Best Database Management Degree Programs

Northeastern University Database Management Program Overview

Hakia ranks Northeastern University as the #1 in database management degree program.

Read the label carefully: this is Northeastern's Khoury College BS in Data Science on the Boston campus, not a dedicated database-administration degree. The database and warehousing training lives inside it as two required courses, CS 3200 Introduction to Databases and DS 4300 Large-Scale Information Storage and Retrieval, wrapped in a broader core of algorithms, machine learning (DS 4400/4420), and a required Khoury co-op. It earns the 95.8 Hakia Score, our highest, on a 91% graduation rate.

The real gate is admission, not price: a 5% admit rate shuts out most applicants. Tuition is flat at $64,990 in-state or out (no residency discount), so one year already equals about 54% of the $120,230 national median salary for database roles, and four years runs near $259,960 before aid. Best fit for a strong applicant who wants data science breadth and co-op experience, not a database specialist track.

Program Strengths

Highest Hakia Score in the set at 95.8, on a 91% graduation rate
Database core is CS 3200 Introduction to Databases plus DS 4300 Large-Scale Information Storage and Retrieval
Required Khoury co-op track (CS 1210) builds paid industry experience before graduation
Selective at a 5% admit rate; flat $64,990 tuition with no in-state discount

🥈

University of Pennsylvania

Master's in Database ManagementOn-campus

Philadelphia, PAPrivate nonprofit

$120,230 median salary · 97% graduation rate

93.9

Score

$61K

Tuition/yr

97%

Grad Rate

$120K

Median Salary

University of Pennsylvania Database Management Program Overview

Hakia ranks University of Pennsylvania as the #2 in database management degree program.

This is Penn's on-campus Master's in Data Science, a ten-course-unit degree split across Foundations (2 units), Core Requirements (3), and Technical and Depth Area Electives (5). The core is where the database-and-analytics weight sits: Statistics for Data Science (ESE 5420), Big Data Analytics (CIS 5450), and a Mining and Learning course, before you branch into buckets like Biomedicine or a Thesis/Practicum with joint faculty mentorship. The numbers: a Hakia Score of 93.9 (our No. 2 ranking) and a 97% graduation rate, striking for a program that admits just 5%. Tuition is a flat $60,920 whether you live in Philadelphia or move cross-country, since private schools offer no in-state discount. This fits full-time students who want a research-heavy, elective-driven degree and can clear both the selectivity and the price.

Program Strengths

97% graduation rate at a 5% admit rate
Hakia Score 93.9, our No. 2 ranked program
10 course units: 2 Foundations, 3 Core, 5 electives
Thesis/Practicum option with joint faculty mentorship

🥉

University of Southern California

Master's in Database ManagementOn-campus

Los Angeles, CAPrivate nonprofit

$120,230 median salary · 92% graduation rate

93.4

Score

$70K

Tuition/yr

92%

Grad Rate

$120K

Median Salary

University of Southern California Database Management Program Overview

Hakia ranks University of Southern California as the #3 in database management degree program.

USC Viterbi's Master of Science in Applied Data Science is a 32-unit graduate program built around three required core courses: DSCI 551 Foundations of Data Management, DSCI 552 Machine Learning for Data Science, and DSCI 553 Foundations and Applications of Data Mining, then five electives ranging from advanced data stores to information retrieval. It fits students who want database management taught alongside ML and mining, not in isolation; those without a CS background start with data-formats and Python coursework first. USC carries a Hakia Score of 93.4 (our #3 ranking) and a 92% graduation rate, so most who enroll finish. The honest tradeoff: admission runs a 10% admit rate, and USC charges an identical $69,904 whether you live in California or not, so there is no residency discount to chase. Against the $120,230 national median for database roles, one year of tuition alone eats roughly 58% of that benchmark before you earn a dollar.

Program Strengths

92% graduation rate; most enrollees finish
32-unit core: DSCI 551 Data Management, 552 Machine Learning, 553 Data Mining
Hakia Score 93.4, our #3 ranking
Selective 10% admit rate; flat $69,904 tuition, no residency break

De Anza College

Associate's in Database ManagementOn-campus

Cupertino, CAPublic

$120,230 median salary · 68% graduation rate

92.1

Score

$1K

Tuition/yr

68%

Grad Rate

$120K

Median Salary

De Anza College Database Management Program Overview

Hakia ranks De Anza College as the #4 in database management degree program.

De Anza College runs its Associate's in Data Modeling/Warehousing and Database Administration through a Computer Information Systems Department that mixes certificates and degrees across database design, business and network programming, systems security, and project management. California's Chancellor's "Workforce Stars" initiative singled out the department for its database design outcomes, citing 100% in-field job placement and nearly 80% of students earning at or above the regional living wage. The numbers that anchor its No. 4 rank (Hakia Score 92.1): a 68% graduation rate and in-state tuition of just $1,395/year versus $12,420 out-of-state. Against the $120,230 national median for Database Management roles, resident tuition is roughly 1.2% of one year's pay. It fits cost-conscious California residents wanting a fast, work-ready credential. The tradeoff: about a third of starters don't finish, and those placement figures describe completers, not everyone who enrolls.

Program Strengths

In-state tuition $1,395/yr vs $12,420 out-of-state, an $11,025 gap
68% graduation rate; Hakia Score 92.1 (ranked No. 4)
State "Workforce Stars" recognition cited 100% in-field placement for database design students
CIS Department spans database design, network programming, systems security, and project management

North Carolina State University at Raleigh

Master's in Database ManagementOn-campus

Raleigh, NCPublic

$120,230 median salary · 85% graduation rate

90.4

Score

$7K

Tuition/yr

85%

Grad Rate

$120K

Median Salary

North Carolina State University at Raleigh Database Management Program Overview

Hakia ranks North Carolina State University at Raleigh as the #5 in database management degree program.

NC State's entry here is actually the M.S. in Foundations of Data Science (MSFDS), a terminal, non-thesis degree jointly run by the Computer Science, Mathematics, and Statistics departments and completable full-time in three semesters. Database work shows up as one required course, CSC 540 Database Management Concepts and Systems, so the honest tradeoff is scope: only 3 of 21 required core credits (about 14%) are database-specific inside a broader data science curriculum. The numbers are strong: an 85% graduation rate, 42% admit rate, and a 90.4 Hakia Score, the basis for its No. 5 ranking. Residency drives the value. In-state tuition is $6,535 versus $30,583 out-of-state, a $24,048 gap. Against the $120,230 national median for database roles, that is roughly 5.4% of a year's pay in-state versus 25.4% out. Best fit: NC residents wanting data science breadth over pure DBA depth.

Program Strengths

85% graduation rate, 42% admit rate, 90.4 Hakia Score (No. 5)
Terminal non-thesis MSFDS, finishable full-time in three semesters
Tracks in Computer Science, Mathematics, or Statistics; F-1 students get 2-year STEM OPT
In-state $6,535 vs out-of-state $30,583: a $24,048 residency gap

George Washington University

Bachelor's in Database ManagementOn-campus

Washington, DCPrivate nonprofit

$120,230 median salary · 84% graduation rate

89.7

Score

$67K

Tuition/yr

84%

Grad Rate

$120K

Median Salary

George Washington University Database Management Program Overview

Hakia ranks George Washington University as the #6 in database management degree program.

George Washington University's Data Modeling/Warehousing and Database Administration bachelor's lives inside the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences and carries a STEM designation, so international grads qualify for extended OPT. Admission runs through the standard Common Application, not a dedicated database pipeline, and beyond the university's gen-ed core you also clear the college's G-PAC curriculum, a CCAS first-year seminar, and UW 1020 writing. The numbers: an 84% graduation rate, a 47% admit rate that turns away roughly half of applicants, and a Hakia Score of 89.7 that anchors its No. 6 ranking. As a private nonprofit, GWU charges $67,420 whether you are in-state or out, so there is no residency discount. This fits a student who wants a broad liberal-arts campus and STEM status; the tradeoff is cost with no in-state relief.

Program Strengths

84% graduation rate; 47% admit rate
STEM-designated program per the scraped page (extended OPT eligibility)
Hakia Score 89.7, ranked No. 6
Flat $67,420 tuition, in-state or out; ~56% of the $120,230 national median salary

Boston University

Master's in Database ManagementOn-campus

Boston, MAPrivate nonprofit

$120,230 median salary · 89% graduation rate

89.5

Score

$67K

Tuition/yr

89%

Grad Rate

$120K

Median Salary

Boston University Database Management Program Overview

Hakia ranks Boston University as the #7 in database management degree program.

Boston University's Metropolitan College runs this as an MS in Computer Information Systems with a Database Management & Business Intelligence concentration, teaching database design, data warehousing, and data mining across 32 units. The draw for working professionals is flexibility: it runs online, on campus, or blended, part- or full-time, finishes in 8 to 16 months, is STEM-designated, and requires no GRE or GMAT. The numbers back the reputation. An 89% graduation rate means most who start actually finish, and a Hakia Score of 89.5 puts it seventh in our ranking. The honest catch is cost and selectivity: as a private nonprofit, BU charges one $66,670 rate with no in-state break, and admits just 11%. Note the page's part-time figure of $31,480 in tuition and fees for 2026-2027, which shows the total can be spread out.

Program Strengths

89% graduation rate: most who enroll finish
STEM-designated MS with database + business intelligence concentration
Online, on campus, or blended; 8 to 16 months, no GRE/GMAT
Selective at an 11% admit rate; one $66,670 private rate for all

Mt San Antonio College

Associate's in Database ManagementOn-campus

Walnut, CAPublic

$120,230 median salary · 45% graduation rate

89.4

Score

$1K

Tuition/yr

45%

Grad Rate

$120K

Median Salary

Mt San Antonio College Database Management Program Overview

Hakia ranks Mt San Antonio College as the #8 in database management degree program.

Mt San Antonio College's AS in Database Management Systems (degree code S0706, Business Division) is a two-year, 26.5 to 29 unit community college program that trains you in relational database administration across three real platform tracks: Microsoft Access, Microsoft SQL Server, and Oracle. You also pick Windows or Linux, and the coursework adds VBA programming, SQL development, and normalization theory. At a Hakia Score of 89.4, it ranks 8th on our list. The value case is stark: in-state tuition runs $1,288 a year versus $10,388 out-of-state, a roughly 8x gap. Against the $120,230 national BLS median for database roles (a field-wide figure, not this school's outcome), even the out-of-state rate is under 9 percent of one year's pay. The honest tradeoff: a 45 percent graduation rate means fewer than half finish on schedule, so budget for the advising step the page recommends if you plan to transfer toward a bachelor's.

Program Strengths

Three platform tracks: Microsoft Access, SQL Server, and Oracle, plus VBA and SQL development
In-state tuition $1,288/yr vs $10,388 out-of-state, roughly 8x cheaper for CA residents
Hakia Score 89.4, ranked 8th; two-year AS at 26.5 to 29 units
45% graduation rate; page names a counselor transfer pathway toward a bachelor's

Atlanta Technical College

Associate's in Database ManagementFully online

Atlanta, GAPublic

$120,230 median salary · 49% graduation rate

87.9

Score

$3K

Tuition/yr

49%

Grad Rate

$120K

Median Salary

Atlanta Technical College Database Management Program Overview

Hakia ranks Atlanta Technical College as the #9 in database management degree program.

Atlanta Technical College's Data Modeling/Warehousing and Database Administration is an Associate's-level track, one of four specializations (with Cybersecurity, Computer Programming, and Networking) inside the school's Cybersecurity & Computer Information Systems division. It pairs the degree with short-term certificates aimed at industry certifications, and adds an online option plus Evening/Weekend and Dual Enrollment scheduling for people already working. On price it's hard to beat: $2,568 in-state versus $5,136 out-of-state, roughly 2.1% and 4.3% of the $120,230 national BLS median for the field (a national benchmark, not this school's reported outcome). It earns a 87.9 Hakia Score and the No. 9 rank here. The honest catch is completion: a 49% graduation rate means about half of enrollees don't finish, so weigh that coin-flip against the low tuition before committing.

Program Strengths

In-state tuition just $2,568 (about 2.1% of the $120,230 national field median)
One of four tracks inside the Cybersecurity & Computer Information Systems division
Short-term certificates target industry certifications; online, evening/weekend, and dual enrollment options
Hakia Score 87.9, ranked No. 9; but 49% graduation rate is the tradeoff

#10

American Public University System

Associate's in Database ManagementFully online

Charles Town, WVPrivate for-profit

$120,230 median salary · 57% graduation rate

87.8

Score

$8K

Tuition/yr

57%

Grad Rate

$120K

Median Salary

Explore Best Database Management Programs - Bachelor's

American Public University System Database Management Program Overview

Hakia ranks American Public University System as the #10 in database management degree program.

American Public University's fully online Associate of Science in Computer Technology sits in APU's STEM school and frames itself for database and system administration work alongside general IT and network support. It runs 60 credits, accepts up to 45 in transfer, and starts monthly in 8-to-16-week terms. In-state and out-of-state tuition are identical at $8,400 total, since there is no residency pricing online; that is roughly 7% of the $120,230 national median for database roles, or about one-fourteenth of a single year's field pay. The Hakia Score of 87.8 is what earns its number 10 rank here. Fair for cost-conscious career changers already chasing CompTIA Security+ or A+, since this degree is built to complement those certs and prep for MOS Excel or CIW while awarding none itself. The honest catch: only 57% of starters finish, so budget for a real 43% non-completion risk.

Program Strengths

$8,400 all-in, identical in-state and out-of-state
57% graduation rate (43% do not finish)
Hakia Score 87.8, ranked #10
Complements CompTIA Security+ and A+; up to 45 transfer credits

Best Database Management Programs - Top 10, Complete Program Data

#1. Northeastern University — Bachelor's Database Management
Hakia ranks Northeastern University's bachelor's database management program #1. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Boston, MA | Type: Private nonprofit | Tuition: $64,990/year | Graduation Rate: 91% | Median Salary: $120,230 | Score: 95.8
#2. University of Pennsylvania — Master's Database Management
Hakia ranks University of Pennsylvania's master's database management program #2. Degree: Master's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Philadelphia, PA | Type: Private nonprofit | Tuition: $60,920/year | Graduation Rate: 97% | Median Salary: $120,230 | Score: 93.9
#3. University of Southern California — Master's Database Management
Hakia ranks University of Southern California's master's database management program #3. Degree: Master's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Los Angeles, CA | Type: Private nonprofit | Tuition: $69,904/year | Graduation Rate: 92% | Median Salary: $120,230 | Score: 93.4
#4. De Anza College — Associate's Database Management
Hakia ranks De Anza College's associate's database management program #4. Degree: Associate's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Cupertino, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,395/year | Graduation Rate: 68% | Median Salary: $120,230 | Score: 92.1
#5. North Carolina State University at Raleigh — Master's Database Management
Hakia ranks North Carolina State University at Raleigh's master's database management program #5. Degree: Master's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Raleigh, NC | Type: Public | Tuition: $6,535/year | Graduation Rate: 85% | Median Salary: $120,230 | Score: 90.4
#6. George Washington University — Bachelor's Database Management
Hakia ranks George Washington University's bachelor's database management program #6. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Washington, DC | Type: Private nonprofit | Tuition: $67,420/year | Graduation Rate: 84% | Median Salary: $120,230 | Score: 89.7
#7. Boston University — Master's Database Management
Hakia ranks Boston University's master's database management program #7. Degree: Master's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Boston, MA | Type: Private nonprofit | Tuition: $66,670/year | Graduation Rate: 89% | Median Salary: $120,230 | Score: 89.5
#8. Mt San Antonio College — Associate's Database Management
Hakia ranks Mt San Antonio College's associate's database management program #8. Degree: Associate's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Walnut, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,288/year | Graduation Rate: 45% | Median Salary: $120,230 | Score: 89.4
#9. Atlanta Technical College — Associate's Database Management (Online)
Hakia ranks Atlanta Technical College's online associate's database management program #9. Degree: Associate's. Delivery: fully online. Location: Atlanta, GA | Type: Public | Tuition: $2,568/year | Graduation Rate: 49% | Median Salary: $120,230 | Score: 87.9
#10. American Public University System — Associate's Database Management (Online)
Hakia ranks American Public University System's online associate's database management program #10. Degree: Associate's. Delivery: fully online. Location: Charles Town, WV | Type: Private for-profit | Tuition: $8,400/year | Graduation Rate: 57% | Median Salary: $120,230 | Score: 87.8

Our rankings methodology weighs program strength (25%), graduation rate (20%), career outcomes (15%), institutional quality (12%), industry recognition (10%), selectivity (10%), and data transparency (8%). Learn more about our methodology →

What's Database Management?

Database management is the practice of designing, implementing, maintaining, and securing database systems that store and organize an organization's critical data. Unlike data science (which focuses on analyzing data) or information technology (which covers broader IT operations), database management specifically concentrates on the systems that house data.

A database management degree covers SQL and NoSQL databases, database design principles, data modeling, backup and recovery, security, performance optimization, and cloud database platforms like AWS RDS, Azure SQL, and Google Cloud SQL. Students learn both traditional relational databases and modern distributed systems.

Database professionals work across every industry that handles data, which is virtually every organization today. From healthcare systems managing patient records to financial institutions processing transactions, skilled database administrators ensure data is accessible, secure, and performant.

Who Should Study Database Management?

Database management is ideal for students who enjoy working with data infrastructure, have strong attention to detail, and like solving technical problems. You should be comfortable with logical thinking and have interest in how systems work behind the scenes.

Detail-oriented problem solvers who enjoy optimizing systems for performance and reliability
Students interested in data infrastructure rather than data analysis
Logical thinkers comfortable with SQL, scripting, and system administration
Security-minded individuals who understand the critical nature of data protection
Career-focused students seeking stable, well-paying technical roles with growth potential

This field suits those who prefer working behind the scenes to ensure systems run smoothly rather than front-end development or user-facing applications. Strong database skills are increasingly valuable as organizations rely more heavily on data-driven decisions.

Database Management Degree Levels Compared

Database management education is available at multiple levels, each suited to different career goals and time commitments.

Database Management Programs by Degree Level

Best Database Management Programs - Bachelor's

Top-ranked undergraduate programs nationwide

Best Database Management Programs - Master's

Top graduate programs for specialization and advancement

Explore Best Database Management Programs - Master's

Online Database Management Degrees

Flexible online programs for working professionals

Explore Online Database Management

Best Database Management Programs - Bachelor's

A bachelor's degree in database management is the standard credential for entry-level positions. These 4-year programs provide comprehensive training and hands-on experience.

Best Database Management Programs - Top 3 Bachelor's

🥇 #1

Northeastern University

Bachelor's in Database ManagementOn-campus

Boston, MAPrivate nonprofit

$120,230 median salary · 91% grad rate · 108 grads/yr

$65K

Tuition/yr

91%

Grad Rate

95.8

Score

🥈 #2

George Washington University

Bachelor's in Database ManagementOn-campus

Washington, DCPrivate nonprofit

$120,230 median salary · 84% grad rate · 13 grads/yr

$67K

Tuition/yr

84%

Grad Rate

89.7

Score

🥉 #3

University of St Thomas

Bachelor's in Database ManagementOn-campus

Saint Paul, MNPrivate nonprofit

$120,230 median salary · 76% grad rate · 16 grads/yr

$53K

Tuition/yr

76%

Grad Rate

81.2

Score

View All Bachelor's Programs →

4. Western Governors University (Salt Lake City, UT) - Score: 62.8, Tuition: $7,710

5. Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus (University Park, PA) - Score: 60.0, Tuition: $19,672

6. Utah State University (Logan, UT) - Score: 59.1, Tuition: $7,387

7. DePaul University (Chicago, IL) - Score: 54.7, Tuition: $43,379

8. University of St Thomas (Saint Paul, MN) - Score: 54.4, Tuition: $50,788

9. Lewis University (Romeoville, IL) - Score: 51.1, Tuition: $37,592

10. University of San Francisco (San Francisco, CA) - Score: 50.7, Tuition: $57,670

Best Database Management Programs - Master's

A master's degree in database management prepares students for senior and specialized roles. These 1-2 year programs offer advanced expertise and leadership training.

Best Database Management Programs - Top 3 Master's

🥇 #1

University of Pennsylvania

Master's in Database ManagementOn-campus

Philadelphia, PAPrivate nonprofit

$120,230 median salary · 97% grad rate · 49 grads/yr

$61K

Tuition/yr

97%

Grad Rate

93.9

Score

🥈 #2

Northeastern University

Master's in Database ManagementOn-campus

Boston, MAPrivate nonprofit

$120,230 median salary · 91% grad rate · 199 grads/yr

$65K

Tuition/yr

91%

Grad Rate

93.5

Score

🥉 #3

University of Southern California

Master's in Database ManagementOn-campus

Los Angeles, CAPrivate nonprofit

$120,230 median salary · 92% grad rate · 63 grads/yr

$70K

Tuition/yr

92%

Grad Rate

93.4

Score

View All Master's Programs →

4. Northeastern University (Boston, MA) - Score: 69.4, Tuition: $62,000

5. Boston University (Boston, MA) - Score: 65.0, Tuition: $63,798

6. North Carolina State University at Raleigh (Raleigh, NC) - Score: 64.6, Tuition: $6,535

7. Northeastern University Professional Programs (Boston, MA) - Score: 63.3, Tuition: $48,464

8. Brandeis University (Waltham, MA) - Score: 63.3, Tuition: $64,348

9. Western Governors University (Salt Lake City, UT) - Score: 62.8, Tuition: $7,710

10. Auburn University (Auburn, AL) - Score: 60.2, Tuition: $10,704

Best Database Management Programs - Online

Online database management programs offer flexibility for working professionals. Top accredited programs provide the same curriculum quality as on-campus alternatives.

Best Database Management Programs - Top 3 Online

🥇 #1

Atlanta Technical College

Associate's in Database ManagementFully online

Atlanta, GAPublic

$120,230 median salary · 49% grad rate · 8 grads/yr

$3K

Tuition/yr

49%

Grad Rate

87.9

Score

🥈 #2

American Public University System

Associate's in Database ManagementFully online

Charles Town, WVPrivate for-profit

$120,230 median salary · 57% grad rate · 2 grads/yr

$8K

Tuition/yr

57%

Grad Rate

87.8

Score

🥉 #3

Auburn University

Master's in Database ManagementFully online

Auburn, ALPublic

$120,230 median salary · 82% grad rate · 20 grads/yr

$11K

Tuition/yr

82%

Grad Rate

85.0

Score

View All Online Programs →

4. University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PA) - Score: 69.5, Tuition: $58,620

5. Western Governors University (Salt Lake City, UT) - Score: 67.8, Tuition: $7,710

6. University of Nevada-Las Vegas (Las Vegas, NV) - Score: 66.6, Tuition: $8,354

7. Bellevue College (Bellevue, WA) - Score: 65.4, Tuition: $4,074

8. Boston University (Boston, MA) - Score: 65.0, Tuition: $63,798

9. North Carolina State University at Raleigh (Raleigh, NC) - Score: 64.6, Tuition: $6,535

10. Brandeis University (Waltham, MA) - Score: 63.3, Tuition: $64,348

Best Database Management Programs - Associate's

An associate's degree in database management provides a 2-year pathway into the field. These programs are ideal for career starters or those planning to transfer to a 4-year program.

Best Database Management Programs - Top 3 Associate's

🥇 #1

De Anza College

Associate's in Database ManagementOn-campus

Cupertino, CAPublic

$120,230 median salary · 68% grad rate · 3 grads/yr

$1K

Tuition/yr

68%

Grad Rate

92.1

Score

🥈 #2

Mt San Antonio College

Associate's in Database ManagementOn-campus

Walnut, CAPublic

$120,230 median salary · 45% grad rate · 8 grads/yr

$1K

Tuition/yr

45%

Grad Rate

89.4

Score

🥉 #3

Atlanta Technical College

Associate's in Database ManagementFully online

Atlanta, GAPublic

$120,230 median salary · 49% grad rate · 8 grads/yr

$3K

Tuition/yr

49%

Grad Rate

87.9

Score

View All Associate's Programs →

4. Edmonds College (Lynnwood, WA) - Score: 50.0, Tuition: $4,073

5. Santa Monica College (Santa Monica, CA) - Score: 48.7, Tuition: $1,104

6. Skagit Valley College (Mount Vernon, WA) - Score: 48.0, Tuition: $4,623

7. Miami University-Hamilton (Hamilton, OH) - Score: 45.7, Tuition: $6,210

8. Lee College (Baytown, TX) - Score: 43.3, Tuition: $3,132

9. Yakima Valley College (Yakima, WA) - Score: 43.3, Tuition: $4,623

10. Piedmont Technical College (Greenwood, SC) - Score: 42.1, Tuition: $5,430

Best Database Management Programs - Graduate

Graduate programs in database management (PhD and doctoral degrees) prepare students for research, academic, and senior leadership positions.

Best Database Management Programs - Top 3 Graduate

🥇 #1

University of Pennsylvania

Master's in Database ManagementOn-campus

Philadelphia, PAPrivate nonprofit

$120,230 median salary · 97% grad rate · 49 grads/yr

$61K

Tuition/yr

97%

Grad Rate

93.9

Score

🥈 #2

Northeastern University

Master's in Database ManagementOn-campus

Boston, MAPrivate nonprofit

$120,230 median salary · 91% grad rate · 199 grads/yr

$65K

Tuition/yr

91%

Grad Rate

93.5

Score

🥉 #3

University of Southern California

Master's in Database ManagementOn-campus

Los Angeles, CAPrivate nonprofit

$120,230 median salary · 92% grad rate · 63 grads/yr

$70K

Tuition/yr

92%

Grad Rate

93.4

Score

View All Graduate Programs →

4. University of Michigan-Ann Arbor (Ann Arbor, MI) - Score: 74.6, Tuition: $17,977

5. Syracuse University (Syracuse, NY) - Score: 71.2, Tuition: $61,310

6. University of Maryland-College Park (College Park, MD) - Score: 67.0, Tuition: $9,889

7. University of California-Los Angeles (Los Angeles, CA) - Score: 65.9, Tuition: $11,834

8. Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus (University Park, PA) - Score: 61.9, Tuition: $19,672

9. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Chapel Hill, NC) - Score: 61.3, Tuition: $7,019

10. The University of Texas at Austin (Austin, TX) - Score: 61.1, Tuition: $11,678

Most Affordable Database Management Programs

Looking for quality database management education without the hefty price tag? These programs offer the best value, balancing tuition costs with strong academic outcomes and career prospects. Our Value Score factors in graduation rates, program strength, and institutional quality relative to cost.

Top 5 Most Affordable Database Management Programs

Rank	Program & School	Delivery	Annual Tuition	Grad Rate	Median Salary	Hakia Score
#1	Bachelor's in Database Management Northeastern University Boston, MA · Private nonprofit	On-campus	$64,990	91%	$120,230	95.8
#2	Master's in Database Management University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PA · Private nonprofit	On-campus	$60,920	97%	$120,230	93.9
#3	Master's in Database Management University of Southern California Los Angeles, CA · Private nonprofit	On-campus	$69,904	92%	$120,230	93.4
#4	Associate's in Database Management De Anza College Cupertino, CA · Public	On-campus	$1,395	68%	$120,230	92.1
#5	Master's in Database Management North Carolina State University at Raleigh Raleigh, NC · Public	On-campus	$6,535	85%	$120,230	90.4
#6	Bachelor's in Database Management George Washington University Washington, DC · Private nonprofit	On-campus	$67,420	84%	$120,230	89.7
#7	Master's in Database Management Boston University Boston, MA · Private nonprofit	On-campus	$66,670	89%	$120,230	89.5
#8	Associate's in Database Management Mt San Antonio College Walnut, CA · Public	On-campus	$1,288	45%	$120,230	89.4
#9	Associate's in Database Management Atlanta Technical College Atlanta, GA · Public	Online	$2,568	49%	$120,230	87.9
#10	Associate's in Database Management American Public University System Charles Town, WV · Private for-profit	Online	$8,400	57%	$120,230	87.8
#11	Master's in Database Management Auburn University Auburn, AL · Public	Online	$11,016	82%	$120,230	85.0
#12	Master's in Database Management Brandeis University Waltham, MA · Private nonprofit	Online	$67,082	86%	$120,230	83.5
#13	Bachelor's in Database Management University of St Thomas Saint Paul, MN · Private nonprofit	On-campus	$52,820	76%	$120,230	81.2
#14	Associate's in Database Management Ivy Tech Community College Indianapolis, IN · Public	On-campus	$5,154	40%	$120,230	80.5
#15	Master's in Database Management University of North Carolina Wilmington Wilmington, NC · Public	On-campus	$4,443	71%	$120,230	80.3
#16	Bachelor's in Database Management Lipscomb University Nashville, TN · Private nonprofit	Online	$37,460	72%	$120,230	79.6
#17	Bachelor's in Database Management University of Cincinnati-Main Campus Cincinnati, OH · Public	Online	$11,685	75%	$120,230	79.0
#18	Associate's in Database Management Minnesota State Community and Technical College Fergus Falls, MN · Public	On-campus	$5,424	47%	$120,230	78.7
#19	Associate's in Database Management American River College Sacramento, CA · Public	On-campus	—	37%	$120,230	78.2
#20	Associate's in Database Management East Mississippi Community College Scooba, MS · Public	On-campus	$3,600	48%	$120,230	78.1
#21	Associate's in Database Management Northcentral Technical College Wausau, WI · Public	On-campus	$4,485	45%	$120,230	77.4
#22	Associate's in Database Management Santa Monica College Santa Monica, CA · Public	Online	$1,104	36%	$120,230	76.7
#23	Master's in Database Management George Mason University Fairfax, VA · Public	Online	$10,392	68%	$120,230	76.7
#24	Bachelor's in Database Management DePaul University Chicago, IL · Private nonprofit	On-campus	$44,601	68%	$120,230	76.5
#25	Associate's in Database Management Kaskaskia College Centralia, IL · Public	On-campus	$7,050	49%	$120,230	76.0
#26	Bachelor's in Database Management Western Governors University Salt Lake City, UT · Private nonprofit	Online	$8,180	46%	$120,230	75.6
#27	Associate's in Database Management Sinclair Community College Dayton, OH · Public	On-campus	$4,129	41%	$120,230	75.3
#28	Master's in Database Management Northeastern University Professional Programs Boston, MA · Private nonprofit	On-campus	$50,243	—	$120,230	75.0
#29	Associate's in Database Management Daytona State College Daytona Beach, FL · Public	Online	$3,072	43%	$120,230	74.8
#30	Master's in Database Management Rowan University Glassboro, NJ · Public	On-campus	$11,812	67%	$120,230	74.5
#31	Associate's in Database Management South Puget Sound Community College Olympia, WA · Public	On-campus	$4,777	44%	$120,230	74.1
#32	Master's in Database Management Appalachian State University Boone, NC · Public	On-campus	$4,242	75%	$120,230	73.5
#33	Associate's in Database Management Long Beach City College Long Beach, CA · Public	On-campus	$1,472	30%	$120,230	73.1
#34	Associate's in Database Management Waukesha County Technical College Pewaukee, WI · Public	On-campus	$4,485	44%	$120,230	73.1
#35	Associate's in Database Management Remington College-Fort Worth Campus North Richland Hills, TX · Private nonprofit	On-campus	$16,071	45%	$120,230	73.1
#36	Associate's in Database Management Georgia Piedmont Technical College Clarkston, GA · Public	Online	$2,586	44%	$120,230	72.8
#37	Master's in Database Management University of West Florida Pensacola, FL · Public	On-campus	$3,735	59%	$120,230	72.4
#38	Master's in Database Management Nova Southeastern University Fort Lauderdale, FL · Private nonprofit	On-campus	$37,500	63%	$120,230	72.1
#39	Bachelor's in Database Management University of Minnesota-Duluth Duluth, MN · Public	On-campus	$12,958	65%	$120,230	70.2
#40	Associate's in Database Management Saint Paul College Saint Paul, MN · Public	On-campus	$5,486	40%	$120,230	69.5
#41	Associate's in Database Management Hillsborough Community College Tampa, FL · Public	On-campus	$1,926	34%	$120,230	69.2
#42	Master's in Database Management University of Detroit Mercy Detroit, MI · Private nonprofit	Online	$32,946	67%	$120,230	68.9
#43	Bachelor's in Database Management Bellevue College Bellevue, WA · Public	On-campus	$4,205	36%	$120,230	68.4
#44	Master's in Database Management Stockton University Galloway, NJ · Public	On-campus	$13,606	69%	$120,230	67.8
#45	Associate's in Database Management Collin County Community College District McKinney, TX · Public	On-campus	$3,750	20%	$120,230	67.8
#46	Associate's in Database Management Pierce College District Lakewood, WA · Public	On-campus	$4,775	31%	$120,230	67.4
#47	Master's in Database Management Wayne State University Detroit, MI · Public	On-campus	$14,274	58%	$120,230	66.7
#48	Associate's in Database Management Laramie County Community College Cheyenne, WY · Public	Online	$3,150	38%	$120,230	66.3
#49	Master's in Database Management Regis University Denver, CO · Private nonprofit	Online	$23,700	61%	$120,230	66.2
#50	Master's in Database Management Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Metro San Juan, PR · Private nonprofit	On-campus	$4,968	39%	$120,230	66.0

Showing all 50 ranked programs.

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Database Management Career Outcomes

Database professionals enjoy strong career prospects with steady demand across industries. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 8% job growth through 2032, driven by increasing data volumes and cloud migration initiatives. Database skills also provide a pathway into data science and software engineering roles.

$62,000

Starting Salary

$98,350

Mid-Career

+8%

Job Growth

13,900

Annual Openings

Career Paths

Database Administrator

SOC 15-1242

+8%

Design, implement, and maintain database systems ensuring data availability, security, and performance.

Median Salary:$98,350

Data Architect

SOC 15-1243

+8%

Design enterprise data architecture and establish standards for database design and management.

Median Salary:$134,870

Cloud Database Specialist

SOC 15-1232

+13%

Manage cloud-based database systems on AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud platforms.

Median Salary:$104,650

Database Management Curriculum Overview

Database management programs combine theoretical foundations with hands-on technical skills. Core coursework covers database design principles, SQL programming, system administration, and emerging technologies like NoSQL and cloud databases.

Database Design and Modeling: Entity-relationship diagrams, normalization, schema design
SQL Programming: Advanced queries, stored procedures, triggers, and optimization
Database Administration: Installation, configuration, backup/recovery, security
NoSQL Systems: MongoDB, Cassandra, Redis for modern applications
Cloud Databases: AWS RDS, Azure SQL, Google Cloud SQL management
Data Warehousing: ETL processes, OLAP, business intelligence integration
Security and Compliance: Encryption, access controls, regulatory requirements
Performance Tuning: Query optimization, indexing strategies, monitoring

Many programs include capstone projects involving real database implementations and internships with organizations managing large-scale data systems.

Database Management Programs by State

Best Database Management Programs in Arizona

Total Programs: 25
Median Tuition: $11,500

Best Database Management Programs in California

ASU, U of Arizona

Total Programs: 85
Median Tuition: $14,500

Best Database Management Programs in Colorado

Stanford, UC Berkeley

Total Programs: 28
Median Tuition: $13,400

Best Database Management Programs in Florida

CU Boulder

Total Programs: 52
Median Tuition: $6,400

Best Database Management Programs in Georgia

UF, FSU

Total Programs: 35
Median Tuition: $9,700

Best Database Management Programs in Illinois

Georgia Tech

Total Programs: 42
Median Tuition: $15,100

Best Database Management Programs in Massachusetts

UIUC

Total Programs: 45
Median Tuition: $16,400

Best Database Management Programs in Michigan

MIT, Harvard

Total Programs: 38
Median Tuition: $15,900

Best Database Management Programs in New York

U of Michigan

Total Programs: 65
Median Tuition: $8,500

Best Database Management Programs in North Carolina

Cornell, Columbia

Total Programs: 38
Median Tuition: $7,200

Best Database Management Programs in Ohio

Duke, UNC, NC State

Total Programs: 45
Median Tuition: $10,800

Best Database Management Programs in Pennsylvania

OSU, Case Western

Total Programs: 48
Median Tuition: $19,200

Best Database Management Programs in Texas

CMU, Penn State

Total Programs: 72
Median Tuition: $11,800

Best Database Management Programs in Virginia

UT Austin, Texas A&M

Total Programs: 32
Median Tuition: $14,200

Best Database Management Programs in Washington

UVA, Virginia Tech

Total Programs: 38
Median Tuition: $12,100

Best Database Management Programs in Connecticut

UW Seattle

Total Programs: 28
Median Tuition: $16,800

Best Database Management Programs in Indiana

Yale, UConn

Total Programs: 35
Median Tuition: $10,200

Best Database Management Programs in Maryland

Purdue, IU Bloomington

Total Programs: 35
Median Tuition: $10,900

Best Database Management Programs in Minnesota

UMD, Johns Hopkins

Total Programs: 32
Median Tuition: $14,600

Best Database Management Programs in Missouri

U of Minnesota

Total Programs: 32
Median Tuition: $11,300

Best Database Management Programs in New Jersey

Wash U, Mizzou

Total Programs: 42
Median Tuition: $15,200

Best Database Management Programs in Oregon

Rutgers, Princeton

Total Programs: 25
Median Tuition: $12,400

Oregon State, U of Oregon

Best Database Management Programs in Tennessee

Total Programs: 30
Median Tuition: $9,800

Best Database Management Programs in Utah

Vanderbilt, UT Knoxville

Total Programs: 22
Median Tuition: $8,900

Best Database Management Programs in Wisconsin

U of Utah, BYU

Total Programs: 28
Median Tuition: $10,700