Top 3 Database Administration Programs in New York 2025
Syracuse University
166 Database Administration graduates annually, 99% graduation rate
CUNY New York City College of Technology
265 Database Administration graduates annually, 98% graduation rate
CUNY Bernard M Baruch College
290 Database Administration graduates annually, 62% graduation rate
- 1.New York has 15+ accredited database administration programs with options from Ivy League to affordable SUNY schools
- 2.Columbia University ranks #1 in New York with 95% graduation rate and strong financial sector connections
- 3.Database administrators in New York earn median $115,430 annually—13% above the national average (BLS New York 2024)
- 4.New York City offers 12,000+ database-related jobs across finance, healthcare, media, and tech sectors
- 5.SUNY schools provide quality DBA education at $7,070 in-state tuition versus $50,000+ at private institutions
Database Administration Education in New York
New York offers exceptional opportunities for database administration students, combining world-class academic institutions with one of the nation's most data-intensive job markets. From Columbia's research excellence to SUNY's affordable pathways, the state provides options for every student's goals and budget.
The financial sector in Manhattan, healthcare systems throughout the state, and growing tech companies create diverse career paths for database professionals. For context on national opportunities, see our database administration degree hub and best DBA programs nationwide. Students considering alternatives should explore our information technology programs in New York for broader tech career paths.
New York Database Administration Program Rankings 2025
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Syracuse University | Syracuse, NY | Private | $61,310 | 99% | — | 84.9 |
| 2 | CUNY New York City College of Technology | Brooklyn, NY | Public | $6,930 | 98% | — | 83.7 |
| 3 | CUNY Bernard M Baruch College | New York, NY | Public | $6,930 | 62% | — | 82.2 |
| 4 | Columbia University in the City of New York | New York, NY | Private | $64,526 | 100% | — | 69.5 |
| 5 | Stony Brook University | Stony Brook, NY | Public | $7,070 | 89% | — | 66.7 |
| 6 | CUNY Lehman College | Bronx, NY | Public | $6,930 | 67% | — | 61.2 |
| 7 | CUNY Graduate School and University Center | New York, NY | Public | $6,930 | — | — | 61.1 |
| 8 | Fordham University | Bronx, NY | Private | $60,335 | 94% | — | 59.2 |
| 9 | SUNY Brockport | Brockport, NY | Public | $7,070 | 99% | — | 53.6 |
| 10 | CUNY Brooklyn College | Brooklyn, NY | Public | $6,930 | — | — | 51.3 |
| 11 | SUNY Buffalo State University | Buffalo, NY | Public | $7,070 | — | — | 50.6 |
| 12 | Adelphi University | Garden City, NY | Private | $45,450 | 82% | — | 46.9 |
| 13 | Molloy College | Rockville Centre, NY | Private | $36,280 | 84% | — | 46.7 |
| 14 | College of Staten Island CUNY | Staten Island, NY | Public | $6,930 | — | — | 45.9 |
| 15 | Mercy University | Dobbs Ferry, NY | Private | $21,236 | 75% | — | 45.1 |
| 16 | State University of New York at Oswego | Oswego, NY | Public | $7,070 | — | — | 43.2 |
| 17 | SUNY at Fredonia | Fredonia, NY | Public | $7,070 | — | — | 41.8 |
| 18 | SUNY Polytechnic Institute | Utica, NY | Public | $7,070 | — | — | 41.3 |
| 19 | CUNY Medgar Evers College | Brooklyn, NY | Public | $6,930 | — | — | 41 |
| 20 | Pace University | New York, NY | Private | $49,550 | — | — | 40.8 |
| 21 | DeVry College of New York | New York, NY | For-Profit | $14,392 | — | — | 40.3 |
| 22 | Houghton University | Houghton, NY | Private | $16,690 | — | — | 34.7 |
Top 5 Database Administration Programs in New York: Side-by-Side
| School | University at Buffalo | CUNY New York City... | Syracuse | CUNY Bernard M Baruch... | NYU |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $7,070 | $6,930 | $61,310 | $6,930 | $60,438 |
| Graduation Rate | 95% | 98% | 99% | 62% | N/A% |
| Annual Graduates | 256 | 265 | 148 | 290 | 85 |
| Acceptance Rate | 69% | 81% | 42% | 50% | 9% |
| Type | Public | Public | Private | Public | Private |
| Score | 84.8/100 | 83.7/100 | 83.4/100 | 82.2/100 | 71.0/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Database Administration in New York
New York offers 22 bachelor's-level database administration programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Syracuse University, CUNY New York City College of Technology, CUNY Bernard M Baruch College. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $91,497 in the New York market.
A bachelor's in database administration typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Database Administration Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Database Administration Bachelor's Programs in New York
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Syracuse | $61,310 | 99% | 166 | 84.9 |
| #2 CUNY New York City... | $6,930 | 98% | 265 | 83.7 |
| #3 CUNY Bernard M Baruch... | $6,930 | 62% | 290 | 82.2 |
Top Database Administration Schools for Master's Degrees in New York
For graduate study, New York offers 15 master's-level database administration programs. Leading institutions include University at Buffalo, Syracuse University, New York University. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in New York reaching $169,923 or more.
Top 3 Database Administration Master's Programs in New York
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 University at Buffalo | $7,070 | 95% | 256 | 84.8 |
| #2 Syracuse | $61,310 | 99% | 148 | 83.4 |
| #3 NYU | $60,438 | N/A% | 85 | 71.0 |
Most Affordable Database Administration Colleges in New York
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable database administration programs in New York are at CUNY New York City College of Technology ($6,930/year), CUNY Bernard M Baruch College ($6,930/year), CUNY Lehman College ($6,930/year). These programs offer strong ROI given New York's competitive tech salaries.
At CUNY New York City College of Technology, a 4-year degree costs approximately $27,720 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $91,497, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.5 years.
Most Affordable Database Administration Programs in New York (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 CUNY New York City... | $6,930 | $27,720 | 0.5 years | Public |
| #2 CUNY Bernard M Baruch... | $6,930 | $27,720 | 0.5 years | Public |
| #3 CUNY Lehman College | $6,930 | $27,720 | 0.5 years | Public |
University at Buffalo
Buffalo, NY • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $7,070 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 95% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Database Administration Graduates: 256 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 69%
- • Ranking Score: 84.8 / 100
Program Strengths
- 95% graduation rate
- 256 database administration graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 84.8 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (95%), program size (256 graduates), state salary outcomes ($130,710), and selectivity (69% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The program combines technical database skills with business management knowledge, offering hands-on experience with Oracle, SQL Server, and MySQL databases. Students learn both technical implementation and managerial aspects of information systems through courses taught by industry professionals.
Admissions
- Min GPA: 2.5
- Transfer Friendly
Program Details
- Credits: 120 credits
Available Specializations / Concentrations
CUNY New York City College of Technology
Brooklyn, NY • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $6,930 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 98% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Database Administration Graduates: 265 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 81%
- • Ranking Score: 83.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- 98% graduation rate
- 265 database administration graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 83.7 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (98%), program size (265 graduates), state salary outcomes ($130,710), and selectivity (81% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The program is the only comprehensive curriculum in CUNY that addresses specific IT industry needs by integrating theory, hands-on experience, and industry exposure through required internships. It offers industry certification opportunities and has articulation agreements with multiple CUNY colleges for seamless transfer.
Admissions
- Transfer Friendly
Program Details
- Credits: 60 credits
- Internship Required
Career Outcomes
- Starting Salary: $69,000
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $61,310 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 99% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Database Administration Graduates: 148 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 42%
- • Ranking Score: 83.4 / 100
Program Strengths
- 99% graduation rate
- 148 database administration graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 83.4 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (99%), program size (148 graduates), state salary outcomes ($130,710), and selectivity (42% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Syracuse University's Information Management and Technology program offers a 96% job placement rate with competitive starting salaries averaging $63,394, while providing six specialized concentrations and an accelerated master's degree option to prepare students for data-driven decision-making roles.
Available Scholarships
Admission Prerequisites
- •MAT 221 Elementary Probability and Statistics I
- •ECN 101 Introductory Microeconomics
- •ECN 102 Introductory Macroeconomics OR ECN 203 Economic Ideas and Issues
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.4
- Transfer Friendly
Program Details
- Credits: 120
Career Outcomes
- Starting Salary: $63,394
- Job Placement: 96%
- Top Employers: Accenture, Amazon, BlackRock, Bloomberg, Deloitte, IBM, Microsoft, Oracle
Available Specializations / Concentrations
CUNY Bernard M Baruch College
New York, NY • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $6,930 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 62% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Database Administration Graduates: 290 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 50%
- • Ranking Score: 82.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- 62% graduation rate
- 290 database administration graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 82.2 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (62%), program size (290 graduates), state salary outcomes ($130,710), and selectivity (50% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
New York University
New York, NY • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $60,438 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Database Administration Graduates: 85 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 9%
- • Ranking Score: 71.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 85 database administration graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 71.0 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (85 graduates), state salary outcomes ($130,710), and selectivity (9% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Career Paths
Database Administrator
SOC 15-1242Design, implement, and maintain database systems for organizations across finance, healthcare, and technology sectors.
Data Scientist
SOC 15-2051Analyze complex datasets to extract business insights, requiring strong database querying and data modeling skills.
Software Developer
SOC 15-1252Build applications that interact with databases, requiring knowledge of database design and optimization.
Business Intelligence Analyst
SOC 15-2051Create reporting systems and dashboards that pull data from multiple database sources for business decision-making.
DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1299Manage database deployments, backups, and performance monitoring as part of application infrastructure.
Cybersecurity Analyst
SOC 15-1212Secure database systems and monitor for security threats, focusing on database access controls and encryption.
New York University Systems for Database Administration
New York's diverse higher education landscape provides multiple pathways into database administration careers, from prestigious private research universities to affordable public institutions.
The State University of New York (SUNY) system offers quality database administration education at just $7,070 annual tuition for in-state students. SUNY schools like University at Buffalo, Stony Brook, and Binghamton provide strong computer science programs with database specializations. These programs offer excellent value, with graduates often securing positions at major corporations throughout the Northeast.
Private institutions like Columbia, NYU, and RIT command premium tuition but provide exceptional resources, research opportunities, and industry connections. These schools often justify their higher costs through superior placement rates and starting salaries, particularly for positions in Manhattan's competitive financial sector.
The City University of New York (CUNY) system provides additional affordable options for students seeking database administration training within New York City. While not included in our rankings due to limited bachelor's-level database programs, CUNY schools offer relevant computer science and information systems degrees that can lead to database careers.
Students interested in related fields should explore computer science programs in New York or information technology degrees for broader technical preparation.
Other Tech Degree Programs in New York
Database Administration Programs in Other States
Which Should You Choose?
- Access to the nation's largest financial sector with extensive database needs
- Networking opportunities in Manhattan's concentrated tech ecosystem
- High salaries that justify the higher cost of living
- Diverse career paths across finance, healthcare, media, and startups
- World-class private universities with strong industry connections
- Lower cost of living to maximize salary impact
- More affordable tuition options (though SUNY provides value)
- Less competitive job market for easier entry-level positions
- Focus on tech companies rather than financial services
- Warmer climate or different lifestyle preferences
Frequently Asked Questions About New York DBA Programs
Based on 15 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Database Administration degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023 (4-year institutions weighted higher)
Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)
State-specific database administration salaries from BLS OES 2024
Related Database Administration Resources
Data Sources and Methodology
Graduation rates, tuition, and enrollment data for 2023
New York state salary data for database administrators, May 2024
Job growth projections for database administration careers, 2023-2033
Institutional data and program verification
Taylor Rupe
Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)
Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.