Top 3 Database Administration Programs in North Carolina
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Strong industry partnerships with Bank of America and Wells Fargo headquarters
North Carolina State University
Part of Research Triangle with extensive tech employer network
Wake Technical Community College
Affordable associate programs with direct transfer pathways
- 1.North Carolina hosts 12 database administration programs with strong job placement rates
- 2.Database administrators in NC earn median salaries of $82,100, above national average (BLS)
- 3.Research Triangle and Charlotte metro areas drive 78% of database job openings statewide
- 4.UNC Charlotte leads in industry partnerships with major financial institutions
- 5.Community colleges offer affordable entry points with 2+2 transfer agreements
Based on 12 programs from Analysis of College Scorecard, IPEDS, and employer survey data
Graduate employment rates, starting salaries, job placement within 6 months
Faculty credentials, accreditation status, curriculum comprehensiveness
Tuition costs, financial aid availability, student debt levels
Employer partnerships, internship programs, career services
4,620
Database Jobs in NC
$82,100
Median DBA Salary
8%
Job Growth 2023-2033
2-4 Years
Time to Complete
North Carolina Database Job Market Overview
North Carolina's database administration job market reflects the state's growing technology sector, with 4,620 database professionals employed statewide as of 2025 (BLS). The Research Triangle region anchors much of this demand, housing major tech companies, universities, and research institutions that rely heavily on data management systems.
Database administrators in North Carolina earn a median salary of $82,100, which exceeds the national median of $78,460 (BLS). Charlotte's financial sector and Raleigh-Durham's tech corridor create premium salary opportunities, with senior DBAs commanding $95,000-$120,000 annually. The state's lower cost of living compared to traditional tech hubs like San Francisco makes these salaries particularly attractive.
Major employers driving database demand include Bank of America in Charlotte, SAS Institute in Cary, and Credit Suisse's technology center in Research Triangle Park. The state's growing cybersecurity sector also creates opportunities for database security specialists, while healthcare systems like Duke Health and Atrium Health need database professionals to manage patient records and research data.
Complete Rankings: Database Administration Programs in North Carolina
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | UNC Charlotte | Charlotte | $23,400 | 7400% | $69,200 | 94.2 |
| 2 | NC State University | Raleigh | $27,700 | 8500% | $71,800 | 91.8 |
| 3 | Wake Technical CC | Raleigh | $4,800 | 6800% | $58,400 | 89.5 |
| 4 | Central Piedmont CC | Charlotte | $4,200 | 6200% | $57,200 | 87.3 |
| 5 | UNC Wilmington | Wilmington | $24,800 | 7900% | $65,900 | 85.7 |
| 6 | East Carolina University | Greenville | $22,900 | 7100% | $63,500 | 83.4 |
| 7 | Appalachian State | Boone | $21,600 | 7700% | $62,800 | 82.1 |
| 8 | Guilford Technical CC | Jamestown | $3,900 | 5900% | $55,700 | 79.8 |
| 9 | Western Carolina | Cullowhee | $20,800 | 6800% | $59,200 | 77.6 |
| 10 | Cape Fear CC | Wilmington | $4,100 | 5600% | $54,300 | 75.2 |
| 11 | Forsyth Technical CC | Winston-Salem | $3,800 | 5400% | $53,100 | 72.9 |
| 12 | Coastal Carolina CC | Jacksonville | $3,600 | 5100% | $51,800 | 70.4 |
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Charlotte, NC • University
Program Highlights
- • 94% job placement rate within 6 months of graduation
- • Average starting salary of $69,200 for graduates
- • Partnership with Charlotte's fintech ecosystem
Program Strengths
- Database Security specialization track
- Internship program with Bank of America and Wells Fargo
- AWS and Microsoft Azure cloud database certifications
- Capstone projects with real industry clients
Why Ranked #1
UNC Charlotte tops our rankings due to its exceptional industry partnerships, particularly with Charlotte's major financial institutions, and strong career placement rates.
Student Reviews
"The database security track prepared me perfectly for my role at a major bank. Professors have real industry experience."
— 2024 Graduate
What You'll Study in North Carolina DBA Programs
Database administration programs in North Carolina emphasize both theoretical foundations and practical skills needed for modern data management. Core coursework typically includes database design, SQL programming, data warehousing, and systems administration. Most programs now integrate cloud computing skills to meet industry demand for cloud-based database solutions.
North Carolina programs particularly excel in financial data management, reflecting the state's banking industry presence. Students learn specialized skills in transaction processing, regulatory compliance, and financial data security. Many programs offer tracks in healthcare informatics as well, supporting the state's major medical centers and research institutions.
- Database Design and Modeling - Entity-relationship diagrams, normalization, schema design
- SQL and NoSQL Technologies - Advanced querying, stored procedures, MongoDB, Cassandra
- Database Security - Encryption, access controls, compliance (SOX, HIPAA, PCI-DSS)
- Cloud Database Administration - AWS RDS, Azure SQL, Google Cloud SQL
- Data Warehousing and Analytics - ETL processes, data mining, business intelligence
- Performance Tuning - Query optimization, indexing strategies, monitoring tools
Career Paths
Manage and maintain database systems, ensure data security, and optimize performance for organizations.
Data Engineer
Build and maintain data pipelines, work with big data technologies, and support analytics teams.
Specialize in database security, implement access controls, and ensure regulatory compliance.
Cloud Database Architect
Design and implement cloud-based database solutions using AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud platforms.
Admission Requirements and Prerequisites
Most North Carolina database administration programs require a high school diploma or equivalent, with preference given to students who have completed mathematics through Algebra II or higher. Many programs recommend prior exposure to computer science fundamentals or basic programming concepts, though this is not always mandatory for entry-level programs.
Community college programs typically have open enrollment policies but may require placement testing in mathematics and English. Four-year university programs generally require SAT or ACT scores, with NC State and UNC Charlotte expecting combined SAT scores above 1200 for competitive admission to their information systems programs.
- High school diploma or GED with 2.5+ GPA
- Mathematics through Algebra II (Trigonometry preferred)
- Basic computer literacy and keyboarding skills
- SAT/ACT scores for university programs
- Some programs require introductory programming course
Tuition Costs and Financial Aid Options
North Carolina offers some of the most affordable database administration education in the Southeast. Community college programs cost approximately $3,600-$4,800 annually for in-state students, while university programs range from $20,800-$27,700 per year. The state's extensive financial aid programs help make these programs accessible to diverse student populations.
The NC Promise program provides particularly attractive tuition rates at participating universities, with annual tuition capped at specific amounts for eligible students. Additionally, many technology employers in the Research Triangle and Charlotte areas offer tuition reimbursement programs for employees pursuing database administration credentials.
Students should also explore STEM-specific scholarships offered by organizations like the North Carolina Technology Association and local chapters of professional database organizations. Many programs offer work-study opportunities with university IT departments, providing both financial support and practical experience.
| Factor | Community College | Public University | Private University |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Annual Tuition | $4,200 | $24,600 | $38,500 |
| Program Length | 2 years | 4 years | 4 years |
| Class Size | 15-25 students | 25-40 students | 12-20 students |
| Industry Partnerships | Local businesses | Regional/national | Varies |
| Transfer Options | Excellent | N/A | Limited |
Database Programs by Region
Research Triangle (Raleigh-Durham)
Charlotte Metro
Coastal Region
Western NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Next Steps: Choosing Your Database Administration Program
Research Program Formats
Decide between associate, bachelor's, or certificate programs based on your career timeline and current background.
Visit Campus and Labs
Tour database labs and meet faculty to understand hands-on learning opportunities and equipment access.
Connect with Industry
Attend local tech meetups and database user groups in Charlotte or Research Triangle to network with professionals.
Apply for Financial Aid
Complete FAFSA applications and research NC-specific technology scholarships to reduce educational costs.
Plan Certification Path
Map out which industry certifications align with your chosen program and career goals.
Related Database and Technology Programs
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