Top 3 Database Administration Programs in Texas 2025
University of Houston
224 Database Administration graduates annually, 91% graduation rate
The University of Texas at Arlington
193 Database Administration graduates annually, 67% graduation rate
Texas Christian University
59 Database Administration graduates annually, 79% graduation rate
- 1.Texas has 25+ accredited database administration and information systems programs across UT System, Texas A&M, and private universities (IPEDS 2023)
- 2.University of Texas at Austin ranks #1 in Texas with 86% graduation rate and strong connections to Austin's tech hub
- 3.Texas database administrators earn median $108,240 annually—3% above the national median (BLS Texas 2024)
- 4.No state income tax makes Texas attractive for DBA careers, with major employers including Dell, Oracle, AT&T, and ExxonMobil
- 5.Austin, Houston, and Dallas-Fort Worth provide 28,000+ database administrator positions across tech, energy, and finance sectors
Database Administration Education in Texas
Texas offers robust database administration programs through its extensive public university systems and prestigious private institutions. The state's booming tech sector in Austin, energy industry in Houston, and financial services in Dallas create exceptional opportunities for database professionals.
For comparison with programs nationwide, see our national database administration rankings. Students considering online options should review our best online DBA degrees guide. Career-focused students can explore our comprehensive career guides and learn about software engineer salary trends in the broader tech landscape.
Texas offers unique advantages including no state income tax, lower cost of living compared to coastal tech hubs, and a diverse economy spanning technology, energy, aerospace, and healthcare—all sectors requiring sophisticated database management.
Texas Database Administration Program Rankings 2025
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Houston | Houston, TX | Public | $8,685 | 91% | — | 83.5 |
| 2 | The University of Texas at Arlington | Arlington, TX | Public | $9,206 | 67% | — | 72.3 |
| 3 | Texas Christian University | Fort Worth, TX | Private | $57,130 | 79% | — | 65 |
| 4 | University of North Texas | Denton, TX | Public | $8,319 | 70% | — | 55.9 |
| 5 | DeVry University-Texas | Irving, TX | For-Profit | $14,392 | — | — | 53.5 |
| 6 | LeTourneau University | Longview, TX | Private | $34,680 | 86% | — | 52.5 |
| 7 | Tarleton State University | Stephenville, TX | Public | $4,416 | 69% | — | 49.9 |
| 8 | Texas A & M University-Kingsville | Kingsville, TX | Public | $5,137 | 92% | — | 47.4 |
| 9 | South University-Austin | Round Rock, TX | For-Profit | $15,732 | 65% | — | 45.3 |
| 10 | The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley | Edinburg, TX | Public | $7,637 | 96% | — | 45.1 |
| 11 | Strayer University-Texas | Farmers Branch, TX | For-Profit | $13,725 | — | — | 43.5 |
| 12 | Texas A & M University-Commerce | Commerce, TX | Public | $4,790 | 83% | — | 42.2 |
| 13 | University of Houston-Victoria | Victoria, TX | Public | $5,111 | — | — | 42 |
| 14 | The University of Texas Permian Basin | Odessa, TX | Public | $6,577 | 71% | — | 40.8 |
| 15 | Angelo State University | San Angelo, TX | Public | $4,495 | — | — | 39.1 |
Top 5 Database Administration Programs in Texas: Side-by-Side
| School | University of Texas at... | University of Texas at... | U of Houston | Texas A&M | Lamar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $14,564 | $11,678 | $8,685 | $9,003 | $6,228 |
| Graduation Rate | 77% | 89% | 91% | 84% | 99% |
| Annual Graduates | 551 | 192 | 224 | 174 | 142 |
| Acceptance Rate | 65% | 29% | 70% | 63% | 86% |
| Type | Public | Public | Public | Public | Public |
| Score | 80.9/100 | 76.6/100 | 70.2/100 | 67.0/100 | 64.2/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Database Administration in Texas
Texas offers 15 bachelor's-level database administration programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are University of Houston, The University of Texas at Arlington, Texas Christian University. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $80,577 in the Texas 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 Texas
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Houston | $8,685 | 91% | 224 | 70.2 |
| #2 University of Texas at... | $9,206 | 67% | 193 | 59.9 |
| #3 Texas Christian | $57,130 | 79% | 59 | 61.4 |
Top Database Administration Schools for Master's Degrees in Texas
For graduate study, Texas offers 19 master's-level database administration programs. Leading institutions include The University of Texas at Dallas, The University of Texas at Austin, Texas A & M University-College Station. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Texas reaching $149,643 or more.
Top 3 Database Administration Master's Programs in Texas
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 University of Texas at... | $14,564 | 77% | 551 | 80.9 |
| #2 University of Texas at... | $11,678 | 89% | 192 | 76.6 |
| #3 Texas A&M | $9,003 | 84% | 174 | 67.0 |
Most Affordable Database Administration Colleges in Texas
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable database administration programs in Texas are at Texas A & M International University ($3,818/year), Tarleton State University ($4,416/year), Angelo State University ($4,495/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Texas's competitive tech salaries.
At Texas A & M International University, a 4-year degree costs approximately $15,272 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $80,577, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.3 years.
Most Affordable Database Administration Programs in Texas (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Texas A & M International | $3,818 | $15,272 | 0.3 years | Public |
| #2 Tarleton State | $4,416 | $17,664 | 0.4 years | Public |
| #3 Angelo State | $4,495 | $17,980 | 0.4 years | Public |
The University of Texas at Dallas
Richardson, TX • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $14,564 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 77% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Database Administration Graduates: 551 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 65%
- • Ranking Score: 80.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- 77% graduation rate
- 551 database administration graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 80.9 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (77%), program size (551 graduates), state salary outcomes ($115,110), and selectivity (65% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The MS in Information Technology and Management offers exceptional flexibility with over 60 electives and seven specialized tracks, allowing students to customize their degree for industry needs in high-demand areas like AI, cloud computing, and analytics. The program combines technical mastery with business strategy in just 36 credit hours, with graduates earning a median salary of $83,600 in their first year.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Program Details
- Credits: 36 credit hours
- Internship Required
Career Outcomes
- Starting Salary: $83,600
- Top Employers: Amazon, AT&T, American Airlines, 7-Eleven, Apple, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Anheuser-Busch
Available Specializations / Concentrations
The University of Texas at Austin
Austin, TX • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $11,678 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 89% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Database Administration Graduates: 192 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 29%
- • Ranking Score: 76.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- 89% graduation rate
- 192 database administration graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 76.6 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (89%), program size (192 graduates), state salary outcomes ($115,110), and selectivity (29% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
University of Houston
Houston, TX • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $8,685 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 91% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Database Administration Graduates: 224 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 70%
- • Ranking Score: 70.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- 91% graduation rate
- 224 database administration graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 70.2 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (91%), program size (224 graduates), state salary outcomes ($115,110), and selectivity (70% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The Computer Information Systems program at University of Houston provides comprehensive training in business applications, computer concepts, and problem-solving with career opportunities spanning end-user support, system analysis, cloud engineering, applications development, and database administration. The program requires 121 hours of undergraduate academic credit and maintains high academic standards with a requirement for C or better grades in all major courses.
Admissions
- Min GPA: 2.75
- Transfer Friendly
Program Details
- Credits: 121 credits
Sources
Texas A & M University-College Station
College Station, TX • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $9,003 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 84% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Database Administration Graduates: 174 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 63%
- • Ranking Score: 67.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- 84% graduation rate
- 174 database administration graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 67.0 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (84%), program size (174 graduates), state salary outcomes ($115,110), and selectivity (63% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The MS-MIS program offers a unique blend of technical and managerial training that produces graduates who are both business analysts and information system specialists. With an 89.7% job placement rate and $103,096 average starting salary, graduates are highly sought after by top companies across technology, oil and gas, consulting, and other industries.
Admission Prerequisites
- •Programming
- •Database Management
- •Systems Analysis and Design
- •Networking
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.0
- Transfer Friendly
Program Details
- Credits: 36 credit-hour
Career Outcomes
- Starting Salary: $103,096
- Job Placement: 89.7% job placement rate upon graduation
- Top Employers: BMC Software, Dell, HP, McAfee, National Instruments, Texas Instruments, Anadarko, Chevron, ConocoPhillips, ExxonMobil, Marathon Oil, Shell, Capgemini, Deloitte, EY, PwC, Amazon, Delta Airlines, General Motors, USAA
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Lamar University
Beaumont, TX • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $6,228 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 99% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Database Administration Graduates: 142 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 86%
- • Ranking Score: 64.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- 99% graduation rate
- 142 database administration graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 64.2 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (99%), program size (142 graduates), state salary outcomes ($115,110), and selectivity (86% 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 Texas's diverse industries including technology, energy, healthcare, and finance.
Data Architect
SOC 15-1299Design data infrastructure and systems architecture for large-scale applications, particularly in Austin's tech sector and Houston's energy industry.
Database Developer
SOC 15-1252Develop database applications and optimize database performance for software companies and enterprise organizations throughout Texas.
Data Engineer
SOC 15-1244Build and maintain data pipelines and infrastructure, with high demand in Austin's tech companies and Houston's data-intensive industries.
Systems Analyst
SOC 15-1121Analyze database requirements and design systems solutions, with opportunities across Texas's major metropolitan areas.
Texas University Systems for Database Administration
Texas offers database administration education through several major university systems, each with distinct strengths and characteristics.
The University of Texas System includes flagship UT Austin along with UT Dallas, UT San Antonio, UT Arlington, and UT El Paso. UT Austin leads with the most prestigious program, while UT Dallas offers strong industry connections in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. The system provides consistent quality across multiple locations.
The Texas A&M University System emphasizes engineering excellence and practical applications. Beyond the College Station flagship, the system includes campuses in Commerce and other locations, all maintaining the Aggie tradition of strong alumni networking and industry connections.
Private institutions like Rice University, Baylor, SMU, and TCU offer smaller class sizes and personalized attention. Rice stands out for its research excellence, while others provide strong regional connections and liberal arts integration.
Students should also consider pathways through Texas community colleges, which offer affordable prerequisite courses and transfer agreements with four-year universities. This route can significantly reduce total education costs while maintaining access to top-tier programs.
Other Tech Degree Programs in Texas
Database Administration Programs by State
California
New York
Washington
Illinois
Which Should You Choose?
- No state income tax maximizing your DBA salary
- Lower cost of living compared to California or New York
- Access to diverse industries: tech, energy, healthcare, finance
- Strong public university options at affordable tuition rates
- Year-round internship and job opportunities in major metros
- Excellent weather and business-friendly environment
- More prestigious computer science programs (California, Massachusetts)
- Larger concentration of pure tech companies
- Specific industry focuses not available in Texas
- Different climate preferences
- Established ties to other regional job markets
Frequently Asked Questions About Texas 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
Explore More Database Administration Resources
Data Sources and Methodology
Official source for graduation rates, tuition costs, and enrollment data
Texas-specific salary data for database administrators and related occupations
State-specific data on program offerings and educational outcomes
Research expenditure data and faculty research activity
Source: BLS OEWS Texas May 2024
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.