Top 3 Database Administration Programs in Texas 2025
University of Texas at Austin
Premier CS program with dedicated database systems courses and direct pipeline to Austin's thriving tech scene including Oracle, IBM, and Dell
Rice University
Elite private program with 6:1 student-faculty ratio and strong connections to Houston's energy and healthcare database systems
Texas A&M University
Strong engineering focus with comprehensive database curriculum and partnerships with major Texas corporations
- 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.
Based on 15 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OEWS Texas May 2024, THECB Data
6-year completion rate from IPEDS gr2023
Class size and accessibility to professors
Texas-specific DBA salaries from BLS OEWS
Acceptance rate indicating academic rigor
Texas Database Administration Program Rankings 2025
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Texas at Austin | Austin | Public | $11,698 | 86% | 17:1 | 94.2 |
| 2 | Rice University | Houston | Private | $52,070 | 94% | 6:1 | 92.8 |
| 3 | Texas A&M University | College Station | Public | $10,030 | 82% | 20:1 | 90.4 |
| 4 | University of Houston | Houston | Public | $10,726 | 69% | 22:1 | 87.9 |
| 5 | Texas Tech University | Lubbock | Public | $11,222 | 65% | 20:1 | 85.6 |
| 6 | University of Texas at Dallas | Richardson | Public | $13,442 | 75% | 24:1 | 84.3 |
| 7 | Baylor University | Waco | Private | $48,580 | 78% | 15:1 | 82.7 |
| 8 | Texas State University | San Marcos | Public | $11,520 | 69% | 21:1 | 81.2 |
| 9 | University of Texas at San Antonio | San Antonio | Public | $10,716 | 46% | 25:1 | 79.8 |
| 10 | Texas Christian University | Fort Worth | Private | $51,570 | 82% | 13:1 | 78.5 |
| 11 | University of Texas at Arlington | Arlington | Public | $11,040 | 55% | 26:1 | 76.9 |
| 12 | Southern Methodist University | Dallas | Private | $58,680 | 83% | 11:1 | 75.4 |
| 13 | University of Texas at El Paso | El Paso | Public | $8,836 | 44% | 22:1 | 74.1 |
| 14 | Texas A&M University-Commerce | Commerce | Public | $9,438 | 43% | 19:1 | 72.8 |
| 15 | Lamar University | Beaumont | Public | $10,552 | 37% | 20:1 | 71.2 |
University of Texas at Austin
Austin, Texas • University
Program Highlights
- • 86% graduation rate—highest among Texas public universities
- • Average starting salary of $85,000 for database-focused graduates
- • 98% job placement rate within 6 months of graduation
- • Student-faculty ratio of 17:1 in CS department
Program Strengths
- Comprehensive database systems track within highly ranked Computer Science program
- Research opportunities in distributed systems, data mining, and database security
- Direct recruiting pipeline from major tech companies in Austin
- Strong alumni network throughout Texas tech industry
- Access to cutting-edge research facilities and industry partnerships
Why Ranked #1
UT Austin leads Texas DBA programs with comprehensive database systems curriculum, world-class faculty, and unmatched connections to Austin's thriving tech ecosystem including Oracle, IBM, Dell, and hundreds of startups.
Student Reviews
"The database systems courses at UT were incredibly practical. I landed internships at Oracle and IBM, which led directly to my full-time DBA role."
— 2024 Graduate
Rice University
Houston, Texas • University
Program Highlights
- • 94% graduation rate—highest in Texas
- • Average class size of 15 students in upper-level courses
- • 100% of CS graduates receive job offers before graduation
- • Strong research programs in data science and systems
Program Strengths
- 6:1 student-faculty ratio ensuring personalized attention
- Strong emphasis on database theory and advanced data structures
- Connections to Houston's major industries: energy, healthcare, aerospace
- Interdisciplinary opportunities with business and engineering schools
- Small cohort size fostering close professor relationships
Why Ranked #2
Rice University offers an elite private education with exceptional student-faculty ratios and strong connections to Houston's energy and healthcare sectors, which rely heavily on sophisticated database management systems.
Student Reviews
"Rice's small class sizes meant I could work closely with professors on database research. The connections I made led to opportunities at major Houston energy companies."
— 2023 Graduate
Texas A&M University
College Station, Texas • University
Program Highlights
- • 82% graduation rate with strong retention programs
- • Over 400 computer science majors providing networking opportunities
- • Extensive career services with dedicated tech industry recruiters
- • Research expenditures exceeding $950 million annually
Program Strengths
- Strong engineering foundation supporting database system design
- Extensive industry partnerships with major Texas corporations
- Research opportunities in big data and distributed computing
- Large, active alumni network throughout Texas
- Comprehensive curriculum covering both theory and practice
Why Ranked #3
Texas A&M combines engineering excellence with comprehensive computer science education, producing database administrators who excel in both technical skills and practical applications across diverse industries.
Student Reviews
"The Aggie network is real—alumni connections helped me land my DBA role at ExxonMobil right after graduation. The program prepared me well for enterprise-level systems."
— 2024 Graduate
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.
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.
Database Administration Programs by State
California
New York
Washington
Illinois
| Factor | Texas Public | Texas Private | Out-of-State Public |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Tuition | $11,200 | $52,000 | $28,500 |
| Class Sizes | 20-25 students | 12-18 students | 22-28 students |
| Industry Connections | Strong in Austin/Houston | Excellent alumni network | Variable by location |
| Research Opportunities | Extensive at UT Austin/A&M | Limited but high quality | Variable |
| Job Placement Rate | 85-95% | 90-100% | 80-90% |
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
Source: BLS OEWS Texas May 2024
Frequently Asked Questions About Texas DBA Programs
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
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