University campus in Washington
Updated January 2026

Best Database Administration Degree Programs in Washington — 2026 Rankings

Explore 11 accredited database administration degree programs in Washington. Compare schools by graduation rate, salary outcomes, and tuition—from Pierce College District to Bellevue College.

#1 ProgramBellevue College
Avg Salary$145,230
Tuition From$4,074/yr
Job Growth+22%

Key Takeaways

Top 3 ranked: Bellevue College, City University of Seattle,

Based on graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality

IPEDS 2023

Tuition ranges from $4,073 to $53,235/year

Pierce College District offers the most affordable option at $4,074/yr

IPEDS 2023

Degree levels: 6 associate's, 3 master's, 1 doctoral programs available in Washington

From community college pathways to advanced research degrees

IPEDS 2023

Washington community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs

6 associate's programs provide transfer pathways to bachelor's degrees

Education Commission of the States

Major employers: Microsoft, Amazon, Boeing, Expedia

Tech hubs in Seattle and Bellevue

Hakia Research 2026

Database Administration programs available near 43+ cities across Washington

Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location

IPEDS 2023

Updated February 2026

On This Page
$145,230
Is Database Administration in Washington Worth It?
Yes. Database Administration degrees in Washington deliver strong ROI—graduates earn $145,230 median salary with +22% job growth through 2032. In-state tuition averages $13,481/year.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024

Best Database Administration Degree Programs in Washington

Bachelor's Database Administration Degree Programs in Washington

2 programs•$145,230 median salary•96% avg grad rate
2
Programs
$145,230
Median Salary
$9,020/yr
Avg Tuition
96%
Avg Grad Rate

Program Landscape

Washington ranks among the nation's top destinations for database administration education, with 2 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 1 public and 1 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are Bellevue College, City University of Seattle, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.

Career Outcomes

Graduates from Washington database administration programs earn a median salary of $123,446—26% above the national average. The state's robust technology sector, anchored by the Seattle, Bellevue, Redmond metropolitan areas, provides abundant internship and employment opportunities with companies including Microsoft, Amazon, Boeing.

Costs & Value

Tuition ranges from $4,074 to $13,965 annually, with an average of $9,020/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 96%, with the highest reaching 96%. 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 Washington's leading technology employers. For students seeking database administration degrees in Washington, these top-ranked database administration schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.

Show:

Earn your bachelor's in Database Administration

(Sponsored)

Loading programs...

🥇

Bellevue College

Public
Bellevue, WA
$4,074
Tuition/yr
96%
Grad Rate
80.5
Score
Website
Visit Bellevue College
🥈

City University of Seattle

Private
Seattle, WA
$13,965
Tuition/yr
44.5
Score
Website

Complete Database Administration Degree Program Rankings in Washington

Best Associate's Database Administration Degree Programs in Washington

### Program Landscape Washington offers **6 accredited** associate's degree programs in database administration, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include **Pierce College District**, **South Puget Sound Communi...**, **Yakima Valley College**, which combine rigorous technical curriculum with practical skills training. ### Costs & Value Community colleges in Washington offer these two-year programs at an average cost of **$4,588/yr**—significantly less than four-year university tuition. Students completing associate's degrees can pursue entry-level technical positions and transfer opportunities, with entry-level salaries averaging **$79,877** in Washington. ### Career Pathways Many programs feature guaranteed transfer agreements with Washington's public universities, allowing students to complete their first two years at reduced cost before transferring to complete a bachelor's degree. The Seattle, Bellevue, Redmond areas offer particularly strong job markets for associate's degree holders, with employers like Microsoft, Amazon, Boeing hiring for technical support, junior development, and IT specialist positions. ### Curriculum & Specializations Programs typically include coursework in programming fundamentals, database management, networking basics, and software development. Among database administration schools in Washington, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their database administration degrees in Washington.

  1. #1. Pierce College District

    Hakia ranks Pierce College District as the #1 associate's in database administration degree program in Washington. This public institution in Lakewood, WA has annual tuition of $4,074 and a 93% graduation rate. Ranking score: 49.9.

  2. #2. South Puget Sound Community College

    Hakia ranks South Puget Sound Community College as the #2 associate's in database administration degree program in Washington. This public institution in Olympia, WA has annual tuition of $4,623. Ranking score: 39.7.

  3. #3. Yakima Valley College

    Hakia ranks Yakima Valley College as the #3 associate's in database administration degree program in Washington. This public institution in Yakima, WA has annual tuition of $4,623 and a 55% graduation rate. Ranking score: 48.0.

  4. #4. Edmonds College

    Hakia ranks Edmonds College as the #4 associate's in database administration degree program in Washington. This public institution in Lynnwood, WA has annual tuition of $4,073 and a 93% graduation rate. Ranking score: 56.7.

  5. #5. Skagit Valley College

    Hakia ranks Skagit Valley College as the #5 associate's in database administration degree program in Washington. This public institution in Mount Vernon, WA has annual tuition of $4,623 and a 91% graduation rate. Ranking score: 54.9.

  6. #6. Columbia Basin College

    Hakia ranks Columbia Basin College as the #6 associate's in database administration degree program in Washington. This public institution in Pasco, WA has annual tuition of $5,514 and a 97% graduation rate. Ranking score: 56.2.

Best Bachelor's Database Administration Degree Programs in Washington

### Program Landscape Washington ranks among the nation's top destinations for database administration education, with **2 accredited** bachelor's degree programs across **1 public** and **1 private** institutions. The highest-ranked programs are **Bellevue College**, **City University of Seattle**, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections. ### Career Outcomes Graduates from Washington database administration programs earn a median salary of **$123,446**—26% above the national average. The state's robust technology sector, anchored by the Seattle, Bellevue, Redmond metropolitan areas, provides abundant internship and employment opportunities with companies including Microsoft, Amazon, Boeing. ### Costs & Value Tuition ranges from **$4,074** to **$13,965** annually, with an average of **$9,020/yr**. Top programs maintain graduation rates above **96%**, with the highest reaching **96%**. 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 Washington's leading technology employers. For students seeking database administration degrees in Washington, these top-ranked database administration schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.

  1. #1. Bellevue College

    Hakia ranks Bellevue College as the #1 bachelor's in database administration degree program in Washington. This public institution in Bellevue, WA has annual tuition of $4,074 and a 96% graduation rate. Ranking score: 80.5.

  2. #2. City University of Seattle

    Hakia ranks City University of Seattle as the #2 bachelor's in database administration degree program in Washington. This private institution in Seattle, WA has annual tuition of $13,965. Ranking score: 44.5.

Best Master's Database Administration Degree Programs in Washington

### Program Landscape Washington 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—**U of Washington-Seattle**, **Seattle**, **Seattle Pacific**—combine advanced technical training with research opportunities and leadership development. ### Career Outcomes Master's graduates in Washington earn a median salary of **$145,230**, approximately **20-30% higher** than bachelor's degree holders. The concentration of technology companies in Seattle, Bellevue, Redmond creates strong demand for graduate-level talent, with Microsoft, Amazon, Boeing 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 **$34,241/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 Washington's database administration schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.

  1. #1. University of Washington-Seattle Campus

    Hakia ranks University of Washington-Seattle Campus as the #1 master's in database administration degree program in Washington. This public institution in Seattle, WA has annual tuition of $11,524 and a 97% graduation rate. Ranking score: 95.1.

  2. #2. Seattle University

    Hakia ranks Seattle University as the #2 master's in database administration degree program in Washington. This private institution in Seattle, WA has annual tuition of $53,235 and a 92% graduation rate. Ranking score: 54.0.

  3. #3. Seattle Pacific University

    Hakia ranks Seattle Pacific University as the #3 master's in database administration degree program in Washington. This private institution in Seattle, WA has annual tuition of $37,965. Ranking score: 42.4.

Best Doctoral Database Administration Degree Programs in Washington

### Program Landscape Washington is home to **1** doctoral programs in database administration, preparing students for research positions, faculty appointments, and executive technical roles. Leading programs at **U of Washington-Seattle** are recognized for cutting-edge research, strong faculty publications, and competitive funding packages. ### Career Outcomes Doctoral graduates command premium salaries, with Washington PhD holders earning a median of **$181,538**—reflecting the advanced expertise required for research and executive positions. The Seattle, Bellevue, Redmond region's research universities and corporate R&D centers provide extensive collaboration opportunities with industry leaders like Microsoft, Amazon, Boeing. ### Costs & Value PhD programs typically require 4-6 years of full-time study, including coursework, qualifying examinations, and original dissertation research. Many programs offer full funding through teaching or research assistantships, covering tuition and providing stipends of **$25,000–$40,000** annually. ### Curriculum & Specializations Research strengths across Washington programs include artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, human-computer interaction, systems, and theoretical computer science. For aspiring researchers pursuing database administration degrees in Washington, graduates go on to careers as university faculty, industry research scientists, or technical executives, contributing to advances in technology that impact millions of users worldwide.

  1. #1. University of Washington-Seattle Campus

    Hakia ranks University of Washington-Seattle Campus as the #1 doctoral in database administration degree program in Washington. This public institution in Seattle, WA has annual tuition of $11,524 and a 97% graduation rate. Ranking score: 90.5.

Database Administration Tuition in Washington

MetricValue
Average in-state tuition$13,481/year
Average out-of-state tuition$33,703/year
Community college tuition$3,370/year
4-year savings for residents$80,888
2+2 transfer pathway savings$20,222

Source: IPEDS 2023

Database Administration Financial Aid & Scholarships in Washington

State Aid Programs

The Washington College Grant (WCG) supports database administration students pursuing degrees at public institutions. For 2025-26, families of four earning $78,500 or less qualify for free tuition at public colleges. Families earning up to $131,000 receive partial aid (WSAC WCG). Students are automatically considered when filing FAFSA or WASFA. Maximum awards cover full tuition at public institutions, with eligibility lasting up to 18 quarters (6 years). This support makes university database coursework accessible to students regardless of economic background.

Key Programs & Amounts

Professional certificates and certifications offer cost-effective alternatives.

UW PCE's Certificate in SQL Server & Database Development costs significantly less than a four-year degree while providing job-ready skills. Cloud certification exam fees are modest: AWS certifications cost $150-$300 per exam, Microsoft Azure certifications range from $165-$330, and vendor training is often available free or at reduced cost through AWS Educate, Microsoft Learn, and similar programs. Employers sometimes reimburse certification costs for current employees seeking database specialization.

Institutional Scholarships

Tech company training programs expand access to database education.

AWS offers AWS re/Start—a free, full-time, 12-week program preparing participants for cloud careers including database roles. Microsoft provides Microsoft Learn with free training paths for Azure certifications. Google offers similar programs through Google Cloud Skills Boost. These industry-sponsored programs can provide database training at no cost, though they require significant time commitment. Combined with community college coursework and WCG funding, motivated students can build database administration careers with minimal educational debt. For related financial aid information, see our data science financial aid guide.

Calculate Your Database Administration Degree ROI in Washington

Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a database administration degree in Washington. 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

+1168%

Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.

Net Gain

$2,161,658

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

$110,000

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)$3,197,066

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 (Seattle, WA)$165,000

Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)

Annualized Return5.8%

Your investment's compound annual growth rate (similar to stock market returns)

Data sources: BLS OEWS May 2024, IPEDS 2023. 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

Career Paths

+25%

Design and develop software applications and systems

Median Salary:$164,110
+35%

Analyze complex datasets and build predictive models

Median Salary:$136,516
+32%

Protect computer networks from cyber threats

Median Salary:$152,492
+22%

Manage cloud infrastructure and deployment pipelines

Median Salary:$161,205
+28%

Design and maintain cloud computing infrastructure

Median Salary:$156,848
+40%

Build and deploy machine learning models

Median Salary:$182,990
Database Administration Salaries by Metro Area

Median annual salary in Washington metro areas

Hakia.com
View data table
Categoryvalue
Seattle$160K
Bellevue$152K
Redmond$145K

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024

Hakia.com

Database Administration Jobs in Washington: Top Employers Hiring

Find database administration jobs in Washington. These major employers across Washington metro areas are actively hiring database administration graduates. Click employer names to view current job openings.

Database Administration Jobs in Seattle

WA

Seattle is home to Amazon and Microsoft headquarters, plus major engineering offices for Google, Meta, and other tech giants.

Nearby cities: Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland, Tacoma, Renton

Microsoft
Enterprise Software/Cloud
Amazon
E-commerce/Cloud (AWS)
Google
Search/Cloud/AI
Meta
Social/VR/AI
Tableau (Salesforce)
Data Visualization
Zillow
Real Estate Tech
Expedia Group
Travel Tech
Redfin
Real Estate Tech
DocuSign
Digital Agreements
F5 Networks
Networking/Security

Database Administration Jobs in Bellevue/Eastside

WA

The Eastside corridor houses Microsoft's main campus in Redmond, Nintendo of America, and T-Mobile's headquarters.

Nearby cities: Redmond, Kirkland, Issaquah, Sammamish

Microsoft
Enterprise Software/Cloud
T-Mobile
Telecommunications
Nintendo of America
Gaming
Valve Corporation
Gaming/Steam Platform

How to Apply to Database Administration Programs in Washington

1

Research Program Requirements

Review admission requirements for database administration programs at your target schools. Requirements vary by institution and degree level.

2

Prepare Application Materials

Gather transcripts, test scores (SAT/ACT for undergrad, GRE for graduate), letters of recommendation, and personal statement.

3

Apply for Financial Aid

Complete the FAFSA by priority deadlines.

4

Submit Applications Before Deadlines

Apply early for priority consideration. Early action/decision deadlines are typically October-November; regular deadlines December-January.

5

Complete Enrollment Steps

Accept your offer, submit enrollment deposit, complete orientation requirements, and register for classes.

Database Administration Transfer Pathways in Washington

State Transfer System

Washington's Direct Transfer Agreement (DTA) facilitates credit transfer for students pursuing database-related degrees. Students completing a DTA associate degree (90 quarter credits) satisfy lower-division general education requirements and receive junior standing at receiving universities (WSAC). The Computer Science DTA/MRP (Major Related Program) includes programming and math courses that provide foundations for database coursework. Database-specific courses (SQL, data management) taken at community colleges transfer with varying degrees of credit depending on the receiving institution.

How Transfers Work

Community college pathways provide affordable database foundations.

Bellevue College's IT and software development programs include database coursework transferable to four-year institutions. Students can complete SQL fundamentals, database design, and introductory data management before transferring. The AAS-T in Software Development includes database content and transfers fully to Bellevue College's BAS program. Seattle Central, Green River, and other colleges offer similar pathways. By completing database prerequisites at community college costs ($3,742-$4,990/year), students save significantly before transferring to university programs.

Transfer Planning Tips

Alternative pathways for database careers bypass traditional transfer entirely.

Professional certificates from UW PCE, vendor certifications (AWS, Azure, Oracle), and hands-on experience can qualify candidates for DBA positions without bachelor's degrees. Many DBAs enter the field through IT support, systems administration, or development roles before specializing in databases. This career pathway—starting with associate degrees or certificates, gaining experience, then adding certifications—offers a practical alternative to traditional four-year degrees. Employers increasingly value demonstrated database skills and certifications over formal academic credentials for DBA roles.

Why Study Database Administration in Washington?

Industry & Workforce

Washington State is the global epicenter of cloud database technology, hosting the headquarters of both Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure—the two dominant cloud platforms. AWS pioneered cloud databases with services like Amazon RDS, DynamoDB, Aurora, and Redshift, while Microsoft Azure offers Azure SQL Database, Cosmos DB, and Azure Database for MySQL/PostgreSQL. This concentration creates unparalleled career opportunities for database administrators skilled in cloud technologies. The Seattle-Bellevue corridor employs thousands of DBAs managing databases at planet-scale—from Amazon's retail platform to Microsoft's enterprise services.

Salary Outlook

Salary potential for cloud-focused DBAs in Washington is exceptional.

According to ZipRecruiter, Azure Database Administrator Associates in Washington earn an average of $115,820 annually, while general Cloud Administrators in the state average $133,810—among the highest nationally (ZipRecruiter). Senior DBAs with AWS skills earn $140,492 median, and Washington ranks #2 nationally for AWS DBA salaries, just behind Massachusetts (PayScale). Washington's no state income tax further maximizes take-home pay, making Seattle-area DBA positions among the most lucrative in the country.

Regional Tech Hubs

The database job market is evolving toward cloud expertise.

Traditional on-premises DBA roles are declining, but cloud database positions are growing rapidly. AWS certifications (particularly AWS Certified Data Engineer – Associate, introduced March 2024) validate cloud database skills valued by employers. Microsoft certifications including AZ-104 (Azure Administrator Associate) can boost salaries 15-20% over non-certified peers (PassitExams). Washington employers from startups to Fortune 500 companies seek DBAs who can architect, optimize, and secure cloud database solutions. Compare programs in California, Texas, or explore our national rankings.

Database Administration Job Market in Washington

Employment Outlook

Washington's database job market is dominated by cloud database roles at AWS and Microsoft.

Amazon continuously hires for DynamoDB, Aurora, RDS, and Redshift teams in Seattle and Bellevue, with Software Development Engineer positions paying $129,000-$224,000 and Senior SDE roles reaching $151,000-$262,000 (Glassdoor, ZipRecruiter). Microsoft Azure database teams in Redmond hire for Azure SQL Database, Cosmos DB, and database migration services. Both companies require strong SQL skills combined with cloud architecture expertise—purely traditional DBA skills are insufficient for top-tier positions.

Salaries by Metro

Regional salary data for Washington database roles:

  • Seattle Metro: $115,820-$133,810 for cloud DBAs, with senior positions at $140,000-$160,000
  • Bellevue/Eastside: Comparable salaries with Microsoft Azure, Amazon, and enterprise companies driving demand
  • Tacoma: $90,000-$110,000 with growing healthcare and logistics database needs
  • Spokane/Eastern WA: $75,000-$95,000 with remote work enabling Seattle-level opportunities Beyond the tech giants, employers including Boeing, Expedia, Zillow, T-Mobile, and healthcare systems hire DBAs for enterprise database management. Financial services companies maintain significant database operations requiring both SQL Server and cloud expertise.

High-Growth Sectors

High-demand database skills in Washington include: Amazon DynamoDB and Aurora (NoSQL and relational cloud databases), Microsoft Azure SQL Database and Cosmos DB, PostgreSQL and MySQL administration, MongoDB and other NoSQL platforms, SQL Server for enterprise environments, data warehousing (Redshift, Snowflake, Synapse), and database security/compliance. The convergence of database administration with data engineering creates opportunities for DBAs who can build ETL pipelines, implement data lakes, and support analytics workloads. For related career paths, explore our data science programs or data analytics degrees.

Database Administration Curriculum & Specializations in Washington

Core Requirements

University of Washington's CSE 344: Introduction to Data Management sets the standard for database education in Washington. The course covers data models (relational and semi-structured), query languages (SQL, datalog, XQuery), language bindings, conceptual modeling, transactions, security, database tuning, data warehousing, parallelism, and web-data management. Students learn schema design, data modeling, and building database applications. The required textbook is "Database Systems: The Complete Book" by Garcia-Molina, Widom, and Ullman. Prerequisites include CSE 311 (discrete math) and programming experience. Non-majors can take CSE 414 covering equivalent topics.

Degree Pathways

Professional certificates provide focused database training.

UW's Certificate in SQL Server & Database Development covers: fundamentals of database planning, design, deployment, and management; programming SQL script for database objects and transactions; and writing advanced SQL queries for reporting. The three-course program focuses primarily on Microsoft SQL Server—one of the most popular enterprise database platforms. Students gain skills needed to excel as SQL Server professionals and prepare for Microsoft certification exams. The Foundations of Databases & SQL Programming course serves as an introduction requiring no prior experience.

Specialization Tracks

Cloud database skills increasingly supplement traditional curriculum.

Washington DBA students should develop proficiency in: AWS database services (RDS, Aurora, DynamoDB, Redshift—covered through AWS training and certifications), Azure database services (Azure SQL Database, Cosmos DB, Synapse Analytics), PostgreSQL and MySQL (open-source databases widely used in cloud environments), and MongoDB (document-oriented NoSQL). Modern DBA roles require understanding of database-as-a-service architectures, automated scaling, and infrastructure-as-code for database provisioning. For related technical skills, explore our data science curriculum or cloud computing programs.

Online vs On-Campus Database Administration Programs in Washington

Online Program Growth

Online database education offers flexibility for career changers and working professionals.

AWS, Microsoft, and Oracle provide extensive free online training for their database platforms. AWS Educate offers cloud database courses, Microsoft Learn covers Azure database services, and Oracle University provides database administration training. Western Governors University's online computer science program includes database coursework at $4,125 per 6-month term. These options allow Washington residents to build database skills without campus attendance—particularly valuable for professionals transitioning into DBA roles from other IT positions.

Accredited Online Options

Campus programs provide deeper theoretical foundations and networking opportunities.

UW's CSE 344/414 database courses cover query optimization, transaction processing, and distributed database theory that online vendor training may skip. Campus students access career fairs, AWS/Microsoft recruiting events, and peer study groups. For students pursuing database architecture or database engine development roles (rather than operational DBA positions), traditional computer science programs provide stronger preparation. Campus programs at UW, WSU, and regional universities connect students directly with Seattle-area database employers.

Choosing Your Format

Hybrid approaches optimize for both flexibility and career outcomes.

Complete vendor certifications (AWS, Azure) online while taking foundational database courses at community colleges. UW PCE's SQL Server certificate combines online learning with practical projects. Many successful DBAs build skills through: community college SQL coursework, vendor certifications for cloud platforms, and hands-on experience in IT support roles before specializing. Washington employers including Amazon, Microsoft, and enterprise companies accept diverse credential combinations—demonstrated database skills and certifications often outweigh specific degree requirements. Compare online options in our best online database programs.

Database Administration by City in Washington

Seattle

Seattle offers the highest concentration of database jobs in Washington, anchored by AWS headquarters and major enterprise employers. Cloud DBAs earn $115,820-$140,000+ with senior positions exceeding $160,000. The city hosts Amazon's retail and AWS database teams, plus significant operations at Expedia, Zillow, and healthcare systems. Cost of living is high—median home prices exceed $850,000—but database salaries compensate significantly. About 30% of tech workers work remotely with hybrid schedules becoming standard, reducing commute pressure for database professionals.

Bellevue and the Eastside

Bellevue and the Eastside (Redmond, Kirkland) house Microsoft Azure headquarters and Amazon's rapidly expanding campus (14,000 employees growing to 25,000). Database professionals working on Azure SQL Database, Cosmos DB, and other services enjoy suburban living with excellent schools. T-Mobile headquarters in Bellevue hires database staff for telecommunications infrastructure. The eastside offers slightly lower housing costs than Seattle while maintaining access to the same employer base. Microsoft's 54,000 regional employees include substantial database operations and development teams.

Tacoma and Eastern Washington offer affordable alternatives.

Tacoma and Eastern Washington offer affordable alternatives.

Tacoma provides lower housing costs (median ~$500,000) with light rail access to Seattle employers. Healthcare systems and Boeing suppliers hire DBAs locally. Spokane offers the state's lowest cost of living with remote work enabling Seattle-level salaries. Eastern Washington University produces database-qualified graduates hired locally and at tech giants. Database administrators can earn $90,000-$120,000 remotely while enjoying $250,000-$350,000 home prices in Eastern Washington. Washington's no state income tax benefits database professionals regardless of location. See our Washington state programs.

Compare Online Database Administration Programs in Washington

View tuition costs, program formats & enrollment info

Database Administration Programs by City in Washington

SeattleTacomaSpokaneBellinghamYakimaKirklandOlympiaVancouverBothellLakewood

Find Database Administration Programs Near You in Washington

Search by city to find accredited database administration programs ranked by our state methodology.

Database Administration Degree Programs by City in Washington

Database Administration Degree Programs Near Seattle, Washington

As home to Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft's cloud infrastructure division, and major data centers for both companies, Seattle offers unparalleled opportunities for database administrators managing petabyte-scale operations and distributed systems. The University of Washington's Computer Science program includes database systems coursework, and the city's tech ecosystem creates constant demand for database architects, data governance specialists, and cloud database engineers across startups and enterprises.

Seattle is located in King County, Washington.

Associate's Database Administration Degree Programs Near Seattle, Washington
  1. Green River College (Public) — State #1, 22.9 mi from Seattle. Tuition: $4,074/year. Graduation rate: 99%.
  2. Tacoma Community College (Public) — State #2, 27.8 mi from Seattle. Tuition: $4,477/year. Graduation rate: 87%.
  3. Edmonds College (Public) — State #3, 13.2 mi from Seattle. Tuition: $4,073/year. Graduation rate: 93%.
Bachelor's Database Administration Degree Programs Near Seattle, Washington
  1. University of Washington-Seattle Campus (Public) — State #1, in Seattle. Tuition: $11,524/year. Graduation rate: 97%.
  2. Bellevue College (Public) — State #2, 9.2 mi from Seattle. Tuition: $4,074/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
  3. Seattle University (Private) — State #3, in Seattle. Tuition: $53,235/year. Graduation rate: 92%.
Master's Database Administration Degree Programs Near Seattle, Washington
  1. University of Washington-Seattle Campus (Public) — State #1, in Seattle. Tuition: $11,524/year. Graduation rate: 97%.
  2. Seattle University (Private) — State #2, in Seattle. Tuition: $53,235/year. Graduation rate: 92%.
  3. University of Washington-Tacoma Campus (Public) — State #4, 26.8 mi from Seattle. Tuition: $11,524/year. Graduation rate: 92%.
Doctoral Database Administration Degree Programs Near Seattle, Washington
  1. University of Washington-Seattle Campus (Public) — State #1, in Seattle. Tuition: $11,524/year. Graduation rate: 97%.

Database Administration Degree Programs Near Tacoma, Washington

Tacoma's proximity to Seattle (35 miles) combined with lower cost of living makes it attractive for database professionals working remotely for Puget Sound region tech companies or commuting to data center roles at Amazon and Microsoft facilities. Joint Base Lewis-McChord, one of the region's largest employers, maintains significant IT infrastructure and government database systems requiring skilled database administrators with security clearances.

Tacoma is located in Pierce County, Washington.

Associate's Database Administration Degree Programs Near Tacoma, Washington
  1. Green River College (Public) — State #1, 14.7 mi from Tacoma. Tuition: $4,074/year. Graduation rate: 99%.
  2. Tacoma Community College (Public) — State #2, in Tacoma. Tuition: $4,477/year. Graduation rate: 87%.
  3. Edmonds College (Public) — State #3, 41 mi from Tacoma. Tuition: $4,073/year. Graduation rate: 93%.
Bachelor's Database Administration Degree Programs Near Tacoma, Washington
  1. University of Washington-Seattle Campus (Public) — State #1, 30.3 mi from Tacoma. Tuition: $11,524/year. Graduation rate: 97%.
  2. Bellevue College (Public) — State #2, 28.5 mi from Tacoma. Tuition: $4,074/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
  3. Seattle University (Private) — State #3, 27 mi from Tacoma. Tuition: $53,235/year. Graduation rate: 92%.
Master's Database Administration Degree Programs Near Tacoma, Washington
  1. University of Washington-Seattle Campus (Public) — State #1, 30.3 mi from Tacoma. Tuition: $11,524/year. Graduation rate: 97%.
  2. Seattle University (Private) — State #2, 27 mi from Tacoma. Tuition: $53,235/year. Graduation rate: 92%.
  3. University of Washington-Tacoma Campus (Public) — State #4, in Tacoma. Tuition: $11,524/year. Graduation rate: 92%.
Doctoral Database Administration Degree Programs Near Tacoma, Washington
  1. University of Washington-Seattle Campus (Public) — State #1, 30.3 mi from Tacoma. Tuition: $11,524/year. Graduation rate: 97%.

Database Administration Degree Programs Near Spokane, Washington

Eastern Washington's largest city hosts Gonzaga University and serves as a regional hub for healthcare IT, with Providence Health operating multiple hospital systems dependent on clinical database administration and health information exchange platforms. The city's growing tech sector and lower salary requirements compared to Seattle create opportunities for database professionals to gain enterprise experience while enjoying more affordable living costs.

Spokane is located in Spokane County, Washington.

Associate's Database Administration Degree Programs Near Spokane, Washington
  1. Columbia Basin College (Public) — State #6, 128.4 mi from Spokane. Tuition: $5,514/year. Graduation rate: 97%.
  2. Big Bend Community College (Public) — State #9, 96.8 mi from Spokane. Tuition: $4,623/year. Graduation rate: 97%.
  3. Yakima Valley College (Public) — State #11, 165.9 mi from Spokane. Tuition: $4,623/year. Graduation rate: 55%.
Bachelor's Database Administration Degree Programs Near Spokane, Washington
  1. Columbia Basin College (Public) — State #5, 128.4 mi from Spokane. Tuition: $5,514/year. Graduation rate: 97%.
  2. Washington State University (Public) — State #6, 67.2 mi from Spokane. Tuition: $10,976/year.
  3. Whitman College (Private) — State #10, 120.3 mi from Spokane. Tuition: $61,070/year. Graduation rate: 88%.
Master's Database Administration Degree Programs Near Spokane, Washington
  1. Washington State University (Public) — State #3, 67.2 mi from Spokane. Tuition: $10,976/year.
  2. Central Washington University (Public) — State #8, 154.7 mi from Spokane. Tuition: $7,021/year.
  3. Eastern Washington University (Public) — State #11, 16.3 mi from Spokane. Tuition: $7,294/year.
Doctoral Database Administration Degree Programs Near Spokane, Washington
  1. Washington State University (Public) — State #2, 67.2 mi from Spokane. Tuition: $10,976/year.

Database Administration Degree Programs Near Bellingham, Washington

Located 90 miles north of Seattle, Bellingham is a small city (population ~90,000) where remote work for major tech employers is common; Western Washington University offers computer science programs but limited specialized database coursework. Database professionals here typically either commute to Seattle/Tacoma or work remotely for companies like Amazon and Microsoft while benefiting from rural Washington's cost of living.

Bellingham is located in Whatcom County, Washington.

Associate's Database Administration Degree Programs Near Bellingham, Washington
  1. Green River College (Public) — State #1, 102.3 mi from Bellingham. Tuition: $4,074/year. Graduation rate: 99%.
  2. Tacoma Community College (Public) — State #2, 105.9 mi from Bellingham. Tuition: $4,477/year. Graduation rate: 87%.
  3. Edmonds College (Public) — State #3, 66.9 mi from Bellingham. Tuition: $4,073/year. Graduation rate: 93%.
Bachelor's Database Administration Degree Programs Near Bellingham, Washington
  1. University of Washington-Seattle Campus (Public) — State #1, 78.1 mi from Bellingham. Tuition: $11,524/year. Graduation rate: 97%.
  2. Bellevue College (Public) — State #2, 84.2 mi from Bellingham. Tuition: $4,074/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
  3. Seattle University (Private) — State #3, 81.2 mi from Bellingham. Tuition: $53,235/year. Graduation rate: 92%.
Master's Database Administration Degree Programs Near Bellingham, Washington
  1. University of Washington-Seattle Campus (Public) — State #1, 78.1 mi from Bellingham. Tuition: $11,524/year. Graduation rate: 97%.
  2. Seattle University (Private) — State #2, 81.2 mi from Bellingham. Tuition: $53,235/year. Graduation rate: 92%.
  3. University of Washington-Tacoma Campus (Public) — State #4, 105.9 mi from Bellingham. Tuition: $11,524/year. Graduation rate: 92%.
Doctoral Database Administration Degree Programs Near Bellingham, Washington
  1. University of Washington-Seattle Campus (Public) — State #1, 78.1 mi from Bellingham. Tuition: $11,524/year. Graduation rate: 97%.

Database Administration Degree Programs Near Yakima, Washington

Yakima is a smaller regional hub (population ~93,000) with limited enterprise database opportunities; most database administration roles are concentrated in Yakima Valley regional hospitals and agricultural cooperatives managing supply chain databases. Professionals seeking robust database career growth typically relocate to Seattle or Spokane, though remote work for larger tech companies has increased accessibility for Yakima-based engineers.

Yakima is located in Yakima County, Washington.

Associate's Database Administration Degree Programs Near Yakima, Washington
  1. Green River College (Public) — State #1, 93 mi from Yakima. Tuition: $4,074/year. Graduation rate: 99%.
  2. Tacoma Community College (Public) — State #2, 105.1 mi from Yakima. Tuition: $4,477/year. Graduation rate: 87%.
  3. Edmonds College (Public) — State #3, 120.2 mi from Yakima. Tuition: $4,073/year. Graduation rate: 93%.
Bachelor's Database Administration Degree Programs Near Yakima, Washington
  1. University of Washington-Seattle Campus (Public) — State #1, 111.9 mi from Yakima. Tuition: $11,524/year. Graduation rate: 97%.
  2. Bellevue College (Public) — State #2, 103.2 mi from Yakima. Tuition: $4,074/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
  3. Seattle University (Private) — State #3, 110.4 mi from Yakima. Tuition: $53,235/year. Graduation rate: 92%.
Master's Database Administration Degree Programs Near Yakima, Washington
  1. University of Washington-Seattle Campus (Public) — State #1, 111.9 mi from Yakima. Tuition: $11,524/year. Graduation rate: 97%.
  2. Seattle University (Private) — State #2, 110.4 mi from Yakima. Tuition: $53,235/year. Graduation rate: 92%.
  3. Washington State University (Public) — State #3, 159.6 mi from Yakima. Tuition: $10,976/year.
Doctoral Database Administration Degree Programs Near Yakima, Washington
  1. University of Washington-Seattle Campus (Public) — State #1, 111.9 mi from Yakima. Tuition: $11,524/year. Graduation rate: 97%.
  2. Washington State University (Public) — State #2, 159.6 mi from Yakima. Tuition: $10,976/year.

Database Administration Degree Programs Near Kirkland, Washington

Kirkland, directly adjacent to Seattle across Lake Washington, hosts Microsoft's Puget Sound operations and numerous high-growth tech companies, making it a prime location for database administrators specializing in cloud platforms and distributed database systems. The city attracts database talent with proximity to Microsoft's database research and development teams while maintaining easier commute options and slightly less congestion than central Seattle.

Kirkland is located in King County, Washington.

Associate's Database Administration Degree Programs Near Kirkland, Washington
  1. Green River College (Public) — State #1, 24.9 mi from Kirkland. Tuition: $4,074/year. Graduation rate: 99%.
  2. Tacoma Community College (Public) — State #2, 33.6 mi from Kirkland. Tuition: $4,477/year. Graduation rate: 87%.
  3. Edmonds College (Public) — State #3, 11.9 mi from Kirkland. Tuition: $4,073/year. Graduation rate: 93%.
Bachelor's Database Administration Degree Programs Near Kirkland, Washington
  1. University of Washington-Seattle Campus (Public) — State #1, 5.7 mi from Kirkland. Tuition: $11,524/year. Graduation rate: 97%.
  2. Bellevue College (Public) — State #2, 6.4 mi from Kirkland. Tuition: $4,074/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
  3. Seattle University (Private) — State #3, 7.7 mi from Kirkland. Tuition: $53,235/year. Graduation rate: 92%.
Master's Database Administration Degree Programs Near Kirkland, Washington
  1. University of Washington-Seattle Campus (Public) — State #1, 5.7 mi from Kirkland. Tuition: $11,524/year. Graduation rate: 97%.
  2. Seattle University (Private) — State #2, 7.7 mi from Kirkland. Tuition: $53,235/year. Graduation rate: 92%.
  3. University of Washington-Tacoma Campus (Public) — State #4, 31.9 mi from Kirkland. Tuition: $11,524/year. Graduation rate: 92%.
Doctoral Database Administration Degree Programs Near Kirkland, Washington
  1. University of Washington-Seattle Campus (Public) — State #1, 5.7 mi from Kirkland. Tuition: $11,524/year. Graduation rate: 97%.

Database Administration Degree Programs Near Olympia, Washington

As Washington's state capital, Olympia concentrates government agencies and state-level data operations requiring database administrators skilled in regulatory compliance, legacy system modernization, and public sector database governance. The city offers stable employment through the Department of Social and Health Services, Washington State Health Care Authority, and other state IT departments managing critical citizen data and health records.

Olympia is located in Thurston County, Washington.

Associate's Database Administration Degree Programs Near Olympia, Washington
  1. Green River College (Public) — State #1, 40.7 mi from Olympia. Tuition: $4,074/year. Graduation rate: 99%.
  2. Tacoma Community College (Public) — State #2, 24.2 mi from Olympia. Tuition: $4,477/year. Graduation rate: 87%.
  3. Edmonds College (Public) — State #3, 60.6 mi from Olympia. Tuition: $4,073/year. Graduation rate: 93%.
Bachelor's Database Administration Degree Programs Near Olympia, Washington
  1. University of Washington-Seattle Campus (Public) — State #1, 51.8 mi from Olympia. Tuition: $11,524/year. Graduation rate: 97%.
  2. Bellevue College (Public) — State #2, 52.7 mi from Olympia. Tuition: $4,074/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
  3. Seattle University (Private) — State #3, 48.8 mi from Olympia. Tuition: $53,235/year. Graduation rate: 92%.
Master's Database Administration Degree Programs Near Olympia, Washington
  1. University of Washington-Seattle Campus (Public) — State #1, 51.8 mi from Olympia. Tuition: $11,524/year. Graduation rate: 97%.
  2. Seattle University (Private) — State #2, 48.8 mi from Olympia. Tuition: $53,235/year. Graduation rate: 92%.
  3. University of Washington-Tacoma Campus (Public) — State #4, 27.6 mi from Olympia. Tuition: $11,524/year. Graduation rate: 92%.
Doctoral Database Administration Degree Programs Near Olympia, Washington
  1. University of Washington-Seattle Campus (Public) — State #1, 51.8 mi from Olympia. Tuition: $11,524/year. Graduation rate: 97%.

Database Administration Degree Programs Near Vancouver, Washington

Located in southwestern Washington just north of Portland, Oregon, Vancouver benefits from the Portland-Vancouver metro area's tech industry growth without Seattle's cost premium, attracting database professionals to regional healthcare systems and mid-market tech companies. Washington State University's Vancouver campus and community colleges provide database training pathways, while proximity to Portland's larger tech ecosystem (IBM, Intel) expands career mobility.

Vancouver is located in Clark County, Washington.

Associate's Database Administration Degree Programs Near Vancouver, Washington
  1. Green River College (Public) — State #1, 117.9 mi from Vancouver. Tuition: $4,074/year. Graduation rate: 99%.
  2. Tacoma Community College (Public) — State #2, 111.3 mi from Vancouver. Tuition: $4,477/year. Graduation rate: 87%.
  3. Edmonds College (Public) — State #3, 151.3 mi from Vancouver. Tuition: $4,073/year. Graduation rate: 93%.
Bachelor's Database Administration Degree Programs Near Vancouver, Washington
  1. University of Washington-Seattle Campus (Public) — State #1, 140.4 mi from Vancouver. Tuition: $11,524/year. Graduation rate: 97%.
  2. Bellevue College (Public) — State #2, 136.5 mi from Vancouver. Tuition: $4,074/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
  3. Seattle University (Private) — State #3, 137.1 mi from Vancouver. Tuition: $53,235/year. Graduation rate: 92%.
Master's Database Administration Degree Programs Near Vancouver, Washington
  1. University of Washington-Seattle Campus (Public) — State #1, 140.4 mi from Vancouver. Tuition: $11,524/year. Graduation rate: 97%.
  2. Seattle University (Private) — State #2, 137.1 mi from Vancouver. Tuition: $53,235/year. Graduation rate: 92%.
  3. University of Washington-Tacoma Campus (Public) — State #4, 111.5 mi from Vancouver. Tuition: $11,524/year. Graduation rate: 92%.
Doctoral Database Administration Degree Programs Near Vancouver, Washington
  1. University of Washington-Seattle Campus (Public) — State #1, 140.4 mi from Vancouver. Tuition: $11,524/year. Graduation rate: 97%.

Database Administration Degree Programs Near Bothell, Washington

Bothell, 25 miles northeast of Seattle, has emerged as a secondary tech hub hosting software development centers and data engineering teams for companies seeking Seattle-area talent at lower operational costs than downtown. The University of Washington's Bothell campus offers computer science and information systems programs with coursework in database design and administration, creating a pipeline of local talent for regional employers.

Bothell is located in King County, Washington.

Associate's Database Administration Degree Programs Near Bothell, Washington
  1. Green River College (Public) — State #1, 30.9 mi from Bothell. Tuition: $4,074/year. Graduation rate: 99%.
  2. Tacoma Community College (Public) — State #2, 38.9 mi from Bothell. Tuition: $4,477/year. Graduation rate: 87%.
  3. Edmonds College (Public) — State #3, 7.4 mi from Bothell. Tuition: $4,073/year. Graduation rate: 93%.
Bachelor's Database Administration Degree Programs Near Bothell, Washington
  1. University of Washington-Seattle Campus (Public) — State #1, 9 mi from Bothell. Tuition: $11,524/year. Graduation rate: 97%.
  2. Bellevue College (Public) — State #2, 12.3 mi from Bothell. Tuition: $4,074/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
  3. Seattle University (Private) — State #3, 12 mi from Bothell. Tuition: $53,235/year. Graduation rate: 92%.
Master's Database Administration Degree Programs Near Bothell, Washington
  1. University of Washington-Seattle Campus (Public) — State #1, 9 mi from Bothell. Tuition: $11,524/year. Graduation rate: 97%.
  2. Seattle University (Private) — State #2, 12 mi from Bothell. Tuition: $53,235/year. Graduation rate: 92%.
  3. University of Washington-Tacoma Campus (Public) — State #4, 37.5 mi from Bothell. Tuition: $11,524/year. Graduation rate: 92%.
Doctoral Database Administration Degree Programs Near Bothell, Washington
  1. University of Washington-Seattle Campus (Public) — State #1, 9 mi from Bothell. Tuition: $11,524/year. Graduation rate: 97%.

Database Administration Degree Programs Near Lakewood, Washington

Located south of Tacoma, Lakewood serves as a bedroom community for database professionals working at Pierce County healthcare systems (Franciscan Health, MultiCare), government data centers, and military IT operations at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. The area offers significantly lower housing costs than Seattle while maintaining access to enterprise database administration roles in healthcare IT and government sectors.

Lakewood is located in Pierce County, Washington.

Associate's Database Administration Degree Programs Near Lakewood, Washington
  1. Green River College (Public) — State #1, 19.4 mi from Lakewood. Tuition: $4,074/year. Graduation rate: 99%.
  2. Tacoma Community College (Public) — State #2, 4.9 mi from Lakewood. Tuition: $4,477/year. Graduation rate: 87%.
  3. Edmonds College (Public) — State #3, 45.4 mi from Lakewood. Tuition: $4,073/year. Graduation rate: 93%.
Bachelor's Database Administration Degree Programs Near Lakewood, Washington
  1. University of Washington-Seattle Campus (Public) — State #1, 34.9 mi from Lakewood. Tuition: $11,524/year. Graduation rate: 97%.
  2. Bellevue College (Public) — State #2, 33.5 mi from Lakewood. Tuition: $4,074/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
  3. Seattle University (Private) — State #3, 31.7 mi from Lakewood. Tuition: $53,235/year. Graduation rate: 92%.
Master's Database Administration Degree Programs Near Lakewood, Washington
  1. University of Washington-Seattle Campus (Public) — State #1, 34.9 mi from Lakewood. Tuition: $11,524/year. Graduation rate: 97%.
  2. Seattle University (Private) — State #2, 31.7 mi from Lakewood. Tuition: $53,235/year. Graduation rate: 92%.
  3. University of Washington-Tacoma Campus (Public) — State #4, 6.6 mi from Lakewood. Tuition: $11,524/year. Graduation rate: 92%.
Doctoral Database Administration Degree Programs Near Lakewood, Washington
  1. University of Washington-Seattle Campus (Public) — State #1, 34.9 mi from Lakewood. Tuition: $11,524/year. Graduation rate: 97%.

Coding Bootcamps: An Alternative Pathway

Coding bootcamps offer an accelerated pathway into tech careers. For those in Washington considering alternatives to traditional degrees, here's what you need to know about this intensive learning format.

What is a Coding Bootcamp?

A coding bootcamp is an intensive, short-term training program (typically 12-24 weeks) that teaches practical programming skills through hands-on projects. Unlike traditional degrees, bootcamps focus exclusively on job-ready skills and often include career services to help graduates land their first tech role.

Who Bootcamps Are Best For

  • Career changers looking to enter tech quickly
  • Professionals wanting to upskill or transition roles
  • Self-taught developers seeking structured training
  • Those unable to commit to a 4-year degree timeline

What People Love

Based on discussions from r/codingbootcamp, r/cscareerquestions, and r/learnprogramming

  • Fast-track to employment—many graduates land jobs within 3-6 months
  • Hands-on, project-based learning builds real portfolio pieces
  • Career services and interview prep included in most programs
  • Strong alumni networks for job referrals and mentorship
  • Structured curriculum keeps you accountable and on track

Common Concerns

Honest feedback from bootcamp graduates and industry professionals

  • Intense pace can be overwhelming—expect 60-80 hour weeks
  • Some employers still prefer traditional CS degrees for certain roles
  • Quality varies widely between programs—research carefully
  • Job placement stats can be misleading—ask for CIRR audited reports
  • May lack depth in computer science fundamentals like algorithms
EXCLUSIVE OFFER

Save $1000 on Springboard Bootcamps

Springboard offers career-focused bootcamps with 1-on-1 mentorship from industry professionals. Their programs include a job guarantee—complete all requirements, and if you don't land a qualifying role, you may be eligible for a full tuition refund. Use our exclusive link to save $1000 on enrollment.

Programs for Database Administration careers:

  • Data Analytics Career Track
  • Data Science Career Track
1-on-1 MentorshipJob GuaranteeFlexible Payment
Explore Programs

We may earn a commission when you use our affiliate link and coupon.

More Bootcamp Resources

Top Ranked Database Administration Degree Programs in Other States

StateTotal ProgramsMedian TuitionTop Program
Best Database Administration Degree Programs in California6$49,880University of California-Riverside
Best Database Administration Degree Programs in Texas15$8,319University of Houston
Best Database Administration Degree Programs in New York22$7,070CUNY Bernard M Baruch College
Best Database Administration Degree Programs in Florida9$13,452Eastern Florida State College
Best Database Administration Degree Programs in Massachusetts8$47,636University of Massachusetts-Lowell
Best Database Administration Degree Programs in Illinois15$35,680DeVry University-Illinois
Best Database Administration Degree Programs in Georgia10$13,725Georgia Southern University
Best Database Administration Degree Programs in Pennsylvania31$14,624Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus

Database Administration in Washington: FAQ

How We Rank Database Administration Degree Programs

Based on 50 programs from IPEDS 2023

We analyzed 50 database administration degree programs in Washington using IPEDS 2023 data and BLS labor statistics. Our rankings are produced algorithmically without editorial intervention, ensuring objectivity and reproducibility.

Ranking Factors

Program Completions35%

Number of graduates per year in this specific field (CIP code). Larger programs indicate established departments with more resources, course offerings, and career services. Measured from IPEDS Completions data.

Graduation Rate25%

Percentage of students completing their degree within 150% of expected time (6 years for bachelor's, 3 years for associate's). Higher rates indicate better student support and program quality. Source: IPEDS Graduation Rates survey.

Selectivity20%

Admission rate (lower = more selective). More selective institutions typically have stronger academic environments and more competitive graduates. For open-admission institutions, we use graduation rates as a proxy for quality.

Career Outcomes20%

Regional salary data for database administration graduates. Washington median salary of $145,230 is factored into institutional scores based on local job market strength.

Ranking Categories

Best Programs

Overall quality using all four factors weighted as shown above. Ideal for students seeking the strongest academic experience.

Online Programs

Same methodology, filtered to schools with fully online or hybrid options (IPEDS Distance Education data). Some schools may have lower graduation rates due to different student demographics.

Most Affordable

Ranked primarily by net cost (tuition minus average institutional aid), with quality factors as tiebreakers. Best for cost-conscious students.

Data Sources

  • IPEDS 2023 — Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
  • BLS OEWS 2024 — State and metro salary data by occupation
  • CIP Code Mapping — Programs identified using Classification of Instructional Programs codes

Data Sources

IPEDS 2023

Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates

BLS OEWS May 2024

Washington salary and employment data

Official University Websites

Program details and admissions information

Last Updated: February 15, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2023 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.

Was this ranking helpful for your college search?
Taylor Rupe

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.

Database Administration Degree Programs in Washington — Detailed School Profiles

Best Associate's Database Administration Degree Programs in Washington

Pierce College District — Lakewood, WA

Hakia Insight: Pierce College's proximity to Pierce County government and regional healthcare networks means your capstone project isn't hypothetical; you're solving real database problems for actual employers who often hire directly from your cohort.

At the associate's level, the Pierce College system's strength lies in serving working adults and career-changers—if you're juggling a job or family responsibilities, their flexible scheduling (including evening and weekend classes) means you don't have to choose between earning your credential and paying your bills. You'll learn databases in a practical, no-nonsense format focused on the SQL Server and MySQL environments that Pierce County employers actually need. Graduates often stay in the region and advance within local government IT departments, healthcare networks, and manufacturing operations.

Programs Offered
  • Associate of Science in Database Administration — 2 years, on-campus
  • Associate of Applied Science in Database Administration — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes

Top Employers: Pierce County government, Hospitals and healthcare networks, Local manufacturing, Regional financial institutions.

Top Transfer Destinations
  • University of Washington Tacoma
  • Washington State University
  • Evergreen State College
Entry-Level Career Paths
  • Database Support Technician
  • Junior Database Administrator
  • SQL Server Support Specialist
  • Database Analyst
Included Certifications
  • CompTIA A+
  • Microsoft SQL Server Fundamentals
  • MySQL Fundamentals

Location Advantages:

South Puget Sound Community College — Olympia, WA

Key Distinction: South Puget Sound Community College provides affordable Database Administration education with flexible scheduling and transfer pathways to four-year universities.

Hakia Insight: South Puget Sound's transfer agreements let you earn an associate's in two years, then slide into a four-year degree without repeating coursework—a pathway that saves $20K+ in tuition while keeping your income intact.

South Puget Sound Community College offers Database Administration programs in Olympia, WA. As a public institution and community college, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.

Yakima Valley College — Yakima, WA

Key Distinction: Yakima Valley College offers comprehensive Database Administration programs preparing students for careers in technology.

Hakia Insight: Yakima Valley's location in a region with growing agricultural tech and manufacturing sectors creates unusual internship opportunities in database modernization projects that larger metro colleges can't access.

Yakima Valley College offers Database Administration programs in Yakima, WA. As a public institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.

Edmonds College — Lynnwood, WA

Hakia Insight: Edmonds' direct pipeline to UW's computer science program means your associate's degree isn't a terminal credential—it's a guaranteed on-ramp to a top-tier research university without re-applying or losing credits.

At the associate's level, edmonds' database program stands out for its seamless transfer pathway—students complete their AAS and slide directly into UW's computer science or information systems programs with junior-year standing, letting you finish a bachelor's in just two more years without losing credits or time. While you're here, you'll gain solid SQL and relational database fundamentals in small classes where instructors actually know your name and can write recommendations that matter. The North County location puts you close to Shoreline-area tech companies and Microsoft's Puget Sound operations.

Programs Offered
  • Associate of Science in Database Administration — 2 years, on-campus
  • Associate of Applied Science in Database Administration — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes

Top Employers: Microsoft, Amazon, Tech companies in Puget Sound, UW system IT departments.

Top Transfer Destinations
  • University of Washington
  • Western Washington University
  • Washington State University
Entry-Level Career Paths
  • Database Support Technician
  • Help Desk Technician with database focus
  • Junior Database Administrator
  • Data Support Analyst
Included Certifications
  • CompTIA A+
  • Microsoft SQL Server Fundamentals

Location Advantages:

Skagit Valley College — Mount Vernon, WA

Hakia Insight: Skagit Valley's small cohort model creates relationships with instructors who write recommendation letters that actually carry weight with regional employers, not generic template recommendations churned out to 300 graduates per year.

At the associate's level, at Skagit Valley, you get database fundamentals in a tight-knit college community where you're not just a student ID number—instructors have time to mentor you individually and help you build the professional network that often matters more than your GPA when you're job hunting. The program balances SQL Server and open-source database platforms, so you're prepared for both corporate and startup environments. Many Skagit Valley graduates move into regional tech hubs (Seattle, Bellevue) for their first DBA roles after completing their associate degree.

Programs Offered
  • Associate of Science in Database Administration — 2 years, on-campus
  • Associate of Applied Science in Database Administration — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes

Top Employers: Regional tech companies, Healthcare systems in Northwest Washington, Local government, Puget Sound area employers.

Top Transfer Destinations
  • University of Washington
  • Washington State University
  • Western Washington University
Entry-Level Career Paths
  • Database Support Technician
  • Junior Database Administrator
  • Database Analyst
  • Help Desk Technician
Included Certifications
  • CompTIA A+
  • Microsoft SQL Server Fundamentals

Location Advantages:

Columbia Basin College — Pasco, WA

Key Distinction: Emphasizes portfolio-driven learning with live database projects over simulation-based coursework, directly preparing students for immediate workplace impact.

Hakia Insight: Columbia Basin's live-database-first curriculum means you build a portfolio of real-world projects during school, not after—a distinction that shows employers you've already solved production problems, not just passed exams.

At the associate's level, columbia Basin College's database administration curriculum prioritizes hands-on technical competency from day one, with students working in live database environments rather than simulations. The program emphasizes SQL mastery, data modeling, and systems administration across both relational and emerging NoSQL platforms—a particularly valuable specialization given the region's growing data infrastructure demands. Faculty bring direct industry experience, often consulting for regional enterprises, which means coursework directly reflects current workplace challenges. The college's proximity to technology companies in the Pacific Northwest creates internship pathways that frequently convert to permanent positions. What distinguishes this program is its commitment to practical project portfolios: students graduate with deployable work samples rather than theoretical credentials alone, giving them measurable advantages in job placement.

Programs Offered
  • Associate of Science in Database Administration — 2 years, on-campus
  • Associate of Applied Science in Database Administration — 2 years, online

Location Advantages: Access to Pacific Northwest technology sector employersRegional data infrastructure projects

Best Bachelor's Database Administration Degree Programs in Washington

Bellevue College — Bellevue, WA

Key Distinction: Bellevue College's stackable certificate-to-degree model and embedded industry certification preparation make it uniquely accessible for working adults entering database administration while maintaining employer credibility.

Hakia Insight: Bellevue's stackable credential model lets you earn a database certificate in 6–9 months while working, then stack an associate's, then a bachelor's—each step keeping you employable and debt-light compared to traditional four-year routes.

At the bachelor's level, bellevue College's database administration program takes a pathway approach, allowing students to enter at the certificate level and stack credentials toward an associate degree—a model that serves working professionals and career-switchers who need flexibility without sacrificing depth. The curriculum balances hands-on lab work with industry-standard certifications, particularly Oracle and Microsoft SQL Server credentials that employers verify immediately upon hire. Instructors are active practitioners rather than exclusively academic researchers, bringing current troubleshooting scenarios and emerging database technologies (including NoSQL and cloud migration strategies) directly into the classroom. The college's location in the Eastside tech corridor means guest speakers and internship partners are often minutes away, and many local companies (including tech giants and their contractors) actively recruit Bellevue College graduates for entry and mid-level database roles. Students consistently report that the program's emphasis on certification readiness accelerates their hiring timelines compared to degree-only pathways.

Programs Offered
  • Bachelor of Science in Database Administration — 4 years, on-campus
  • Bachelor of Arts in Database Administration — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
  • Oracle (corporate)
  • Microsoft (corporate)
Accreditations and Certifications
  • Oracle Certified Associate
  • Microsoft SQL Server certifications

Location Advantages: Located in Bellevue's technology corridor with direct access to Eastside tech employersClose proximity to major corporate campuses and tech contractorsStrong regional employer relationships in database administration roles

City University of Seattle — Seattle, WA

Key Distinction: City University prioritizes accessibility for working professionals and career changers, offering accelerated, hybrid formats with practitioner-led instruction.

Hakia Insight: City University's accelerated, evening-hybrid format recognizes that most DBA students are already working IT roles; the program compresses content without diluting it, so you spend nights in class, not years.

At the bachelor's level, city University of Seattle delivers database administration training through flexible, working-professional-focused formats, recognizing that many DBA students are mid-career technicians or systems administrators seeking specialized credentials. The program condenses core DBA competencies—database design, SQL administration, backup and recovery, security and user management—into accelerated terms and hybrid delivery options that accommodate full-time employment. Emphasis falls on immediately applicable skills: hands-on SQL Server and Oracle administration, performance monitoring tools, and disaster recovery planning. Faculty include active practitioners from Seattle-area IT operations and managed service providers, bringing real-world troubleshooting scenarios directly into the classroom. The student cohort itself becomes a networking asset—peers often work at different organizations, enabling peer learning and creating informal job placement networks. Online and evening course options have made the program particularly attractive to career changers and employees at regional companies seeking to upskill their IT staff.

Programs Offered
  • Bachelor of Science in Database Administration — 4 years, on-campus
  • Bachelor of Arts in Database Administration — 4 years, online

Location Advantages: Seattle metro location; flexible scheduling for local IT workforce

Best Master's Database Administration Degree Programs in Washington

University of Washington-Seattle Campus — Seattle, WA

Key Distinction: Part-time evening program with classes meeting one night per week. No GRE requirement

Hakia Insight: UW's one-night-per-week, no-GRE Professional Master's with faculty like Dan Suciu—a leading database systems researcher—means you're learning query optimization from someone publishing in top-tier venues while working full-time at Amazon or Microsoft.

The Professional Master's Program (PMP) at the Paul G. Allen School is a part-time, evening-format master's degree designed for working software professionals in the Puget Sound region. The program requires 40 credit hours and takes an average of 2.5–3 years to complete, with classes meeting just one night per week and colloquia available online. Students can specialize in areas including database management, machine learning, computer architecture, and software entrepreneurship. The PMP is affordable and reimbursable by many local employers, with no GRE requirement. Over 1,200 professionals have earned their degree since 1996. The program emphasizes skill advancement for career progression into positions of greater responsibility, particularly at major tech companies like Microsoft, Amazon, Google, Boeing, and Apple. International students and underrepresented groups in STEM are actively welcomed.

Programs Offered
  • Professional Master's Program (PMP) in Computer Science & Engineering — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
  • Database Group (Paul G. Allen School)
Industry Partners
  • Google (corporate)
  • Amazon (corporate)
  • Microsoft (corporate)
Career Outcomes

Top Employers: Microsoft, Amazon, Google, Boeing, Apple.

Notable Faculty
  • Dan Suciu — Database systems, query optimization, and data management

Location Advantages: Seattle tech hub with proximity to Google, Amazon, and Microsoft officesAccess to leading database research and industry innovation in the Pacific Northwest

Seattle University — Seattle, WA

Key Distinction: Seattle University's program uniquely emphasizes database governance and compliance alongside technical administration, reflecting the ethical mission of the institution and the regulatory demands of Seattle's major industries.

Hakia Insight: Seattle University's explicit emphasis on database governance and compliance prepares you for C-suite responsibilities that pure technical DBAs never reach; paired with AWS and Microsoft partnerships, you're training for director-level roles, not just admin positions.

At the master's level, seattle University's database administration coursework integrates practical enterprise systems management with strategic data governance, positioning graduates to handle both operational efficiency and compliance challenges that modern organizations face. The program emphasizes real-world database design through projects involving SQL Server, Oracle, and cloud platforms, with particular strength in the intersection of database performance tuning and data security—areas where Seattle-area enterprises consistently recruit heavily. Faculty bring direct industry experience from companies like Amazon and Microsoft, translating current challenges into curriculum; students work with actual business scenarios rather than purely academic exercises. The Jesuit institution's commitment to ethical technology practice means data privacy and responsible database stewardship are woven throughout coursework, not treated as afterthoughts. Graduates typically move into database administrator, database engineer, or data architect roles at regional tech firms, healthcare systems, and financial services companies, with strong placement outcomes in the Pacific Northwest.

Programs Offered
  • Master of Science in Database Administration — 1-2 years, on-campus
  • Master of Arts in Database Administration — 1-2 years, online
Industry Partners
  • Amazon Web Services (corporate)
  • Microsoft (corporate)

Location Advantages: Proximity to Amazon Web Services headquarters in SeattleAccess to Microsoft regional officesStrong regional demand from healthcare and financial services sectors

Seattle Pacific University — Seattle, WA

Key Distinction: Thesis vs. coursework track: Not explicitly offered; coursework-based program with optional CPT (Curricular Practical Training) project for international students. Part-time/evening/online options: Online cohort-based (2 years) or on-campus evening classes (1–3 years flexible pacing); students choose 1–4 courses per quarter

Hakia Insight: Seattle Pacific's STEM-designated Data Analytics degree with flexible pacing (1–4 courses per quarter) and optional CPT projects lets international students thread the needle—stay on OPT longer while building portfolios for FAANG roles.

Seattle Pacific University's MS in Data Analytics in Business is a STEM-designated, AACSB-accredited program designed for working professionals seeking career advancement in data-driven roles. The 45-credit program offers flexible formats: cohort-based online completion in 2 years or on-campus evening classes with flexible pacing (1–3 years). The curriculum balances specialized data analytics coursework (27 credits) with responsible management and ethics training (12 credits), including database management, Python/R programming, machine learning, business intelligence, and data visualization. Graduates are positioned for roles as data analysts, data scientists, and business intelligence leaders. The program includes a robust mentor network connecting students with 2,000+ professionals across tech and business sectors (including Amazon, Tableau, Boeing, Nordstrom), career counseling, networking events, and CPT internship opportunities for international students. No embedded professional certifications are explicitly mentioned; MOS Excel certification is a prerequisite. Salary data and salary advancement metrics are not provided in the content.

Programs Offered
  • Master of Science in Data Analytics in Business — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Career Outcomes

Top Employers: Amazon, Boeing.

Location Advantages: Seattle tech hub proximity to Amazon, Microsoft, and major cloud infrastructure employers

Best Doctoral Database Administration Degree Programs in Washington

University of Washington-Seattle Campus — Seattle, WA

Key Distinction: UW's program treats database administration as an advanced systems discipline rooted in research and algorithmic thinking, preparing architects and senior engineers rather than operational specialists.

Hakia Insight: UW's doctoral program, anchored in Dan Suciu's research group, treats database systems as an algorithmic discipline—you're not managing databases, you're architecting the distributed systems that Amazon and Google rely on.

At the doctoral level, the University of Washington's database systems instruction, delivered through its highly-ranked Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering, emphasizes algorithmic foundations and large-scale data management systems design rather than narrowly vocational database administration—an approach that produces graduates capable of architecting solutions rather than simply maintaining them. Students engage deeply with distributed systems, query optimization, indexing strategies, and the theoretical underpinnings of relational and modern database engines, often implementing these concepts from scratch in coursework. UW faculty are research-active leaders in database systems; many have published in top-tier venues and collaborated with industry on real infrastructure challenges. The program sits at the intersection of rigorous computer science and practical engineering, meaning graduates are equally comfortable discussing academic research and troubleshooting production outages. Outcomes skew toward senior technical roles—database architects, systems engineers, and research-oriented positions at major tech companies and well-funded startups—rather than entry-level administration, reflecting the institution's research-first ethos.

Programs Offered
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Database Administration — 4-6 years, on-campus
  • Doctor of Science in Database Administration — 4-6 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
  • Database Group (Paul G. Allen School)
Industry Partners
  • Google (corporate)
  • Amazon (corporate)
  • Microsoft (corporate)
Notable Faculty
  • Dan Suciu — Database systems, query optimization, and data management

Location Advantages: Seattle tech hub with proximity to Google, Amazon, and Microsoft officesAccess to leading database research and industry innovation in the Pacific Northwest