Updated December 2025

Best Database Administration Programs in Tennessee: Top Schools & Colleges Ranked

Ranking 4 top accredited database administration programs in Tennessee. Compare schools by tuition, graduation rates, and career outcomes in Nashville, Knoxville, Memphis.

Programs Ranked:4
Median Salary:$108,470
Cost of Living:93.2%
Tech Hubs:3

Top 3 Database Administration Programs in Tennessee 2025

๐Ÿฅ‡ #1

Christian Brothers University

Memphis, TNPrivate

215 database administration graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate

$37K
Tuition/yr
68.0
Score
๐Ÿฅˆ #2

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

Knoxville, TNPublic

31 database administration graduates annually, 73% graduation rate

$11K
Tuition/yr
73%
Grad Rate
57.2
Score
๐Ÿฅ‰ #3

Strayer University-Tennessee

Memphis, TNFor-Profit

4 database administration graduates annually, 100% graduation rate

$14K
Tuition/yr
100%
Grad Rate
54.7
Score
Key Takeaways
  • 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.

Ranking Methodology

Based on 4 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024

Program Strength35%

Database Administration degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources (IPEDS 2023)

Graduation Rate25%

6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023

Selectivity20%

Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)

Career Outcomes20%

Tennessee-specific salaries from BLS OES May 2024

Tennessee Database Administration Programs Rankings 2025

Rank
1Christian Brothers UniversityMemphis, TNPrivate$37,300โ€”68
2The University of Tennessee-KnoxvilleKnoxville, TNPublic$11,33273%57.2
3Strayer University-TennesseeMemphis, TNFor-Profit$13,725100%54.7
4Austin Peay State UniversityClarksville, TNPublic$7,008โ€”53.4

Top 5 Database Administration Programs in Tennessee: Side-by-Side

SchoolChristian BrothersUniversity of Tennessee-K...Strayer University-TennesseeAustin 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

SchoolTuitionGrad RateGraduatesScore
#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

SchoolTuitionGrad RateGraduatesScore
#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)

SchoolAnnual Tuition4-Year CostPayback PeriodType
#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.

#1

Christian Brothers University

Memphis, TN โ€ข Private

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $37,300 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Database Administration Graduates: 215 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 88%
  • โ€ข 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.

#2

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

Knoxville, TN โ€ข Public

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $11,332 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: 73% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Database Administration Graduates: 31 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 46%
  • โ€ข 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.

#3

Strayer University-Tennessee

Memphis, TN โ€ข For-Profit

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $13,725 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: 100% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Database Administration Graduates: 4 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: N/A%
  • โ€ข 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.

#4

Austin Peay State University

Clarksville, TN โ€ข Public

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $7,008 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Database Administration Graduates: 90 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 96%
  • โ€ข 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.

$75,929
Starting Salary
$108,470
Mid-Career
+17%
Job Growth
6,311
Annual Openings

Career Paths

+17%

Software Developer opportunities in Tennessee with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$123,015

Data Scientist

SOC 15-2051
+35%

Data Scientist opportunities in Tennessee with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$123,827

DevOps Engineer

SOC 15-1244
+22%

DevOps Engineer opportunities in Tennessee with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$102,019

AI/ML Engineer

SOC 15-1299
+23%

AI/ML Engineer opportunities in Tennessee with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$113,660
+33%

Cybersecurity Analyst opportunities in Tennessee with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$119,374

Which Should You Choose?

Choose Tennessee if...
  • 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
Consider other states if...
  • 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

Explore artificial intelligence programs in Tennessee

Explore machine learning programs in Tennessee

Explore data science programs in Tennessee

48 programs
+35% growth
Explore Data Science in Tennessee

Explore data analytics programs in Tennessee

Explore cybersecurity programs in Tennessee

Explore information security programs in Tennessee

Explore software engineering programs in Tennessee

Explore computer science programs in Tennessee

Explore computer engineering programs in Tennessee

Database Administration Programs in Other States

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

Official University Websites

Program-specific admissions, curriculum, and career outcome data

Taylor Rupe

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.