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Minnesota State Community and Technical College
Fergus Falls, MNPublic
$5,424
Tuition/yr
47%
Grad rate
78.7
Hakia Score
On this page
Reviewed by Taylor Rupe, Founder & EditorSee methodology
Key Takeaways
Best database administration degree programs: U of Minnesota-Twin Cities, U of St Thomas, Metropolitan State
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $4,502 to $50,788/year
Century College offers the most affordable option at $5,475/yr
Database Administration degree programs available: 7 associate's, 1 master's in Minnesota
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
5 online database administration degree programs in Minnesota
Flexible scheduling for working professionals
Minnesota community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
7 associate's programs provide transfer pathways to bachelor's degrees
Education Commission of the States
Major employers: Target, UnitedHealth, Best Buy, 3M
Tech hubs in Minneapolis and St. Paul
Hakia Research 2026
Database Administration degree programs near 53+ cities across Minnesota
Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location
Updated July 13, 2026
How we ranked Minnesota Database Administration programs
We rank 18 accredited database administration programs in Minnesota 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.
Program completions (35%)Graduation rate (25%)Selectivity (20%)Career outcomes (20%)
See full methodologyAre Database Administration Degree Programs in Minnesota Worth It?
Answer
$106,790
Yes. The best database administration degree programs in Minnesota deliver strong ROI, graduates earn $106,790 median salary with +22% job growth through 2032. In-state tuition averages $14,414/year.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Database Administration Degree Rankings in Minnesota
Compare the top-ranked Database Administration programs in Minnesota by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Database Administration Programs in Minnesota
3
Programs ranked
$5,419
Avg tuition/yr
38%
Avg grad rate
Program Landscape
Minnesota offers 7 accredited associate's degree programs in database administration, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include Century College, Normandale Community College, Rochester Community and T..., which combine rigorous technical curriculum with practical skills training.
Costs & Value
Community colleges in Minnesota offer these two-year programs at an average cost of $5,353/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 $58,735 in Minnesota.
Career Pathways
Many programs feature guaranteed transfer agreements with Minnesota's public universities, allowing students to complete their first two years at reduced cost before transferring to complete a bachelor's degree. The Minneapolis, St. Paul, Bloomington areas offer particularly strong job markets for associate's degree holders, with employers like Target, UnitedHealth, Best Buy 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 Minnesota, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their database administration degrees in Minnesota.
Best Bachelor's Database Administration Programs in Minnesota
3
Programs ranked
$26,726
Avg tuition/yr
54%
Avg grad rate
Program Landscape
Minnesota ranks among the nation's top destinations for database administration education, with 10 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 5 public and 3 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are U of Minnesota-Twin Cities, U of St Thomas, Metropolitan State, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Minnesota database administration programs earn a median salary of $90,772, 8% below the national average. The state's robust technology sector, anchored by the Minneapolis, St. Paul, Bloomington metropolitan areas, provides abundant internship and employment opportunities with companies including Target, UnitedHealth, Best Buy.
Costs & Value
Tuition ranges from $8,571 to $50,788 annually, with an average of $20,757/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 65%, with the highest reaching 92%. 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 Minnesota's leading technology employers. For students seeking database administration degrees in Minnesota, these top-ranked database administration schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
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University of St Thomas
Saint Paul, MNPrivate nonprofit
Virtual Tour of the University of St. Thomas (Minnesota)$52,820
Tuition/yr
76%
Grad rate
81.2
Hakia Score
Best Master's Database Administration Programs in Minnesota
1
Programs ranked
$52,820
Avg tuition/yr
76%
Avg grad rate
Program Landscape
Minnesota offers 1 master's degree programs in database administration, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, U of St Thomas, combine advanced technical training with research opportunities and leadership development.
Career Outcomes
Master's graduates in Minnesota earn a median salary of $106,790, approximately 20-30% higher than bachelor's degree holders. The concentration of technology companies in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Bloomington creates strong demand for graduate-level talent, with Target, UnitedHealth, Best Buy 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 $50,788/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 Minnesota's database administration schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
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University of St Thomas
Saint Paul, MNPrivate nonprofit
Virtual Tour of the University of St. Thomas (Minnesota)$52,820
Tuition/yr
76%
Grad rate
77.0
Hakia Score
Database Administration Degree Costs & Tuition in Minnesota
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $14,414/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $36,035/year |
| Community college tuition | $3,604/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $86,484 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $21,620 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Database Administration Students in Minnesota
State Aid Programs
Minnesota residents pursuing Database Administration degrees have access to one of the nation's most strong state financial aid programs. The Minnesota State Grant provides need-based grants to eligible students, making it one of the largest state aid programs in the country. This program complements federal aid options available through Federal Student Aid, including federal loans, grants, and work-study opportunities. To access these resources, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which determines eligibility for both state and federal assistance.
Key Programs & Amounts
Beyond state and federal aid, Minnesota's colleges and universities offer institutional scholarships and merit-based awards specifically for technology and database administration students. The Minnesota Office of Higher Education coordinates these programs and provides comprehensive guidance on funding options. Students should explore awards through their chosen institution, whether attending a community college, regional university, or research institution like the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Many employers in Minnesota's major tech hubs, including Minneapolis-St. Paul and Rochester, also sponsor scholarship programs for students pursuing database administration credentials. Prospective students are encouraged to contact their institution's financial aid office and review the College Scorecard for institution-specific aid data.
Database Administration Degree ROI Calculator, Minnesota
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a database administration degree in Minnesota. 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
20 years
10 years20 years30 years
20-Year ROI
+697%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
Net Gain
$1,289,731
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
Break-Even
6 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
COL-Adjusted Salary
$120,000
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
Total Investment$185,000
Tuition plus opportunity cost (earnings you miss while in school)
Program Cost (Tuition)$45,000
Direct cost of the degree program
Opportunity Cost$140,000
4 years × $35K/year foregone salary while studying full-time
20-Year Earnings (with degree)$2,325,139
Projected career earnings starting after graduation, with salary growth
20-Year Earnings (without degree)$850,408
What you'd earn working at $35K/year with 2% annual growth
Starting Salary (Minneapolis, MN)$120,000
Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)
Annualized Return4.1%
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 Minnesota metro areas
Minneapolis$117K
St. Paul$112K
Bloomington$107K
View data table
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Minneapolis | $117K |
| St. Paul | $112K |
| Bloomington | $107K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Hakia.com
Top Employers Hiring Database Administration Graduates in Minnesota
Find database administration jobs in Minnesota. These major employers across Minnesota metro areas are actively hiring database administration degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Database Administration Jobs in Minneapolis-St. Paul
MNTarget
retail-tech
UnitedHealth Group
healthcare
Best Buy
retail-tech
3M
manufacturing
Medtronic
medtech
Transfer Pathways for Database Administration Degrees in Minnesota
State Transfer System
Minnesota's strong transfer system facilitates seamless educational progression for database administration students. The Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC) standardizes general education requirements across all public institutions, enabling students to complete core coursework at community colleges and transfer credits directly to four-year universities without loss of credits or delays in graduation. This system is particularly valuable for students beginning their database administration journey at one of Minnesota's 9 associate's programs before pursuing bachelor's degrees. Community colleges such as Normandale Community College ($5,347 tuition), Anoka-Ramsey Community College ($4,942 tuition), and North Hennepin Community College ($4,502 tuition) provide affordable pathways into database administration education. Students earning associate's degrees in database administration or related fields can transfer to bachelor's programs at institutions like Minnesota State University-Mankato ($8,356 tuition, 94.8% graduation rate) or Metropolitan State University ($8,571 tuition, 75.4% graduation rate).
How Transfers Work
Articulation agreements between Minnesota's community colleges and public universities formalize credit transfer and accelerate degree completion for transfer students. The state's 29 two-year institutions maintain formal partnerships with the state's 52 four-year institutions, ensuring that database administration coursework completed at community colleges counts toward bachelor's degree requirements. Students can leverage the Minnesota State Grant for financial aid at both two-year and four-year institutions, reducing cost barriers to transfer. After completing bachelor's degrees, students may pursue master's programs at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities or University of St Thomas, both ranked among Minnesota's top graduate database administration programs. Transfer students benefit from clear curriculum pathways, established academic standards, and recognition of prior coursework, enabling efficient progression through associate's, bachelor's, and master's credentials. For students considering programs in adjacent technology fields, Information Systems in Minnesota and Data Analytics in Minnesota offer complementary transfer opportunities that broaden career options in technology.
Why Pursue a Database Administration Degree in Minnesota?
Industry & Workforce
Minnesota offers a strong ecosystem for database administration education, with 22 institutions across the state offering programs at multiple degree levels (IPEDS). Students can choose from 9 associate's programs, 10 bachelor's programs, and 3 master's programs, with 398 total completions reported in the most recent academic year. The state's flagship institution, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, leads the field with 141 completions, demonstrating the depth of talent development in this critical field. The Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington metro area serves as a major technology hub, home to industry leaders including Target, UnitedHealth Group, and 3M, which actively recruit database administration professionals. These corporations consistently seek skilled database administrators to manage enterprise data systems and cloud infrastructure.
Salary Outlook
Cost of attendance in Minnesota remains competitive compared to national averages. Public four-year institutions charge an average in-state tuition of $10,088 annually, with out-of-state rates at $13,443, making Minnesota an accessible option for diverse student populations (College Scorecard). The Minnesota State Grant program provides need-based financial aid to eligible residents, supplementing federal aid opportunities. Top-ranked institutions like Metropolitan State University ($8,571 tuition) and Minnesota State University-Mankato ($8,356 tuition) combine affordability with strong graduation rates, making them excellent value propositions. Students pursuing database administration education in Minnesota benefit from strong employer demand in the region and strong transfer pathways connecting community colleges to four-year institutions, supporting career progression in this high-demand field.
Database Administration Program Availability in Minnesota
17 Programs
Minnesota offers 17 accredited database administration programs across public universities, private colleges, and community colleges. Top tech hubs include Minneapolis, St. Paul, Bloomington.
Source: IPEDS 2024
Database Administration Job Market & Salary Data in Minnesota
Employment Outlook
Minnesota's database administration job market is strong, with significant employer presence across multiple metro areas and industry sectors. The state is home to major technology and healthcare hubs, particularly in the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington metro area, which serves as the primary employment center for database professionals. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Minnesota's tech and healthcare sectors continue to drive demand for skilled database administrators. The state's largest employers, including Mayo Clinic, Target, UnitedHealth Group, and 3M, actively recruit database administration professionals to manage their enterprise data systems. Additional employment opportunities exist in Rochester, Duluth, and other regional centers, though the Twin Cities remains the dominant job market for these positions.
Salaries by Metro
Minnesota's higher education system produces a strong pipeline of database administration graduates to meet local workforce needs. According to IPEDS data, the state has 22 institutions offering database administration programs across all credential levels, with 10 institutions offering bachelor's degrees and 9 institutions offering associate's degrees. The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities leads the state with 141 completions, followed by University of St Thomas with 111 completions. This consistent graduate output supports Minnesota's competitive position in the national tech talent marketplace. Students pursuing database administration in Minnesota benefit from proximity to major employers and can access career pathways through internships, co-op programs, and direct recruitment from leading corporations headquartered throughout the state.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Median Salary in Minnesota$69,414$154,846
Typical RolesJunior Developer, AnalystStaff Engineer, Architect
Remote Work AccessLimitedCommon
Degree ExpectationBachelor's sufficientMaster's preferred
Online vs On-Campus Database Administration Programs in Minnesota
Online Programs
5 available in Minnesota
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Typical Tuition$12,973/yr$14,414/yr
Schedule FlexibilitySelf-paced or asyncFixed schedule
NetworkingVirtual cohortsIn-person, career fairs
Best ForWorking professionalsTraditional students
Completion Time2-4 years (flexible)4 years (standard)
Compare Database Administration Programs in Other States
Best Database Administration Degree Programs in Wisconsin
- Total Programs
- 11
- Median Tuition
- $8,500
Best Database Administration Degree Programs in Iowa
- Total Programs
- 4
- Median Tuition
- $39,200
Best Database Administration Degree Programs in North Dakota
- Total Programs
- 3
- Median Tuition
- $7,500
Best Database Administration Degree Programs in California
- Total Programs
- 25
- Median Tuition
- $11,800
Best Database Administration Degree Programs in Washington
- Total Programs
- 12
- Median Tuition
- $5,100
Best Database Administration Degree Programs in Texas
- Total Programs
- 47
- Median Tuition
- $7,700
Best Database Administration Degree Programs in New York
- Total Programs
- 65
- Median Tuition
- $7,100
Database Administration Degree Programs in Minnesota: FAQ
What are the best database administration degree programs in Minnesota?
The best database administration degree programs in Minnesota based on our methodology are: 1) University of Minnesota-Twin Cities (92% graduation rate), 2) University of St Thomas, and 3) Metropolitan State University. Our rankings weight graduation rates (25%), program completions (35%), selectivity (20%), and career outcomes (20%). Minnesota offers 17 total accredited programs across 12 public and 3 private institutions. See our complete rankings for all 10 bachelor's programs.
How much do database administration degree programs cost in Minnesota?
Database Administration degree program costs in Minnesota vary significantly by institution type. In-state public tuition averages $14,414/year, while private institutions average $31,711/year. Community colleges offer the most affordable path at approximately $3,604/year for associate's degrees. The total 4-year cost ranges from $57,656 at public schools to $126,843 at private institutions before financial aid. Most students don't pay full sticker price, federal grants, state aid, and institutional scholarships can reduce costs by 30-60%.
What salary can database administration degree graduates earn in Minnesota?
Database Administration professionals in Minnesota earn a median salary of $106,790, which is competitive with the national average of $115,500. Entry-level positions typically start around $69,414, while senior roles exceed $154,846. Salaries vary by metro area: Minneapolis ($117,469), St. Paul ($112,130) offer the highest compensation. Specialized roles like AI/ML engineers and cloud architects command premiums of 15-30% above median.
Are there online database administration degree programs in Minnesota?
Yes, Minnesota offers 5 accredited online Database Administration programs from state institutions. These programs award the same degree as on-campus options and include synchronous and asynchronous formats. Top-ranked online programs include offerings from Alexandria Technical & Community College and Anoka Technical College. Online programs typically cost the same as on-campus tuition for in-state students. Many programs offer flexible scheduling for working professionals, with some offering accelerated completion in 2-3 years. Ensure any online program holds regional accreditation and ideally ABET accreditation for engineering programs.
What companies hire database administration degree graduates in Minnesota?
Major Database Administration employers in Minnesota include Target, UnitedHealth, Best Buy, 3M, Medtronic. The Minneapolis and St. Paul metro areas serve as primary tech hubs with thousands of open positions. Top employers maintain recruiting pipelines directly from Minnesota universities, with many offering internship-to-hire programs. Beyond tech giants, opportunities exist in healthcare IT, financial services, defense contractors, and growing startups. Minnesota's tech sector shows +22% projected job growth through 2033, outpacing most other industries.
Is a database administration degree program worth it in Minnesota?
A database administration degree program in Minnesota offers strong ROI with a $106,790 median salary and +22% projected job growth. At average in-state tuition of $14,414/year, graduates typically recoup their educational investment within 3-5 years. The degree opens doors to high-paying careers in software development ($120,673), data science, cybersecurity, and AI/ML. Beyond salary, benefits include job security, remote work flexibility, and clear advancement paths. Alternative paths like bootcamps exist for career changers, but bachelor's degrees provide broader career options and higher lifetime earnings.
How long do database administration degree programs take in Minnesota?
Standard completion times for database administration degree programs in Minnesota are: Associate's (2 years, 60 credits), Bachelor's (4 years, 120 credits), and Master's (1-2 years, 30-36 credits). However, actual timelines vary based on course load, transfer credits, and program format. Accelerated programs can compress a bachelor's to 3 years or a master's to 12 months. Part-time students typically need 5-6 years for a bachelor's degree. Minnesota community colleges offer a cost-effective "2+2" path: complete your associate's in 2 years, then transfer to a Minnesota university for the final 2 years of a bachelor's program.
What financial aid is available for database administration degree students in Minnesota?
Minnesota database administration degree students can access multiple financial aid sources. Federal aid includes Pell Grants (up to $7,395/year for qualifying students) and federal student loans. Minnesota state grants provide additional support for residents attending in-state schools. Institutional scholarships from universities can significantly reduce costs, many schools offer merit-based awards for STEM students. Work-study programs and teaching/research assistantships (especially for graduate students) provide income while building experience. Complete the FAFSA by Minnesota's priority deadline to maximize aid eligibility. Some employers also offer tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing CS degrees.
Data Sources
Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
Minnesota salary and employment data
Official University Websites
Program details and admissions information
Last Updated: June 26, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2024 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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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.