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The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Knoxville, TNPublic
Bookstore, Clubs, Community & More: University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Campus Tour$11,332
Tuition/yr
73%
Grad rate
57.2
Hakia Score
On this page
Reviewed by Taylor Rupe, Founder & EditorSee methodology
Key Takeaways
Best database administration degree programs: U of Tennessee-Knoxville, Austin Peay State, Strayer University-Tennessee
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $7,008 to $37,300/year
Austin Peay State offers the most affordable option at $7,008/yr
Database Administration degree programs available: 3 master's in Tennessee
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
Major employers: HCA Healthcare, Asurion, AllianceBernstein, Lyft
Tech hubs in Nashville and Knoxville
Hakia Research 2026
Database Administration degree programs near 63+ cities across Tennessee
Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location
Updated July 13, 2026
How we ranked Tennessee Database Administration programs
We rank 6 accredited database administration programs in Tennessee using IPEDS 2024 institutional data, BLS OEWS 2024 state salary data, and College Scorecard outcomes. A 4-factor weighted composite is normalized to a 0–100 score. Schools cannot pay for placement; rankings are produced algorithmically.
Program completions (35%)Graduation rate (25%)Selectivity (20%)Career outcomes (20%)
See full methodologyAre Database Administration Degree Programs in Tennessee Worth It?
Answer
$108,470
Yes. The best database administration degree programs in Tennessee deliver strong ROI, graduates earn $108,470 median salary with +22% job growth through 2032. In-state tuition averages $17,341/year.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Database Administration Degree Rankings in Tennessee
Compare the top-ranked Database Administration programs in Tennessee by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Bachelor's Database Administration Programs in Tennessee
3
Programs ranked
$10,688
Avg tuition/yr
87%
Avg grad rate
Program Landscape
Tennessee ranks among the nation's top destinations for database administration education, with 3 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 2 public and 0 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are U of Tennessee-Knoxville, Austin Peay State, Strayer University-Tennessee, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Tennessee database administration programs earn a median salary of $92,200, 6% below the national average. The state's robust technology sector, anchored by the Nashville, Knoxville, Memphis metropolitan areas, provides abundant internship and employment opportunities with companies including HCA Healthcare, Asurion, AllianceBernstein.
Costs & Value
Tuition ranges from $7,008 to $13,725 annually, with an average of $10,688/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 87%, with the highest reaching 100%. 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 Tennessee's leading technology employers. For students seeking database administration degrees in Tennessee, these top-ranked database administration schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
Best Master's Database Administration Programs in Tennessee
3
Programs ranked
$19,344
Avg tuition/yr
100%
Avg grad rate
Program Landscape
Tennessee offers 3 master's degree programs in database administration, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, Christian Brothers, Austin Peay State, Strayer University-Tennessee, combine advanced technical training with research opportunities and leadership development.
Career Outcomes
Master's graduates in Tennessee earn a median salary of $108,470, approximately 20-30% higher than bachelor's degree holders. The concentration of technology companies in Nashville, Knoxville, Memphis creates strong demand for graduate-level talent, with HCA Healthcare, Asurion, AllianceBernstein 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 $19,344/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 Tennessee's database administration schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
Database Administration Degree Costs & Tuition in Tennessee
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $17,341/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $43,353/year |
| Community college tuition | $4,335/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $104,048 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $26,012 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Database Administration Students in Tennessee
State Aid Programs
Tennessee offers exceptional financial aid opportunities for students pursuing Database Administration degrees. The state's flagship program, Tennessee Promise, covers full tuition and mandatory fees at community colleges, making it an affordable entry point for students starting with an Associate's degree. Additionally, the Tennessee HOPE Scholarship provides up to $4,500 annually for eligible students at four-year institutions, significantly reducing out-of-pocket costs. These state-specific programs complement federal aid through FAFSA, which all Tennessee students should complete to access federal grants, loans, and work-study opportunities.
Key Programs & Amounts
Beyond state and federal programs, Tennessee's public universities offer competitive tuition rates that make Database Administration education accessible. The average public in-state tuition for four-year institutions is $8,520, well below the national average, while community college tuition averages around $4,224 annually. Many institutions also provide institutional scholarships and assistantships specific to technology and computer science programs. Students should explore aid packages from schools like Middle Tennessee State University and East Tennessee State University, which rank among the most affordable options. For comprehensive federal aid information and loan options, Federal Student Aid provides detailed guidance on all available resources.
Database Administration Degree ROI Calculator, Tennessee
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a database administration degree in Tennessee. 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
+907%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
Net Gain
$1,677,254
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
$133,333
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)$2,712,662
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 (Austin, TX)$140,000
Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)
Annualized Return4.9%
Your investment's compound annual growth rate (similar to stock market returns)
Data sources: BLS OEWS May 2024, IPEDS 2024. 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
Database Administration Salaries by Metro Area
Median annual salary in Tennessee metro areas
Nashville$119K
Knoxville$114K
Memphis$108K
View data table
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Nashville | $119K |
| Knoxville | $114K |
| Memphis | $108K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Hakia.com
Top Employers Hiring Database Administration Graduates in Tennessee
Find database administration jobs in Tennessee. These major employers across Tennessee metro areas are actively hiring database administration degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Database Administration Jobs in Nashville
TNAmazon
tech
Oracle Health (Cerner)
healthtech
Asurion
tech
AllianceBernstein
finance
HCA Healthcare
healthcare
Database Administration Jobs in Knoxville
TNOak Ridge National Laboratory
government
Pilot Flying J
retail
Database Administration Jobs in Memphis
TNFedEx
logistics
International Paper
manufacturing
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
healthcare
Transfer Pathways for Database Administration Degrees in Tennessee
State Transfer System
Tennessee's streamlined transfer system provides excellent pathways for students beginning Database Administration education at community colleges and transitioning to four-year universities. The state operates 49 two-year institutions (IPEDS) that serve as access points for affordable, quality education before completing bachelor's degrees. The Tennessee Transfer Pathways system guarantees that credits earned at participating community colleges transfer seamlessly to public universities, eliminating course duplication and reducing time-to-degree. Students completing associate's degree programs in database administration or related information technology fields can apply directly to Tennessee's bachelor's degree programs with full credit recognition. This structured pathway is particularly valuable for students seeking to minimize costs while maintaining educational quality.
How Transfers Work
Community colleges offering Database Administration associate's programs provide comprehensive coursework in database fundamentals, SQL, and foundational IT skills. Upon completion, students transfer to institutions like The University of Tennessee-Knoxville, Middle Tennessee State University, or East Tennessee State University to pursue bachelor's degrees, with tuition averaging just $8,520 annually for public institutions in-state (BLS State Data). The Tennessee Promise/HOPE scholarship program provides additional financial support throughout the transfer process. Articulation agreements between community colleges and universities ensure smooth transitions and consistent curriculum alignment. Students interested in further specialization should explore related fields through transfer pathways in Cloud Computing in Tennessee and Information Systems in Tennessee.
Why Pursue a Database Administration Degree in Tennessee?
Industry & Workforce
Tennessee offers compelling opportunities for students pursuing Database Administration degrees across multiple degree levels. According to IPEDS, the state hosts 9 institutions offering database administration programs, including 5 bachelor's degree programs and 3 master's degree programs. The state's academic offerings are anchored by prestigious institutions like Vanderbilt University and The University of Tennessee-Knoxville, which rank among the best Database Administration bachelor's programs nationally. Tennessee's major metropolitan areas. Nashville-Davidson-Murfreesboro-Franklin, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga, serve as technology hubs with significant employment opportunities from industry leaders including Amazon, FedEx, HCA Healthcare, and Nissan.
Salary Outlook
One of Tennessee's most attractive advantages is the absence of state income tax, a significant financial benefit for graduates earning competitive salaries in the technology sector. Public four-year institutions in Tennessee average $8,520 for in-state tuition, making quality education highly affordable compared to national averages (BLS State Data). Students can leverage additional support through Tennessee Promise and HOPE scholarships, which provide tuition assistance at participating institutions. The state's Tennessee Transfer Pathways system facilitates seamless transitions from community colleges to four-year programs. Explore related fields in the state like Database Management in Tennessee and Data Analytics in Tennessee to understand the broader technology career landscape.
Tennessee Take-Home Pay Advantage
$0 State Income Tax
Tennessee has no state income tax. At the median database administration salary of $108,470, that keeps roughly $5,424 more in your pocket annually compared to states with a 5% income tax rate.
Source: Tennessee Department of Revenue
Database Administration Job Market & Salary Data in Tennessee
Employment Outlook
Tennessee's database administration job market is experiencing steady growth, with opportunities concentrated in major metropolitan areas across the state. The Nashville-Davidson-Murfreesboro-Franklin metro area, Knoxville, Memphis, and Chattanooga serve as primary hubs for technology employment. According to the (Bureau of Labor Statistics), the state continues to attract significant investment in information technology infrastructure and data management roles. Database administrators in Tennessee benefit from the state's lack of income tax, providing a significant financial advantage compared to neighboring states. This tax advantage, combined with relatively affordable cost of living in most regions, makes Tennessee increasingly attractive to technology professionals seeking career growth without the financial burden of state income taxation.
Salaries by Metro
The job market reflects strong demand across healthcare, logistics, automotive, and financial services sectors. Major employers including Vanderbilt University, HCA Healthcare, Amazon, FedEx, and Nissan maintain substantial database administration and IT infrastructure needs. Educational pathways in Tennessee align well with employer demands, with 309 master's degree completions and 58 bachelor's degree completions annually across accredited programs (IPEDS Data). Students completing programs at institutions like Christian Brothers University (215 completions) and Austin Peay State University (116 completions) enter a job market with diverse career options spanning multiple industries and geographic regions throughout the state. Prospective professionals should research salary trends and growth projections through (BLS State Data) to understand compensation expectations in their target metro area.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Median Salary in Tennessee$70,506$157,282
Typical RolesJunior Developer, AnalystStaff Engineer, Architect
Remote Work AccessLimitedCommon
Degree ExpectationBachelor's sufficientMaster's preferred
Online vs On-Campus Database Administration Programs in Tennessee
Online Programs
0 available in Tennessee
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Typical Tuition$15,607/yr$17,341/yr
Schedule FlexibilitySelf-paced or asyncFixed schedule
NetworkingVirtual cohortsIn-person, career fairs
Best ForWorking professionalsTraditional students
Completion Time2-4 years (flexible)4 years (standard)
Compare Database Administration Programs in Other States
Best Database Administration Degree Programs in Virginia
- Total Programs
- 13
- Median Tuition
- $12,900
Best Database Administration Degree Programs in North Carolina
- Total Programs
- 13
- Median Tuition
- $7,000
Best Database Administration Degree Programs in Georgia
- Total Programs
- 31
- Median Tuition
- $3,000
Best Database Administration Degree Programs in Alabama
- Total Programs
- 9
- Median Tuition
- $10,700
Best Database Administration Degree Programs in Mississippi
- Total Programs
- 4
- Median Tuition
- $6,500
Best Database Administration Degree Programs in Arkansas
- Total Programs
- 8
- Median Tuition
- $6,600
Best Database Administration Degree Programs in Missouri
- Total Programs
- 9
- Median Tuition
- $8,300
Database Administration Degree Programs in Tennessee: FAQ
What are the best database administration degree programs in Tennessee?
The best database administration degree programs in Tennessee based on our methodology are: 1) The University of Tennessee-Knoxville (73% graduation rate), 2) Austin Peay State University, and 3) Strayer University-Tennessee. Our rankings weight graduation rates (25%), program completions (35%), selectivity (20%), and career outcomes (20%). Tennessee offers 4 total accredited programs across 2 public and 1 private institutions. See our complete rankings for all 3 bachelor's programs.
How much do database administration degree programs cost in Tennessee?
Database Administration degree program costs in Tennessee vary significantly by institution type. In-state public tuition averages $17,341/year, while private institutions average $38,150/year. Community colleges offer the most affordable path at approximately $4,335/year for associate's degrees. The total 4-year cost ranges from $69,364 at public schools to $152,601 at private institutions before financial aid. Most students don't pay full sticker price, federal grants, state aid, and institutional scholarships can reduce costs by 30-60%.
What salary can database administration degree graduates earn in Tennessee?
Database Administration professionals in Tennessee earn a median salary of $108,470, which is competitive with the national average of $115,500. Entry-level positions typically start around $70,506, while senior roles exceed $157,282. Salaries vary by metro area: Nashville ($119,317), Knoxville ($113,894) offer the highest compensation. Specialized roles like AI/ML engineers and cloud architects command premiums of 15-30% above median.
Are there online database administration degree programs in Tennessee?
Yes, Tennessee offers 0 accredited online Database Administration programs from state institutions. These programs award the same degree as on-campus options and include synchronous and asynchronous formats. Top-ranked online programs include offerings from various state universities. Online programs typically cost the same as on-campus tuition for in-state students. Many programs offer flexible scheduling for working professionals, with some offering accelerated completion in 2-3 years. Ensure any online program holds regional accreditation and ideally ABET accreditation for engineering programs.
What companies hire database administration degree graduates in Tennessee?
Major Database Administration employers in Tennessee include HCA Healthcare, Asurion, AllianceBernstein, Lyft, Amazon. The Nashville and Knoxville metro areas serve as primary tech hubs with thousands of open positions. Top employers maintain recruiting pipelines directly from Tennessee universities, with many offering internship-to-hire programs. Beyond tech giants, opportunities exist in healthcare IT, financial services, defense contractors, and growing startups. Tennessee's tech sector shows +22% projected job growth through 2033, outpacing most other industries.
Is a database administration degree program worth it in Tennessee?
A database administration degree program in Tennessee offers strong ROI with a $108,470 median salary and +22% projected job growth. At average in-state tuition of $17,341/year, graduates typically recoup their educational investment within 3-5 years. The degree opens doors to high-paying careers in software development ($122,571), data science, cybersecurity, and AI/ML. Beyond salary, benefits include job security, remote work flexibility, and clear advancement paths. Alternative paths like bootcamps exist for career changers, but bachelor's degrees provide broader career options and higher lifetime earnings.
How long do database administration degree programs take in Tennessee?
Standard completion times for database administration degree programs in Tennessee are: Associate's (2 years, 60 credits), Bachelor's (4 years, 120 credits), and Master's (1-2 years, 30-36 credits). However, actual timelines vary based on course load, transfer credits, and program format. Accelerated programs can compress a bachelor's to 3 years or a master's to 12 months. Part-time students typically need 5-6 years for a bachelor's degree. Tennessee community colleges offer a cost-effective "2+2" path: complete your associate's in 2 years, then transfer to a Tennessee university for the final 2 years of a bachelor's program.
What financial aid is available for database administration degree students in Tennessee?
Tennessee database administration degree students can access multiple financial aid sources. Federal aid includes Pell Grants (up to $7,395/year for qualifying students) and federal student loans. Tennessee state grants provide additional support for residents attending in-state schools. Institutional scholarships from universities can significantly reduce costs, many schools offer merit-based awards for STEM students. Work-study programs and teaching/research assistantships (especially for graduate students) provide income while building experience. Complete the FAFSA by Tennessee's priority deadline to maximize aid eligibility. Some employers also offer tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing CS degrees.
Data Sources
Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
Tennessee salary and employment data
Official University Websites
Program details and admissions information
Last Updated: June 26, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2024 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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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.