Top 3 Database Administration Programs in Georgia
Georgia Institute of Technology
Leading computer science program with specialized database systems track
University of Georgia
Strong business analytics focus with database management emphasis
Georgia Southern University
Affordable program with hands-on database design experience
- 1.Georgia Tech leads with a 93% graduation rate and median starting salary of $78,500 for database administrators
- 2.In-state students save over $20,000 annually compared to national averages for database administration programs
- 3.Georgia's database administrator employment is projected to grow 8.2% through 2032, faster than national average
- 4.Atlanta's tech hub offers 40% more database administration internship opportunities than other Georgia metros
Based on 15 programs from College Scorecard, BLS, and institutional data
Percentage employed in database-related roles within 6 months
Median first-year compensation for graduates
Database courses, certifications, and hands-on projects
Internship partnerships and employer recruiting
Industry experience and research background
Tuition relative to expected earnings
Georgia's Database Administration Education Landscape
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.
Best Database Administration Programs in Georgia 2025
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Georgia Institute of Technology | Atlanta | $12,682 | 9300% | 9500% | $78,500 | 94.2 |
| 2 | University of Georgia | Athens | $11,830 | 8700% | 8900% | $71,200 | 89.7 |
| 3 | Georgia Southern University | Statesboro | $7,348 | 6800% | 8200% | $62,800 | 82.1 |
| 4 | Kennesaw State University | Kennesaw | $7,432 | 6200% | 7900% | $61,500 | 79.8 |
| 5 | Georgia State University | Atlanta | $11,148 | 6500% | 7700% | $64,200 | 77.3 |
| 6 | Augusta University | Augusta | $8,966 | 5800% | 7400% | $59,400 | 73.9 |
| 7 | Columbus State University | Columbus | $7,198 | 5400% | 7100% | $57,200 | 70.2 |
Georgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta, GA • University
Program Highlights
- • Students work on real database projects with companies like Delta Air Lines and NCR
- • Faculty includes former database engineers from IBM and Oracle
- • Co-op program provides paid experience with major Atlanta employers
- • Graduate certificate options in Data Science and Analytics
Program Strengths
- Database Systems and Data Mining concentration with Oracle and Microsoft partnerships
- Research opportunities in distributed databases and big data analytics
- 95% job placement rate with median starting salary of $78,500
- Access to Atlanta's tech ecosystem including Fortune 500 database operations
Why Ranked #1
Georgia Tech's database systems specialization within computer science offers unmatched technical depth and industry connections.
Student Reviews
"The database courses at Tech are incredibly practical. I had three job offers before graduation, all from companies I met through the program's industry connections."
— CS Graduate, Class of 2024
Georgia Database Administration Job Market Analysis
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.
| Factor | Georgia Tech | University of Georgia | Georgia Southern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Program Type | CS Database Systems Track | MIS with Database Focus | Information Systems |
| Class Size | 15-20 students | 25-30 students | 20-25 students |
| Industry Partnerships | Oracle, Microsoft, IBM | SAS, Tableau, Oracle | Local businesses |
| Research Opportunities | Extensive | Moderate | Limited |
| Internship Placement | 95% | 85% | 75% |
| Graduate Outcomes | $78.5K median | $71.2K median | $62.8K median |
Career Paths
Database Administrator
SOC 15-1242Design, implement, and maintain database systems for organizations
Data Scientist
SOC 15-2051Analyze complex datasets to drive business insights and decisions
Software Engineer
SOC 15-1256Develop database applications and integration solutions
DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1299Manage database infrastructure and deployment automation
Cybersecurity Analyst
SOC 15-1212Secure database systems and protect sensitive information
Database Administration Program Admission Requirements in Georgia
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
Financial Aid and Scholarships for Database Administration Students
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.
Which Should You Choose?
- You want the most rigorous technical program with research opportunities
- Top-tier job placement and starting salaries are priorities
- You can handle highly competitive admission requirements
- You prefer a technology-focused environment in Atlanta
- You want a balance of business and technical database skills
- Strong alumni network in Georgia business community appeals to you
- You prefer a traditional college campus experience
- Management information systems aligns with your career goals
- Affordable tuition and lower cost of living are important
- You prefer smaller class sizes and close faculty relationships
- You want hands-on project experience with local businesses
- A more relaxed admission process fits your academic background
Frequently Asked Questions About Database Administration Programs in Georgia
Related Database Administration Resources
Data Sources and Methodology
Federal database of college costs, graduation rates, and post-graduation earnings
Employment projections and salary data for database administrators
State-specific enrollment and graduation data for public universities
Institutional characteristics and student outcome data
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.