Updated December 2025

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

Ranking 7 top accredited database administration programs in Missouri. Compare schools by tuition, graduation rates, and career outcomes in Kansas City, St. Louis.

Programs Ranked:7
Median Salary:$104,000
Cost of Living:90.8%
Tech Hubs:2

Top 3 Database Administration Programs in Missouri 2025

๐Ÿฅ‡ #1

University of Central Missouri

Warrensburg, MOPublic

98 database administration graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate

$8K
Tuition/yr
71.0
Score
๐Ÿฅˆ #2

Columbia College

Columbia, MOPrivate

40 database administration graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate

$12K
Tuition/yr
58.9
Score
๐Ÿฅ‰ #3

Missouri University of Science and Technology

Rolla, MOPublic

34 database administration graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate

$13K
Tuition/yr
52.6
Score
Key Takeaways
  • 1.Missouri offers 7+ accredited database administration programs across public and private universities
  • 2.University of Central Missouri leads with strong% graduation rate
  • 3.Missouri software developers earn median $104,000 annually (BLS OES 2024)
  • 4.Tech opportunities concentrated in Kansas City, St. Louis
  • 5.Cost of living index: 90.8% of US average (below average)

Database Administration Education in Missouri: Overview

Missouri offers 7 accredited database administration programs, producing approximately 187 graduates annually. The state's tech industry is centered in Kansas City, St. Louis, with major employers including Cerner, World Wide Technology, Bayer.

With a median software developer salary of $104,000 (BLS OES May 2024) and a cost of living index of 90.8% compared to the US average, Missouri offers above-average purchasing power for tech workers compared to higher-cost coastal markets.

The top database administration programs in the state are led by University of Central Missouri, Columbia College, Missouri University of Science and Technology, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.

Ranking Methodology

Based on 7 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%

Missouri-specific salaries from BLS OES May 2024

Missouri Database Administration Programs Rankings 2025

Rank
1University of Central MissouriWarrensburg, MOPublic$8,325โ€”71
2Columbia CollegeColumbia, MOPrivate$12,268โ€”58.9
3Missouri University of Science and TechnologyRolla, MOPublic$13,008โ€”52.6
4Lincoln UniversityJefferson City, MOPublic$7,370โ€”41.7
5Missouri State University-SpringfieldSpringfield, MOPublic$7,812โ€”40.2
6Lindenwood UniversitySaint Charles, MOPrivate$19,900โ€”37.1
7Northwest Missouri State UniversityMaryville, MOPublic$6,442โ€”33.1

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

SchoolU of Central MissouriColumbia CollegeMissouri University of...LincolnMissouri State University...
Rank
#1
#2
#3
#4
#5
In-State Tuition
$8,325
$12,268
$13,008
$7,370
$7,812
Graduation Rate
N/A%
N/A%
N/A%
N/A%
N/A%
Annual Graduates
98
40
34
2
11
Acceptance Rate
69%
N/A
73%
N/A
91%
Type
Public
Private
Public
Public
Public
Score
71.0/100
58.9/100
52.6/100
41.7/100
40.2/100

Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Database Administration in Missouri

Missouri offers 7 bachelor's-level database administration programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Columbia College, Missouri University of Science and Technology, Lincoln University. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $72,800 in the Missouri 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 Missouri

SchoolTuitionGrad RateGraduatesScore
#1 Columbia College
$12,268
N/A%
40
58.9
#2 Missouri University of...
$13,008
N/A%
34
52.6
#3 Lincoln
$7,370
N/A%
2
41.7

Top Database Administration Schools for Master's Degrees in Missouri

For graduate study, Missouri offers 2 master's-level database administration programs. Leading institutions include University of Central Missouri, Missouri University of Science and Technology. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Missouri reaching $135,200 or more.

Top 3 Database Administration Master's Programs in Missouri

SchoolTuitionGrad RateGraduatesScore
#1 U of Central Missouri
$8,325
N/A%
98
71.0
#2 Missouri University of...
$13,008
N/A%
23
49.0

Most Affordable Database Administration Colleges in Missouri

For budget-conscious students, the most affordable database administration programs in Missouri are at Northwest Missouri State University ($6,442/year), Lincoln University ($7,370/year), Missouri State University-Springfield ($7,812/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Missouri's competitive tech salaries.

At Northwest Missouri State University, a 4-year degree costs approximately $25,768 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $72,800, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.7 years. See our Most Affordable Database Administration Programs for national comparisons.

Most Affordable Database Administration Programs in Missouri (with ROI)

SchoolAnnual Tuition4-Year CostPayback PeriodType
#1 Northwest Missouri State
$6,442
$25,768
0.7 years
Public
#2 Lincoln
$7,370
$29,480
0.8 years
Public
#3 Missouri State University...
$7,812
$31,248
0.8 years
Public

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

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

#11 Designation

University of Central Missouri

Warrensburg, MO โ€ข Public

Delivery:On-Campus
Visit Program

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $8,325 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Database Administration Graduates: 98 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 69%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 71.0 / 100

Program Strengths

  • N/A% graduation rate
  • 98 database administration graduates annually
  • Public institution
  • Overall score: 71.0 / 100

Why Ranked #1

Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (98 graduates), state salary outcomes ($104,000), and selectivity (69% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

Why Choose This Program

UCM offers one of the largest and most affordable Computer Science programs in Missouri with HLC accreditation, featuring both undergraduate Data Science and graduate Computer Science degrees with flexible online options and an accelerated BS-MS pathway.

Program Accreditations & Designations
HLC
Admissions
  • Acceptance Rate: 63.8%
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Cloud ComputingGeneral Computer ScienceSoftware DevelopmentData Science Option
#2

Columbia College

Columbia, MO โ€ข Private

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $12,268 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Database Administration Graduates: 40 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: N/A%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 58.9 / 100

Program Strengths

  • N/A% graduation rate
  • 40 database administration graduates annually
  • Private institution
  • Overall score: 58.9 / 100

Why Ranked #2

Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (40 graduates), state salary outcomes ($104,000), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

#3

Missouri University of Science and Technology

Rolla, MO โ€ข Public

Delivery:On-Campus
Visit Program

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $13,008 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Database Administration Graduates: 34 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 73%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 52.6 / 100

Program Strengths

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

Why Ranked #3

Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (34 graduates), state salary outcomes ($104,000), and selectivity (73% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

Why Choose This Program

Missouri S&T's Information Science and Technology program combines rigorous coursework in cutting-edge technology areas like business analytics, database management, and cybersecurity with a world-class computer environment. The program strongly encourages summer internships and co-ops, providing students with practical experience and a competitive edge in securing full-time employment.

Program Details
  • Credits: 120 credit hours
Career Outcomes
  • Starting Salary: $100,000+
  • Job Placement: 100% secure full-time employment within six months of graduating
  • Top Employers: Amazon, AT&T, Bank of America, Bass Pro Shops, The Boeing Company, Cerner Corporation, Facebook/Meta Platforms, FedEx, IBM, Jack Henry & Associates, Inc., Microsoft, O'Reilly Auto Parts, Sprint, Walmart Inc.
Available Specializations / Concentrations
business analytics & data sciencenetworkingdatabase management systemsenterprise resource planninge-commerceintegrated business systems
#4

Lincoln University

Jefferson City, MO โ€ข Public

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $7,370 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Database Administration Graduates: 2 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: N/A%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 41.7 / 100

Program Strengths

  • N/A% graduation rate
  • 2 database administration graduates annually
  • Public institution
  • Overall score: 41.7 / 100

Why Ranked #4

Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (2 graduates), state salary outcomes ($104,000), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

#5

Missouri State University-Springfield

Springfield, MO โ€ข Public

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $7,812 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Database Administration Graduates: 11 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 91%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 40.2 / 100

Program Strengths

  • N/A% graduation rate
  • 11 database administration graduates annually
  • Public institution
  • Overall score: 40.2 / 100

Why Ranked #5

Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (11 graduates), state salary outcomes ($104,000), and selectivity (91% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

$72,800
Starting Salary
$104,000
Mid-Career
+17%
Job Growth
5,328
Annual Openings

Career Paths

+17%

Software Developer opportunities in Missouri with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$123,829

Data Scientist

SOC 15-2051
+35%

Data Scientist opportunities in Missouri with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$122,544

DevOps Engineer

SOC 15-1244
+22%

DevOps Engineer opportunities in Missouri with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$118,864

AI/ML Engineer

SOC 15-1299
+23%

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

Median Salary:$116,737
+33%

Cybersecurity Analyst opportunities in Missouri with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$113,424

Which Should You Choose?

Choose Missouri if...
  • You want access to tech jobs in Kansas City, St. Louis
  • You're seeking lower cost of living than coastal states (90.8% of US average)
  • You want to work at companies like Cerner or World Wide Technology
  • You prefer Missouri'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 Missouri's 7)
  • You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration (consider SF, Seattle, NYC)

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Database Administration Programs in Other States

Database Administration in Missouri 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 - Missouri salary data

2023-2033 occupational outlook and growth projections

Official University Websites

Program-specific admissions, curriculum, and career outcome data

Taylor Rupe

Taylor Rupe

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