholarships for information systems students, while NCR Corporation sponsors database-focused research projects with $3,000 stipends. The Georgia Tech Research Institute offers paid research opportunities for qualified undergraduates.

Federal aid through FAFSA covers additional expenses, with Pell Grant recipients at Georgia universities averaging $4,800 in assistance. Students can explore scholarships for women in tech and consider employer tuition reimbursement programs for working professionals pursuing database administration credentials.