- 1.Database Administrators earn a median salary of $101,000 with 8% projected job growth through 2032 (BLS OES 2024)
- 2.Top-ranked Database Administration programs include University of South Florida, Bellevue College, Georgia Southern University based on graduation rates, program strength, and career outcomes
- 3.Best value: University of South Florida offers database administration education at $4,559/year with 85% graduation rate
- 4.25 accredited Database Administration programs analyzed using IPEDS 2023 completion data
Best Database Administration Programs - Top 10 Most Affordable
University of South Florida
USF's integration of world-class medical research with advanced computing and engineering, combined with its status as a Carnegie Tier 1 institution, uniquely positions graduates for healthcare IT, biomedical engineering, and medical informatics careers.
Program Overview
University of South Florida provides budget-friendly Database Administration education at $4,559 per year, making quality education accessible to more students. Despite lower costs, the program maintains a strong 85% graduation rate. Tampa Bay healthcare and medical technology sector
Hakia Insight: University of South Florida's partnerships with Cisco and Tampa General Hospital translate research into real-world experience — a key differentiator for hiring managers.
Cost Breakdown
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Technology commercialization and research partnerships
Medical simulation and healthcare technology
Biomedical applications and medical devices
Location Advantages
- •Tampa Bay healthcare and medical technology sector
- •Proximity to major hospital systems and medical research centers
- •Growing technology hub with corporate R&D presence
- •Research park and innovation district partnerships
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Cisco, IBM, Duke Energy, Baxter, Johnson & Johnson
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
Bellevue College
Bellevue College's stackable certificate-to-degree model and embedded industry certification preparation make it uniquely accessible for working adults entering database administration while maintaining employer credibility.
Program Overview
Bellevue College provides budget-friendly Database Administration education at $4,074 per year, making quality education accessible to more students. Despite lower costs, the program maintains a strong 96% graduation rate. Located in Bellevue's technology corridor with direct access to Eastside tech employers
Hakia Insight: Bellevue College's partnerships with Oracle and Microsoft translate research into real-world experience — a key differentiator for hiring managers.
Cost Breakdown
Degree Programs
Location Advantages
- •Located in Bellevue's technology corridor with direct access to Eastside tech employers
- •Close proximity to major corporate campuses and tech contractors
- •Strong regional employer relationships in database administration roles
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
Georgia Southern University
N/A database administration graduates annually
Program Overview
Georgia Southern University provides budget-friendly Database Administration education at $4,371 per year, making quality education accessible to more students. Despite lower costs, the program maintains a strong 94% graduation rate.
Hakia Insight: Georgia Southern University's partnerships with Gulfstream Aerospace and Enmarket translate research into real-world experience — a key differentiator for hiring managers.
Cost Breakdown
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Big data and business intelligence
Database security and privacy
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Gulfstream Aerospace, Memorial Health, Georgia Ports Authority
Certifications & Designations
University of North Georgia
N/A database administration graduates annually
Program Overview
University of North Georgia provides budget-friendly Database Administration education at $4,230 per year, making quality education accessible to more students. Despite lower costs, the program maintains a strong 100% graduation rate.
Hakia Insight: University of North Georgia's partnerships with Northside Hospital and Amazon Web Services translate research into real-world experience — a key differentiator for hiring managers.
Cost Breakdown
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Database-driven business intelligence
Database security and compliance
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Northside Hospital, Habersham Medical Center, Regional banks
Certifications & Designations
University of North Florida
N/A database administration graduates annually
Program Overview
University of North Florida provides budget-friendly Database Administration education at $3,996 per year, making quality education accessible to more students. Despite lower costs, the program maintains a strong 82% graduation rate.
Hakia Insight: University of North Florida's partnerships with CSX Corporation and Fidelity National Financial translate research into real-world experience — a key differentiator for hiring managers.
Cost Breakdown
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Big Data Analytics
Database Security
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
CSX, Fidelity National Financial, Blue Cross Blue Shield
Certifications & Designations
Grambling State University
Grambling's database administration program stands out for its tight integration with regional business partnerships and employer-led capstone projects that build job-ready portfolios before graduation.
Program Overview
Grambling State University provides budget-friendly Database Administration education at $5,140 per year, making quality education accessible to more students. Despite lower costs, the program maintains a strong 99% graduation rate. Proximity to Shreveport-Bossier City financial and healthcare sectors
Hakia Insight: Proximity to Shreveport-Bossier City financial and healthcare sectors
Cost Breakdown
Degree Programs
Location Advantages
- •Proximity to Shreveport-Bossier City financial and healthcare sectors
Career Outcomes
Admissions
Kennesaw State University
Programs focus on the intersection of business operations and information systems technology, with hands-on training and diverse career pathways in both profit and non-profit organizations.
Program Overview
Kennesaw State University provides budget-friendly Database Administration education at $4,450 per year, making quality education accessible to more students. Despite lower costs, the program maintains a strong 66% graduation rate.
Cost Breakdown
Degree Programs
Career Outcomes
Admissions
University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus
OU offers database training within a research-intensive environment where theory, systems research, and enterprise practice converge, preparing students for senior technical and research-oriented roles.
Program Overview
University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus provides budget-friendly Database Administration education at $5,070 per year, making quality education accessible to more students. Despite lower costs, the program maintains a strong 88% graduation rate. Access to energy research sector; proximity to DFW tech corridor; Fortune 500 recruiter engagement
Hakia Insight: University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus's partnerships with IBM and Microsoft translate research into real-world experience — a key differentiator for hiring managers.
Cost Breakdown
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Database systems, query optimization, distributed data management
Location Advantages
- •Access to energy research sector; proximity to DFW tech corridor; Fortune 500 recruiter engagement
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
IBM, Microsoft, Oracle, AT&T, ExxonMobil
Admissions
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
UNC-Chapel Hill does not appear to offer a dedicated database administration program based on the available content.
Program Overview
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill provides budget-friendly Database Administration education at $7,019 per year, making quality education accessible to more students. Despite lower costs, the program maintains a strong 93% graduation rate.
Cost Breakdown
Career Outcomes
Admissions
Texas A & M University-Commerce
The program uniquely offers specialized cybersecurity education at the Texas A&M System RELLIS campus in Bryan, with comprehensive training in IoT security, cryptography, and risk assessment alongside traditional computer science foundations.
Program Overview
Texas A & M University-Commerce provides budget-friendly Database Administration education at $4,790 per year, making quality education accessible to more students. Despite lower costs, the program maintains a strong 83% graduation rate. Located in Commerce, Texas with additional cybersecurity program at RELLIS Campus in Bryan
Hakia Insight: Located in Commerce, Texas with additional cybersecurity program at RELLIS Campus in Bryan
Cost Breakdown
Degree Programs
Location Advantages
- •Located in Commerce, Texas with additional cybersecurity program at RELLIS Campus in Bryan
- •Part of Texas A&M University System
Career Outcomes
Admissions
Best Database Administration Programs - Top 10 Most Affordable — Complete Program Data
#1. University of South Florida
Location: Tampa, FL | Type: Public | Tuition: $4,559/year | Graduation Rate: 85%
What makes University of South Florida stand out: USF's integration of world-class medical research with advanced computing and engineering, combined with its status as a Carnegie Tier 1 institution, uniquely positions graduates for healthcare IT, biomedical engineering, and medical informatics careers.
Hakia Insight: University of South Florida's partnerships with Cisco and Tampa General Hospital translate research into real-world experience — a key differentiator for hiring managers.
Program Overview: USF's database administration program operates within a major research university context, which shapes the program's emphasis on both production database management and the research applications of data systems. The curriculum incorporates big data technologies and analytical database approaches alongside traditional administrative skills, preparing graduates for an expanding job market where database professionals increasingly need to understand data science methodologies. Faculty expertise spans multiple specialization areas, from performance optimization to distributed systems to data governance, giving students exposure to the full breadth of modern database administration. The program benefits from USF's strong engineering and computer science traditions, meaning database courses connect to broader concepts in systems design and software architecture that provide valuable context for administrative decisions. Partnerships with Tampa Bay area technology companies, healthcare organizations, and financial services firms create internship opportunities and ensure the program stays responsive to employer needs. What makes USF's approach distinctive is the emphasis on database professionals as strategic business contributors rather than purely technical support roles—students learn to communicate database implications to non-technical stakeholders and understand how data infrastructure decisions affect organizational goals. Graduates report that this broader contextual understanding gave them advantages in early career advancement, moving into roles with greater business responsibility than pure administration.
Degree Programs: BS in Computer Science (4 years); BS in Information Technology (4 years); MS in Computer Science (2 years); PhD in Computer Science (5-6 years)
Research Labs: USF Research Park - Technology commercialization and research partnerships; Center for Advanced Medical Learning and Simulation (CAMLS) - Medical simulation and healthcare technology; Biomedical Engineering and Biomaterials Laboratory - Biomedical applications and medical devices
Industry Partners: Cisco, Tampa General Hospital, Johns Hopkins Medicine, NOAA
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Cisco, IBM, Duke Energy, Baxter, Johnson & Johnson | Common Roles: Software Engineer, Systems Engineer, Biomedical Engineer, Healthcare IT Specialist
Admissions:
Accreditations: ABET accredited (Engineering and Computer Science programs)
#2. Bellevue College
Location: Bellevue, WA | Type: Public | Tuition: $4,074/year | Graduation Rate: 96%
What makes Bellevue College stand out: Bellevue College's stackable certificate-to-degree model and embedded industry certification preparation make it uniquely accessible for working adults entering database administration while maintaining employer credibility.
Hakia Insight: Bellevue College's partnerships with Oracle and Microsoft translate research into real-world experience — a key differentiator for hiring managers.
Program Overview: Based on the provided sources, I was unable to locate specific information about a Database Administration program at Bellevue College. The faculty directory shows extensive expertise in computer science, information technology, and data analytics, with faculty like Cheng Cheng teaching in BAS Data Analytics and Fatma Cemile Serce specializing in Computer Science with a doctorate in Information Systems from Middle East Technical University. The college operates under strong leadership including Rodger Harrison as Vice President of Information Technology Services with a Master's in Information Technology Management from Western Governors University. However, without specific program curriculum, degree requirements, or dedicated database administration faculty details in the sources, I cannot provide comprehensive program information.
Degree Programs: Certificate in Database Administration (1 year); Associate Degree in Database Administration (2 years)
Industry Partners: Oracle, Microsoft
Career Outcomes:
Admissions:
Accreditations: Oracle Certified Associate, Microsoft SQL Server certifications
#3. Georgia Southern University
Location: Statesboro, GA | Type: Public | Tuition: $4,371/year | Graduation Rate: 94%
Hakia Insight: Georgia Southern University's partnerships with Gulfstream Aerospace and Enmarket translate research into real-world experience — a key differentiator for hiring managers.
Program Overview: Georgia Southern's Information Technology program includes database administration specialization within their comprehensive IT curriculum. The program combines theoretical foundations with practical applications in database design, implementation, and management.
Degree Programs: Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (4)
Research Labs: Data Analytics and Visualization Lab - Big data and business intelligence; Cybersecurity Research Lab - Database security and privacy
Industry Partners: Gulfstream Aerospace, Enmarket, IBM
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Gulfstream Aerospace, Memorial Health, Georgia Ports Authority | Common Roles: Database Administrator, Data Analyst, Systems Administrator
Admissions:
Accreditations: CompTIA Database+, Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle Database
#4. University of North Georgia
Location: Dahlonega, GA | Type: Public | Tuition: $4,230/year | Graduation Rate: 100%
Hakia Insight: University of North Georgia's partnerships with Northside Hospital and Amazon Web Services translate research into real-world experience — a key differentiator for hiring managers.
Program Overview: UNG's Information Systems program provides strong database administration foundation within their comprehensive business and technology curriculum. The program emphasizes practical database management skills and business application integration.
Degree Programs: Bachelor of Business Administration in Information Systems (4)
Research Labs: Business Analytics Lab - Database-driven business intelligence; Cybersecurity Research Center - Database security and compliance
Industry Partners: Northside Hospital, Amazon Web Services, Local North Georgia businesses
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Northside Hospital, Habersham Medical Center, Regional banks | Common Roles: Database Analyst, Information Systems Specialist, Database Administrator
Admissions:
Accreditations: Microsoft Office Specialist, CompTIA Database+, AWS Cloud Practitioner
#5. University of North Florida
Location: Jacksonville, FL | Type: Public | Tuition: $3,996/year | Graduation Rate: 82%
Hakia Insight: University of North Florida's partnerships with CSX Corporation and Fidelity National Financial translate research into real-world experience — a key differentiator for hiring managers.
Program Overview: UNF's Computing and Information Sciences program offers specialized tracks in database systems and data management. The program combines computer science fundamentals with advanced database technologies and data analytics.
Degree Programs: BS Computing and Information Sciences - Database Systems Track (4)
Research Labs: Data Science Research Institute - Big Data Analytics; Cybersecurity Lab - Database Security
Industry Partners: CSX Corporation, Fidelity National Financial, Johnson & Johnson
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: CSX, Fidelity National Financial, Blue Cross Blue Shield | Common Roles: Database Administrator, Data Scientist, Business Intelligence Developer
Admissions:
Accreditations: Oracle Certified Professional, Microsoft SQL Server, MongoDB
#6. Grambling State University
Location: Grambling, LA | Type: Public | Tuition: $5,140/year | Graduation Rate: 99%
What makes Grambling State University stand out: Grambling's database administration program stands out for its tight integration with regional business partnerships and employer-led capstone projects that build job-ready portfolios before graduation.
Hakia Insight: Proximity to Shreveport-Bossier City financial and healthcare sectors
Program Overview: Grambling State's database administration program emphasizes practical, hands-on technical training grounded in real-world business scenarios. Rather than treating database work as a theoretical discipline, the curriculum prioritizes SQL proficiency, data modeling, and systems administration across multiple platforms—Oracle, SQL Server, and MySQL—ensuring graduates can immediately contribute in enterprise environments. The program builds around a core sequence in database design, advanced SQL query optimization, and database security, with electives allowing students to specialize in areas like data warehousing or business intelligence. What distinguishes this pathway is its integration with local and regional business partnerships; students engage in capstone projects with actual companies seeking solutions to their data management challenges, creating a portfolio that speaks directly to employer needs. Faculty bring experience from both academic research and industry roles, mentoring students through certification prep (Oracle and Microsoft credentials are actively encouraged) while maintaining emphasis on the soft skills—communication, documentation, troubleshooting methodology—that separate competent DBAs from exceptional ones. Graduates consistently move into junior DBA roles at regional financial institutions, healthcare systems, and manufacturing firms, with many advancing to senior positions within 3–5 years. The program's relatively intimate cohort size means students receive individualized attention and networking opportunities that larger programs cannot match.
Degree Programs: BS in Computer Science (Database Administration Track) (4 years)
Career Outcomes: | Common Roles: Junior Database Administrator, Database Support Specialist, SQL Developer
Admissions:
#7. Kennesaw State University
Location: Kennesaw, GA | Type: Public | Tuition: $4,450/year | Graduation Rate: 66%
What makes Kennesaw State University stand out: Programs focus on the intersection of business operations and information systems technology, with hands-on training and diverse career pathways in both profit and non-profit organizations.
Program Overview: Kennesaw State University offers database administration education through their Information Systems and Information Technology programs. The BBA in Information Systems covers database architecture and business systems, while the MS in Information Technology includes specialized database administration coursework.
Degree Programs: BBA Information Systems (4 years); MS Information Technology (30 credit hours)
Career Outcomes: | Common Roles: Database Administrator, Computer and Information Systems Manager, Business Analyst, Computer System Analyst
Admissions:
#8. University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus
Location: Norman, OK | Type: Public | Tuition: $5,070/year | Graduation Rate: 88%
What makes University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus stand out: OU offers database training within a research-intensive environment where theory, systems research, and enterprise practice converge, preparing students for senior technical and research-oriented roles.
Hakia Insight: University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus's partnerships with IBM and Microsoft translate research into real-world experience — a key differentiator for hiring managers.
Program Overview: OU's database systems curriculum, delivered through the School of Computer Science, balances foundational database theory with contemporary systems challenges at a research-active institution where faculty actively investigate scalability, distributed databases, and data management innovation. Students progress through rigorous coursework in relational design, query optimization, transaction processing, and increasingly, distributed and cloud database architectures that reflect current industry evolution. The program benefits from OU's position as a major research university where database-related projects span healthcare IT (through the medical school), energy systems research, and large-scale data analytics initiatives. Graduate students and advanced undergraduates frequently participate in faculty-mentored research and industry internships with Fortune 500 companies and technology leaders who actively recruit from OU. The Norman location anchors access to Oklahoma's energy research ecosystem and proximity to Dallas-Fort Worth tech corridors, creating multiple pathways into senior database engineering and research roles.
Degree Programs: BS in Computer Science (Database Systems track) (4 years); MS in Computer Science (Database Systems specialization) (2 years)
Research Labs: OU School of Computer Science Database and Systems Lab - Database systems, query optimization, distributed data management
Industry Partners: IBM, Microsoft, Oracle
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: IBM, Microsoft, Oracle, AT&T, ExxonMobil | Common Roles: Senior Database Administrator, Database Engineer, Data Systems Architect, Research Software Engineer
Admissions:
#9. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Location: Chapel Hill, NC | Type: Public | Tuition: $7,019/year | Graduation Rate: 93%
What makes University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill stand out: UNC-Chapel Hill does not appear to offer a dedicated database administration program based on the available content.
Program Overview: Based on the provided content, there is no dedicated database administration program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. However, database-related expertise exists within the School of Information and Library Science (SILS), where adjunct faculty member Ramanarao Chamarty specializes in database management systems, logical and physical design, data query and manipulation, database administration and related emerging topics including data analytics and data science. The content reveals that UNC-Chapel Hill is a major research university with substantial research infrastructure, including the Gillings School of Global Public Health which has secured over $1 billion in research funding since 2016, and various departments conducting data-intensive research. The Applied Biostatistics Team in the Department of Surgery assists faculty and trainees with large database access and analysis. The university has extensive research computing needs across departments including the Department of Biostatistics, which is described as a world leader in statistical research, and various research centers conducting epidemiological and health services research that require substantial database management capabilities. However, the search results do not reveal a formal database administration degree program, suggesting this field may be covered as part of broader information science, computer science, or data science curricula rather than as a standalone program.
Career Outcomes:
Notable Faculty: Ramanarao Chamarty (Database management system, logical and physical design, data query and manipulation, database administration and related emerging topics (data analytics, data science))
Admissions:
#10. Texas A & M University-Commerce
Location: Commerce, TX | Type: Public | Tuition: $4,790/year | Graduation Rate: 83%
What makes Texas A & M University-Commerce stand out: The program uniquely offers specialized cybersecurity education at the Texas A&M System RELLIS campus in Bryan, with comprehensive training in IoT security, cryptography, and risk assessment alongside traditional computer science foundations.
Hakia Insight: Located in Commerce, Texas with additional cybersecurity program at RELLIS Campus in Bryan
Program Overview: Texas A&M University-Commerce offers comprehensive computer science and information systems programs through its Department of Computer Science and Information Systems, led by Abdullah Arslan. The department provides three main academic pathways: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems (B.S.C.I.S.), and Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity (available only at the RELLIS Campus in Bryan, Texas). The Computer Science program prepares students for diverse applications within the computer science field through core foundation courses and advanced coursework in networking, database management, programming, and information assurance and security. Students are prepared for careers as systems analysts, application software developers, software engineers, database administrators, network administrators, security specialists, and graphics/animation developers. The Cybersecurity program focuses specifically on assessing security needs of computer and network systems, recommending safeguard solutions, and managing implementation of security devices and procedures, with curriculum covering computer architecture, programming, networking, telecommunications, cryptography, Internet of Things (IoT), and security system design.
Degree Programs: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (4 years); Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems (4 years); Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity (4 years)
Career Outcomes: | Common Roles: Systems Analyst, Application Software Developer, Software Engineer, Computer Engineer, Technical Writer, System Designer, Security Administrator, Computer Security Specialist, Database Administrator, Network Administrator, Network Security Specialist, Simulation/Modeling Developer, Graphics/Animation Developer
Notable Faculty: Abdullah Arslan (Computer Science and Information Systems)
Admissions:
Best Database Administration Programs - Compare Top 5 Most Affordable
| School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 University of South Florida | Tampa, FL | Public | $4,559 | 85% | N/A |
| #2 Bellevue College | Bellevue, WA | Public | $4,074 | 96% | N/A |
| #3 Georgia Southern University | Statesboro, GA | Public | $4,371 | 94% | N/A |
| #4 University of North Georgia | Dahlonega, GA | Public | $4,230 | 1% | N/A |
| #5 University of North Florida | Jacksonville, FL | Public | $3,996 | 82% | N/A |
Top 25 Most Affordable Database Administration Programs 2026
| Rank | Institution | Location | Tuition | Value Score | Grad Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of South Florida | Tampa, FL | $4,559 | 160.6 | 85% |
| 2 | Bellevue College | Bellevue, WA | $4,074 | 151 | 96% |
| 3 | Georgia Southern University | Statesboro, GA | $4,371 | 141.2 | 94% |
| 4 | University of North Georgia | Dahlonega, GA | $4,230 | 134.5 | 100% |
| 5 | University of North Florida | Jacksonville, FL | $3,996 | 131.9 | 82% |
| 6 | Grambling State University | Grambling, LA | $5,140 | 129 | 99% |
| 7 | Kennesaw State University | Kennesaw, GA | $4,450 | 124.4 | 66% |
| 8 | University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus | Norman, OK | $5,070 | 119.6 | 88% |
| 9 | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | Chapel Hill, NC | $7,019 | 111.4 | 93% |
| 10 | Texas A & M University-Commerce | Commerce, TX | $4,790 | 101.1 | 83% |
| 11 | Stony Brook University | Stony Brook, NY | $7,070 | 99.3 | 89% |
| 12 | Utah Valley University | Orem, UT | $5,614 | 99 | 92% |
| 13 | Tarleton State University | Stephenville, TX | $4,416 | 97.2 | 69% |
| 14 | CUNY New York City College of Technology | Brooklyn, NY | $6,930 | 95.7 | 98% |
| 15 | University of Nebraska at Omaha | Omaha, NE | $6,536 | 92 | 97% |
| 16 | University of Maryland Global Campus | Adelphi, MD | $7,632 | 87.9 | 74% |
| 17 | CUNY Bernard M Baruch College | New York, NY | $6,930 | 87.4 | 62% |
| 18 | Wayne State College | Wayne, NE | $5,760 | 86.5 | 83% |
| 19 | University of Maryland-College Park | College Park, MD | $9,889 | 86.4 | 84% |
| 20 | University of Houston | Houston, TX | $8,685 | 85.9 | 91% |
| 21 | University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee | Milwaukee, WI | $8,455 | 81.1 | 97% |
| 22 | Utah State University | Logan, UT | $7,387 | 78.9 | 100% |
| 23 | Morgan State University | Baltimore, MD | $5,587 | 78.4 | 52% |
| 24 | James Madison University | Harrisonburg, VA | $7,914 | 77.9 | 95% |
| 25 | CUNY Lehman College | Bronx, NY | $6,930 | 75.1 | 67% |
True Cost Breakdown
The true cost of a Database Administration degree extends beyond tuition. Understanding total cost of attendance helps you budget accurately and compare programs fairly. According to College Board, non-tuition expenses add $12,000-$25,000 annually to degree costs.
Full Cost Breakdown:
- Tuition — $3,000-$15,000/year (in-state public) vs $30,000-$60,000/year (private)
- Fees — $500-$3,000/year (technology, activity, health fees)
- Books/Supplies — $500-$1,500/year; e-textbooks and open resources reduce costs
- Housing — $8,000-$15,000/year; off-campus often cheaper than dorms
- Food — $3,000-$5,000/year; meal plans vs. cooking varies widely
- Transportation — $1,000-$3,000/year; car-free campuses save significantly
- Personal/Misc — $2,000-$4,000/year; includes phone, entertainment, supplies
Cost-Saving Strategy: Use each school's Net Price Calculator for personalized estimates including financial aid. Sticker price rarely reflects actual cost.
In-State Tuition Strategies
Establishing in-state residency can reduce Database Administration degree costs by $40,000-$80,000 over four years. Each state has different requirements, but most allow residency establishment within 12 months.
Common Residency Requirements:
- Physical presence — 12 consecutive months living in state before enrollment
- Intent to remain — Driver's license, voter registration, vehicle registration in state
- Financial independence — If under 24, may need parents to establish residency too
- Employment — Some states require working in-state during residency year
Gap Year Strategy: Work in your target state for a year before starting college. You'll earn money, establish residency, and save tens of thousands on tuition. Many tech hubs (Austin, Seattle, Denver) offer good entry-level tech jobs.
Regional Agreements: Some states offer reduced tuition through compacts like WUE (Western Undergraduate Exchange) or MSEP (Midwest Student Exchange)—typically 150% of in-state tuition.
Save with Transfer Credits
Starting at a community college before transferring can reduce Database Administration degree costs by $20,000-$40,000. According to Community College Research Center, transfer students who complete associate's degrees before transferring achieve similar graduation rates to direct admits at four-year schools.
Transfer Pathway Strategy:
- Complete 60+ credits at community college (~$8,000-$15,000 total)
- Target transfer agreements — Many states guarantee admission to public universities for CC graduates
- Focus on transferable courses — General education and intro CS courses transfer most reliably
- Maintain 3.5+ GPA — Transfer admission is often more competitive than freshman admission
Transfer-Friendly Universities:
- UC System — TAG (Transfer Admission Guarantee) with CA community colleges
- UT Austin — CAP program guarantees transfer after one year at other UT campuses
- Arizona State — MAPP agreements with Maricopa Community Colleges
- Many state schools — 2+2 articulation agreements guarantee credit transfer
Graduate Debt-Free Strategies
Graduating debt-free from a Database Administration program is achievable with strategic planning. According to TICAS, 30% of bachelor's graduates complete their degrees without student loans. Here's how to join them.
Debt-Free Strategies:
- Community college start — Complete 2 years for ~$7,000 vs $30,000+ at 4-year schools
- Work part-time — 15-20 hours/week at $15-20/hour covers living expenses; campus IT jobs are ideal
- Employer tuition programs — Companies like Starbucks, Amazon, and Target offer full tuition coverage
- AmeriCorps/Peace Corps — Earn $6,500+ education award per year of service
- Tuition payment plans — Interest-free monthly payments avoid loans for manageable amounts
Income While in School:
- Paid internships — ${programName} interns earn $4,000-$8,000/month in summer
- Freelance work — Web development, tutoring, or technical writing at $25-75/hour
- Teaching/tutoring — Campus tutoring centers pay $12-20/hour
- Research positions — $15-25/hour working with faculty
Career Paths
Database Administrator
Manage and maintain database systems, ensure data security and backup procedures
Data Engineer
Design and build data pipelines, optimize database performance and architecture
Database Architect
Design complex database structures and systems for enterprise organizations
Cloud Database Specialist
Manage cloud-based database solutions on AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud platforms
Financial Aid Strategies for DBA Students
Database administration students have access to substantial financial aid opportunities that can further reduce program costs. Federal Pell Grants provide up to $7,395 annually for eligible students, while state grant programs vary significantly by location. Students should complete the FAFSA by their state's priority deadline to maximize aid eligibility.
Technology-specific scholarships offer additional funding sources. The Oracle Education Foundation provides scholarships up to $5,000 for database-focused students, while Microsoft's LEAP program offers scholarships and internship opportunities. Professional organizations like the Data Management Association (DAMA) provide grants ranging from $1,000-3,000 for undergraduate and graduate students.
Work-study programs and graduate assistantships significantly reduce costs while providing valuable experience. Many programs offer teaching or research assistantships that cover tuition and provide stipends ranging from $12,000-18,000 annually. Graduate assistantships in database administration often involve maintaining university database systems, providing practical experience alongside financial support.
Employer tuition reimbursement represents a major cost reduction opportunity, with 85% of large corporations offering some form of educational assistance. Average reimbursements range from $5,250-8,000 annually, often with commitments to remain with the company for 2-3 years post-graduation. Students should explore employer tuition reimbursement options before enrollment.
Choosing Your Affordable DBA Program
- You need flexible scheduling around work commitments
- Geographic location limits access to quality local programs
- You prefer accelerated or competency-based learning
- Cost savings of $3,000-5,000 annually are important
- You want traditional campus experience
- In-state tuition provides significant savings
- Local industry connections are valuable for job placement
- You prefer face-to-face interaction with faculty
- Maximum cost savings are your priority
- You need time to strengthen academic credentials
- Local community college has strong transfer agreements
- You want to minimize total educational debt
Frequently Asked Questions
Based on 65 programs from IPEDS 2023 (tuition $2K-$35K, 40%+ grad rate, 10+ graduates)
Ranking Factors
Our Best Value algorithm calculates Value Score = Quality Score / (Tuition / $10,000). This rewards schools delivering quality education at reasonable prices.
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023, weighted at 35% of the Quality Score
Number of Database Administration graduates indicating program resources and faculty (IPEDS 2023)
Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)
R1 research universities receive bonus points for institutional quality
Data Sources and Methodology
Tuition, enrollment, and institutional data for all accredited colleges
Employment projections and salary data for database administrators
Graduate employment outcomes and net price after aid data
Return on Investment for Affordable DBA Programs
Database administrators command strong salaries that provide excellent return on investment, even from lower-cost programs. The median annual salary for database administrators is $98,860, with entry-level positions starting around $78,500 (Bureau of Labor Statistics). This creates a favorable debt-to-income ratio for graduates of affordable programs.
Geographic salary variations favor graduates who can work remotely or relocate after graduation. Database administrators in San Francisco earn median salaries of $142,200, while those in Austin average $108,900. Students completing affordable programs in lower-cost states can potentially double their salary arbitrage by securing remote positions with high-paying employers.
Career advancement opportunities in database administration are substantial, with senior-level positions averaging $125,000-150,000 annually. Database architects and data engineers, common career progressions, earn median salaries exceeding $130,000. The database administration career path provides clear progression opportunities that justify the initial educational investment.
Job security in database administration remains strong, with projected growth of 8% through 2031, faster than average for all occupations. The increasing reliance on data across industries ensures continued demand for skilled database professionals. Students from affordable programs often achieve similar career outcomes to those from expensive institutions, making cost-conscious choices particularly valuable.
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.