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Key Takeaways
Best database administration degree programs: Columbia College, Missouri University of Sc..., Missouri State University...
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $6,442 to $19,900/year
U of Central Missouri offers the most affordable option at $8,325/yr
Database Administration degree programs available: 2 master's in Missouri
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
1 online database administration degree programs in Missouri
Flexible scheduling for working professionals
Major employers: Cerner, World Wide Technology, Bayer, Mastercard
Tech hubs in Kansas City and St. Louis
Hakia Research 2026
Database Administration degree programs near 62+ cities across Missouri
Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location
Updated June 28, 2026
How we ranked Missouri Database Administration programs
We rank 9 accredited database administration programs in Missouri 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.
Are Database Administration Degree Programs in Missouri Worth It?
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Database Administration Degree Rankings in Missouri
Compare the top-ranked Database Administration programs in Missouri by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Bachelor's Database Administration Programs in Missouri
Program Landscape
Missouri ranks among the nation's top destinations for database administration education, with 7 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 5 public and 2 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are Columbia College, Missouri University of Sc..., Missouri State University..., recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Missouri database administration programs earn a median salary of $88,400, 10% below the national average. The state's robust technology sector, anchored by the Kansas City, St. Louis metropolitan areas, provides abundant internship and employment opportunities with companies including Cerner, World Wide Technology, Bayer.
Costs & Value
Tuition ranges from $6,442 to $19,900 annually, with an average of $10,732/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 0%, with the highest reaching -Infinity%. 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 Missouri's leading technology employers. For students seeking database administration degrees in Missouri, these top-ranked database administration schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
Show all 7 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Lindenwood University | Saint Charles, MO | Private | $19,900 | — | 37.1 |
| #7 | Northwest Missouri State University | Maryville, MO | Public | $6,442 | — | 33.1 |
Best Master's Database Administration Programs in Missouri
Program Landscape
Missouri offers 2 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 Central Missouri, Missouri University of Sc..., combine advanced technical training with research opportunities and leadership development.
Career Outcomes
Master's graduates in Missouri earn a median salary of $104,000, approximately 20-30% higher than bachelor's degree holders. The concentration of technology companies in Kansas City, St. Louis creates strong demand for graduate-level talent, with Cerner, World Wide Technology, Bayer 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 $10,667/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 Missouri's database administration schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
Database Administration Degree Costs & Tuition in Missouri
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $10,732/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $26,830/year |
| Community college tuition | $2,683/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $64,392 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $16,098 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Database Administration Students in Missouri
State Aid Programs
Missouri students pursuing Database Administration degrees have access to strong federal and state financial aid programs. The primary pathway for aid begins with completing the FAFSA at Federal Student Aid, which determines eligibility for federal grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. Additionally, Missouri offers the Access Missouri Grant, a need-based state program providing up to $2,850 per year to eligible students at public institutions (Missouri Department of Higher Education). This grant is particularly valuable for students at Missouri's public universities and community colleges offering Database Administration programs.
Key Programs & Amounts
Beyond grants, Missouri students can leverage the Missouri Core Transfer Curriculum (CORE 42) (Missouri Department of Higher Education) to complete foundational coursework at lower-cost community colleges before transferring to four-year institutions. This system guarantees the transfer of 42 credit hours statewide, allowing students to reduce overall degree costs significantly. Many institutions also offer merit-based scholarships for strong academic performers. Students should contact their chosen institution's financial aid office directly to explore institutional scholarships, assistantships, and employer-sponsored tuition benefits, particularly given Missouri's strong database administration employer presence in healthcare, technology, and retail sectors.
Database Administration Degree ROI Calculator, Missouri
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a database administration degree in Missouri. 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
+907%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
$1,677,254
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
5 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
$133,333
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
Tuition plus opportunity cost (earnings you miss while in school)
Direct cost of the degree program
4 years × $35K/year foregone salary while studying full-time
Projected career earnings starting after graduation, with salary growth
What you'd earn working at $35K/year with 2% annual growth
Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)
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 Missouri metro areas
View data table
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Kansas City | $114K |
| St. Louis | $109K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Hakia.com
Top Employers Hiring Database Administration Graduates in Missouri
Find database administration jobs in Missouri. These major employers across Missouri metro areas are actively hiring database administration degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Database Administration Jobs in Kansas City
MODatabase Administration Jobs in St. Louis
MOTransfer Pathways for Database Administration Degrees in Missouri
State Transfer System
Missouri's streamlined transfer system makes it easy for community college students to advance into bachelor's degree programs in database administration. The Missouri Core Transfer Curriculum (CORE 42) guarantees that 42 credit hours transfer automatically between eligible institutions, protecting student investment and reducing time-to-degree. This statewide articulation agreement eliminates course-by-course evaluation, allowing students from two-year institutions to progress smoothly. Missouri operates 21 two-year institutions (IPEDS), including community colleges like Metropolitan Community College-Kansas City and Saint Louis Community College, which offer database administration associate degrees as stepping stones to bachelor's completion.
How Transfers Work
Students pursuing the associate-to-bachelor's pathway benefit from significantly lower initial costs. Metropolitan Community College-Kansas City charges $7,110 in tuition, compared to $13,008 at University of Missouri-Columbia for bachelor's programs. After completing an associate degree and transferring via CORE 42, students complete upper-level database administration coursework at universities like University of Missouri-Columbia or University of Missouri-Kansas City. Financial aid remains accessible throughout transfer. Students qualify for Access Missouri Grants up to $2,850 annually at public institutions. For comprehensive transfer guidance, consult Missouri Department of Higher Education and explore related fields like database management and information systems which follow similar pathways.
Why Pursue a Database Administration Degree in Missouri?
Industry & Workforce
Missouri offers a strong landscape for database administration education, with 11 institutions offering programs across associate, bachelor's, and master's degree levels (IPEDS). The state produced 212 total completions in database administration in 2023, demonstrating strong demand and institutional commitment to the field. Leading institutions like the University of Central Missouri graduated 103 completions alone, while Missouri University of Science and Technology contributed 57 completions, establishing Missouri as a significant hub for database administration talent development.
Salary Outlook
Missouri's tech ecosystem centers around major metropolitan areas including St. Louis and Kansas City, home to major employers like Cerner, Walmart, Express Scripts, BJC HealthCare, and SSM Health. These organizations consistently seek database administration professionals. Public in-state tuition at four-year institutions averages just $8,649, making Missouri significantly more affordable than the national average. Top-ranked programs like Washington University in St. Louis and University of Missouri-Columbia offer education, while budget-friendly options including Harris-Stowe State University ($5,808) provide accessible pathways. For students exploring related fields, Missouri also excels in data analytics and information systems education.
Database Administration Program Availability in Missouri
Source: IPEDS 2024
Database Administration Job Market & Salary Data in Missouri
Employment Outlook
Missouri's database administration job market is strong, supported by a diverse employer base across multiple metro areas and industry sectors. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Missouri offers competitive opportunities for database administrators in major metropolitan regions including St. Louis, Kansas City, and Springfield. The state's higher education system has produced 212 completions across bachelor's and master's programs as of 2023, creating a pipeline of qualified professionals entering the workforce. Major cities like Kansas City, St. Louis, and Independence have established themselves as regional technology hubs with significant demand for data management expertise.
Salaries by Metro
The employment landscape in Missouri reflects strong growth opportunities, with institutions like the University of Missouri-Columbia and Missouri University of Science and Technology producing substantial numbers of graduates annually. The state's average public in-state tuition of $8,649 at four-year institutions makes Missouri an accessible location for students pursuing database administration careers. Career pathways are further enhanced through the Missouri Core Transfer Curriculum (CORE 42), which guarantees transfer of 42 credit hours statewide and facilitates student mobility between institutions. Students and professionals can explore broader career opportunities through related fields such as Database Management in Missouri and Data Analytics in Missouri to diversify their skill sets and employment prospects.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Online vs On-Campus Database Administration Programs in Missouri
Online Programs
1 available in Missouri
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Database Administration Programs in Other States
- Total Programs
- 4
- Median Tuition
- $39,200
- Total Programs
- 29
- Median Tuition
- $31,000
- Total Programs
- 6
- Median Tuition
- $12,500
- Total Programs
- 8
- Median Tuition
- $6,600
- Total Programs
- 3
- Median Tuition
- $6,600
- Total Programs
- 7
- Median Tuition
- $6,100
- Total Programs
- 5
- Median Tuition
- $6,500
Database Administration Degree Programs in Missouri: FAQ
What are the best database administration degree programs in Missouri?
How much do database administration degree programs cost in Missouri?
What salary can database administration degree graduates earn in Missouri?
Are there online database administration degree programs in Missouri?
What companies hire database administration degree graduates in Missouri?
Is a database administration degree program worth it in Missouri?
How long do database administration degree programs take in Missouri?
What financial aid is available for database administration degree students in Missouri?
Data Sources
Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
Missouri salary and employment data
Program details and admissions information
Last Updated: June 26, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2024 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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.