Top 3 Database Administration Programs in Tennessee 2025
Christian Brothers University
215 database administration graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
31 database administration graduates annually, 73% graduation rate
Strayer University-Tennessee
4 database administration graduates annually, 100% graduation rate
- 1.Tennessee offers 4+ accredited database administration programs across public and private universities
- 2.Christian Brothers University leads with strong% graduation rate
- 3.Tennessee software developers earn median $108,470 annually (BLS OES 2024)
- 4.Tech opportunities concentrated in Nashville, Knoxville, Memphis
- 5.Cost of living index: 93.2% of US average (below average)
Database Administration Education in Tennessee: Overview
Tennessee offers 4 accredited database administration programs, producing approximately 340 graduates annually. The state's tech industry is centered in Nashville, Knoxville, Memphis, with major employers including HCA Healthcare, Asurion, AllianceBernstein.
With a median software developer salary of $108,470 (BLS OES May 2024) and a cost of living index of 93.2% compared to the US average, Tennessee offers above-average purchasing power for tech workers compared to higher-cost coastal markets. Tennessee has no state income tax on wages, further boosting take-home pay.
The top database administration programs in the state are led by Christian Brothers University, The University of Tennessee-Knoxville, Strayer University-Tennessee, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Based on 4 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Database Administration degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources (IPEDS 2023)
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023
Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)
Tennessee-specific salaries from BLS OES May 2024
Tennessee Database Administration Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Christian Brothers University | Memphis, TN | Private | $37,300 | โ | 68 |
| 2 | The University of Tennessee-Knoxville | Knoxville, TN | Public | $11,332 | 73% | 57.2 |
| 3 | Strayer University-Tennessee | Memphis, TN | For-Profit | $13,725 | 100% | 54.7 |
| 4 | Austin Peay State University | Clarksville, TN | Public | $7,008 | โ | 53.4 |
Top 5 Database Administration Programs in Tennessee: Side-by-Side
| School | Christian Brothers | University of Tennessee-K... | Strayer University-Tennessee | Austin Peay State |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 |
| In-State Tuition | $37,300 | $11,332 | $13,725 | $7,008 |
| Graduation Rate | N/A% | 73% | 100% | N/A% |
| Annual Graduates | 215 | 31 | 4 | 90 |
| Acceptance Rate | 88% | 46% | N/A | 96% |
| Type | Private | Public | For-Profit | Public |
| Score | 68.0/100 | 57.2/100 | 54.7/100 | 53.4/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Database Administration in Tennessee
Tennessee offers 3 bachelor's-level database administration programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are The University of Tennessee-Knoxville, Strayer University-Tennessee, Austin Peay State University. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $75,929 in the Tennessee 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 Tennessee
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 University of Tennessee-K... | $11,332 | 73% | 31 | 57.2 |
| #2 Strayer University-Tennessee | $13,725 | 100% | 1 | 53.4 |
| #3 Austin Peay State | $7,008 | N/A% | 26 | 46.0 |
Top Database Administration Schools for Master's Degrees in Tennessee
For graduate study, Tennessee offers 3 master's-level database administration programs. Leading institutions include Christian Brothers University, Strayer University-Tennessee, Austin Peay State University. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Tennessee reaching $141,011 or more.
Top 3 Database Administration Master's Programs in Tennessee
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Christian Brothers | $37,300 | N/A% | 215 | 68.0 |
| #2 Strayer University-Tennessee | $13,725 | 100% | 4 | 54.7 |
| #3 Austin Peay State | $7,008 | N/A% | 90 | 53.4 |
Most Affordable Database Administration Colleges in Tennessee
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable database administration programs in Tennessee are at Austin Peay State University ($7,008/year), The University of Tennessee-Knoxville ($11,332/year), Strayer University-Tennessee ($13,725/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Tennessee's competitive tech salaries.
At Austin Peay State University, a 4-year degree costs approximately $28,032 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $75,929, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.7 years. See our Most Affordable Database Administration Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Database Administration Programs in Tennessee (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Austin Peay State | $7,008 | $28,032 | 0.7 years | Public |
| #2 University of Tennessee-K... | $11,332 | $45,328 | 1.1 years | Public |
| #3 Strayer University-Tennessee | $13,725 | $54,900 | 1.3 years | For-Profit |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Database Administration Schools in Tennessee
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 database administration programs in Tennessee, including admissions requirements, curriculum highlights, career outcomes, and what makes each program unique. Data sourced from official university websites and IPEDS 2023.
Christian Brothers University
Memphis, TN โข Private
Program Highlights
- โข Annual Tuition: $37,300 (in-state)
- โข Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- โข Database Administration Graduates: 215 annually
- โข Acceptance Rate: 88%
- โข Ranking Score: 68.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 215 database administration graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 68.0 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (215 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,470), and selectivity (88% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Knoxville, TN โข Public
Program Highlights
- โข Annual Tuition: $11,332 (in-state)
- โข Graduation Rate: 73% (IPEDS 2023)
- โข Database Administration Graduates: 31 annually
- โข Acceptance Rate: 46%
- โข Ranking Score: 57.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- 73% graduation rate
- 31 database administration graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 57.2 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (73%), program size (31 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,470), and selectivity (46% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Strayer University-Tennessee
Memphis, TN โข For-Profit
Program Highlights
- โข Annual Tuition: $13,725 (in-state)
- โข Graduation Rate: 100% (IPEDS 2023)
- โข Database Administration Graduates: 4 annually
- โข Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- โข Ranking Score: 54.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- 100% graduation rate
- 4 database administration graduates annually
- For-Profit institution
- Overall score: 54.7 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (100%), program size (4 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,470), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Austin Peay State University
Clarksville, TN โข Public
Program Highlights
- โข Annual Tuition: $7,008 (in-state)
- โข Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- โข Database Administration Graduates: 90 annually
- โข Acceptance Rate: 96%
- โข Ranking Score: 53.4 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 90 database administration graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 53.4 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (90 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,470), and selectivity (96% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Career Paths
Software Developer
SOC 15-1252Software Developer opportunities in Tennessee with strong job growth.
Data Scientist
SOC 15-2051Data Scientist opportunities in Tennessee with strong job growth.
DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1244DevOps Engineer opportunities in Tennessee with strong job growth.
AI/ML Engineer
SOC 15-1299AI/ML Engineer opportunities in Tennessee with strong job growth.
Cybersecurity Analyst
SOC 15-1212Cybersecurity Analyst opportunities in Tennessee with strong job growth.
Which Should You Choose?
- You want access to tech jobs in Nashville, Knoxville, Memphis
- You're seeking lower cost of living than coastal states (93.2% of US average)
- You want to work at companies like HCA Healthcare or Asurion
- You want no state income tax on wages
- You prioritize highest possible salary (consider CA, WA, NY)
- You want more program options (CA has 100+ vs Tennessee's 4)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration (consider SF, Seattle, NYC)
Other Tech Degree Programs in Tennessee
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Explore software engineering programs in Tennessee
Explore computer science programs in Tennessee
Explore computer engineering programs in Tennessee
Database Administration Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Illinois
Pennsylvania
Georgia
Massachusetts
Database Administration in Tennessee FAQ
Related Resources
Data Sources & Methodology
Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System - program completions, graduation rates, tuition, admissions
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics - Tennessee salary data
2023-2033 occupational outlook and growth projections
Program-specific admissions, curriculum, and career outcome data
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.