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Key Takeaways
Best database administration degree programs: U of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, U of Wisconsin-Madison, U of Wisconsin-Green Bay
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $4,386 to $47,690/year
Waukesha County Technical... offers the most affordable option at $4,386/yr
Database Administration degree programs available: 1 associate's, 4 master's, 2 doctoral in Wisconsin
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
Wisconsin community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
1 associate's programs provide transfer pathways to bachelor's degrees
Education Commission of the States
Major employers: Epic Systems, Rockwell Automation, Northwestern Mutual, Exact Sciences
Tech hubs in Madison and Milwaukee
Hakia Research 2026
Database Administration degree programs near 45+ cities across Wisconsin
Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location
Updated June 26, 2026
How we ranked Wisconsin Database Administration programs
We rank 11 accredited database administration programs in Wisconsin using IPEDS 2024 institutional data, BLS OEWS 2024 state salary data, and College Scorecard outcomes. A 4-factor weighted composite is normalized to a 0–100 score. Schools cannot pay for placement; rankings are produced algorithmically.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Database Administration Degree Rankings in Wisconsin
Compare the top-ranked Database Administration programs in Wisconsin by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Database Administration Programs in Wisconsin
Program Landscape
Wisconsin offers 1 accredited associate's degree programs in database administration, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include Waukesha County Technical..., which combine rigorous technical curriculum with practical skills training.
Costs & Value
Community colleges in Wisconsin offer these two-year programs at an average cost of $4,386/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 $56,848 in Wisconsin.
Career Pathways
Many programs feature guaranteed transfer agreements with Wisconsin's public universities, allowing students to complete their first two years at reduced cost before transferring to complete a bachelor's degree. The Madison, Milwaukee areas offer particularly strong job markets for associate's degree holders, with employers like Epic Systems, Rockwell Automation, Northwestern Mutual 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 Wisconsin, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their database administration degrees in Wisconsin.
Best Bachelor's Database Administration Programs in Wisconsin
Program Landscape
Wisconsin ranks among the nation's top destinations for database administration education, with 4 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 4 public and 0 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are U of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, U of Wisconsin-Madison, U of Wisconsin-Green Bay, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Wisconsin database administration programs earn a median salary of $87,856, 11% below the national average. The state's robust technology sector, anchored by the Madison, Milwaukee metropolitan areas, provides abundant internship and employment opportunities with companies including Epic Systems, Rockwell Automation, Northwestern Mutual.
Costs & Value
Tuition ranges from $6,750 to $9,644 annually, with an average of $7,904/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 86%, with the highest reaching 97%. 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 Wisconsin's leading technology employers. For students seeking database administration degrees in Wisconsin, these top-ranked database administration schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Best Master's Database Administration Programs in Wisconsin
Program Landscape
Wisconsin offers 4 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 Wisconsin-Madison, U of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Ottawa University-Milwaukee, combine advanced technical training with research opportunities and leadership development.
Career Outcomes
Master's graduates in Wisconsin earn a median salary of $103,360, approximately 20-30% higher than bachelor's degree holders. The concentration of technology companies in Madison, Milwaukee creates strong demand for graduate-level talent, with Epic Systems, Rockwell Automation, Northwestern Mutual actively recruiting from these programs.
Costs & Value
Program formats include traditional full-time study (typically 2 years), part-time options for working professionals (2-3 years), and accelerated tracks. Tuition averages $19,441/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 Wisconsin's database administration schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Best Doctoral Database Administration Programs in Wisconsin
Program Landscape
Wisconsin is home to 2 doctoral programs in database administration, preparing students for research positions, faculty appointments, and executive technical roles. Leading programs at U of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, U of Wisconsin-Madison are recognized for cutting-edge research, strong faculty publications, and competitive funding packages.
Career Outcomes
Doctoral graduates command premium salaries, with Wisconsin PhD holders earning a median of $129,200, reflecting the advanced expertise required for research and executive positions. The Madison, Milwaukee region's research universities and corporate R&D centers provide extensive collaboration opportunities with industry leaders like Epic Systems, Rockwell Automation, Northwestern Mutual.
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 Wisconsin programs include artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, human-computer interaction, systems, and theoretical computer science. For aspiring researchers pursuing database administration degrees in Wisconsin, 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.
Database Administration Degree Costs & Tuition in Wisconsin
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $13,667/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $34,168/year |
| Community college tuition | $3,417/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $82,004 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $20,500 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Database Administration Students in Wisconsin
State Aid Programs
Wisconsin students pursuing database administration degrees have access to multiple layers of financial support. The primary state-level aid program is the Wisconsin Grant, a need-based grant administered through the University of Wisconsin System that helps eligible Wisconsin residents attending UW institutions offset tuition costs. Additionally, all students can apply for federal aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which determines eligibility for Pell Grants, federal loans, and work-study opportunities. The Federal Student Aid website provides comprehensive resources for understanding federal loan options, repayment plans, and income-driven repayment programs specifically designed for graduates entering tech careers.
Key Programs & Amounts
Beyond state and federal programs, individual institutions offer merit-based scholarships and institutional aid packages. The University of Wisconsin System schools, which educate the majority of Wisconsin's database administration students, often provide additional scholarship opportunities for computer science and information technology majors. Students should contact their institution's financial aid office to inquire about program-specific scholarships and employer partnerships. For those attending private institutions like Marquette University or Concordia University-Wisconsin, institutional aid packages may be substantial. The College Scorecard tool allows prospective students to compare net price and average aid awarded at different Wisconsin institutions, helping families make informed financial decisions about their database administration program selection.
Database Administration Degree ROI Calculator, Wisconsin
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a database administration degree in Wisconsin. 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
+907%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
$1,677,254
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
5 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
$133,333
Your starting salary adjusted for local cost of living. This shows real purchasing power compared to a $100K national baseline.
Why does break-even change with program type? Your "total investment" includes both tuition AND opportunity cost (foregone earnings while in school). A 4-year full-time public university (in-state) means 4 years of not earning a salary ($140,000 in opportunity cost). Shorter full-time programs may have higher tuition but lower total investment because you return to the workforce sooner.
Detailed Breakdown
How we calculate your degree ROI using real salary data
Tuition plus opportunity cost (earnings you miss while in school)
Direct cost of the degree program
4 years × $35K/year foregone salary while studying full-time
Projected career earnings starting after graduation, with salary growth
What you'd earn working at $35K/year with 2% annual growth
Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)
Your investment's compound annual growth rate (similar to stock market returns)
Data sources: BLS OEWS May 2024, IPEDS 2024. Calculations use median salaries, 3% discount rate, and assume salary growth declines from 6% to 2% over career. Individual results will vary. | Powered by Hakia.com
Database Administration Salaries by Metro Area
Median annual salary in Wisconsin metro areas
View data table
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Madison | $114K |
| Milwaukee | $109K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Hakia.com
Top Employers Hiring Database Administration Graduates in Wisconsin
Find database administration jobs in Wisconsin. These major employers across Wisconsin metro areas are actively hiring database administration degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Database Administration Jobs in Madison
WIDatabase Administration Jobs in Milwaukee
WITransfer Pathways for Database Administration Degrees in Wisconsin
State Transfer System
Wisconsin's strong transfer ecosystem makes it seamless for students to begin their database administration education at a community college and transition to a four-year institution. The state's Universal Credit Transfer Agreement (UCTA) guarantees that general education credits earned at any participating Wisconsin institution automatically transfer within the University of Wisconsin System (Universal Credit Transfer Agreement). With 21 two-year institutions and 50 four-year institutions in Wisconsin, students have abundant options (IPEDS). The associate's program at Waukesha County Technical College, which produced 2 completions in the most recent cycle, provides an affordable entry point with $4,386 tuition, allowing students to complete foundational coursework before pursuing a bachelor's degree at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee or another four-year school.
How Transfers Work
Students leveraging the UCTA benefit from guaranteed credit acceptance, eliminating the risk of losing coursework when transferring. This pathway proves especially valuable for working adults and students seeking cost-effective options. By completing general education requirements at a two-year college, students can defer expenses while building strong foundational skills in mathematics, computer science, and databases. Once transferred, students enroll in upper-level database administration courses at bachelor's-granting institutions, ensuring credits count toward their degree. Wisconsin's Wisconsin Grant program provides need-based financial aid to eligible residents attending UW System institutions, supporting both initial and transfer enrollment (Wisconsin Grant). For more information on affordability, see Most Affordable Database Administration Programs. Students can also explore complementary pathways through Information Systems in Wisconsin and Cloud Computing in Wisconsin.
Why Pursue a Database Administration Degree in Wisconsin?
Industry & Workforce
Wisconsin offers a strong pathway into database administration with 13 institutions currently offering programs at various degree levels (IPEDS). The state's higher education ecosystem includes 6 bachelor's-granting institutions with 157 completions annually, 4 master's programs producing 39 graduates, and specialized associate's options through community colleges (IPEDS). This breadth of choices means students can find a program suited to their timeline and career goals, whether pursuing a quick credential or an advanced degree.
Salary Outlook
Wisconsin's major metropolitan areas. Milwaukee, Madison, and Green Bay, host thriving technology sectors anchored by employers like Advocate Aurora Health, UW Health, Epic Systems, Kohl's, and Northwestern Mutual. These organizations actively recruit database administrators and create strong internship and employment opportunities. Tuition at public four-year institutions averages $7,030 for in-state students, making Wisconsin an affordable choice compared to the national landscape (IPEDS). Top-ranked programs like the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, which produced 141 completions, and University of Wisconsin-Madison combine quality education with accessible costs. Explore Database Management in Wisconsin and Data Analytics in Wisconsin for complementary career paths in the state's data-driven economy.
Source: IPEDS 2024
Database Administration Job Market & Salary Data in Wisconsin
Employment Outlook
Wisconsin's database administration job market is supported by a strong educational infrastructure, with 13 institutions offering Database Administration programs across multiple credential levels (IPEDS). The state's four-year public institutions charge an average in-state tuition of $7,030, making Wisconsin an affordable destination for aspiring database professionals. This accessibility has contributed to strong program completion rates, with 157 bachelor's degree completions in 2023 alone, indicating healthy demand for trained professionals in the field.
Salaries by Metro
The job market is concentrated in Wisconsin's major metropolitan areas, particularly the Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis metro area, the Madison Area, and the Green Bay region. These urban centers house major employers actively seeking database administration talent, creating competitive opportunities for graduates. Labor market data from the BLS State Data for Wisconsin provides comprehensive salary and employment outlook information for database professionals in the state. Prospective students should explore how Wisconsin's leading programs, including those at the University of Wisconsin System, align with regional employment hotspots to maximize career prospects upon graduation.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Online vs On-Campus Database Administration Programs in Wisconsin
Online Programs
0 available in Wisconsin
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Database Administration Programs in Other States
- Total Programs
- 18
- Median Tuition
- $8,900
- Total Programs
- 4
- Median Tuition
- $39,200
- Total Programs
- 29
- Median Tuition
- $31,000
- Total Programs
- 19
- Median Tuition
- $15,000
- Total Programs
- 25
- Median Tuition
- $11,800
- Total Programs
- 12
- Median Tuition
- $5,100
- Total Programs
- 47
- Median Tuition
- $7,700
- Total Programs
- 65
- Median Tuition
- $7,100
Database Administration Degree Programs in Wisconsin: FAQ
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Data Sources
Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
Wisconsin salary and employment data
Program details and admissions information
Last Updated: June 26, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2024 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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.