Maryland university campus representing database administration education
Updated December 2025

Best Database Administration Programs in Maryland: Top Schools & Colleges Ranked

Ranking 16 top accredited database administration programs in Maryland. Compare schools by tuition, graduation rates, and career outcomes in Baltimore, Bethesda, Rockville.

Programs Ranked16
Median Salary$122,420
Cost of Living109.4%
Tech Hubs3

Top 3 Database Administration Programs in Maryland 2025

๐Ÿฅ‡ #1

University of Maryland Global Campus

Adelphi, MDPublic

2001 database administration graduates annually, 74% graduation rate

$8K
Tuition/yr
74%
Grad Rate
84.4
Score
๐Ÿฅˆ #2

University of Maryland-College Park

College Park, MDPublic

661 database administration graduates annually, 84% graduation rate

$10K
Tuition/yr
84%
Grad Rate
72.4
Score
๐Ÿฅ‰ #3

University of Maryland-Baltimore County

Baltimore, MDPublic

169 database administration graduates annually, 90% graduation rate

$9K
Tuition/yr
90%
Grad Rate
57.3
Score
Key Takeaways
  • 1.Maryland offers 16+ accredited database administration programs across public and private universities
  • 2.University of Maryland Global Campus leads with 74% graduation rate
  • 3.Maryland software developers earn median $122,420 annually (BLS OES 2024)
  • 4.Tech opportunities concentrated in Baltimore, Bethesda, Rockville
  • 5.Cost of living index: 109.4% of US average (above average)

Database Administration Education in Maryland: Overview

Maryland offers 16 accredited database administration programs, producing approximately 3,072 graduates annually. The state's tech industry is centered in Baltimore, Bethesda, Rockville, with major employers including NSA, Lockheed Martin, Johns Hopkins APL.

With a median software developer salary of $122,420 (BLS OES May 2024) and a cost of living index of 109.4% compared to the US average, Maryland offers competitive salaries that offset the higher cost of living.

The top database administration programs in the state are led by University of Maryland Global Campus, University of Maryland-College Park, University of Maryland-Baltimore County, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.

Ranking Methodology

Based on 16 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024

Program Strength35%

Database Administration degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources (IPEDS 2023)

Graduation Rate25%

6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023

Selectivity20%

Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)

Career Outcomes20%

Maryland-specific salaries from BLS OES May 2024

Maryland Database Administration Programs Rankings 2025

Rank
1University of Maryland Global CampusAdelphi, MDPublic$7,63274%84.4
2University of Maryland-College ParkCollege Park, MDPublic$9,88984%72.4
3University of Maryland-Baltimore CountyBaltimore, MDPublic$9,23890%57.3
4Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimore, MDPrivate$62,840โ€”52.6
5Salisbury UniversitySalisbury, MDPublic$7,70697%51.5
6Towson UniversityTowson, MDPublic$7,38291%48.2
7Loyola University MarylandBaltimore, MDPrivate$55,48092%47
8Stevenson UniversityOwings Mills, MDPrivate$36,94087%44.5
9Washington Adventist UniversityTakoma Park, MDPrivate$23,400โ€”41.4
10Strayer University-MarylandSuitland, MDFor-Profit$13,725โ€”40.9
11Coppin State UniversityBaltimore, MDPublic$4,933โ€”40.7
12Notre Dame of Maryland UniversityBaltimore, MDPrivate$40,43081%40.5
13Morgan State UniversityBaltimore, MDPublic$5,58752%37.5
14University of BaltimoreBaltimore, MDPublic$7,442โ€”35.4
15Bowie State UniversityBowie, MDPublic$5,993โ€”35.2
16Frostburg State UniversityFrostburg, MDPublic$7,110โ€”33.8

Top 5 Database Administration Programs in Maryland: Side-by-Side

SchoolUMGCUMD College ParkUMBCJohns HopkinsSalisbury
Rank
#1
#2
#3
#4
#5
In-State Tuition
$7,632
$9,889
$9,238
$62,840
$7,706
Graduation Rate
74%
84%
90%
N/A%
97%
Annual Graduates
2001
661
169
40
58
Acceptance Rate
N/A
45%
74%
8%
89%
Type
Public
Public
Public
Private
Public
Score
84.4/100
72.4/100
57.3/100
52.6/100
51.5/100

Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Database Administration in Maryland

Maryland offers 14 bachelor's-level database administration programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are University of Maryland Global Campus, University of Maryland-College Park, University of Maryland-Baltimore County. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $85,694 in the Maryland 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 Maryland

SchoolTuitionGrad RateGraduatesScore
#1 UMGC
$7,632
74%
2001
84.4
#2 UMD College Park
$9,889
84%
661
72.4
#3 UMBC
$9,238
90%
226
59.0

Top Database Administration Schools for Master's Degrees in Maryland

For graduate study, Maryland offers 9 master's-level database administration programs. Leading institutions include University of Maryland Global Campus, University of Maryland-Baltimore County, Johns Hopkins University. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Maryland reaching $159,146 or more.

Top 3 Database Administration Master's Programs in Maryland

SchoolTuitionGrad RateGraduatesScore
#1 UMGC
$7,632
74%
394
84.4
#2 UMBC
$9,238
90%
169
57.3
#3 Johns Hopkins
$62,840
N/A%
40
52.6

Most Affordable Database Administration Colleges in Maryland

For budget-conscious students, the most affordable database administration programs in Maryland are at Coppin State University ($4,933/year), Morgan State University ($5,587/year), Bowie State University ($5,993/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Maryland's competitive tech salaries.

At Coppin State University, a 4-year degree costs approximately $19,732 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $85,694, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.4 years. See our Most Affordable Database Administration Programs for national comparisons.

Most Affordable Database Administration Programs in Maryland (with ROI)

SchoolAnnual Tuition4-Year CostPayback PeriodType
#1 Coppin State
$4,933
$19,732
0.4 years
Public
#2 Morgan State
$5,587
$22,348
0.4 years
Public
#3 Bowie State
$5,993
$23,972
0.5 years
Public

Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Database Administration Schools in Maryland

Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 database administration programs in Maryland, including admissions requirements, curriculum highlights, career outcomes, and what makes each program unique. Data sourced from official university websites and IPEDS 2023.

#1

University of Maryland Global Campus

Adelphi, MD โ€ข Public

Delivery:On-Campus
Visit Program

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $7,632 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: 74% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Database Administration Graduates: 2,001 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: N/A%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 84.4 / 100

Program Strengths

  • 74% graduation rate
  • 2,001 database administration graduates annually
  • Public institution
  • Overall score: 84.4 / 100

Why Ranked #1

Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (74%), program size (2,001 graduates), state salary outcomes ($122,420), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

Why Choose This Program

This hands-on program prepares students for industry certifications including ICCP Certified Data Management Professional and Oracle Certified Associate while developing expertise in relational and distributed databases, data warehousing, mining, modeling, and security. Students can transfer up to 12 credits and complete all coursework online with access to lifetime career services.

Admissions
  • Transfer Friendly
Program Details
  • Credits: 36 credits
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Database Systems Technology
#2

University of Maryland-College Park

College Park, MD โ€ข Public

Delivery:On-Campus
Visit Program

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $9,889 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: 84% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Database Administration Graduates: 661 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 45%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 72.4 / 100

Program Strengths

  • 84% graduation rate
  • 661 database administration graduates annually
  • Public institution
  • Overall score: 72.4 / 100

Why Ranked #2

Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (84%), program size (661 graduates), state salary outcomes ($122,420), and selectivity (45% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

Why Choose This Program

The Bachelor of Science in Information Science at UMD is the #1 ranked program in the USA for producing information science degrees among non-online universities, offering hands-on learning with 400+ industry partners and access to world-renowned research centers. Graduates work at leading organizations like Google, IBM, CIA, and National Geographic, with opportunities spanning data science, cybersecurity, database administration, and user experience design.

Admission Prerequisites
  • โ€ขEnglish Composition (equivalent of UMD's ENGL 101)
  • โ€ขcollege-level mathematics (equivalent of UMD's Math 107)
Admissions
  • Transfer Friendly
Program Details
  • Credits: 120 credits
Career Outcomes
  • Top Employers: IBM, Google, Library of Congress, National Archives, Smithsonian, CIA, IMF, Discovery Channel, National Agricultural Library, New York Times, National Geographic
#3

University of Maryland-Baltimore County

Baltimore, MD โ€ข Public

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $9,238 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: 90% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Database Administration Graduates: 169 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 74%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 57.3 / 100

Program Strengths

  • 90% graduation rate
  • 169 database administration graduates annually
  • Public institution
  • Overall score: 57.3 / 100

Why Ranked #3

Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (90%), program size (169 graduates), state salary outcomes ($122,420), and selectivity (74% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

#4

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD โ€ข Private

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $62,840 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Database Administration Graduates: 40 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 8%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 52.6 / 100

Program Strengths

  • N/A% graduation rate
  • 40 database administration graduates annually
  • Private institution
  • Overall score: 52.6 / 100

Why Ranked #4

Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (40 graduates), state salary outcomes ($122,420), and selectivity (8% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

#5

Salisbury University

Salisbury, MD โ€ข Public

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $7,706 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: 97% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Database Administration Graduates: 58 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 89%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 51.5 / 100

Program Strengths

  • 97% graduation rate
  • 58 database administration graduates annually
  • Public institution
  • Overall score: 51.5 / 100

Why Ranked #5

Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (97%), program size (58 graduates), state salary outcomes ($122,420), and selectivity (89% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

$85,694
Starting Salary
$122,420
Mid-Career
+17%
Job Growth
7,574
Annual Openings

Career Paths

+17%

Software Developer opportunities in Maryland with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$133,516

Data Scientist

SOC 15-2051
+35%

Data Scientist opportunities in Maryland with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$135,182

DevOps Engineer

SOC 15-1244
+22%

DevOps Engineer opportunities in Maryland with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$116,854

AI/ML Engineer

SOC 15-1299
+23%

AI/ML Engineer opportunities in Maryland with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$139,382
+33%

Cybersecurity Analyst opportunities in Maryland with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$129,013

Which Should You Choose?

Choose Maryland if...
  • You want access to tech jobs in Baltimore, Bethesda, Rockville
  • You're seeking competitive salaries ($122,420 median)
  • You want to work at companies like NSA or Lockheed Martin
  • You prefer Maryland's quality of life
Consider other states if...
  • You prioritize highest possible salary (consider CA, WA, NY)
  • You want more program options (CA has 100+ vs Maryland's 16)
  • You're looking for lower cost of living (consider TX, NC, GA)

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Database Administration Programs in Other States

Database Administration in Maryland FAQ

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 - Maryland salary data

2023-2033 occupational outlook and growth projections

Official University Websites

Program-specific admissions, curriculum, and career outcome data

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