Top 3 Database Administration Programs in Iowa 2025
Buena Vista University
4 database administration graduates annually, 94% graduation rate
Luther College
21 database administration graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
University of Dubuque
4 database administration graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
- 1.Iowa offers 4+ accredited database administration programs across public and private universities
- 2.Buena Vista University leads with 94% graduation rate
- 3.Iowa software developers earn median $89,450 annually (BLS OES 2024)
- 4.Tech opportunities concentrated in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City
- 5.Cost of living index: 90.1% of US average (below average)
Database Administration Education in Iowa: Overview
Iowa offers 4 accredited database administration programs, producing approximately 30 graduates annually. The state's tech industry is centered in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, with major employers including Principal Financial, Wellmark, Rockwell Collins.
With a median software developer salary of $89,450 (BLS OES May 2024) and a cost of living index of 90.1% compared to the US average, Iowa offers above-average purchasing power for tech workers.
The top database administration programs in the state are led by Buena Vista University, Luther College, University of Dubuque, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Iowa Database Administration Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Buena Vista University | Storm Lake, IA | Private | $40,190 | 94% | 48.3 |
| 2 | Luther College | Decorah, IA | Private | $49,650 | — | 46.2 |
| 3 | University of Dubuque | Dubuque, IA | Private | $38,260 | — | 34.4 |
| 4 | Central College | Pella, IA | Private | $20,988 | — | 32.5 |
Top 5 Database Administration Programs in Iowa: Side-by-Side
| School | Buena Vista | Luther College | U of Dubuque | Central College |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 |
| In-State Tuition | $40,190 | $49,650 | $38,260 | $20,988 |
| Graduation Rate | 94% | N/A% | N/A% | N/A% |
| Annual Graduates | 4 | 21 | 4 | 1 |
| Acceptance Rate | 72% | 73% | 87% | 79% |
| Type | Private | Private | Private | Private |
| Score | 48.3/100 | 46.2/100 | 34.4/100 | 32.5/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Database Administration in Iowa
Iowa offers 4 bachelor's-level database administration programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Buena Vista University, Luther College, University of Dubuque. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $62,615 in the Iowa 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 Iowa
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Buena Vista | $40,190 | 94% | 4 | 48.3 |
| #2 Luther College | $49,650 | N/A% | 21 | 46.2 |
| #3 U of Dubuque | $38,260 | N/A% | 4 | 34.4 |
Top Database Administration Schools for Master's Degrees in Iowa
Master's-level database administration programs are limited in Iowa. Consider online graduate programs or neighboring states for advanced study options.
Explore our complete national rankings of the best database administration master's programs for more options beyond Iowa.
Most Affordable Database Administration Colleges in Iowa
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable database administration programs in Iowa are at Central College ($20,988/year), University of Dubuque ($38,260/year), Buena Vista University ($40,190/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Iowa's competitive tech salaries.
At Central College, a 4-year degree costs approximately $83,952 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $62,615, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 3 years. See our Most Affordable Database Administration Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Database Administration Programs in Iowa (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Central College | $20,988 | $83,952 | 3 years | Private |
| #2 U of Dubuque | $38,260 | $153,040 | 5.5 years | Private |
| #3 Buena Vista | $40,190 | $160,760 | 5.8 years | Private |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Database Administration Schools in Iowa
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 database administration programs in Iowa, including admissions requirements, curriculum highlights, career outcomes, and what makes each program unique. Data sourced from official university websites and IPEDS 2023.
Buena Vista University
Storm Lake, IA • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $40,190 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 94% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Database Administration Graduates: 4 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 72%
- • Ranking Score: 48.3 / 100
Program Strengths
- 94% graduation rate
- 4 database administration graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 48.3 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (94%), program size (4 graduates), state salary outcomes ($89,450), and selectivity (72% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Luther College
Decorah, IA • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $49,650 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Database Administration Graduates: 21 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 73%
- • Ranking Score: 46.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 21 database administration graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 46.2 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (21 graduates), state salary outcomes ($89,450), and selectivity (73% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
University of Dubuque
Dubuque, IA • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $38,260 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Database Administration Graduates: 4 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 87%
- • Ranking Score: 34.4 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 4 database administration graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 34.4 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (4 graduates), state salary outcomes ($89,450), and selectivity (87% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Central College
Pella, IA • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $20,988 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Database Administration Graduates: 1 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 79%
- • Ranking Score: 32.5 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 1 database administration graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 32.5 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (1 graduates), state salary outcomes ($89,450), and selectivity (79% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Career Paths
Software Developer
SOC 15-1252Software Developer opportunities in Iowa with strong job growth.
Systems Analyst
SOC 15-1211Systems Analyst opportunities in Iowa with strong job growth.
IT Manager
SOC 15-1299IT Manager opportunities in Iowa with strong job growth.
Technical Consultant
SOC 15-1299Technical Consultant opportunities in Iowa with strong job growth.
Database Administrator
SOC 15-1242Database Administrator opportunities in Iowa with strong job growth.
Database Administration Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Washington
Massachusetts
Illinois
Georgia
Which Should You Choose?
- You want access to tech jobs in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City
- You're seeking lower cost of living (90.1% of US average)
- You want to work at companies like Principal Financial or Wellmark
- You prefer Iowa's quality of life
- You prioritize highest possible salary (consider CA, WA, NY)
- You want more program options (CA has 100+ vs Iowa's 4)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration
Database Administration in Iowa FAQ
Based on 4 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Database Administration degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources (IPEDS 2023)
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023
Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)
Iowa-specific salaries from BLS OES May 2024
Related Resources
Data Sources & Methodology
Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System - program completions, graduation rates, tuition, admissions
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics - Iowa salary data
2023-2033 occupational outlook and growth projections
Program-specific admissions, curriculum, and career 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.