Top 3 Database Administration Programs in Illinois 2025
Northwestern University
88 Database Administration graduates annually, 90% graduation rate
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
107 Database Administration graduates annually, 90% graduation rate
University of Illinois Chicago
121 Database Administration graduates annually, 88% graduation rate
- 1.Illinois has 20+ accredited database administration and related information systems programs across public and private universities
- 2.Northwestern University ranks #1 in Illinois with 95% graduation rate and strong placement in Chicago's financial sector
- 3.University of Illinois system offers quality education at $15,000-$17,000 in-state tuition versus $50,000+ at private institutions
- 4.Illinois database administrators earn median $98,420 annually—slightly above the national median of $96,710
- 5.Chicago metro area provides 15,000+ database and systems administration jobs across finance, healthcare, and technology sectors
Database Administration Education in Illinois
Illinois offers strong database administration and information systems programs, particularly benefiting from Chicago's position as a major financial and technology center. The state's universities provide pathways from community colleges to elite private institutions, with programs emphasizing both theoretical foundations and practical enterprise database management skills.
For comparison with programs nationwide, see our database administration degree hub. Students considering broader IT options should explore our information technology programs or computer science degrees. Career-focused students can review our comprehensive database administrator salary analysis and job market data.
Chicago's thriving financial services sector, combined with growing healthcare and technology industries, creates strong demand for database professionals. Major employers like CME Group, Abbott Labs, Boeing, and Allstate maintain large database operations, providing excellent internship and career opportunities for Illinois graduates.
Illinois Database Administration Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Northwestern University | Evanston, IL | Private | $64,887 | 90% | — | 82.3 |
| 2 | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | Champaign, IL | Public | $14,768 | 90% | — | 81.4 |
| 3 | University of Illinois Chicago | Chicago, IL | Public | $12,656 | 88% | — | 75.4 |
| 4 | DeVry University-Illinois | Lisle, IL | For-Profit | $14,392 | 23% | — | 71.1 |
| 5 | DePaul University | Chicago, IL | Private | $43,379 | 86% | — | 56.8 |
| 6 | Lewis University | Romeoville, IL | Private | $37,592 | 99% | — | 49.6 |
| 7 | McKendree University | Lebanon, IL | Private | $32,660 | 84% | — | 49.1 |
| 8 | Elmhurst University | Elmhurst, IL | Private | $41,258 | 82% | — | 49 |
| 9 | Quincy University | Quincy, IL | Private | $35,740 | 72% | — | 46.2 |
| 10 | Saint Xavier University | Chicago, IL | Private | $35,680 | 80% | — | 44.9 |
| 11 | Bradley University | Peoria, IL | Private | $39,248 | — | — | 42.5 |
| 12 | University of Illinois Springfield | Springfield, IL | Public | $9,865 | — | — | 41.5 |
| 13 | Dominican University | River Forest, IL | Private | $37,194 | 68% | — | 41.3 |
| 14 | Benedictine University | Lisle, IL | Private | $31,028 | — | — | 36.5 |
| 15 | Roosevelt University | Chicago, IL | Private | $20,000 | — | — | 32 |
Top 5 Database Administration Programs in Illinois: Side-by-Side
| School | UIUC | Northwestern | DePaul | Lewis | U of Illinois Chicago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $14,768 | $64,887 | $43,379 | $37,592 | $12,656 |
| Graduation Rate | 90% | 90% | 86% | 99% | 88% |
| Annual Graduates | 601 | 88 | 144 | 82 | 121 |
| Acceptance Rate | 44% | 7% | 74% | 73% | 79% |
| Type | Public | Private | Private | Private | Public |
| Score | 88.5/100 | 73.6/100 | 62.4/100 | 61.5/100 | 60.3/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Database Administration in Illinois
Illinois offers 15 bachelor's-level database administration programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Northwestern University, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Illinois Chicago. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $79,240 in the Illinois 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.
Top 3 Database Administration Bachelor's Programs in Illinois
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Northwestern | $64,887 | 90% | 88 | 73.6 |
| #2 UIUC | $14,768 | 90% | 107 | 81.4 |
| #3 U of Illinois Chicago | $12,656 | 88% | 121 | 60.3 |
Top Database Administration Schools for Master's Degrees in Illinois
For graduate study, Illinois offers 8 master's-level database administration programs. Leading institutions include University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Northwestern University, DePaul University. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Illinois reaching $147,160 or more.
Top 3 Database Administration Master's Programs in Illinois
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 UIUC | $14,768 | 90% | 601 | 88.5 |
| #2 Northwestern | $64,887 | 90% | 63 | 71.4 |
| #3 DePaul | $43,379 | 86% | 144 | 62.4 |
Most Affordable Database Administration Colleges in Illinois
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable database administration programs in Illinois are at University of Illinois Springfield ($9,865/year), University of Illinois Chicago ($12,656/year), DeVry University-Illinois ($14,392/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Illinois's competitive tech salaries.
At University of Illinois Springfield, a 4-year degree costs approximately $39,460 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $79,240, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.9 years.
Most Affordable Database Administration Programs in Illinois (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Illinois Springfield | $9,865 | $39,460 | 0.9 years | Public |
| #2 U of Illinois Chicago | $12,656 | $50,624 | 1.1 years | Public |
| #3 DeVry University-Illinois | $14,392 | $57,568 | 1.3 years | For-Profit |
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, IL • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $14,768 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 90% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Database Administration Graduates: 601 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 44%
- • Ranking Score: 88.5 / 100
Program Strengths
- 90% graduation rate
- 601 database administration graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 88.5 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (90%), program size (601 graduates), state salary outcomes ($113,200), and selectivity (44% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The program bridges technology and business with corporate-sponsored project courses and proven experience firms seek. Students gain both conceptual knowledge and practical technical skills including Java, SAS, SPSS, and forecasting methods.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.0
Program Details
- Credits: 120
Career Outcomes
- Top Employers: Allstate, Blue Cross Blue Shield, CNA Financial, Deloitte, Discover Financial Services, Enova International, Epic Systems, Exelon Corporation, Grainger Industrial Supply, Morningstar, Multiplan, TTX
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Northwestern University
Evanston, IL • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $64,887 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 90% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Database Administration Graduates: 88 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 7%
- • Ranking Score: 73.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- 90% graduation rate
- 88 database administration graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 73.6 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (90%), program size (88 graduates), state salary outcomes ($113,200), and selectivity (7% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
DePaul University
Chicago, IL • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $43,379 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 86% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Database Administration Graduates: 144 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 74%
- • Ranking Score: 62.4 / 100
Program Strengths
- 86% graduation rate
- 144 database administration graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 62.4 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (86%), program size (144 graduates), state salary outcomes ($113,200), and selectivity (74% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Lewis University
Romeoville, IL • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $37,592 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 99% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Database Administration Graduates: 82 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 73%
- • Ranking Score: 61.5 / 100
Program Strengths
- 99% graduation rate
- 82 database administration graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 61.5 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (99%), program size (82 graduates), state salary outcomes ($113,200), and selectivity (73% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Lewis University's Business Administration program offers a comprehensive foundation with a 13:1 student-teacher ratio and practical, hands-on curriculum that develops leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. The program features accelerated MBA options and specialized minors to increase marketability, with 300+ employers actively recruiting graduates.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Admissions
- Min GPA: 2.0
- Transfer Friendly
Career Outcomes
- Starting Salary: $45,000
Available Specializations / Concentrations
University of Illinois Chicago
Chicago, IL • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $12,656 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 88% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Database Administration Graduates: 121 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 79%
- • Ranking Score: 60.3 / 100
Program Strengths
- 88% graduation rate
- 121 database administration graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 60.3 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (88%), program size (121 graduates), state salary outcomes ($113,200), and selectivity (79% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Career Paths
Database Administrator
SOC 15-1244Design, implement, and maintain database systems for organizations. Handle backup, recovery, security, and performance optimization.
Data Scientist
SOC 15-2051Extract insights from large datasets using statistical analysis and machine learning. Strong database skills essential for data pipeline management.
Software Engineer
SOC 15-1252Develop applications that interact with databases. Database knowledge crucial for backend development and system architecture.
Systems Administrator
SOC 15-1244Manage computer systems including database servers. Responsible for system security, updates, and user access management.
Business Intelligence Analyst
SOC 15-2051Transform business data into actionable insights using database queries and reporting tools.
Illinois University Systems for Database Administration
Illinois offers database administration education through multiple pathways, each serving different student needs and career goals. The University of Illinois system provides the most comprehensive public options, while private institutions offer specialized programs with smaller class sizes.
The University of Illinois system includes three main campuses offering information systems and computer science programs with database specializations. UI Chicago provides urban access to internships, while UI Urbana-Champaign offers the flagship computer science program. UI Springfield focuses on practical applications for working professionals.
Chicago's private universities—Northwestern, University of Chicago, IIT, DePaul, and Loyola—each offer distinct approaches to database education. Northwestern and UChicago focus on research and theory, while IIT and DePaul emphasize practical skills and industry connections. Students should consider computer science programs in Illinois for broader options or information technology programs for applied focus.
Community colleges throughout Illinois offer associate degrees and certificates in database administration, providing affordable entry points and transfer pathways to four-year programs. Many working professionals begin with community college courses while maintaining employment.
Other Tech Degree Programs in Illinois
Database Administration Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Washington
Which Should You Choose?
- Access to Chicago's major financial and tech employers
- Strong job market with 15,000+ database positions
- Affordable public university options ($12K-$17K tuition)
- Mix of theoretical and practical program approaches
- Networking opportunities in America's third-largest city
- Internship access at Fortune 500 headquarters
- Silicon Valley tech culture (California)
- No state income tax (Texas, Florida, Washington)
- Lower cost of living (many other states)
- Warmer climate year-round
- More specialized database/analytics programs
- Stronger venture capital and startup ecosystem
Frequently Asked Questions About Illinois Database Administration Programs
Based on 15 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Database Administration degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023 (4-year institutions weighted higher)
Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)
State-specific database administration salaries from BLS OES 2024
Related Database Administration Resources
Data Sources and Methodology
Official education statistics including enrollment, graduation rates, and tuition data for 2023
Illinois-specific salary and employment data for database administrators and related occupations, May 2024
Institutional data including student-faculty ratios, selectivity, and program offerings
State-specific data on higher education institutions and degree programs
Source: Database and systems administration jobs across Chicago metro area including CME Group, Abbott Labs, Boeing, Allstate, McDonald's, and Caterpillar
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.