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Key Takeaways
Best database management degree programs: U of Arkansas Grantham, U of Arkansas at Monticello, U of Central Arkansas
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $2,616 to $24,240/year
U of Arkansas at Monticello offers the most affordable option at $5,400/yr
Database Management degree programs available: 5 associate's, 3 master's in Arkansas
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
2 online database management degree programs in Arkansas
Flexible scheduling for working professionals
Arkansas community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
5 associate's programs provide transfer pathways to bachelor's degrees
Education Commission of the States
Major employers: Walmart, Tyson Foods, JB Hunt, Dillards
Tech hubs in Bentonville and Little Rock
Hakia Research 2026
Database Management degree programs near 42+ cities across Arkansas
Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location
Updated June 28, 2026
How we ranked Arkansas Database Management programs
We rank 15 accredited database management programs in Arkansas 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.
Are Database Management Degree Programs in Arkansas Worth It?
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Database Management Degree Rankings in Arkansas
Compare the top-ranked Database Management programs in Arkansas by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Database Management Programs in Arkansas
Program Landscape
Arkansas offers 5 accredited associate's degree programs in database management, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include U of Arkansas at Monticello, Southern Arkansas Univers..., Arkansas State University..., which combine rigorous technical curriculum with practical skills training.
Costs & Value
Community colleges in Arkansas offer these two-year programs at an average cost of $3,410/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 $47,152 in Arkansas.
Career Pathways
Many programs feature guaranteed transfer agreements with Arkansas's public universities, allowing students to complete their first two years at reduced cost before transferring to complete a bachelor's degree. The Bentonville, Little Rock, Fayetteville areas offer particularly strong job markets for associate's degree holders, with employers like Walmart, Tyson Foods, JB Hunt 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 management schools in Arkansas, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their database management degrees in Arkansas.
Best Bachelor's Database Management Programs in Arkansas
Program Landscape
Arkansas ranks among the nation's top destinations for database management education, with 7 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 5 public and 2 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are U of Arkansas Grantham, U of Arkansas at Monticello, U of Central Arkansas, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Arkansas database management programs earn a median salary of $72,871, 26% below the national average. The state's robust technology sector, anchored by the Bentonville, Little Rock, Fayetteville metropolitan areas, provides abundant internship and employment opportunities with companies including Walmart, Tyson Foods, JB Hunt.
Costs & Value
Tuition ranges from $5,400 to $24,240 annually, with an average of $10,658/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 0%, with the highest reaching -Infinity%. 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 Arkansas's leading technology employers. For students seeking database management degrees in Arkansas, these top-ranked database management schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
Show all 7 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Arkansas Tech University | Russellville, AR | Public | $5,995 | — | 37.8 |
| #7 | Harding University | Searcy, AR | Private | $24,240 | — | 31.4 |
Best Master's Database Management Programs in Arkansas
Program Landscape
Arkansas offers 3 master's degree programs in database management, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, Harding, U of Arkansas Grantham, U of Arkansas at Little Rock, combine advanced technical training with research opportunities and leadership development.
Career Outcomes
Master's graduates in Arkansas earn a median salary of $85,730, approximately 20-30% higher than bachelor's degree holders. The concentration of technology companies in Bentonville, Little Rock, Fayetteville creates strong demand for graduate-level talent, with Walmart, Tyson Foods, JB Hunt 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 $12,640/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 Arkansas's database management schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
Database Management Degree Costs & Tuition in Arkansas
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $7,842/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $19,605/year |
| Community college tuition | $1,961/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $47,052 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $11,762 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Database Management Students in Arkansas
State Aid Programs
Arkansas students pursuing database management degrees have access to multiple layers of financial support. The primary resource is the (Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship), which awards up to $5,000 per year to academically talented students across the state's public and private institutions. This merit-based program, administered by the (Arkansas Division of Higher Education), is specifically designed to support high-achieving undergraduates and is a cornerstone of the state's commitment to making higher education affordable. Additionally, all students can access federal aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at (StudentAid.gov), which provides access to federal grants, loans, and work-study opportunities regardless of your state of residence.
Key Programs & Amounts
Beyond state-level programs, individual institutions offering database management degrees, including (University of Arkansas at Little Rock and (Arkansas Tech University), offer institutional scholarships and financial aid packages tailored to database management and information technology students. The Arkansas Course Transfer System (ACTS) at (https://acts.adhe.edu/) guarantees course transfer among public institutions, making it easier for community college students to transition to four-year programs without losing credits or financial aid momentum. Students beginning at community colleges benefit from significantly lower tuition costs while maintaining eligibility for state and federal aid, then transfer seamlessly into bachelor's programs with their financial aid intact.
Database Management Degree ROI Calculator, Arkansas
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a database management degree in Arkansas. 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 Management Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a database management 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 Management Salaries by Metro Area
Median annual salary in Arkansas metro areas
View data table
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Bentonville | $94K |
| Little Rock | $90K |
| Fayetteville | $86K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Hakia.com
Top Employers Hiring Database Management Graduates in Arkansas
Find database management jobs in Arkansas. These major employers across Arkansas metro areas are actively hiring database management degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Database Management Jobs in Bentonville-Rogers
ARDatabase Management Jobs in Little Rock
ARDatabase Management Jobs in Fayetteville
ARTransfer Pathways for Database Management Degrees in Arkansas
State Transfer System
Arkansas's Arkansas Course Transfer System (ACTS) streamlines the process of transferring credits among public institutions, supporting seamless pathways from associate's to bachelor's degree programs. According to IPEDS, the state operates 7 associate's degree programs and 9 bachelor's degree programs in database management, creating multiple entry and progression points for students. The ACTS system guarantees that courses completed at eligible Arkansas public two-year institutions transfer directly as equivalent credits to four-year universities, eliminating course duplication and reducing time-to-degree. This system is particularly valuable for database management students, as foundational coursework in database fundamentals, SQL programming, and systems design can be completed at community colleges before advancing to specialized upper-level courses at universities.
How Transfers Work
Students beginning their studies at Arkansas Tech University, University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College, or University of Arkansas Community College-Morrilton can transition smoothly to bachelor's programs at University of Arkansas, Arkansas State University, or University of Central Arkansas. The ACTS system provides explicit articulation agreements between specific two-year and four-year institutions. Additionally, students completing associate's degrees may be eligible for the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship, which awards up to $5,000 annually for academically talented students continuing to bachelor's programs. This integrated transfer framework reduces costs while maintaining academic quality throughout the educational journey.
Why Pursue a Database Management Degree in Arkansas?
Industry & Workforce
Arkansas offers strong opportunities for students pursuing database management education. According to IPEDS, the state hosts 20 institutions offering database management programs across all degree levels, including 9 bachelor's programs, 7 associate's programs, and 4 master's programs. This diverse educational landscape provides students with multiple pathways to enter the growing field of data management. The state's commitment to this discipline is reflected in completion data: Arkansas institutions awarded 72 bachelor's degrees, 22 associate's degrees, and 82 master's degrees in database management during the most recent academic year.
Salary Outlook
Arkansas's major technology hubs create exceptional career prospects for database management graduates. Cities like Fayetteville, Bentonville, and Springdale in Northwest Arkansas host major employers including Walmart, Tyson Foods, and J.B. Hunt, all of which rely heavily on sophisticated database infrastructure. The state's public four-year institutions offer affordable tuition with an average of $6,494 for in-state students, making Arkansas an economical choice compared to national averages. Top-ranked programs include the University of Arkansas, Arkansas State University, and Arkansas Tech University, which combine quality education with competitive pricing. For career exploration and labor market insights, consult the BLS State Data for Arkansas to understand demand and compensation trends in the database field.
Database Management Program Availability in Arkansas
Source: IPEDS 2024
Database Management Job Market & Salary Data in Arkansas
Employment Outlook
Arkansas offers a growing job market for database management professionals across multiple metropolitan areas and industry sectors. The state's major employment hubs are concentrated in the Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway metro area and the Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers region, both of which serve as regional technology centers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Arkansas employers across various sectors are increasingly seeking database professionals to manage growing data infrastructure and digital transformation initiatives. The state's diverse economic base, spanning retail, food processing, transportation, and technology, creates diverse career pathways for database management graduates.
Salaries by Metro
Job demand for database professionals in Arkansas is supported by the state's major employers and business growth. Little Rock, Fayetteville, Fort Smith, Springdale, Bentonville, and Rogers all represent significant employment markets with expanding technology sectors. Students completing database management degrees, whether 22 Associate's completions, 72 Bachelor's completions, or 82 Master's completions annually (IPEDS), are well-positioned to enter a market with established opportunities in both corporate and educational sectors. Entry-level positions offer competitive compensation, with advancement opportunities for those pursuing advanced certifications or master's degrees. The state's public in-state tuition average of $6,494 for four-year institutions makes Arkansas an affordable pathway into this growing field.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Online vs On-Campus Database Management Programs in Arkansas
Online Programs
2 available in Arkansas
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Database Management Programs in Other States
- Total Programs
- 76
- Median Tuition
- $7,500
- Total Programs
- 13
- Median Tuition
- $4,900
- Total Programs
- 10
- Median Tuition
- $9,400
- Total Programs
- 16
- Median Tuition
- $12,500
- Total Programs
- 12
- Median Tuition
- $12,100
- Total Programs
- 9
- Median Tuition
- $6,600
- Total Programs
- 35
- Median Tuition
- $12,200
- Total Programs
- 16
- Median Tuition
- $7,600
Database Management Degree Programs in Arkansas: FAQ
What are the best database management degree programs in Arkansas?
How much do database management degree programs cost in Arkansas?
What salary can database management degree graduates earn in Arkansas?
Are there online database management degree programs in Arkansas?
What companies hire database management degree graduates in Arkansas?
Is a database management degree program worth it in Arkansas?
How long do database management degree programs take in Arkansas?
What financial aid is available for database management degree students in Arkansas?
Data Sources
Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
Arkansas 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.