Top 3 Database Administration Programs in Wisconsin 2025
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
123 database administration graduates annually, 97% graduation rate
University of Wisconsin-Madison
23 database administration graduates annually, 83% graduation rate
University of Wisconsin-Green Bay
20 database administration graduates annually, 79% graduation rate
- 1.Wisconsin offers 6+ accredited database administration programs across public and private universities
- 2.University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee leads with 97% graduation rate
- 3.Wisconsin software developers earn median $103,360 annually (BLS OES 2024)
- 4.Tech opportunities concentrated in Madison, Milwaukee
- 5.Cost of living index: 95.2% of US average (below average)
Database Administration Education in Wisconsin: Overview
Wisconsin offers 6 accredited database administration programs, producing approximately 183 graduates annually. The state's tech industry is centered in Madison, Milwaukee, with major employers including Epic Systems, Rockwell Automation, Northwestern Mutual.
With a median software developer salary of $103,360 (BLS OES May 2024) and a cost of living index of 95.2% compared to the US average, Wisconsin offers above-average purchasing power for tech workers compared to higher-cost coastal markets.
The top database administration programs in the state are led by University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Based on 6 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Database Administration degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources (IPEDS 2023)
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023
Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)
Wisconsin-specific salaries from BLS OES May 2024
Wisconsin Database Administration Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee | Milwaukee, WI | Public | $8,455 | 97% | 79.5 |
| 2 | University of Wisconsin-Madison | Madison, WI | Public | $9,644 | 83% | 61.5 |
| 3 | University of Wisconsin-Green Bay | Green Bay, WI | Public | $6,767 | 79% | 50.5 |
| 4 | University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Flex | Milwaukee, WI | Public | $6,750 | — | 40.1 |
| 5 | Ottawa University-Milwaukee | Brookfield, WI | Private | $11,976 | — | 39.8 |
| 6 | Marquette University | Milwaukee, WI | Private | $47,690 | — | 33.7 |
Top 5 Database Administration Programs in Wisconsin: Side-by-Side
| School | U of Wisconsin-Milwaukee | UW Madison | U of Wisconsin-Green Bay | U of Wisconsin-Milwaukee... | Ottawa University-Milwaukee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $8,455 | $9,644 | $6,767 | $6,750 | $11,976 |
| Graduation Rate | 97% | 83% | 79% | N/A% | N/A% |
| Annual Graduates | 123 | 23 | 20 | 14 | 1 |
| Acceptance Rate | 88% | 43% | 88% | 92% | N/A |
| Type | Public | Public | Public | Public | Private |
| Score | 79.5/100 | 61.5/100 | 50.5/100 | 40.1/100 | 39.8/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Database Administration in Wisconsin
Wisconsin offers 4 bachelor's-level database administration programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $72,352 in the Wisconsin market.
A bachelor's in database administration typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Database Administration Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Database Administration Bachelor's Programs in Wisconsin
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Wisconsin-Milwaukee | $8,455 | 97% | 123 | 79.5 |
| #2 UW Madison | $9,644 | 83% | 4 | 52.7 |
| #3 U of Wisconsin-Green Bay | $6,767 | 79% | 20 | 50.5 |
Top Database Administration Schools for Master's Degrees in Wisconsin
For graduate study, Wisconsin offers 4 master's-level database administration programs. Leading institutions include University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Ottawa University-Milwaukee. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Wisconsin reaching $134,368 or more.
Top 3 Database Administration Master's Programs in Wisconsin
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 UW Madison | $9,644 | 83% | 23 | 61.5 |
| #2 U of Wisconsin-Milwaukee | $8,455 | 97% | 14 | 53.8 |
| #3 Ottawa University-Milwaukee | $11,976 | N/A% | 1 | 39.8 |
Most Affordable Database Administration Colleges in Wisconsin
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable database administration programs in Wisconsin are at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Flex ($6,750/year), University of Wisconsin-Green Bay ($6,767/year), University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee ($8,455/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Wisconsin's competitive tech salaries.
At University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Flex, a 4-year degree costs approximately $27,000 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $72,352, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.7 years. See our Most Affordable Database Administration Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Database Administration Programs in Wisconsin (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Wisconsin-Milwaukee... | $6,750 | $27,000 | 0.7 years | Public |
| #2 U of Wisconsin-Green Bay | $6,767 | $27,068 | 0.7 years | Public |
| #3 U of Wisconsin-Milwaukee | $8,455 | $33,820 | 0.9 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Database Administration Schools in Wisconsin
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 database administration programs in Wisconsin, including admissions requirements, curriculum highlights, career outcomes, and what makes each program unique. Data sourced from official university websites and IPEDS 2023.
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Milwaukee, WI • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $8,455 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 97% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Database Administration Graduates: 123 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 88%
- • Ranking Score: 79.5 / 100
Program Strengths
- 97% graduation rate
- 123 database administration graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 79.5 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (97%), program size (123 graduates), state salary outcomes ($103,360), and selectivity (88% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, WI • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $9,644 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 83% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Database Administration Graduates: 23 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 43%
- • Ranking Score: 61.5 / 100
Program Strengths
- 83% graduation rate
- 23 database administration graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 61.5 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (83%), program size (23 graduates), state salary outcomes ($103,360), and selectivity (43% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The UW-Madison Information School offers an ALA-accredited master's degree with both campus and online options, preparing graduates for diverse information careers including libraries, archives, and digital librarianship. Students can tailor their program with multiple specializations and gain practical experience through required field practicum.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Program Details
- Internship Required
Available Specializations / Concentrations
University of Wisconsin-Green Bay
Green Bay, WI • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $6,767 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 79% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Database Administration Graduates: 20 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 88%
- • Ranking Score: 50.5 / 100
Program Strengths
- 79% graduation rate
- 20 database administration graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 50.5 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (79%), program size (20 graduates), state salary outcomes ($103,360), and selectivity (88% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The Business Administration program offers four specialized emphasis areas including Business Analytics and Supply Chain Management, with an accelerated option available for Supply Chain Management that integrates with graduate programs. The program is designed for working professionals with flexible admission requirements including transfer credit acceptance.
Admissions
- Acceptance Rate: 72.9%
- Transfer Friendly
Available Specializations / Concentrations
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Flex
Milwaukee, WI • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $6,750 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Database Administration Graduates: 14 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 92%
- • Ranking Score: 40.1 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 14 database administration graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 40.1 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (14 graduates), state salary outcomes ($103,360), and selectivity (92% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The UW-Milwaukee Information Science and Technology program offers a competency-based, completely online format through UW Flexible Option that allows students to start any month, work at their own pace without deadlines, and build on existing IT knowledge. Graduates have advanced their careers as Web Developers, Systems Administrators, Security Analysts, and Database Administrators.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Admissions
- Transfer Friendly
Ottawa University-Milwaukee
Brookfield, WI • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $11,976 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Database Administration Graduates: 1 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 39.8 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 1 database administration graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 39.8 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (1 graduates), state salary outcomes ($103,360), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Career Paths
Software Developer
SOC 15-1252Software Developer opportunities in Wisconsin with strong job growth.
Data Scientist
SOC 15-2051Data Scientist opportunities in Wisconsin with strong job growth.
DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1244DevOps Engineer opportunities in Wisconsin with strong job growth.
AI/ML Engineer
SOC 15-1299AI/ML Engineer opportunities in Wisconsin with strong job growth.
Cybersecurity Analyst
SOC 15-1212Cybersecurity Analyst opportunities in Wisconsin with strong job growth.
Which Should You Choose?
- You want access to tech jobs in Madison, Milwaukee
- You're seeking lower cost of living than coastal states (95.2% of US average)
- You want to work at companies like Epic Systems or Rockwell Automation
- You prefer Wisconsin's quality of life
- You prioritize highest possible salary (consider CA, WA, NY)
- You want more program options (CA has 100+ vs Wisconsin's 6)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration (consider SF, Seattle, NYC)
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Database Administration Programs in Other States
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Texas
New York
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Illinois
Pennsylvania
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Database Administration in Wisconsin FAQ
Related Resources
Data Sources & Methodology
Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System - program completions, graduation rates, tuition, admissions
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics - Wisconsin salary data
2023-2033 occupational outlook and growth projections
Program-specific admissions, curriculum, and career outcome data
Taylor Rupe
Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)
Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.