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Key Takeaways
Best database administration degree programs: Georgia Southern, Kennesaw State, South University-Savannah...
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $2,400 to $33,080/year
West Georgia Technical Co... offers the most affordable option at $2,400/yr
Database Administration degree programs available: 17 associate's, 3 master's, 1 doctoral in Georgia
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
17 online database administration degree programs in Georgia
Flexible scheduling for working professionals
Georgia community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
17 associate's programs provide transfer pathways to bachelor's degrees
Education Commission of the States
Major employers: NCR, Mailchimp, SalesLoft, Calendly
Tech hubs in Atlanta and Savannah
Hakia Research 2026
Database Administration degree programs near 64+ cities across Georgia
Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location
Updated July 13, 2026
How we ranked Georgia Database Administration programs
We rank 31 accredited database administration programs in Georgia 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.
Are Database Administration Degree Programs in Georgia Worth It?
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Database Administration Degree Rankings in Georgia
Compare the top-ranked Database Administration programs in Georgia by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Database Administration Programs in Georgia
Program Landscape
Georgia offers 17 accredited associate's degree programs in database administration, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include West Georgia Technical Co..., Clayton State, Georgia Northwestern Tech..., which combine rigorous technical curriculum with practical skills training.
Costs & Value
Community colleges in Georgia offer these two-year programs at an average cost of $2,604/yr, significantly less than four-year university tuition. Students completing associate's degrees can pursue entry-level technical positions and transfer opportunities, with entry-level salaries averaging $59,098 in Georgia.
Career Pathways
Many programs feature guaranteed transfer agreements with Georgia's public universities, allowing students to complete their first two years at reduced cost before transferring to complete a bachelor's degree. The Atlanta, Savannah, Augusta areas offer particularly strong job markets for associate's degree holders, with employers like NCR, Mailchimp, SalesLoft hiring for technical support, junior development, and IT specialist positions.
Curriculum & Specializations
Programs typically include coursework in programming fundamentals, database management, networking basics, and software development. Among database administration schools in Georgia, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their database administration degrees in Georgia.
Show all 17 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Athens Technical College | Athens, GA | Public | $2,400 | — | 47.5 |
| #7 | Southern Regional Technical College | Thomasville, GA | Public | $2,400 | — | 46.8 |
| #8 | South Georgia Technical College | Americus, GA | Public | $3,000 | — | 46.8 |
| #9 | Central Georgia Technical College | Warner Robins, GA | Public | $2,400 | — | 46.1 |
| #10 | Coastal Pines Technical College | Waycross, GA | Public | $2,400 | — | 45.4 |
| #11 | Augusta Technical College | Augusta, GA | Public | $3,000 | — | 45.4 |
| #12 | Savannah Technical College | Savannah, GA | Public | $2,400 | — | 43.5 |
| #13 | Wiregrass Georgia Technical College | Valdosta, GA | Public | $2,400 | — | 43.5 |
| #14 | Oconee Fall Line Technical College | Sandersville, GA | Public | $2,400 | — | 43.5 |
| #15 | Lanier Technical College | Gainesville, GA | Public | $3,000 | — | 42.4 |
| #16 | Albany Technical College | Albany, GA | Public | $2,400 | — | 40.9 |
| #17 | Atlanta Technical College | Atlanta, GA | Public | $2,400 | — | 40.9 |
Best Bachelor's Database Administration Programs in Georgia
Program Landscape
Georgia ranks among the nation's top destinations for database administration education, with 10 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 5 public and 1 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are Georgia Southern, Kennesaw State, South University-Savannah..., recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Georgia database administration programs earn a median salary of $91,333, 7% below the national average. The state's robust technology sector, anchored by the Atlanta, Savannah, Augusta metropolitan areas, provides abundant internship and employment opportunities with companies including NCR, Mailchimp, SalesLoft.
Costs & Value
Tuition ranges from $4,064 to $33,080 annually, with an average of $11,415/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 87%, with the highest reaching 100%. 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 Georgia's leading technology employers. For students seeking database administration degrees in Georgia, these top-ranked database administration schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
Show all 10 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Savannah State University | Savannah, GA | Public | $4,064 | — | 52.6 |
| #7 | DeVry University-Georgia | Decatur, GA | For-Profit | $14,392 | — | 46.4 |
| #8 | Strayer University-Georgia | Chamblee, GA | For-Profit | $13,725 | — | 45.4 |
| #9 | Valdosta State University | Valdosta, GA | Public | $4,371 | — | 43.7 |
| #10 | South University-Savannah | Savannah, GA | For-Profit | $15,732 | — | 40.9 |
Best Master's Database Administration Programs in Georgia
Program Landscape
Georgia offers 3 master's degree programs in database administration, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, Kennesaw State, Strayer University-Georgia, South University-Savannah..., combine advanced technical training with research opportunities and leadership development.
Career Outcomes
Master's graduates in Georgia earn a median salary of $107,450, approximately 20-30% higher than bachelor's degree holders. The concentration of technology companies in Atlanta, Savannah, Augusta creates strong demand for graduate-level talent, with NCR, Mailchimp, SalesLoft 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 $11,302/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 Georgia's database administration schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
Best Doctoral Database Administration Programs in Georgia
Program Landscape
Georgia is home to 1 doctoral programs in database administration, preparing students for research positions, faculty appointments, and executive technical roles. Leading programs at Georgia Institute of Tech... are recognized for cutting-edge research, strong faculty publications, and competitive funding packages.
Career Outcomes
Doctoral graduates command premium salaries, with Georgia PhD holders earning a median of $134,313, reflecting the advanced expertise required for research and executive positions. The Atlanta, Savannah, Augusta region's research universities and corporate R&D centers provide extensive collaboration opportunities with industry leaders like NCR, Mailchimp, SalesLoft.
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 Georgia programs include artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, human-computer interaction, systems, and theoretical computer science. For aspiring researchers pursuing database administration degrees in Georgia, 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.
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus
Database Administration Degree Costs & Tuition in Georgia
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $6,024/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $15,060/year |
| Community college tuition | $1,506/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $36,144 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $9,036 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Database Administration Students in Georgia
State Aid Programs
Georgia's HOPE Scholarship provides significant financial support for in-state students pursuing database administration degrees. The scholarship covers tuition for students maintaining a 3.0 GPA at eligible Georgia institutions, making technical education accessible to qualified residents. The Zell Miller Scholarship offers full tuition coverage for students with higher academic achievements, including those pursuing STEM fields like database administration. These state-funded programs have helped thousands of Georgia students complete technology degrees without accumulating substantial debt.
Key Programs & Amounts
Federal financial aid through FAFSA provides additional support for students in database administration programs. Georgia students can access Pell Grants, federal student loans, and work-study opportunities to supplement state aid. Many employers in Georgia's tech sector offer tuition reimbursement programs for employees pursuing database administration certifications or degrees. Companies like those hiring Georgia Tech graduates - including KPMG, Deloitte, and Fiserv - often provide professional development funding for continuing education.
Institutional Scholarships
Professional organizations and industry groups offer scholarships specifically for database and IT students. The Oracle Education Foundation, Microsoft, and other technology companies provide merit-based scholarships for students demonstrating aptitude in database technologies. Students should explore comprehensive funding options through our financial aid guide to understand all available support. Local Georgia tech companies frequently sponsor internships and co-op programs that provide paid work experience while students complete their degrees, creating pathways to both education funding and career development.
Database Administration Degree ROI Calculator, Georgia
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a database administration degree in Georgia. 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
+750%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
$1,386,612
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
6 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
$125,000
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
Tuition plus opportunity cost (earnings you miss while in school)
Direct cost of the degree program
4 years × $35K/year foregone salary while studying full-time
Projected career earnings starting after graduation, with salary growth
What you'd earn working at $35K/year with 2% annual growth
Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)
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 Georgia metro areas
View data table
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Atlanta | $118K |
| Savannah | $113K |
| Augusta | $107K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Hakia.com
Top Employers Hiring Database Administration Graduates in Georgia
Find database administration jobs in Georgia. These major employers across Georgia metro areas are actively hiring database administration degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Database Administration Jobs in Atlanta
GAAtlanta is a major tech hub anchored by Georgia Tech, with strong fintech, retail tech, and enterprise software sectors.
Nearby cities: Alpharetta, Sandy Springs, Marietta, Buckhead, Midtown
Georgia Tech Industry & Infrastructure
Georgia's tech market is anchored by Atlanta — one of the strongest US tech metros outside Silicon Valley and the East Coast core. Augusta hosts a globally significant cybersecurity cluster around Fort Eisenhower (formerly Fort Gordon) and the Army Cyber Center of Excellence. The state combines no-state-income-tax for tech expansion, the HOPE Scholarship pipeline filling Georgia Tech, and a deep enterprise-IT employer base.
Atlanta
Atlanta metro
Headquarters for Coca-Cola, Home Depot, UPS, Delta, NCR Voyix, Mailchimp (Intuit), Square/Block, and dozens of Fortune 500 IT operations. Strong fintech (Atlanta has been called 'Transaction Alley' for payments), e-commerce, and enterprise-software markets. Georgia Tech is the principal feeder for senior tech roles.
Augusta / Fort Eisenhower
Augusta metro
Home to the Army Cyber Center of Excellence and U.S. Cyber Command operations. Largest US concentration of military cybersecurity professionals outside DC. Cyber-cleared engineering roles dominate the local market, with substantial private-sector cybersecurity employment around the base.
Savannah
Savannah metro
Logistics-tech (Port of Savannah is the 3rd-largest US container port), defense (Gulfstream Aerospace), and an emerging consumer/startup tech scene. Smaller market but growing.
Georgia has a flat state income tax (5.39% in 2026, declining). The Georgia Investment Tax Credit and Quality Jobs Tax Credit are the principal state-level tech-employer incentives.
Georgia Regulation Affecting Database Administration Graduates
Georgia has not enacted a comprehensive consumer privacy law in the CCPA/VCDPA mold, but the state's cybercrime statutes, identity-theft protections, and active legislation around AI in state government shape the engineering compliance environment.
Georgia Personal Identity Protection Act
Requires businesses to notify Georgia residents of data breaches involving personal information; sets minimum standards for data security practices.
Standard breach-notification compliance for any GA-resident-serving business.
Read moreGeorgia Computer Systems Protection Act (O.C.G.A. § 16-9-90 et seq.)
State-level cybercrime statute covering unauthorized computer access, computer trespass, computer theft, and identity theft. Establishes Georgia jurisdiction over cyber offenses.
Particularly relevant for cybersecurity, incident response, and ethical-hacking work performed within Georgia.
Read moreGeorgia consumer privacy legislation (proposed)
Multiple sessions have seen bills introduced to create CCPA-style privacy rights; none has passed as of 2026.
Engineers should watch this — Georgia passing comprehensive privacy would materially change tech compliance overhead in Atlanta-headquartered businesses.
Read moreProfessional Engineer Licensure in Georgia
Georgia does not currently administer a separate Software Engineering PE license. ABET-EAC accreditation is recognized for traditional engineering PE tracks; software engineering is not a recognized Georgia PE discipline. For cybersecurity professionals, federal clearance requirements (Secret, Top Secret, TS/SCI) are far more relevant in the Augusta market than PE licensure.
Georgia licensing boardGeorgia Financial Aid Programs
HOPE Scholarship
State merit scholarshipCovers a portion of tuition at GA public schools; varies
Georgia high school graduates with 3.0+ GPA attending eligible GA colleges/universities
Zell Miller Scholarship
State merit scholarship (top tier)Full standard undergraduate tuition at GA public schools
Georgia HS grads with 3.7+ GPA + qualifying SAT/ACT scores at eligible GA institutions
HOPE Grant
State grantCovers tuition at GA technical colleges
GA residents pursuing certificates or diplomas at GA technical colleges (no GPA requirement)
Georgia Tuition Equalization Grant (TEG)
State grantUp to ~$900/yr
GA residents attending eligible private GA institutions
REACH Georgia Scholarship
State mentorship + scholarship$2,500-$10,000 toward college, often paired with HOPE
Selected low-income Georgia students starting in 8th grade who maintain academic standing
Transfer Pathways for Database Administration Degrees in Georgia
State Transfer System
Georgia's COMPASS (Complete College Georgia) initiative facilitates smooth transfers between the state's technical colleges and four-year universities. Students can begin database administration studies at institutions like Georgia Southern University or Columbus State University and transfer credits toward bachelor's degrees at Georgia Tech or University of Georgia. The USG (University System of Georgia) maintains standardized core curriculum requirements that ensure credits transfer seamlessly between institutions within the system.
How Transfers Work
Many Georgia technical colleges offer Associate of Applied Science degrees in Computer Information Systems or Database Management that serve as stepping stones to four-year programs. Articulation agreements between institutions specify exactly which courses transfer and how they apply toward bachelor's degree requirements. Students should work closely with academic advisors to plan transfer pathways that maximize credit transfer and minimize additional coursework. The state's transfer-friendly policies make Georgia an attractive option for students seeking flexible educational paths into database administration careers while managing costs effectively.
Database Administration Job Growth in Georgia
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook
Database Administration Job Market & Salary Data in Georgia
Employment Outlook
Georgia's database administration job market reflects the state's position as a southeastern tech hub. Major employers reported hiring multiple graduates from Georgia institutions in 2025, with companies like Fiserv, PwC, Delta Air Lines, and Epic Systems each welcoming four Georgia Tech graduates (Georgia Tech Career Outcomes). The Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows strong employment growth in database-related occupations across Georgia's major metropolitan areas.
Salaries by Metro
IT Management graduates from Georgia institutions earned an average salary of $83,728 in 2025, with 66% receiving signing bonuses averaging $9,003. The concentration of financial services, healthcare, and logistics companies in Atlanta creates sustained demand for database professionals who can manage complex data systems. Database administrators working in finance and healthcare sectors command higher salaries due to regulatory compliance requirements and data sensitivity.
High-Growth Sectors
The emergence of AI and machine learning applications is driving demand for database administrators who understand modern data architectures. Students interested in related career paths can explore opportunities as a software developer or data scientist. Remote work options have expanded significantly, with many Georgia-based companies offering hybrid arrangements that allow database professionals to work with clients nationwide while maintaining their Georgia residency.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Online vs On-Campus Database Administration Programs in Georgia
Online Programs
17 available in Georgia
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Database Administration Programs in Other States
- Total Programs
- 22
- Median Tuition
- $12,200
- Total Programs
- 9
- Median Tuition
- $10,700
- Total Programs
- 6
- Median Tuition
- $12,500
- Total Programs
- 13
- Median Tuition
- $7,000
- Total Programs
- 21
- Median Tuition
- $5,900
- Total Programs
- 25
- Median Tuition
- $11,800
- Total Programs
- 12
- Median Tuition
- $5,100
- Total Programs
- 47
- Median Tuition
- $7,700
Database Administration Degree Programs in Georgia: FAQ
What are the best database administration degree programs in Georgia?
How much do database administration degree programs cost in Georgia?
What salary can database administration degree graduates earn in Georgia?
Are there online database administration degree programs in Georgia?
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What financial aid is available for database administration degree students in Georgia?
Data Sources
Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
Georgia salary and employment data
Program details and admissions information
Last Updated: June 26, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2024 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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.