University campus in New Jersey
Updated January 2026

Best Database Administration Degree Programs in New Jersey — 2026 Rankings

Explore 11 accredited database administration degree programs in New Jersey. Compare schools by graduation rate, salary outcomes, and tuition—from Atlantic Cape Community College to Rutgers University-New Brunswick.

#1 ProgramRutgers University-New Br...
Avg Salary$122,800
Tuition From$5,950/yr
Job Growth+22%

Key Takeaways

Top 3 ranked: Rutgers University-New Br..., Rowan, Ramapo College of New Jersey

Based on graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality

IPEDS 2023

Tuition ranges from $5,950 to $36,526/year

Atlantic Cape Community C... offers the most affordable option at $5,950/yr

IPEDS 2023

Degree levels: 2 associate's, 5 master's, 2 doctoral programs available in New Jersey

From community college pathways to advanced research degrees

IPEDS 2023

4 New Jersey programs offer online or hybrid formats

Flexible scheduling for working professionals

IPEDS 2023

New Jersey community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs

2 associate's programs provide transfer pathways to bachelor's degrees

Education Commission of the States

Major employers: Johnson & Johnson, Prudential, Merck, Verizon

Tech hubs in Jersey City and Newark

Hakia Research 2026

Database Administration programs available near 86+ cities across New Jersey

Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location

IPEDS 2023

Updated February 2026

On This Page
$122,800
Is Database Administration in New Jersey Worth It?
Yes. Database Administration degrees in New Jersey deliver strong ROI—graduates earn $122,800 median salary with +22% job growth through 2032. In-state tuition averages $14,663/year.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024

Best Database Administration Degree Programs in New Jersey

Bachelor's Database Administration Degree Programs in New Jersey

8 programs•$122,800 median salary•86% avg grad rate
8
Programs
$122,800
Median Salary
$13,913/yr
Avg Tuition
86%
Avg Grad Rate

Program Landscape

New Jersey ranks among the nation's top destinations for database administration education, with 8 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 6 public and 0 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are Rutgers University-New Br..., Rowan, Ramapo College of New Jersey, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.

Career Outcomes

Graduates from New Jersey database administration programs earn a median salary of $104,380—6% above the national average. The state's robust technology sector, anchored by the Jersey City, Newark, Princeton metropolitan areas, provides abundant internship and employment opportunities with companies including Johnson & Johnson, Prudential, Merck.

Costs & Value

Tuition ranges from $11,250 to $15,978 annually, with an average of $13,913/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 86%, with the highest reaching 97%. 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 New Jersey's leading technology employers. For students seeking database administration degrees in New Jersey, these top-ranked database administration schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.

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Rutgers University-New Brunswick

Public
New Brunswick, NJ
$13,674
Tuition/yr
82%
Grad Rate
83.2
Score
Website
Visit Rutgers University-New Brunswick
🥈

Rowan University

Public
Glassboro, NJ
$11,250
Tuition/yr
97%
Grad Rate
57.3
Score
Website
🥉

Ramapo College of New Jersey

Public
Mahwah, NJ
$15,978
Tuition/yr
91%
Grad Rate
61.8
Score
Website
#4

New Jersey Institute of Technology

Public
Newark, NJ
$15,616
Tuition/yr
66%
Grad Rate
53.0
Score
Website
#5

Rutgers University-Newark

Public
Newark, NJ
$13,674
Tuition/yr
94%
Grad Rate
51.3
Score
Website
#6

Strayer University-New Jersey

For-Profit
Piscataway, NJ
$13,725
Tuition/yr
44.1
Score
Website
#7

Stockton University

Public
Galloway, NJ
$12,996
Tuition/yr
35.1
Score
Website
#8

DeVry University-New Jersey

For-Profit
Iselin, NJ
$14,392
Tuition/yr
38.8
Score
Website

Complete Database Administration Degree Program Rankings in New Jersey

Best Associate's Database Administration Degree Programs in New Jersey

### Program Landscape New Jersey offers **2 accredited** associate's degree programs in database administration, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include **Atlantic Cape Community C...**, **Bergen Community College**, which combine rigorous technical curriculum with practical skills training. ### Costs & Value Community colleges in New Jersey offer these two-year programs at an average cost of **$6,733/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 **$67,540** in New Jersey. ### Career Pathways Many programs feature guaranteed transfer agreements with New Jersey's public universities, allowing students to complete their first two years at reduced cost before transferring to complete a bachelor's degree. The Jersey City, Newark, Princeton areas offer particularly strong job markets for associate's degree holders, with employers like Johnson & Johnson, Prudential, Merck 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 New Jersey, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their database administration degrees in New Jersey.

  1. #1. Atlantic Cape Community College

    Hakia ranks Atlantic Cape Community College as the #1 associate's in database administration degree program in New Jersey. This public institution in Mays Landing, NJ has annual tuition of $5,950. Ranking score: 41.5.

  2. #2. Bergen Community College

    Hakia ranks Bergen Community College as the #2 associate's in database administration degree program in New Jersey. This public institution in Paramus, NJ has annual tuition of $7,516. Ranking score: 36.3.

Online Associate's Database Administration Degree Programs in New Jersey

### Online Program Options New Jersey's community colleges offer 2 online associate's database administration programs, providing flexible pathways for students balancing education with work or family responsibilities. Top-ranked online programs include **Atlantic Cape Community C...**, **Bergen Community College**, all regionally accredited and recognized by New Jersey employers. ### Costs & Employer Recognition Online associate's programs average **$6,733/yr**—often comparable to or less than on-campus tuition. New Jersey-based employers including Johnson & Johnson, Prudential, Merck value online credentials from accredited institutions, recognizing that program quality matters more than delivery format. The Jersey City, Newark, Princeton job market actively recruits graduates from online programs. ### Program Format These programs feature asynchronous coursework for maximum flexibility, with some offering synchronous sessions for collaborative learning. Students can typically complete **60 credit hours** in 2 years while working full-time. ### Technology & Flexibility Technology requirements include reliable internet access and a modern computer. Programs provide virtual labs, online tutoring, career services, and networking opportunities. Many offer start dates throughout the year and accelerated course formats for motivated students. Graduates earn the same degree as on-campus students, with no distinction on transcripts or diplomas. For students pursuing online database administration degrees in New Jersey, these accredited database administration schools offer the flexibility and quality that today's learners demand.

  • Atlantic Cape Community College - Mays Landing, NJ - Tuition: $5,950/year
  • Bergen Community College - Paramus, NJ - Tuition: $7,516/year

Best Bachelor's Database Administration Degree Programs in New Jersey

### Program Landscape New Jersey ranks among the nation's top destinations for database administration education, with **8 accredited** bachelor's degree programs across **6 public** and **0 private** institutions. The highest-ranked programs are **Rutgers University-New Br...**, **Rowan**, **Ramapo College of New Jersey**, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections. ### Career Outcomes Graduates from New Jersey database administration programs earn a median salary of **$104,380**—6% above the national average. The state's robust technology sector, anchored by the Jersey City, Newark, Princeton metropolitan areas, provides abundant internship and employment opportunities with companies including Johnson & Johnson, Prudential, Merck. ### Costs & Value Tuition ranges from **$11,250** to **$15,978** annually, with an average of **$13,913/yr**. Top programs maintain graduation rates above **86%**, with the highest reaching **97%**. 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 New Jersey's leading technology employers. For students seeking database administration degrees in New Jersey, these top-ranked database administration schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.

  1. #1. Rutgers University-New Brunswick

    Hakia ranks Rutgers University-New Brunswick as the #1 bachelor's in database administration degree program in New Jersey. This public institution in New Brunswick, NJ has annual tuition of $13,674 and a 82% graduation rate. Ranking score: 83.2.

  2. #2. Rowan University

    Hakia ranks Rowan University as the #2 bachelor's in database administration degree program in New Jersey. This public institution in Glassboro, NJ has annual tuition of $11,250 and a 97% graduation rate. Ranking score: 57.3.

  3. #3. Ramapo College of New Jersey

    Hakia ranks Ramapo College of New Jersey as the #3 bachelor's in database administration degree program in New Jersey. This public institution in Mahwah, NJ has annual tuition of $15,978 and a 91% graduation rate. Ranking score: 61.8.

  4. #4. New Jersey Institute of Technology

    Hakia ranks New Jersey Institute of Technology as the #4 bachelor's in database administration degree program in New Jersey. This public institution in Newark, NJ has annual tuition of $15,616 and a 66% graduation rate. Ranking score: 53.0.

  5. #5. Rutgers University-Newark

    Hakia ranks Rutgers University-Newark as the #5 bachelor's in database administration degree program in New Jersey. This public institution in Newark, NJ has annual tuition of $13,674 and a 94% graduation rate. Ranking score: 51.3.

  6. #6. Strayer University-New Jersey

    Hakia ranks Strayer University-New Jersey as the #6 bachelor's in database administration degree program in New Jersey. This for-profit institution in Piscataway, NJ has annual tuition of $13,725. Ranking score: 44.1.

  7. #7. Stockton University

    Hakia ranks Stockton University as the #7 bachelor's in database administration degree program in New Jersey. This public institution in Galloway, NJ has annual tuition of $12,996. Ranking score: 35.1.

  8. #8. DeVry University-New Jersey

    Hakia ranks DeVry University-New Jersey as the #8 bachelor's in database administration degree program in New Jersey. This for-profit institution in Iselin, NJ has annual tuition of $14,392. Ranking score: 38.8.

Online Bachelor's Database Administration Degree Programs in New Jersey

### Online Program Options 1 New Jersey institutions offer bachelor's database administration degrees with online or hybrid options, enabling students to earn accredited degrees while maintaining professional or personal commitments. Top-ranked online programs include **Strayer University-New Je...**, all regionally accredited and recognized by New Jersey employers. ### Costs & Employer Recognition Online bachelor's programs average **$13,725/yr**—often comparable to or less than on-campus tuition. New Jersey-based employers including Johnson & Johnson, Prudential, Merck value online credentials from accredited institutions, recognizing that program quality matters more than delivery format. The Jersey City, Newark, Princeton job market actively recruits graduates from online programs. ### Program Format These programs feature asynchronous coursework for maximum flexibility, with some offering synchronous sessions for collaborative learning. Students can typically complete **120 credit hours** in 4 years while working full-time. ### Technology & Flexibility Technology requirements include reliable internet access and a modern computer. Programs provide virtual labs, online tutoring, career services, and networking opportunities. Many offer start dates throughout the year and accelerated course formats for motivated students. Graduates earn the same degree as on-campus students, with no distinction on transcripts or diplomas. For students pursuing online database administration degrees in New Jersey, these accredited database administration schools offer the flexibility and quality that today's learners demand.

  • Strayer University-New Jersey - Piscataway, NJ - Tuition: $13,725/year

Best Master's Database Administration Degree Programs in New Jersey

### Program Landscape New Jersey offers **5** master's degree programs in database administration, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs—**Rutgers University-New Br...**, **New Jersey Institute of T...**, **Rowan**—combine advanced technical training with research opportunities and leadership development. ### Career Outcomes Master's graduates in New Jersey earn a median salary of **$122,800**, approximately **20-30% higher** than bachelor's degree holders. The concentration of technology companies in Jersey City, Newark, Princeton creates strong demand for graduate-level talent, with Johnson & Johnson, Prudential, Merck 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 **$18,012/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 New Jersey's database administration schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.

  1. #1. Rutgers University-New Brunswick

    Hakia ranks Rutgers University-New Brunswick as the #1 master's in database administration degree program in New Jersey. This public institution in New Brunswick, NJ has annual tuition of $13,674 and a 82% graduation rate. Ranking score: 81.3.

  2. #2. New Jersey Institute of Technology

    Hakia ranks New Jersey Institute of Technology as the #2 master's in database administration degree program in New Jersey. This public institution in Newark, NJ has annual tuition of $15,616 and a 66% graduation rate. Ranking score: 78.6.

  3. #3. Rowan University

    Hakia ranks Rowan University as the #3 master's in database administration degree program in New Jersey. This public institution in Glassboro, NJ has annual tuition of $11,250 and a 97% graduation rate. Ranking score: 65.3.

  4. #4. Stockton University

    Hakia ranks Stockton University as the #4 master's in database administration degree program in New Jersey. This public institution in Galloway, NJ has annual tuition of $12,996. Ranking score: 41.8.

  5. #5. Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus

    Hakia ranks Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus as the #5 master's in database administration degree program in New Jersey. This private institution in Teaneck, NJ has annual tuition of $36,526. Ranking score: 38.4.

Online Master's Database Administration Degree Programs in New Jersey

### Online Program Options Working professionals can advance their careers through 1 online master's database administration programs from New Jersey universities, designed for flexibility without sacrificing academic rigor. Top-ranked online programs include **Fairleigh Dickinson Unive...**, all regionally accredited and recognized by New Jersey employers. ### Costs & Employer Recognition Online master's programs average **$36,526/yr**—often comparable to or less than on-campus tuition. New Jersey-based employers including Johnson & Johnson, Prudential, Merck value online credentials from accredited institutions, recognizing that program quality matters more than delivery format. The Jersey City, Newark, Princeton job market actively recruits graduates from online programs. ### Program Format These programs feature asynchronous coursework for maximum flexibility, with some offering synchronous sessions for collaborative learning. Students can typically complete **30-36 credit hours** in 18-24 months while working full-time. ### Technology & Flexibility Technology requirements include reliable internet access and a modern computer. Programs provide virtual labs, online tutoring, career services, and networking opportunities. Many offer start dates throughout the year and accelerated course formats for motivated students. Graduates earn the same degree as on-campus students, with no distinction on transcripts or diplomas. For students pursuing online database administration degrees in New Jersey, these accredited database administration schools offer the flexibility and quality that today's learners demand.

  • Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus - Teaneck, NJ - Tuition: $36,526/year

Best Doctoral Database Administration Degree Programs in New Jersey

### Program Landscape New Jersey is home to **2** doctoral programs in database administration, preparing students for research positions, faculty appointments, and executive technical roles. Leading programs at **Rutgers University-New Br...**, **New Jersey Institute of T...** are recognized for cutting-edge research, strong faculty publications, and competitive funding packages. ### Career Outcomes Doctoral graduates command premium salaries, with New Jersey PhD holders earning a median of **$153,500**—reflecting the advanced expertise required for research and executive positions. The Jersey City, Newark, Princeton region's research universities and corporate R&D centers provide extensive collaboration opportunities with industry leaders like Johnson & Johnson, Prudential, Merck. ### Costs & Value PhD programs typically require 4-6 years of full-time study, including coursework, qualifying examinations, and original dissertation research. Many programs offer full funding through teaching or research assistantships, covering tuition and providing stipends of **$25,000–$40,000** annually. ### Curriculum & Specializations Research strengths across New Jersey programs include artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, human-computer interaction, systems, and theoretical computer science. For aspiring researchers pursuing database administration degrees in New Jersey, graduates go on to careers as university faculty, industry research scientists, or technical executives, contributing to advances in technology that impact millions of users worldwide.

  1. #1. Rutgers University-New Brunswick

    Hakia ranks Rutgers University-New Brunswick as the #1 doctoral in database administration degree program in New Jersey. This public institution in New Brunswick, NJ has annual tuition of $13,674 and a 82% graduation rate. Ranking score: 75.8.

  2. #2. New Jersey Institute of Technology

    Hakia ranks New Jersey Institute of Technology as the #2 doctoral in database administration degree program in New Jersey. This public institution in Newark, NJ has annual tuition of $15,616 and a 66% graduation rate. Ranking score: 57.7.

Database Administration Tuition in New Jersey

MetricValue
Average in-state tuition$14,663/year
Average out-of-state tuition$36,658/year
Community college tuition$3,666/year
4-year savings for residents$87,980
2+2 transfer pathway savings$21,994

Source: IPEDS 2023

Database Administration Financial Aid & Scholarships in New Jersey

State Aid Programs

The TAG grant provides $2,176 to $14,404 per year for NJ residents attending eligible in-state institutions (HESAA TAG Grant). TAG is administered by the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority and requires FAFSA filing by April 15. The grant scales based on financial need and institution type, with maximum awards going to students at NJ's independent colleges. Combined with the federal Pell Grant of up to $7,395, TAG can cover most tuition costs at community colleges and substantially reduce four-year university expenses for DBA students.

Key Programs & Amounts

State and institutional scholarship programs:

  • NJ STARS: Full community college tuition for top 15% high school graduates, providing free foundational DBA education
  • NJ STARS II: Continued scholarship support after transfer to four-year institutions
  • EOF (Educational Opportunity Fund): Grants plus academic support services for educationally disadvantaged students
  • NJIT Provost Scholarship: Up to $14,000/year for high-achieving students
  • Rutgers Presidential Scholarships: $12,000-$25,000/year for exceptional applicants
  • Stevens Scholarships: Merit awards that significantly reduce Stevens' $58,000 sticker price Students should apply for institutional scholarships during the admissions process, as many have early deadlines in November-December.

Institutional Scholarships

Employer tuition reimbursement is a significant resource for DBA students, as many work in IT while pursuing degrees. Goldman Sachs, Prudential, Merck, and Johnson & Johnson each offer $5,250-$15,000/year in tuition assistance for employees pursuing relevant degrees. Oracle and Microsoft provide free certification exam vouchers through academic partnerships with NJ institutions. The DAMA International Foundation offers data management scholarships. Given DBA starting salaries of $95,000-$130,000 in NJ, the return on investment for any educational expense is exceptional, with most graduates recouping costs within 1-3 years of completing their degree.

Calculate Your Database Administration Degree ROI in New Jersey

Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a database administration degree in New Jersey. 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

+1116%

Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.

Net Gain

$2,064,777

Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.

Break-Even

5 years

Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.

COL-Adjusted Salary

$94,118

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)$3,100,185

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 (New York City, NY)$160,000

Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)

Annualized Return5.6%

Your investment's compound annual growth rate (similar to stock market returns)

Data sources: BLS OEWS May 2024, IPEDS 2023. 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

Career Paths

+25%

Design and develop software applications and systems

Median Salary:$138,764
+35%

Analyze complex datasets and build predictive models

Median Salary:$115,432
+32%

Protect computer networks from cyber threats

Median Salary:$128,940
+22%

Manage cloud infrastructure and deployment pipelines

Median Salary:$136,308
+28%

Design and maintain cloud computing infrastructure

Median Salary:$132,624
+40%

Build and deploy machine learning models

Median Salary:$154,728
Database Administration Salaries by Metro Area

Median annual salary in New Jersey metro areas

Hakia.com
View data table
Categoryvalue
Jersey City$135K
Newark$129K
Princeton$123K

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024

Hakia.com

Database Administration Jobs in New Jersey: Top Employers Hiring

Find database administration jobs in New Jersey. These major employers across New Jersey metro areas are actively hiring database administration graduates. Click employer names to view current job openings.

Database Administration Jobs in Jersey City

NJ
Goldman Sachs
finance
Verisk Analytics
data
Forbes
media

Database Administration Jobs in Newark

NJ
Prudential Financial
finance
Panasonic
electronics
Audible
tech

Database Administration Jobs in Princeton

NJ
NRG Energy
energy
Bristol-Myers Squibb
pharma
Siemens
engineering

How to Apply to Database Administration Programs in New Jersey

1

Research Program Requirements

Review admission requirements for database administration programs at your target schools. Requirements vary by institution and degree level.

2

Prepare Application Materials

Gather transcripts, test scores (SAT/ACT for undergrad, GRE for graduate), letters of recommendation, and personal statement.

3

Apply for Financial Aid

Complete the FAFSA by priority deadlines.

4

Submit Applications Before Deadlines

Apply early for priority consideration. Early action/decision deadlines are typically October-November; regular deadlines December-January.

5

Complete Enrollment Steps

Accept your offer, submit enrollment deposit, complete orientation requirements, and register for classes.

Database Administration Transfer Pathways in New Jersey

State Transfer System

NJ Transfer connects all 18 community colleges to the state's public four-year institutions with guaranteed transfer pathways (NJ Transfer). Students completing an AS or AA degree receive guaranteed junior standing at any NJ public university. For aspiring DBAs, this means completing foundational programming, database, and math courses at community college prices before transferring to NJIT, Rutgers, or other universities for advanced database administration coursework. The course equivalency database at njtransfer.org allows students to verify exactly how each course will apply toward their intended major.

How Transfers Work

Recommended community college courses for DBA transfer students:

  • Introduction to Programming (Java or Python): Foundation for understanding database application development
  • Database Fundamentals: SQL basics, table design, normalization
  • Operating Systems: Essential for understanding database server environments
  • Networking Fundamentals: Critical for distributed database administration
  • Mathematics through Statistics: Data analysis foundations
  • Business courses: Understanding organizational context for database decisions Lampitt Law ensures completed associate degrees transfer as a block, protecting against credit loss. Students should also pursue Oracle SQL Fundamentals or Microsoft Database Fundamentals certification during community college to strengthen both transfer applications and early career prospects.

Transfer Planning Tips

The 2+2 transfer pathway saves $15,000-$20,000 compared to four years at a public university. Community college tuition of $5,000-$7,000/year versus $12,000-$17,000 at four-year schools creates substantial savings. NJ STARS covers full community college tuition for top 15% graduates, and NJ STARS II extends support after transfer. Bergen Community College, Middlesex College, and Passaic County Community College offer particularly strong IT transfer tracks. NJIT actively recruits transfer students and provides DBA-focused upper-division coursework that builds on community college foundations. Compare pathways with associate's DBA programs or bachelor's rankings.

Why Study Database Administration in New Jersey?

Industry & Workforce

New Jersey is a premier location for database administration careers, combining one of the nation's densest concentrations of financial institutions, pharmaceutical headquarters, and data centers in a single state. The financial services corridor stretching from Jersey City to Newark processes trillions of dollars in annual transactions, all dependent on highly available, secure database systems managed by skilled DBAs (NJEDA Innovation Economy). Pharmaceutical giants Merck, Johnson & Johnson, Novartis, and Bristol-Myers Squibb maintain clinical trial databases, drug interaction systems, and regulatory submission platforms that require rigorous database administration under HIPAA and FDA compliance frameworks.

Salary Outlook

Database administrators in New Jersey earn between $95,000 and $130,000 annually, placing the state among the highest-paying markets for DBAs nationally (BLS OEWS New Jersey May 2024, Glassdoor). Senior DBAs and database architects in financial services can exceed $150,000 with bonus compensation. The northern NJ data center corridor, anchored by QTS, Equinix, CoreSite, and AWS (QTS Data Centers), drives demand for DBAs who can manage distributed database systems across cloud and on-premises environments. BLS projects 15% growth in database-related occupations through 2034.

Regional Tech Hubs

NJ's academic institutions prepare DBAs through strong computing programs.

NJIT, Rutgers, and Stevens Institute of Technology offer database-intensive curricula covering Oracle, SQL Server, PostgreSQL, and cloud-native database platforms (NJIT Ying Wu College). Compare NJ's DBA programs with those in New York, Pennsylvania, or explore our national database administration rankings.

Database Administration Job Market in New Jersey

Employment Outlook

NJ's DBA job market is anchored by financial services and pharmaceutical industries.

The state employs over 116,000 tech workers with database administration representing a critical specialization within that workforce (CompTIA Cyberstates 2025). Goldman Sachs in Jersey City requires DBAs for high-frequency trading databases demanding sub-millisecond response times. Prudential Financial in Newark employs DBA teams managing insurance policy databases spanning decades of records. These financial employers offer DBA salaries of $100,000-$135,000 with performance bonuses that can add 15-25% to base compensation.

Salaries by Metro

Pharmaceutical DBA roles carry unique requirements.

Merck in Rahway needs DBAs who understand FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance for electronic records in drug development. Johnson & Johnson in New Brunswick requires HIPAA-compliant database administration for patient data across global clinical trials. Novartis in East Hanover and Bristol-Myers Squibb in Princeton hire DBAs for regulatory submission databases. These roles command $95,000-$125,000 and prioritize candidates with experience in Oracle RAC, SQL Server Always On, and validated database environments (BLS OOH).

High-Growth Sectors

Cloud DBA roles are the fastest-growing segment in New Jersey's database job market. As organizations migrate from on-premises Oracle and SQL Server to AWS RDS, Azure SQL Database, and Google Cloud SQL, demand for cloud-skilled DBAs has surged. The data center boom in northern NJ from QTS, Equinix, and CoreSite creates hybrid administration roles bridging physical and cloud infrastructure. Entry-level DBA positions start at $75,000-$85,000 with rapid salary growth as professionals gain certifications and experience. For related careers, explore database management degrees or cloud computing programs.

Database Administration Curriculum & Specializations in New Jersey

Core Requirements

NJIT's IT and CS curricula include comprehensive database administration training.

Core courses cover database design and management, distributed database systems, and enterprise computing (NJIT Ying Wu College). Students learn Oracle Database administration including installation, configuration, backup/recovery, and performance tuning. Additional coursework covers SQL Server, PostgreSQL, and cloud database platforms. The 124-credit BS program includes a capstone project where student teams design and implement production-grade database solutions. Co-op rotations provide hands-on DBA experience at NJ employers, with many students completing two separate 6-month placements before graduation.

Degree Pathways

Database administration-specific skills developed in NJ programs:

  • Database design and normalization: ER modeling, schema design, 1NF through BCNF
  • SQL mastery: Complex queries, stored procedures, triggers, views, indexing strategies
  • Performance tuning: Query optimization, execution plans, memory management, I/O optimization
  • High availability: Oracle RAC, SQL Server Always On, replication, clustering
  • Backup and recovery: RMAN, point-in-time recovery, disaster recovery planning
  • Security administration: User management, role-based access, encryption, auditing
  • Cloud databases: AWS RDS, Azure SQL, Google Cloud SQL administration Rutgers' CS program provides stronger theoretical foundations in data structures and algorithms that complement DBA-specific skills (Rutgers Computer Science).

Specialization Tracks

Industry certifications are essential for DBA career advancement and NJ programs integrate certification preparation into coursework. Oracle Certified Professional (OCP) is the most valued certification for Oracle environments prevalent in NJ's financial sector (Oracle Certification). Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate addresses the growing cloud migration trend. AWS Certified Database Specialty covers Amazon's database services. These certifications typically cost $150-$350 per exam and can increase starting salaries by $10,000-$15,000. Explore related specializations in information systems or cloud computing.

Online vs On-Campus Database Administration Programs in New Jersey

Online Program Growth

NJIT offers fully online computing degrees well-suited for aspiring database administrators (NJIT Ying Wu College). The online BS in Information Technology covers database administration, cloud platforms, and enterprise systems with the same faculty and curriculum as on-campus programs. Diplomas do not distinguish delivery format, and NJIT Online ranks among the top online computing programs nationally. Rutgers provides online courses in IT and data science, with hybrid options expanding. Stevens Institute of Technology offers online master's programs in computer science and information systems with database specialization options.

Accredited Online Options

Community colleges provide flexible online DBA preparation.

Bergen Community College, Middlesex College, and Ocean County College offer online database and IT courses at $5,000-$7,000/year for in-county residents. Many NJ community colleges use HyFlex delivery models allowing students to choose online or in-person attendance each class session. Certificate programs in Oracle SQL, Microsoft SQL Server, or database fundamentals can be completed entirely online in one to two semesters, providing quick entry into junior DBA positions while students continue toward associate or bachelor's degrees.

Choosing Your Format

Choosing between formats for DBA education:

  • Campus programs provide access to enterprise-grade database lab environments, networking with peers and employers at career fairs, and hands-on experience with hardware configurations relevant to on-premises DBA work
  • Online programs suit working IT professionals pursuing DBA credentials, those managing databases in junior roles who want formal education, and students in southern NJ far from northern university campuses
  • Hybrid options combine online coursework with periodic lab sessions for hands-on database administration practice Cloud-based lab environments have narrowed the gap between online and campus database education. NJ employers including Cognizant, ADP, and Prudential accept online degrees for DBA positions when backed by certifications and experience. Explore online DBA programs or affordable options.

Database Administration by City in New Jersey

Jersey City is the epicenter of DBA employment

Jersey City is the epicenter of DBA employment in New Jersey, with the Exchange Place financial district hosting Goldman Sachs, Citigroup, and dozens of fintech firms running mission-critical database infrastructure. DBAs in Hudson County earn $105,000-$140,000 with financial sector premiums (BLS OEWS New Jersey May 2024). Newark adds Prudential Financial, Audible, and Panasonic as major employers, with lower living costs than Jersey City. Both cities offer PATH train access to Manhattan in under 30 minutes, extending the accessible job market to NYC's massive financial database ecosystem. NJIT's Newark campus feeds DBA talent directly into this corridor.

The Central NJ pharmaceutical corridor

The Central NJ pharmaceutical corridor from New Brunswick to Princeton offers specialized DBA careers. Johnson & Johnson in New Brunswick, Bristol-Myers Squibb in Princeton, and Celgene/Bristol-Myers Squibb in Summit employ DBAs managing validated clinical databases. Rutgers University in New Brunswick creates a research ecosystem connected to these employers. DBA salaries in this corridor range from $95,000-$125,000 with pharmaceutical benefits packages including pension plans, stock options, and generous PTO. Median rent in Central NJ runs $1,600-$2,000/month, significantly below NYC-adjacent areas.

Northern NJ's data center corridor

Northern NJ's data center corridor in Bergen and Passaic counties hosts QTS, Equinix, and CoreSite facilities that employ infrastructure DBAs. Morris County hosts corporate campuses for ADP in Roseland, Honeywell in Morris Plains, and Deloitte in Morristown, all needing enterprise DBAs. Salaries in these suburban locations average $90,000-$120,000 with excellent work-life balance. The Fort Monmouth area in Monmouth County adds defense and military tech contractors requiring DBAs with security clearances, offering premium compensation and exceptional job stability. Compare opportunities with New York DBA careers or Pennsylvania.

Compare Online Database Administration Programs in New Jersey

View tuition costs, program formats & enrollment info

Database Administration Programs by City in New Jersey

LakewoodJersey CityNewarkUnionBloomfieldEdisonToms RiverTrentonCherry HillHackensack

Find Database Administration Programs Near You in New Jersey

Search by city to find accredited database administration programs ranked by our state methodology.

Database Administration Degree Programs by City in New Jersey

Database Administration Degree Programs Near Lakewood, New Jersey

As a small residential community in Ocean County, Lakewood itself lacks major data centers, but its proximity to the Jersey Shore tech corridor and remote work accessibility make it viable for database administrators commuting to larger hubs like Jersey City or Newark. The township's lower cost of living compared to North Jersey provides economic advantages for early-career DBAs seeking affordable housing while working for state-level or federal agencies with data operations in Trenton.

Lakewood is located in Ocean County, New Jersey.

Associate's Database Administration Degree Programs Near Lakewood, New Jersey
  1. Hudson County Community College (Public) — State #1, 45.1 mi from Lakewood. Tuition: $7,440/year.
  2. County College of Morris (Public) — State #2, 57 mi from Lakewood. Tuition: $9,240/year.
  3. UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ (Public) — State #3, 40.7 mi from Lakewood. Tuition: $9,500/year.
Bachelor's Database Administration Degree Programs Near Lakewood, New Jersey
  1. Princeton University (Private) — State #1, 30.2 mi from Lakewood. Tuition: $59,710/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
  2. Rutgers University-New Brunswick (Public) — State #2, 31.3 mi from Lakewood. Tuition: $13,674/year. Graduation rate: 82%.
  3. Rowan University (Public) — State #3, 55.1 mi from Lakewood. Tuition: $11,250/year. Graduation rate: 97%.
Master's Database Administration Degree Programs Near Lakewood, New Jersey
  1. Princeton University (Private) — State #1, 30.2 mi from Lakewood. Tuition: $59,710/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
  2. Stevens Institute of Technology (Private) — State #2, 46.4 mi from Lakewood. Tuition: $58,680/year. Graduation rate: 74%.
  3. Rutgers University-New Brunswick (Public) — State #3, 31.3 mi from Lakewood. Tuition: $13,674/year. Graduation rate: 82%.
Doctoral Database Administration Degree Programs Near Lakewood, New Jersey
  1. Princeton University (Private) — State #1, 30.2 mi from Lakewood. Tuition: $59,710/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
  2. Rutgers University-New Brunswick (Public) — State #2, 31.3 mi from Lakewood. Tuition: $13,674/year. Graduation rate: 82%.
  3. Stevens Institute of Technology (Private) — State #3, 46.4 mi from Lakewood. Tuition: $58,680/year. Graduation rate: 74%.

Database Administration Degree Programs Near Jersey City, New Jersey

Jersey City hosts major financial services firms like Citi, Morgan Stanley, and Goldman Sachs with significant enterprise database infrastructure and trading systems requiring dedicated DBA teams and data governance specialists. The city's waterfront revitalization has attracted tech startups and cloud-native companies, creating demand for database architects skilled in distributed systems and multi-cloud data management alongside proximity to NJIT's engineering programs.

Jersey City is located in Hudson County, New Jersey.

Associate's Database Administration Degree Programs Near Jersey City, New Jersey
  1. Hudson County Community College (Public) — State #1, in Jersey City. Tuition: $7,440/year.
  2. County College of Morris (Public) — State #2, 28.3 mi from Jersey City. Tuition: $9,240/year.
  3. UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ (Public) — State #3, 13.8 mi from Jersey City. Tuition: $9,500/year.
Bachelor's Database Administration Degree Programs Near Jersey City, New Jersey
  1. Princeton University (Private) — State #1, 40.6 mi from Jersey City. Tuition: $59,710/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
  2. Rutgers University-New Brunswick (Public) — State #2, 25.4 mi from Jersey City. Tuition: $13,674/year. Graduation rate: 82%.
  3. Rowan University (Public) — State #3, 89.6 mi from Jersey City. Tuition: $11,250/year. Graduation rate: 97%.
Master's Database Administration Degree Programs Near Jersey City, New Jersey
  1. Princeton University (Private) — State #1, 40.6 mi from Jersey City. Tuition: $59,710/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
  2. Stevens Institute of Technology (Private) — State #2, 2.5 mi from Jersey City. Tuition: $58,680/year. Graduation rate: 74%.
  3. Rutgers University-New Brunswick (Public) — State #3, 25.4 mi from Jersey City. Tuition: $13,674/year. Graduation rate: 82%.
Doctoral Database Administration Degree Programs Near Jersey City, New Jersey
  1. Princeton University (Private) — State #1, 40.6 mi from Jersey City. Tuition: $59,710/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
  2. Rutgers University-New Brunswick (Public) — State #2, 25.4 mi from Jersey City. Tuition: $13,674/year. Graduation rate: 82%.
  3. Stevens Institute of Technology (Private) — State #3, 2.5 mi from Jersey City. Tuition: $58,680/year. Graduation rate: 74%.

Database Administration Degree Programs Near Newark, New Jersey

Newark serves as a regional hub for Prudential Financial's extensive data operations and RWJBarnabas Health's multi-hospital healthcare IT infrastructure, generating consistent demand for database administrators managing large-scale transactional and analytics systems. The city's access to Rutgers University–Newark's computer science programs and proximity to NJIT provides talent pipelines, while its emerging innovation district offers competitive DBA salaries for professionals managing mission-critical healthcare and insurance databases.

Newark is located in Essex County, New Jersey.

Associate's Database Administration Degree Programs Near Newark, New Jersey
  1. Hudson County Community College (Public) — State #1, 6.1 mi from Newark. Tuition: $7,440/year.
  2. County College of Morris (Public) — State #2, 22.5 mi from Newark. Tuition: $9,240/year.
  3. UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ (Public) — State #3, 8.8 mi from Newark. Tuition: $9,500/year.
Bachelor's Database Administration Degree Programs Near Newark, New Jersey
  1. Princeton University (Private) — State #1, 36.9 mi from Newark. Tuition: $59,710/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
  2. Rutgers University-New Brunswick (Public) — State #2, 21.7 mi from Newark. Tuition: $13,674/year. Graduation rate: 82%.
  3. Rowan University (Public) — State #3, 86.8 mi from Newark. Tuition: $11,250/year. Graduation rate: 97%.
Master's Database Administration Degree Programs Near Newark, New Jersey
  1. Princeton University (Private) — State #1, 36.9 mi from Newark. Tuition: $59,710/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
  2. Stevens Institute of Technology (Private) — State #2, 8.1 mi from Newark. Tuition: $58,680/year. Graduation rate: 74%.
  3. Rutgers University-New Brunswick (Public) — State #3, 21.7 mi from Newark. Tuition: $13,674/year. Graduation rate: 82%.
Doctoral Database Administration Degree Programs Near Newark, New Jersey
  1. Princeton University (Private) — State #1, 36.9 mi from Newark. Tuition: $59,710/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
  2. Rutgers University-New Brunswick (Public) — State #2, 21.7 mi from Newark. Tuition: $13,674/year. Graduation rate: 82%.
  3. Stevens Institute of Technology (Private) — State #3, 8.1 mi from Newark. Tuition: $58,680/year. Graduation rate: 74%.

Database Administration Degree Programs Near Union, New Jersey

Union County's central location makes it ideal for DBAs supporting Johnson & Johnson's pharmaceutical data operations in nearby New Brunswick and Merck's research computing needs, with the Union area serving as an affordable residential and commuting hub. The township benefits from proximity to multiple Fortune 500 data centers and Kean University's IT programs, positioning it as a cost-effective base for database professionals managing enterprise healthcare and pharmaceutical datasets.

Union is located in Union County, New Jersey.

Associate's Database Administration Degree Programs Near Union, New Jersey
  1. Hudson County Community College (Public) — State #1, 10.5 mi from Union. Tuition: $7,440/year.
  2. County College of Morris (Public) — State #2, 20.4 mi from Union. Tuition: $9,240/year.
  3. UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ (Public) — State #3, 3.7 mi from Union. Tuition: $9,500/year.
Bachelor's Database Administration Degree Programs Near Union, New Jersey
  1. Princeton University (Private) — State #1, 31.8 mi from Union. Tuition: $59,710/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
  2. Rutgers University-New Brunswick (Public) — State #2, 16.7 mi from Union. Tuition: $13,674/year. Graduation rate: 82%.
  3. Rowan University (Public) — State #3, 81.8 mi from Union. Tuition: $11,250/year. Graduation rate: 97%.
Master's Database Administration Degree Programs Near Union, New Jersey
  1. Princeton University (Private) — State #1, 31.8 mi from Union. Tuition: $59,710/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
  2. Stevens Institute of Technology (Private) — State #2, 12.6 mi from Union. Tuition: $58,680/year. Graduation rate: 74%.
  3. Rutgers University-New Brunswick (Public) — State #3, 16.7 mi from Union. Tuition: $13,674/year. Graduation rate: 82%.
Doctoral Database Administration Degree Programs Near Union, New Jersey
  1. Princeton University (Private) — State #1, 31.8 mi from Union. Tuition: $59,710/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
  2. Rutgers University-New Brunswick (Public) — State #2, 16.7 mi from Union. Tuition: $13,674/year. Graduation rate: 82%.
  3. Stevens Institute of Technology (Private) — State #3, 12.6 mi from Union. Tuition: $58,680/year. Graduation rate: 74%.

Database Administration Degree Programs Near Bloomfield, New Jersey

Bloomfield's Essex County location puts database administrators within reach of Newark's insurance and healthcare data centers while maintaining lower housing costs, making it a practical residential choice for DBAs at Prudential or RWJBarnabas Health facilities. The township's access to regional universities and its position in the state's largest metropolitan corridor creates networking opportunities with local tech communities managing large-scale financial and medical databases.

Bloomfield is located in Essex County, New Jersey.

Associate's Database Administration Degree Programs Near Bloomfield, New Jersey
  1. Hudson County Community College (Public) — State #1, 8.6 mi from Bloomfield. Tuition: $7,440/year.
  2. County College of Morris (Public) — State #2, 20.6 mi from Bloomfield. Tuition: $9,240/year.
  3. UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ (Public) — State #3, 11.6 mi from Bloomfield. Tuition: $9,500/year.
Bachelor's Database Administration Degree Programs Near Bloomfield, New Jersey
  1. Princeton University (Private) — State #1, 40 mi from Bloomfield. Tuition: $59,710/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
  2. Rutgers University-New Brunswick (Public) — State #2, 25 mi from Bloomfield. Tuition: $13,674/year. Graduation rate: 82%.
  3. Rowan University (Public) — State #3, 90.2 mi from Bloomfield. Tuition: $11,250/year. Graduation rate: 97%.
Master's Database Administration Degree Programs Near Bloomfield, New Jersey
  1. Princeton University (Private) — State #1, 40 mi from Bloomfield. Tuition: $59,710/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
  2. Stevens Institute of Technology (Private) — State #2, 9.7 mi from Bloomfield. Tuition: $58,680/year. Graduation rate: 74%.
  3. Rutgers University-New Brunswick (Public) — State #3, 25 mi from Bloomfield. Tuition: $13,674/year. Graduation rate: 82%.
Doctoral Database Administration Degree Programs Near Bloomfield, New Jersey
  1. Princeton University (Private) — State #1, 40 mi from Bloomfield. Tuition: $59,710/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
  2. Rutgers University-New Brunswick (Public) — State #2, 25 mi from Bloomfield. Tuition: $13,674/year. Graduation rate: 82%.
  3. Stevens Institute of Technology (Private) — State #3, 9.7 mi from Bloomfield. Tuition: $58,680/year. Graduation rate: 74%.

Database Administration Degree Programs Near Edison, New Jersey

Edison is home to major pharmaceutical and healthcare R&D facilities including Johnson & Johnson subsidiaries and Merck research operations, requiring experienced DBAs and data engineers for managing clinical trial databases, regulatory compliance data, and scientific research infrastructure. The township's tech-forward business environment, combined with proximity to Rutgers University–New Brunswick and strong municipal broadband initiatives, makes it a premier location for database professionals specializing in regulated industries and life sciences data management.

Edison is located in Middlesex County, New Jersey.

Associate's Database Administration Degree Programs Near Edison, New Jersey
  1. Hudson County Community College (Public) — State #1, 21.4 mi from Edison. Tuition: $7,440/year.
  2. County College of Morris (Public) — State #2, 25.6 mi from Edison. Tuition: $9,240/year.
  3. UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ (Public) — State #3, 10.2 mi from Edison. Tuition: $9,500/year.
Bachelor's Database Administration Degree Programs Near Edison, New Jersey
  1. Princeton University (Private) — State #1, 19.6 mi from Edison. Tuition: $59,710/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
  2. Rutgers University-New Brunswick (Public) — State #2, 4.5 mi from Edison. Tuition: $13,674/year. Graduation rate: 82%.
  3. Rowan University (Public) — State #3, 69 mi from Edison. Tuition: $11,250/year. Graduation rate: 97%.
Master's Database Administration Degree Programs Near Edison, New Jersey
  1. Princeton University (Private) — State #1, 19.6 mi from Edison. Tuition: $59,710/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
  2. Stevens Institute of Technology (Private) — State #2, 23.5 mi from Edison. Tuition: $58,680/year. Graduation rate: 74%.
  3. Rutgers University-New Brunswick (Public) — State #3, 4.5 mi from Edison. Tuition: $13,674/year. Graduation rate: 82%.
Doctoral Database Administration Degree Programs Near Edison, New Jersey
  1. Princeton University (Private) — State #1, 19.6 mi from Edison. Tuition: $59,710/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
  2. Rutgers University-New Brunswick (Public) — State #2, 4.5 mi from Edison. Tuition: $13,674/year. Graduation rate: 82%.
  3. Stevens Institute of Technology (Private) — State #3, 23.5 mi from Edison. Tuition: $58,680/year. Graduation rate: 74%.

Database Administration Degree Programs Near Toms River, New Jersey

Toms River is a small residential community in Ocean County with limited local database administration employers, making it best suited for remote DBAs or those willing to commute to regional data centers in Newark, Jersey City, or the Route 1 corridor tech clusters. The township offers quality-of-life advantages and lower costs for experienced database professionals who have already established remote positions with national firms or managed service providers serving Northeast clients.

Toms River is located in Ocean County, New Jersey.

Associate's Database Administration Degree Programs Near Toms River, New Jersey
  1. Hudson County Community College (Public) — State #1, 50.1 mi from Toms River. Tuition: $7,440/year.
  2. County College of Morris (Public) — State #2, 61.9 mi from Toms River. Tuition: $9,240/year.
  3. UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ (Public) — State #3, 45.8 mi from Toms River. Tuition: $9,500/year.
Bachelor's Database Administration Degree Programs Near Toms River, New Jersey
  1. Princeton University (Private) — State #1, 33.8 mi from Toms River. Tuition: $59,710/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
  2. Rutgers University-New Brunswick (Public) — State #2, 36.1 mi from Toms River. Tuition: $13,674/year. Graduation rate: 82%.
  3. Rowan University (Public) — State #3, 53.4 mi from Toms River. Tuition: $11,250/year. Graduation rate: 97%.
Master's Database Administration Degree Programs Near Toms River, New Jersey
  1. Princeton University (Private) — State #1, 33.8 mi from Toms River. Tuition: $59,710/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
  2. Stevens Institute of Technology (Private) — State #2, 51.4 mi from Toms River. Tuition: $58,680/year. Graduation rate: 74%.
  3. Rutgers University-New Brunswick (Public) — State #3, 36.1 mi from Toms River. Tuition: $13,674/year. Graduation rate: 82%.
Doctoral Database Administration Degree Programs Near Toms River, New Jersey
  1. Princeton University (Private) — State #1, 33.8 mi from Toms River. Tuition: $59,710/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
  2. Rutgers University-New Brunswick (Public) — State #2, 36.1 mi from Toms River. Tuition: $13,674/year. Graduation rate: 82%.
  3. Stevens Institute of Technology (Private) — State #3, 51.4 mi from Toms River. Tuition: $58,680/year. Graduation rate: 74%.

Database Administration Degree Programs Near Trenton, New Jersey

Trenton hosts New Jersey's state government data centers and administrative database infrastructure, creating specialized opportunities for DBAs focused on government data governance, compliance systems, and public records management under strict regulatory standards. The capital city's role as a government operations center provides stable, benefits-rich employment for database professionals managing state-level healthcare (NJ Department of Health), education (NJDOE), and social services databases, with access to Thomas Edison State University's online IT programs.

Trenton is located in Mercer County, New Jersey.

Associate's Database Administration Degree Programs Near Trenton, New Jersey
  1. Hudson County Community College (Public) — State #1, 50.6 mi from Trenton. Tuition: $7,440/year.
  2. County College of Morris (Public) — State #2, 45.2 mi from Trenton. Tuition: $9,240/year.
  3. UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ (Public) — State #3, 38.5 mi from Trenton. Tuition: $9,500/year.
Bachelor's Database Administration Degree Programs Near Trenton, New Jersey
  1. Princeton University (Private) — State #1, 10.2 mi from Trenton. Tuition: $59,710/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
  2. Rutgers University-New Brunswick (Public) — State #2, 25.2 mi from Trenton. Tuition: $13,674/year. Graduation rate: 82%.
  3. Rowan University (Public) — State #3, 40.2 mi from Trenton. Tuition: $11,250/year. Graduation rate: 97%.
Master's Database Administration Degree Programs Near Trenton, New Jersey
  1. Princeton University (Private) — State #1, 10.2 mi from Trenton. Tuition: $59,710/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
  2. Stevens Institute of Technology (Private) — State #2, 52.7 mi from Trenton. Tuition: $58,680/year. Graduation rate: 74%.
  3. Rutgers University-New Brunswick (Public) — State #3, 25.2 mi from Trenton. Tuition: $13,674/year. Graduation rate: 82%.
Doctoral Database Administration Degree Programs Near Trenton, New Jersey
  1. Princeton University (Private) — State #1, 10.2 mi from Trenton. Tuition: $59,710/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
  2. Rutgers University-New Brunswick (Public) — State #2, 25.2 mi from Trenton. Tuition: $13,674/year. Graduation rate: 82%.
  3. Stevens Institute of Technology (Private) — State #3, 52.7 mi from Trenton. Tuition: $58,680/year. Graduation rate: 74%.

Database Administration Degree Programs Near Cherry Hill, New Jersey

Cherry Hill's Camden County location positions database administrators near Cooper University Health System's medical informatics infrastructure and proximity to Philadelphia's pharma corridor (just across the Delaware River), creating dual-market opportunities for healthcare DBAs. The township's affluent, tech-oriented demographics and access to Rowan University's engineering and computer science programs make it attractive for experienced DBAs seeking suburban stability while supporting regional hospital networks and pharmaceutical data operations.

Cherry Hill is located in Camden County, New Jersey.

Associate's Database Administration Degree Programs Near Cherry Hill, New Jersey
  1. Hudson County Community College (Public) — State #1, 74.7 mi from Cherry Hill. Tuition: $7,440/year.
  2. County College of Morris (Public) — State #2, 67.9 mi from Cherry Hill. Tuition: $9,240/year.
  3. UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ (Public) — State #3, 62.8 mi from Cherry Hill. Tuition: $9,500/year.
Bachelor's Database Administration Degree Programs Near Cherry Hill, New Jersey
  1. Princeton University (Private) — State #1, 34.5 mi from Cherry Hill. Tuition: $59,710/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
  2. Rutgers University-New Brunswick (Public) — State #2, 49.5 mi from Cherry Hill. Tuition: $13,674/year. Graduation rate: 82%.
  3. Rowan University (Public) — State #3, 16.5 mi from Cherry Hill. Tuition: $11,250/year. Graduation rate: 97%.
Master's Database Administration Degree Programs Near Cherry Hill, New Jersey
  1. Princeton University (Private) — State #1, 34.5 mi from Cherry Hill. Tuition: $59,710/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
  2. Stevens Institute of Technology (Private) — State #2, 76.8 mi from Cherry Hill. Tuition: $58,680/year. Graduation rate: 74%.
  3. Rutgers University-New Brunswick (Public) — State #3, 49.5 mi from Cherry Hill. Tuition: $13,674/year. Graduation rate: 82%.
Doctoral Database Administration Degree Programs Near Cherry Hill, New Jersey
  1. Princeton University (Private) — State #1, 34.5 mi from Cherry Hill. Tuition: $59,710/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
  2. Rutgers University-New Brunswick (Public) — State #2, 49.5 mi from Cherry Hill. Tuition: $13,674/year. Graduation rate: 82%.
  3. Stevens Institute of Technology (Private) — State #3, 76.8 mi from Cherry Hill. Tuition: $58,680/year. Graduation rate: 74%.

Database Administration Degree Programs Near Hackensack, New Jersey

Hackensack in Bergen County serves as a hub for healthcare IT due to Hackensack Meridian Health's regional operations and data center infrastructure, offering DBAs specialized roles in medical database management, EHR systems, and patient data governance across multiple hospital networks. The city's position as a healthcare technology center, combined with proximity to NJIT and access to New York City's larger financial tech ecosystem, makes it ideal for database professionals seeking healthcare specialization with competitive Northeast corridor salaries.

Hackensack is located in Bergen County, New Jersey.

Associate's Database Administration Degree Programs Near Hackensack, New Jersey
  1. Hudson County Community College (Public) — State #1, 11.3 mi from Hackensack. Tuition: $7,440/year.
  2. County College of Morris (Public) — State #2, 28.4 mi from Hackensack. Tuition: $9,240/year.
  3. UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ (Public) — State #3, 21.3 mi from Hackensack. Tuition: $9,500/year.
Bachelor's Database Administration Degree Programs Near Hackensack, New Jersey
  1. Princeton University (Private) — State #1, 49.7 mi from Hackensack. Tuition: $59,710/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
  2. Rutgers University-New Brunswick (Public) — State #2, 34.6 mi from Hackensack. Tuition: $13,674/year. Graduation rate: 82%.
  3. Rowan University (Public) — State #3, 99.6 mi from Hackensack. Tuition: $11,250/year. Graduation rate: 97%.
Master's Database Administration Degree Programs Near Hackensack, New Jersey
  1. Princeton University (Private) — State #1, 49.7 mi from Hackensack. Tuition: $59,710/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
  2. Stevens Institute of Technology (Private) — State #2, 10.2 mi from Hackensack. Tuition: $58,680/year. Graduation rate: 74%.
  3. Rutgers University-New Brunswick (Public) — State #3, 34.6 mi from Hackensack. Tuition: $13,674/year. Graduation rate: 82%.
Doctoral Database Administration Degree Programs Near Hackensack, New Jersey
  1. Princeton University (Private) — State #1, 49.7 mi from Hackensack. Tuition: $59,710/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
  2. Rutgers University-New Brunswick (Public) — State #2, 34.6 mi from Hackensack. Tuition: $13,674/year. Graduation rate: 82%.
  3. Stevens Institute of Technology (Private) — State #3, 10.2 mi from Hackensack. Tuition: $58,680/year. Graduation rate: 74%.

Coding Bootcamps: An Alternative Pathway

Coding bootcamps offer an accelerated pathway into tech careers. For those in New Jersey considering alternatives to traditional degrees, here's what you need to know about this intensive learning format.

What is a Coding Bootcamp?

A coding bootcamp is an intensive, short-term training program (typically 12-24 weeks) that teaches practical programming skills through hands-on projects. Unlike traditional degrees, bootcamps focus exclusively on job-ready skills and often include career services to help graduates land their first tech role.

Who Bootcamps Are Best For

  • Career changers looking to enter tech quickly
  • Professionals wanting to upskill or transition roles
  • Self-taught developers seeking structured training
  • Those unable to commit to a 4-year degree timeline

What People Love

Based on discussions from r/codingbootcamp, r/cscareerquestions, and r/learnprogramming

  • Fast-track to employment—many graduates land jobs within 3-6 months
  • Hands-on, project-based learning builds real portfolio pieces
  • Career services and interview prep included in most programs
  • Strong alumni networks for job referrals and mentorship
  • Structured curriculum keeps you accountable and on track

Common Concerns

Honest feedback from bootcamp graduates and industry professionals

  • Intense pace can be overwhelming—expect 60-80 hour weeks
  • Some employers still prefer traditional CS degrees for certain roles
  • Quality varies widely between programs—research carefully
  • Job placement stats can be misleading—ask for CIRR audited reports
  • May lack depth in computer science fundamentals like algorithms
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Top Ranked Database Administration Degree Programs in Other States

StateTotal ProgramsMedian TuitionTop Program
Best Database Administration Degree Programs in California6$49,880University of California-Riverside
Best Database Administration Degree Programs in Texas15$8,319University of Houston
Best Database Administration Degree Programs in New York22$7,070CUNY Bernard M Baruch College
Best Database Administration Degree Programs in Florida9$13,452Eastern Florida State College
Best Database Administration Degree Programs in Washington2$13,965Bellevue College
Best Database Administration Degree Programs in Massachusetts8$47,636University of Massachusetts-Lowell
Best Database Administration Degree Programs in Illinois15$35,680DeVry University-Illinois
Best Database Administration Degree Programs in Georgia10$13,725Georgia Southern University

Database Administration in New Jersey: FAQ

How We Rank Database Administration Degree Programs

Based on 50 programs from IPEDS 2023

We analyzed 50 database administration degree programs in New Jersey using IPEDS 2023 data and BLS labor statistics. Our rankings are produced algorithmically without editorial intervention, ensuring objectivity and reproducibility.

Ranking Factors

Program Completions35%

Number of graduates per year in this specific field (CIP code). Larger programs indicate established departments with more resources, course offerings, and career services. Measured from IPEDS Completions data.

Graduation Rate25%

Percentage of students completing their degree within 150% of expected time (6 years for bachelor's, 3 years for associate's). Higher rates indicate better student support and program quality. Source: IPEDS Graduation Rates survey.

Selectivity20%

Admission rate (lower = more selective). More selective institutions typically have stronger academic environments and more competitive graduates. For open-admission institutions, we use graduation rates as a proxy for quality.

Career Outcomes20%

Regional salary data for database administration graduates. New Jersey median salary of $122,800 is factored into institutional scores based on local job market strength.

Ranking Categories

Best Programs

Overall quality using all four factors weighted as shown above. Ideal for students seeking the strongest academic experience.

Online Programs

Same methodology, filtered to schools with fully online or hybrid options (IPEDS Distance Education data). Some schools may have lower graduation rates due to different student demographics.

Most Affordable

Ranked primarily by net cost (tuition minus average institutional aid), with quality factors as tiebreakers. Best for cost-conscious students.

Data Sources

  • IPEDS 2023 — Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
  • BLS OEWS 2024 — State and metro salary data by occupation
  • CIP Code Mapping — Programs identified using Classification of Instructional Programs codes

Data Sources

IPEDS 2023

Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates

BLS OEWS May 2024

New Jersey salary and employment data

Official University Websites

Program details and admissions information

Last Updated: February 15, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2023 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.

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Taylor Rupe

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.

Database Administration Degree Programs in New Jersey — Detailed School Profiles

Best Associate's Database Administration Degree Programs in New Jersey

Atlantic Cape Community College — Mays Landing, NJ

Key Distinction: Atlantic Cape Community College provides affordable Database Administration education with flexible scheduling and transfer pathways to four-year universities.

Hakia Insight: Atlantic Cape's community college pricing removes the credential barrier for students in the Jersey Shore region while maintaining clear transfer pathways to four-year programs, making it a rational financial first step for uncertain candidates.

Atlantic Cape Community College offers Database Administration programs in Mays Landing, NJ. As a public institution and community college, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.

Bergen Community College — Paramus, NJ

Key Distinction: Bergen Community College provides affordable Database Administration education with flexible scheduling and transfer pathways to four-year universities.

Hakia Insight: Bergen's location in Paramus places students within commuting distance of Manhattan financial services and New Jersey's pharma corridor—two sectors with persistent DBA shortages—while maintaining associate-level affordability.

Bergen Community College offers Database Administration programs in Paramus, NJ. As a public institution and community college, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.

Best Bachelor's Database Administration Degree Programs in New Jersey

Rutgers University-New Brunswick — New Brunswick, NJ

Key Distinction: Rutgers-New Brunswick's database education combines classical computer science rigor with contemporary cloud-native and distributed systems expertise, supported by deep regional industry recruiting.

Hakia Insight: Rutgers-New Brunswick's Database Systems Lab partnership with Google Cloud and AWS ensures curriculum reflects cloud-native architectures from year one, not as afterthought; graduates enter the job market fluent in the infrastructure their employers already use.

At the bachelor's level, at Rutgers' flagship campus, the database administration pathway emerges from a comprehensive computer science program that includes dedicated coursework in database design, implementation, and optimization alongside broader systems and software engineering study. The strength here lies in the intersection of rigorous theoretical computer science and practical database engineering—students master normalization and schema design in concert with hands-on PostgreSQL and MySQL projects, cloud deployment on AWS and Google Cloud, and case studies in high-availability database architecture. Faculty expertise spans traditional relational systems, distributed databases, and data-intensive computing, creating a curriculum that prepares students for both current job market demands and evolving database technologies. The New Brunswick location anchors a substantial tech recruitment ecosystem; companies actively recruit database engineers and systems specialists from Rutgers' pool, particularly from the Department of Computer Science. Graduates transition into DBA, database engineer, and infrastructure engineer roles across financial services, pharmaceutical, technology, and telecommunications sectors. Graduate programs offer specialization options for students seeking advanced database research or architect-track preparation.

Programs Offered
  • Bachelor of Science in Database Administration — 4 years, on-campus
  • Bachelor of Arts in Database Administration — 4 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
  • Database Systems Lab (Department of Computer Science)
Industry Partners
  • Google Cloud (corporate)
  • Amazon Web Services (corporate)
  • Bell Labs (Nokia) (corporate)
Accreditations and Certifications
  • ABET accredited

Location Advantages: Central New Jersey position with access to pharmaceutical (Princeton corridor), financial services (NYC), and tech recruiting; major R&D centers nearby

Rowan University — Glassboro, NJ

Key Distinction: Stackable industry credentials (CompTIA, Microsoft Azure, ethical hacking certifications) earned while completing bachelor's degree. Access to internships for online students

Hakia Insight: Rowan's fully online Bachelor of Arts lets students stack industry credentials (Azure, CompTIA, ethical hacking) *during* degree completion rather than after—a compressed timeline that working professionals in the Philadelphia corridor can exploit to reduce time-to-promotion.

Rowan University's Bachelor of Arts in Computer Systems Technology is a fully online, 120-credit program designed for working professionals and career changers seeking flexible, industry-aligned education in computer systems management. The curriculum combines general education requirements with specialized coursework in database administration, networking, cybersecurity, and cloud services. Students can earn stackable industry credentials (CompTIA, Microsoft Azure, ethical hacking certifications) while completing their degree. The program requires 30 credits at Rowan University and accepts transfer credits, enabling completion in approximately 48 months. Key courses include Database Administration I & II, SQL Implementation, Cyber Defense, Linux/Unix Essentials, Azure Cloud Services, and Network Architecture. The program emphasizes practical skills through elective certificates in digital forensics, intrusion detection, and systems administration. Graduates are positioned for technology-driven careers in systems management, database administration, cybersecurity, and IT infrastructure roles.

Programs Offered
  • Bachelor of Arts in Computer Systems Technology — 4 years, on-campus. BA
Accreditations and Certifications
  • ABET accredited

Location Advantages: Proximity to Philadelphia technology and financial services sector; South Jersey regional IT operations centers

Ramapo College of New Jersey — Mahwah, NJ

Hakia Insight: Ramapo's top employer pipeline (Pfizer, GSK, Bristol-Myers Squibb) reveals a specialized niche: life sciences and pharmaceutical database administration, where domain knowledge compounds technical credentials into premium compensation and specialization that generalist DBA programs don't address.

At the bachelor's level, based on the limited information found, this appears to be related to bioinformatics rather than database administration specifically. The content shows strong graduate placement at prestigious institutions and employment at major pharmaceutical companies.

Programs Offered
  • Bachelor of Science in Database Administration — 4 years, on-campus
  • Bachelor of Arts in Database Administration — 4 years, online
Career Outcomes

Top Employers: Pfizer pharmaceuticals, Suvoda, GSK, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Santa Cruz Biotechnology.

Location Advantages:

New Jersey Institute of Technology — Newark, NJ

Key Distinction: Optional co-op work experience (IT 311 and IT 411) available for degree credit. Mandatory IT Capstone Project (IT 491) with encouragement for industry partnerships

Hakia Insight: NJIT's optional co-op program (IT 311/411) lets undergraduates earn degree credit while working at Verizon, IBM, or AT&T—a rare setup that transforms internships into graduation requirements rather than resume-building afterthoughts.

The B.S. in Information Technology is a 120-credit program designed to prepare students for careers in IT and related fields. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on technical skills through core IT courses covering networks, programming, database design, and system administration. Students select eight specialization courses from six available tracks: Management Information Systems, Network and Information Security, Criminal Justice and Law, Game Development, Immersive Media Systems, and Web Applications. The program culminates in IT 491, an IT Capstone Project where students integrate their IT and specialization expertise, with strong encouragement to collaborate with NJIT industrial partners and Enterprise Development Centers. Optional co-op opportunities (IT 311 and IT 411) are available for degree credit, providing real-world work experience. The program emphasizes professional communication skills through multiple writing and presentation components, preparing graduates for diverse career paths in IT management, cybersecurity, web development, and specialized technology domains.

Programs Offered
  • Bachelor of Science in Information Technology — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Industry Partners
  • Verizon (corporate)
  • IBM (corporate)
  • AT&T (corporate)
Accreditations and Certifications
  • ABET accredited

Location Advantages: Newark location provides direct access to Manhattan financial district, major telecom and technology headquarters in tri-state region, and one of the densest technology employment markets in the US

Rutgers University-Newark — Newark, NJ

Key Distinction: Rutgers-Newark's database program is distinguished by faculty research contributions to data systems theory combined with access to major corporate recruiting pipelines in the Northeast.

Hakia Insight: Rutgers-Newark's Database Group research lab feeds directly into JPMorgan Chase and Microsoft Azure recruiting pipelines, meaning students can move from course projects to employer-sponsored research before graduation.

At the bachelor's level, the database systems curriculum at Rutgers-Newark leverages the campus's strength in data management research to offer students both theoretical depth and applied expertise in modern data architectures. Students engage with a structured track covering relational databases, transaction processing, query optimization, and increasingly, big data platforms and distributed systems—all taught by faculty conducting active research in data management. The program benefits from Newark's position within New Jersey's technology corridor and maintains connections with Fortune 500 technology companies and financial services firms headquartered regionally. Hands-on laboratory work exposes students to enterprise database platforms (Oracle, SQL Server, PostgreSQL) and cloud data services (AWS RDS, Azure Cosmos DB), while advanced seminars explore emerging topics like database machine learning and data privacy. Graduate students often move into database architect, systems engineer, or data infrastructure roles at major corporations, while undergraduates find entry-level DBA and database analyst positions readily available through the university's recruiting network.

Programs Offered
  • Bachelor of Science in Database Administration — 4 years, on-campus
  • Bachelor of Arts in Database Administration — 4 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
  • Database Group (DSRG-equivalent)
Industry Partners
  • Amazon Web Services (corporate)
  • Microsoft Azure (corporate)
  • JPMorgan Chase (corporate)
Accreditations and Certifications
  • ABET accredited

Location Advantages: Direct access to North Jersey technology hub; proximity to Manhattan financial and tech sectors; major corporate recruiting presence

Strayer University-New Jersey — Piscataway, NJ

Key Distinction: Strayer University-New Jersey offers comprehensive Database Administration programs preparing students for careers in technology.

Hakia Insight: Strayer's Piscataway location positions graduates within commuting distance of New Jersey's mid-market enterprise operations, where DBA hiring often happens without the competition found in Manhattan financial centers.

Strayer University-New Jersey offers Database Administration programs in Piscataway, NJ. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.

Stockton University — Galloway, NJ

Key Distinction: Stockton's DBA program stands out for its emphasis on enterprise system administration across multiple platforms (SQL Server, Oracle, PostgreSQL) within a hybrid learning model that connects students to New Jersey's corporate technology sector.

Hakia Insight: Stockton's hybrid model across SQL Server, Oracle, and PostgreSQL within a single degree is uncommon—most programs specialize, forcing graduates to learn additional platforms on the job.

At the bachelor's level, stockton's database administration program emphasizes practical, hands-on training with direct access to enterprise-grade systems and real-world data management challenges. Students work through progressively complex scenarios involving SQL Server, Oracle, and cloud-based databases, with faculty prioritizing immediate applicability to industry roles. The curriculum balances core DBA competencies—backup and recovery, performance tuning, security protocols—with emerging areas like cloud infrastructure management and big data administration. A distinctive feature is the program's integration with New Jersey's technology corridor, giving students exposure to multinational firms headquartered in the region and opportunities for internships at companies managing large-scale databases. Graduates typically move into entry-level DBA positions or junior database engineer roles within 6 months, with many employers citing the program's emphasis on troubleshooting methodology and hands-on lab work as directly relevant to their hiring needs.

Programs Offered
  • Bachelor of Science in Database Administration — 4 years, on-campus
  • Bachelor of Arts in Database Administration — 4 years, online

Location Advantages: Proximity to central New Jersey tech corridorAccess to mid-market enterprises requiring DBA talent

DeVry University-New Jersey — Iselin, NJ

Key Distinction: DeVry University-New Jersey offers comprehensive Database Administration programs preparing students for careers in technology.

Hakia Insight: DeVry's Iselin campus sits in the heart of New Jersey's IT corridor, where mid-market companies actively recruit associates-prepared DBAs for immediate operational roles.

DeVry University-New Jersey offers Database Administration programs in Iselin, NJ. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.

Best Master's Database Administration Degree Programs in New Jersey

Rutgers University-New Brunswick — New Brunswick, NJ

Key Distinction: Rutgers-New Brunswick's database education combines classical computer science rigor with contemporary cloud-native and distributed systems expertise, supported by deep regional industry recruiting.

Hakia Insight: Rutgers-New Brunswick's Database Systems Lab publishes research on distributed systems while recruiting through Google Cloud and AWS—graduates often transition from coursework directly into engineer roles at firms that helped shape the curriculum.

At the master's level, at Rutgers' flagship campus, the database administration pathway emerges from a comprehensive computer science program that includes dedicated coursework in database design, implementation, and optimization alongside broader systems and software engineering study. The strength here lies in the intersection of rigorous theoretical computer science and practical database engineering—students master normalization and schema design in concert with hands-on PostgreSQL and MySQL projects, cloud deployment on AWS and Google Cloud, and case studies in high-availability database architecture. Faculty expertise spans traditional relational systems, distributed databases, and data-intensive computing, creating a curriculum that prepares students for both current job market demands and evolving database technologies. The New Brunswick location anchors a substantial tech recruitment ecosystem; companies actively recruit database engineers and systems specialists from Rutgers' pool, particularly from the Department of Computer Science. Graduates transition into DBA, database engineer, and infrastructure engineer roles across financial services, pharmaceutical, technology, and telecommunications sectors. Graduate programs offer specialization options for students seeking advanced database research or architect-track preparation.

Programs Offered
  • Master of Science in Database Administration — 1-2 years, on-campus
  • Master of Arts in Database Administration — 1-2 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
  • Database Systems Lab (Department of Computer Science)
Industry Partners
  • Google Cloud (corporate)
  • Amazon Web Services (corporate)
  • Bell Labs (Nokia) (corporate)
Accreditations and Certifications
  • ABET accredited

Location Advantages: Central New Jersey position with access to pharmaceutical (Princeton corridor), financial services (NYC), and tech recruiting; major R&D centers nearby

New Jersey Institute of Technology — Newark, NJ

Key Distinction: NJIT's program uniquely blends computer science with systems engineering perspective, emphasizing operational realities of production databases and leveraging proximity to major Northeast technology employers.

Hakia Insight: NJIT's engineering-first approach to database operations means the program treats schema design and cloud deployment as systems engineering problems, not just data modeling exercises—a distinction that resonates with Verizon and IBM hiring managers.

At the master's level, NJIT's database administration program emerges from the institute's identity as an engineering-technology hybrid, combining computer science fundamentals with systems engineering and infrastructure perspectives that reflect how databases operate in production environments. The curriculum addresses relational and NoSQL databases, data warehousing architectures, cloud data platforms, and operational considerations like backup, recovery, and performance optimization. Students benefit from NJIT's strong ties to technology companies in the tri-state region and from the institute's emphasis on practical problem-solving—many courses involve real datasets, actual database migration scenarios, and capstone projects addressing live infrastructure challenges. Faculty draw from both academic research and industry experience, infusing courses with contemporary practices in containerization, infrastructure-as-code, and automated database provisioning. The location in Newark positions students within one of the Northeast's densest technology and finance employment centers, and NJIT's recruiting network actively connects graduates with database roles in financial services, telecommunications, and technology companies. Graduates move into database administrator, database engineer, and IT operations roles, with several progressing to architect-track positions.

Programs Offered
  • Master of Science in Database Administration — 1-2 years, on-campus
  • Master of Arts in Database Administration — 1-2 years, online
Industry Partners
  • Verizon (corporate)
  • IBM (corporate)
  • AT&T (corporate)
Accreditations and Certifications
  • ABET accredited

Location Advantages: Newark location provides direct access to Manhattan financial district, major telecom and technology headquarters in tri-state region, and one of the densest technology employment markets in the US

Rowan University — Glassboro, NJ

Key Distinction: Rowan's database program distinguishes itself through an applied engineering methodology, extensive hands-on lab work, and tight alignment with regional employer skill demands.

Hakia Insight: Rowan's hands-on lab methodology produces graduates fluent in production database troubleshooting before their first day of work, a practical edge that Philadelphia-area financial services employers consistently cite in hiring feedback.

At the master's level, rowan's approach to database administration education centers on applied engineering principles and hands-on laboratory work that immediately connects students to real-world data management challenges. The program integrates database fundamentals with systems administration, networking, and cybersecurity—reflecting the reality that modern DBAs operate at the intersection of infrastructure, security, and application performance. Students work extensively with enterprise database platforms, backup and recovery procedures, performance tuning, and cloud migration scenarios, often in environments mirroring actual production systems. The engineering-school ethos at Rowan means database courses emphasize problem-solving, project-based learning, and measurable outcomes over pure theory. Advisory boards comprising regional IT leaders ensure curriculum remains responsive to hiring demand, and students benefit from internship opportunities with mid-market and enterprise organizations throughout South Jersey and Philadelphia. Graduates typically enter database administrator, systems administrator, or IT operations roles, with many advancing to database analyst or junior architect positions within 3-5 years.

Programs Offered
  • Master of Science in Database Administration — 1-2 years, on-campus
  • Master of Arts in Database Administration — 1-2 years, online
Accreditations and Certifications
  • ABET accredited

Location Advantages: Proximity to Philadelphia technology and financial services sector; South Jersey regional IT operations centers

Stockton University — Galloway, NJ

Key Distinction: Stockton's DBA program stands out for its emphasis on enterprise system administration across multiple platforms (SQL Server, Oracle, PostgreSQL) within a hybrid learning model that connects students to New Jersey's corporate technology sector.

Hakia Insight: Stockton's multi-platform DBA curriculum (SQL Server, Oracle, PostgreSQL) within a single master's degree program is rare; most competitors require electives or self-study to achieve platform breadth.

At the master's level, stockton's database administration program emphasizes practical, hands-on training with direct access to enterprise-grade systems and real-world data management challenges. Students work through progressively complex scenarios involving SQL Server, Oracle, and cloud-based databases, with faculty prioritizing immediate applicability to industry roles. The curriculum balances core DBA competencies—backup and recovery, performance tuning, security protocols—with emerging areas like cloud infrastructure management and big data administration. A distinctive feature is the program's integration with New Jersey's technology corridor, giving students exposure to multinational firms headquartered in the region and opportunities for internships at companies managing large-scale databases. Graduates typically move into entry-level DBA positions or junior database engineer roles within 6 months, with many employers citing the program's emphasis on troubleshooting methodology and hands-on lab work as directly relevant to their hiring needs.

Programs Offered
  • Master of Science in Database Administration — 1-2 years, on-campus
  • Master of Arts in Database Administration — 1-2 years, online

Location Advantages: Proximity to central New Jersey tech corridorAccess to mid-market enterprises requiring DBA talent

Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus — Teaneck, NJ

Key Distinction: Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus offers comprehensive Database Administration programs preparing students for careers in technology.

Hakia Insight: Fairleigh Dickinson's Teaneck location offers proximity to Manhattan's financial services sector without the tuition premium of city-based programs.

Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus offers Database Administration programs in Teaneck, NJ. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.

Best Doctoral Database Administration Degree Programs in New Jersey

Rutgers University-New Brunswick — New Brunswick, NJ

Key Distinction: Rutgers-New Brunswick's database education combines classical computer science rigor with contemporary cloud-native and distributed systems expertise, supported by deep regional industry recruiting.

Hakia Insight: Rutgers-New Brunswick's Database Systems Lab collaborates with Bell Labs (Nokia) and publishes in ACM SIGMOD—doctoral students author peer-reviewed work on problems that Google Cloud and AWS are actively solving.

At the doctoral level, at Rutgers' flagship campus, the database administration pathway emerges from a comprehensive computer science program that includes dedicated coursework in database design, implementation, and optimization alongside broader systems and software engineering study. The strength here lies in the intersection of rigorous theoretical computer science and practical database engineering—students master normalization and schema design in concert with hands-on PostgreSQL and MySQL projects, cloud deployment on AWS and Google Cloud, and case studies in high-availability database architecture. Faculty expertise spans traditional relational systems, distributed databases, and data-intensive computing, creating a curriculum that prepares students for both current job market demands and evolving database technologies. The New Brunswick location anchors a substantial tech recruitment ecosystem; companies actively recruit database engineers and systems specialists from Rutgers' pool, particularly from the Department of Computer Science. Graduates transition into DBA, database engineer, and infrastructure engineer roles across financial services, pharmaceutical, technology, and telecommunications sectors. Graduate programs offer specialization options for students seeking advanced database research or architect-track preparation.

Programs Offered
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Database Administration — 4-6 years, on-campus
  • Doctor of Science in Database Administration — 4-6 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
  • Database Systems Lab (Department of Computer Science)
Industry Partners
  • Google Cloud (corporate)
  • Amazon Web Services (corporate)
  • Bell Labs (Nokia) (corporate)
Accreditations and Certifications
  • ABET accredited

Location Advantages: Central New Jersey position with access to pharmaceutical (Princeton corridor), financial services (NYC), and tech recruiting; major R&D centers nearby

New Jersey Institute of Technology — Newark, NJ

Key Distinction: NJIT's program uniquely blends computer science with systems engineering perspective, emphasizing operational realities of production databases and leveraging proximity to major Northeast technology employers.

Hakia Insight: NJIT's doctoral program trains researchers who think like systems engineers, not pure computer scientists; dissertation advisors from Verizon and IBM partnerships ensure your research addresses production constraints most academia ignores.

At the doctoral level, NJIT's database administration program emerges from the institute's identity as an engineering-technology hybrid, combining computer science fundamentals with systems engineering and infrastructure perspectives that reflect how databases operate in production environments. The curriculum addresses relational and NoSQL databases, data warehousing architectures, cloud data platforms, and operational considerations like backup, recovery, and performance optimization. Students benefit from NJIT's strong ties to technology companies in the tri-state region and from the institute's emphasis on practical problem-solving—many courses involve real datasets, actual database migration scenarios, and capstone projects addressing live infrastructure challenges. Faculty draw from both academic research and industry experience, infusing courses with contemporary practices in containerization, infrastructure-as-code, and automated database provisioning. The location in Newark positions students within one of the Northeast's densest technology and finance employment centers, and NJIT's recruiting network actively connects graduates with database roles in financial services, telecommunications, and technology companies. Graduates move into database administrator, database engineer, and IT operations roles, with several progressing to architect-track positions.

Programs Offered
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Database Administration — 4-6 years, on-campus
  • Doctor of Science in Database Administration — 4-6 years, online
Industry Partners
  • Verizon (corporate)
  • IBM (corporate)
  • AT&T (corporate)
Accreditations and Certifications
  • ABET accredited

Location Advantages: Newark location provides direct access to Manhattan financial district, major telecom and technology headquarters in tri-state region, and one of the densest technology employment markets in the US