- 1.Hakia's analysis of the best database management associate's degree programs reveals that associate's degree in database management costs 60-70% less than bachelor's programs—average $2,422/year at community colleges vs $12,000 at 4-year universities.
- 2.Our top-ranked associate's programs are Skagit Valley College, Spokane Community College, Northern Virginia Community College—selected for transfer agreements and job placement rates.
- 3.33% of associate's graduates transfer to bachelor's programs, often with guaranteed admission to state universities.
- 4.Entry-level database management technician positions start at $38,500 median salary (BLS, 2024).
- 5.Complete in 2 years full-time, or 3-4 years part-time while working—many programs offer evening and weekend classes.
Source: An associate's degree in database management is worth it for students seeking affordable entry into tech careers. At ~$3,500/year (vs $40,000+ for bachelor's), you can enter the workforce in 2 years or transfer to a 4-year university with completed prerequisites. Entry-level technician roles start at $45,500.
Why Choose an Associate's Degree in Database Management?
An associate's degree in database management offers a cost-effective pathway into technology careers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Database Administrators earn a median salary of $104,620 annually, with entry-level positions starting around $56,820.
Key Benefits of the 2-Year Path
- Lower cost: Average $3,500-4,000/year at community colleges vs $11,000+ at 4-year schools (AACC)
- Strong job outlook: 4% projected growth from 2024-2034 (BLS)
- Large job market: 78,000 positions nationwide in this field
- Transfer-friendly: Credits typically transfer to bachelor's programs at state universities
- Flexible scheduling: Evening, weekend, and online options for working adults
- Hands-on focus: Practical skills emphasized over theoretical coursework
Salary potential: Entry-level database management positions start at $56,820, with experienced professionals earning up to $160,890 (BLS OEWS, 2024).
Who succeeds with an associate's: Students seeking quick entry to tech careers, working adults balancing jobs and education, career changers looking for an affordable credential, and those planning to transfer to bachelor's programs.
Best Database Management Associate's Programs - Top 10
Skagit Valley College
Skagit Valley College is a public institution known for database management education with strong transfer pathways.
Skagit Valley College Associate's Database Management Program Overview
Hakia ranks Skagit Valley College as the #1 associate's in database management degree program.
Skagit Valley College's associate's Database Management program offers an affordable entry into the field at just $4,623 per year. This two-year program can serve as a stepping stone to a bachelor's degree or direct entry into the workforce. Mount Vernon, WA location
Hakia Insight: Mount Vernon, WA location
Program Pathway
Complete your associate's degree and transfer credits toward a bachelor's program, or enter the workforce directly with foundational skills.
Degree Programs
Location Advantages
- •Mount Vernon, WA location
Career Outcomes
Local healthcare systems, Regional tech companies, Government agencies in Skagit County
Admissions
Spokane Community College
Spokane Community College is a public institution known for database management education with strong transfer pathways.
Spokane Community College Associate's Database Management Program Overview
Hakia ranks Spokane Community College as the #2 associate's in database management degree program.
Spokane Community College's associate's Database Management program offers an affordable entry into the field at just $3,195 per year. This two-year program can serve as a stepping stone to a bachelor's degree or direct entry into the workforce. Spokane, WA location
Program Pathway
Complete your associate's degree and transfer credits toward a bachelor's program, or enter the workforce directly with foundational skills.
Degree Programs
Location Advantages
- •Spokane, WA location
Career Outcomes
Spokane-area tech companies, Healthcare systems, Government and education IT departments, Regional financial services
Admissions
Northern Virginia Community College
NOVA is Virginia's largest community college with a direct transfer pathway to George Mason University through the ADVANCE program, which guarantees admission for qualifying students.
Northern Virginia Community College Associate's Database Management Program Overview
Hakia ranks Northern Virginia Community College as the #3 associate's in database management degree program.
Northern Virginia Community College's associate's Database Management program offers an affordable entry into the field at just $5,550 per year. This two-year program can serve as a stepping stone to a bachelor's degree or direct entry into the workforce. Close to Washington DC tech corridor
Hakia Insight: Through ties with George Mason University and Virginia Tech, Northern Virginia Community College bridges the gap between academic training and industry practice.
Program Pathway
Complete your associate's degree and transfer credits toward a bachelor's program, or enter the workforce directly with foundational skills.
Degree Programs
Location Advantages
- •Close to Washington DC tech corridor
- •Access to federal contractors and tech companies
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Federal contractors, DC area tech companies
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
Everett Community College
Everett Community College is a public institution known for database management education with strong transfer pathways.
Everett Community College Associate's Database Management Program Overview
Hakia ranks Everett Community College as the #4 associate's in database management degree program.
Everett Community College's associate's Database Management program offers an affordable entry into the field at just $4,046 per year. This two-year program can serve as a stepping stone to a bachelor's degree or direct entry into the workforce. Everett, WA location
Program Pathway
Complete your associate's degree and transfer credits toward a bachelor's program, or enter the workforce directly with foundational skills.
Degree Programs
Location Advantages
- •Everett, WA location
Career Outcomes
Boeing and aerospace suppliers, Healthcare networks, Manufacturing IT departments, Regional tech companies
Admissions
Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale
Keiser is a private university with multiple Florida campuses offering accelerated associate degrees with flexible scheduling options.
Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale Associate's Database Management Program Overview
Hakia ranks Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale as the #5 associate's in database management degree program.
Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale's associate's Database Management program offers an affordable entry into the field at just $22,936 per year. This two-year program can serve as a stepping stone to a bachelor's degree or direct entry into the workforce. South Florida tech hub
Hakia Insight: South Florida tech hub
Program Pathway
Complete your associate's degree and transfer credits toward a bachelor's program, or enter the workforce directly with foundational skills.
Degree Programs
Location Advantages
- •South Florida tech hub
- •Multiple campus locations
Career Outcomes
Florida tech companies
Admissions
MiraCosta College
MiraCosta is located in San Diego County and has produced successful transfer students to UC Berkeley and other top universities.
MiraCosta College Associate's Database Management Program Overview
Hakia ranks MiraCosta College as the #6 associate's in database management degree program.
MiraCosta College's associate's Database Management program offers an affordable entry into the field at just $1,104 per year. This two-year program can serve as a stepping stone to a bachelor's degree or direct entry into the workforce. San Diego County location
Hakia Insight: San Diego County location
Program Pathway
Complete your associate's degree and transfer credits toward a bachelor's program, or enter the workforce directly with foundational skills.
Degree Programs
Location Advantages
- •San Diego County location
- •Access to biotech and defense industries
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
San Diego tech sector, Defense contractors
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
Pierce College District
Pierce College District is a public institution known for database management education with strong transfer pathways.
Pierce College District Associate's Database Management Program Overview
Hakia ranks Pierce College District as the #7 associate's in database management degree program.
Pierce College District's associate's Database Management program offers an affordable entry into the field at just $4,074 per year. This two-year program can serve as a stepping stone to a bachelor's degree or direct entry into the workforce. Lakewood, WA location
Hakia Insight: Lakewood, WA location
Program Pathway
Complete your associate's degree and transfer credits toward a bachelor's program, or enter the workforce directly with foundational skills.
Degree Programs
Location Advantages
- •Lakewood, WA location
Career Outcomes
South King County tech companies, Healthcare systems, Government IT departments, Regional financial services
Admissions
Edmonds College
Edmonds College is a public institution known for database management education with strong transfer pathways.
Edmonds College Associate's Database Management Program Overview
Hakia ranks Edmonds College as the #8 associate's in database management degree program.
Edmonds College's associate's Database Management program offers an affordable entry into the field at just $4,073 per year. This two-year program can serve as a stepping stone to a bachelor's degree or direct entry into the workforce. Lynnwood, WA location
Hakia Insight: Lynnwood, WA location
Program Pathway
Complete your associate's degree and transfer credits toward a bachelor's program, or enter the workforce directly with foundational skills.
Degree Programs
Location Advantages
- •Lynnwood, WA location
Career Outcomes
Seattle-area tech companies, Healthcare networks, Financial services firms, Local government IT departments
Admissions
Antelope Valley Community College District
Antelope Valley Community College District is a public institution known for database management education with strong transfer pathways.
Antelope Valley Community College District Associate's Database Management Program Overview
Hakia ranks Antelope Valley Community College District as the #9 associate's in database management degree program.
Antelope Valley Community College District's associate's Database Management program offers an affordable entry into the field at just $1,104 per year. This two-year program can serve as a stepping stone to a bachelor's degree or direct entry into the workforce. Lancaster, CA location
Hakia Insight: Lancaster, CA location
Program Pathway
Complete your associate's degree and transfer credits toward a bachelor's program, or enter the workforce directly with foundational skills.
Degree Programs
Location Advantages
- •Lancaster, CA location
Career Outcomes
Admissions
Rio Hondo College
Rio Hondo College is a public institution known for database management education with strong transfer pathways.
Rio Hondo College Associate's Database Management Program Overview
Hakia ranks Rio Hondo College as the #10 associate's in database management degree program.
Rio Hondo College's associate's Database Management program offers an affordable entry into the field at just $1,306 per year. This two-year program can serve as a stepping stone to a bachelor's degree or direct entry into the workforce. Whittier, CA location
Hakia Insight: Whittier, CA location
Program Pathway
Complete your associate's degree and transfer credits toward a bachelor's program, or enter the workforce directly with foundational skills.
Degree Programs
Location Advantages
- •Whittier, CA location
Career Outcomes
Los Angeles tech firms, Healthcare systems in L.A. County, Entertainment industry support companies, E-commerce platforms
Admissions
Best Database Management Associate's Programs - Top 10 — Complete Program Data
#1. Skagit Valley College Associate's Database Management Program
Hakia ranks Skagit Valley College as the #1 associate's in database management degree program. Location: Mount Vernon, WA | Type: Public | Tuition: $4,623/year | Graduation Rate: 91% | Score: 100.0
What makes Skagit Valley College stand out: Skagit Valley College is a public institution known for database management education with strong transfer pathways.
Hakia Insight: Mount Vernon, WA location
Program Overview: Skagit Valley College offers an associate degree program in database management designed for students seeking entry into the database management field or transfer to a four-year university. Located in Mount Vernon, WA, the program provides foundational skills in database management with opportunities for hands-on learning and industry connections.
Degree Programs: Associate Degree in Database Management (2 years)
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Local healthcare systems, Regional tech companies, Government agencies in Skagit County | Common Roles: Junior Database Administrator, Database Support Technician, Data Analyst
Admissions:
#2. Spokane Community College Associate's Database Management Program
Hakia ranks Spokane Community College as the #2 associate's in database management degree program. Location: Spokane, WA | Type: Public | Tuition: $3,195/year | Graduation Rate: 92% | Score: 99.8
What makes Spokane Community College stand out: Spokane Community College is a public institution known for database management education with strong transfer pathways.
Program Overview: Spokane Community College offers an associate degree program in database management designed for students seeking entry into the database management field or transfer to a four-year university. Located in Spokane, WA, the program provides foundational skills in database management with opportunities for hands-on learning and industry connections.
Degree Programs: Associate Degree in Database Management (2 years)
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Spokane-area tech companies, Healthcare systems, Government and education IT departments, Regional financial services | Common Roles: Junior Database Administrator, Database Support Technician, IT Support Specialist
Admissions:
#3. Northern Virginia Community College Associate's Database Management Program
Hakia ranks Northern Virginia Community College as the #3 associate's in database management degree program. Location: Annandale, VA | Type: Public | Tuition: $5,550/year | Score: 99.5
What makes Northern Virginia Community College stand out: NOVA is Virginia's largest community college with a direct transfer pathway to George Mason University through the ADVANCE program, which guarantees admission for qualifying students.
Hakia Insight: Through ties with George Mason University and Virginia Tech, Northern Virginia Community College bridges the gap between academic training and industry practice.
Program Overview: Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) offers an Associate of Science in database management designed primarily for students who wish to transfer to a four-year college or university. The program prepares students for success in bachelor's degree programs or entry-level programmer positions. NOVA's ADVANCE transfer partnership with George Mason University provides a guaranteed pathway for Database Management students to complete their bachelor's degree, with students saving money at NOVA before seamlessly transferring to Mason.
Degree Programs: Associate of Science in Database Management (2 years)
Industry Partners: George Mason University, Virginia Tech
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Federal contractors, DC area tech companies
Notable Faculty: Information technology faculty (programming, computer applications and data modeling)
Admissions: GPA: 2.5 minimum for ADVANCE program
Accreditations: SACSCOC
#4. Everett Community College Associate's Database Management Program
Hakia ranks Everett Community College as the #4 associate's in database management degree program. Location: Everett, WA | Type: Public | Tuition: $4,046/year | Graduation Rate: 93% | Score: 99.2
What makes Everett Community College stand out: Everett Community College is a public institution known for database management education with strong transfer pathways.
Program Overview: Everett Community College offers an associate degree program in database management designed for students seeking entry into the database management field or transfer to a four-year university. Located in Everett, WA, the program provides foundational skills in database management with opportunities for hands-on learning and industry connections.
Degree Programs: Associate Degree in Database Management (2 years)
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Boeing and aerospace suppliers, Healthcare networks, Manufacturing IT departments, Regional tech companies | Common Roles: Junior Database Administrator, Database Support Technician, IT Support Specialist
Admissions:
#5. Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale Associate's Database Management Program
Hakia ranks Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale as the #5 associate's in database management degree program. Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL | Type: Private | Tuition: $22,936/year | Graduation Rate: 84% | Score: 98.8
What makes Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale stand out: Keiser is a private university with multiple Florida campuses offering accelerated associate degrees with flexible scheduling options.
Hakia Insight: South Florida tech hub
Program Overview: Keiser University offers an Associate of Science degree in Information Technology and Programming that requires 72 credit hours completed over approximately 24 months. The program develops skills in software, hardware, and system integration while exposing students to essential computer networking and programming concepts. Students learn current networking practices and computer policies critical to real-world applications.
Degree Programs: AS; BS
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Florida tech companies
Admissions:
#6. MiraCosta College Associate's Database Management Program
Hakia ranks MiraCosta College as the #6 associate's in database management degree program. Location: Oceanside, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,104/year | Graduation Rate: 94% | Score: 98.2
What makes MiraCosta College stand out: MiraCosta is located in San Diego County and has produced successful transfer students to UC Berkeley and other top universities.
Hakia Insight: San Diego County location
Program Overview: MiraCosta College in Oceanside, California offers an Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) in database management that prepares students for seamless transfer to California State University campuses. Students learn programming fundamentals, data structures, and computer architecture while completing calculus and discrete mathematics requirements. Graduates are prepared for careers as software engineers, data scientists, and systems analysts.
Degree Programs: Associate in Science - Information Technology; Associate in Science - Systems Administration; Associate in Science - Cybersecurity; Associate in Science - Artificial Intelligence; Associate in Science - Management Information Systems
Industry Partners: San Diego tech companies
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: San Diego tech sector, Defense contractors
Notable Faculty: Steve Isachsen (Computer Studies & Information Technology); Rick White (Computer Studies & Information Technology)
Admissions: GPA: 2.0 minimum
Accreditations: Microsoft Office Specialist, CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, Cyber Security Analyst+, PenTest+, Linux Professional, Red Hat Certified System Administrator
#7. Pierce College District Associate's Database Management Program
Hakia ranks Pierce College District as the #7 associate's in database management degree program. Location: Lakewood, WA | Type: Public | Tuition: $4,074/year | Graduation Rate: 93% | Score: 98.1
What makes Pierce College District stand out: Pierce College District is a public institution known for database management education with strong transfer pathways.
Hakia Insight: Lakewood, WA location
Program Overview: Pierce College District offers an associate degree program in database management designed for students seeking entry into the database management field or transfer to a four-year university. Located in Lakewood, WA, the program provides foundational skills in database management with opportunities for hands-on learning and industry connections.
Degree Programs: Associate Degree in Database Management (2 years)
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: South King County tech companies, Healthcare systems, Government IT departments, Regional financial services | Common Roles: Junior Database Administrator, Database Support Technician, IT Support Specialist
Admissions:
#8. Edmonds College Associate's Database Management Program
Hakia ranks Edmonds College as the #8 associate's in database management degree program. Location: Lynnwood, WA | Type: Public | Tuition: $4,073/year | Graduation Rate: 93% | Score: 97.8
What makes Edmonds College stand out: Edmonds College is a public institution known for database management education with strong transfer pathways.
Hakia Insight: Lynnwood, WA location
Program Overview: Edmonds College offers an associate degree program in database management designed for students seeking entry into the database management field or transfer to a four-year university. Located in Lynnwood, WA, the program provides foundational skills in database management with opportunities for hands-on learning and industry connections.
Degree Programs: Associate Degree in Database Management (2 years)
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Seattle-area tech companies, Healthcare networks, Financial services firms, Local government IT departments | Common Roles: Junior Database Administrator, Database Technician, IT Support Specialist
Admissions:
#9. Antelope Valley Community College District Associate's Database Management Program
Hakia ranks Antelope Valley Community College District as the #9 associate's in database management degree program. Location: Lancaster, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,104/year | Graduation Rate: 82% | Score: 93.7
What makes Antelope Valley Community College District stand out: Antelope Valley Community College District is a public institution known for database management education with strong transfer pathways.
Hakia Insight: Lancaster, CA location
Program Overview: Antelope Valley Community College District offers an associate degree program in database management designed for students seeking entry into the database management field or transfer to a four-year university. Located in Lancaster, CA, the program provides foundational skills in database management with opportunities for hands-on learning and industry connections.
Degree Programs: Associate Degree in Database Management (2 years)
Career Outcomes:
Admissions:
#10. Rio Hondo College Associate's Database Management Program
Hakia ranks Rio Hondo College as the #10 associate's in database management degree program. Location: Whittier, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,306/year | Graduation Rate: 65% | Score: 89.1
What makes Rio Hondo College stand out: Rio Hondo College is a public institution known for database management education with strong transfer pathways.
Hakia Insight: Whittier, CA location
Program Overview: Rio Hondo College offers an associate degree program in database management designed for students seeking entry into the database management field or transfer to a four-year university. Located in Whittier, CA, the program provides foundational skills in database management with opportunities for hands-on learning and industry connections.
Degree Programs: Associate Degree in Database Management (2 years)
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Los Angeles tech firms, Healthcare systems in L.A. County, Entertainment industry support companies, E-commerce platforms | Common Roles: Database Support Technician, Junior DBA, SQL Database Administrator, Data Analyst
Admissions:
Full Database Management Associate's Rankings 2026
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Skagit Valley College | Mount Vernon, WA | Public | $4,623 | 91% | 100 |
| 2 | Spokane Community College | Spokane, WA | Public | $3,195 | 92% | 99.8 |
| 3 | Northern Virginia Community College | Annandale, VA | Public | $5,550 | — | 99.5 |
| 4 | Everett Community College | Everett, WA | Public | $4,046 | 93% | 99.2 |
| 5 | Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale | Fort Lauderdale, FL | Private | $22,936 | 84% | 98.8 |
| 6 | MiraCosta College | Oceanside, CA | Public | $1,104 | 94% | 98.2 |
| 7 | Pierce College District | Lakewood, WA | Public | $4,074 | 93% | 98.1 |
| 8 | Edmonds College | Lynnwood, WA | Public | $4,073 | 93% | 97.8 |
| 9 | Antelope Valley Community College District | Lancaster, CA | Public | $1,104 | 82% | 93.7 |
| 10 | Rio Hondo College | Whittier, CA | Public | $1,306 | 65% | 89.1 |
| 11 | Clover Park Technical College | Lakewood, WA | Public | $5,740 | 62% | 88.6 |
| 12 | Fullerton College | Fullerton, CA | Public | $1,104 | — | 87.5 |
| 13 | Victor Valley College | Victorville, CA | Public | $1,402 | — | 87.3 |
| 14 | San Diego Mesa College | San Diego, CA | Public | $1,104 | — | 87.2 |
| 15 | Mission College | Santa Clara, CA | Public | $1,380 | — | 87.2 |
| 16 | Mt San Jacinto Community College District | San Jacinto, CA | Public | $1,380 | — | 87 |
| 17 | Collin County Community College District | McKinney, TX | Public | $3,450 | 89% | 86.7 |
| 18 | Chaffey College | Rancho Cucamonga, CA | Public | $1,104 | — | 86.6 |
| 19 | Imperial Valley College | Imperial, CA | Public | $1,104 | — | 86.3 |
| 20 | El Camino Community College District | Torrance, CA | Public | $1,104 | — | 86.1 |
| 21 | Cerro Coso Community College | Ridgecrest, CA | Public | $1,380 | — | 86.1 |
| 22 | Mt San Antonio College | Walnut, CA | Public | $1,288 | — | 86 |
| 23 | Fresno City College | Fresno, CA | Public | $1,288 | — | 86 |
| 24 | Chabot College | Hayward, CA | Public | $1,104 | — | 86 |
| 25 | San Joaquin Delta College | Stockton, CA | Public | $1,288 | — | 85.8 |
Showing 1–25 of 50
Transfer Pathways to Bachelor's Programs
Transfer pathways are critical for associate's degree students. According to NCES, about 34% of first-time community college students transfer to another institution within 150% of normal completion time.
Preparation is Key: Success in transfer requires strong foundations and careful planning. Students should complete prerequisite courses at their community college and verify course equivalencies through official articulation agreements before transferring.
State Transfer Systems
- California: The Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) guarantees CSU admission. Use ASSIST.org to verify course-by-course transfer equivalencies.
- Washington: Direct Transfer Agreement (DTA) programs provide guaranteed pathways to state universities.
- North Carolina: The Comprehensive Articulation Agreement ensures seamless credit transfer to UNC System schools.
- Texas: The Texas Common Course Numbering System facilitates transfer between community colleges and state universities.
Key to Success: Research from PPIC shows successful transfer students share common traits: they start planning early, attend colleges with strong transfer partnerships, and choose universities with robust support services for transfer students.
Community College Advantages
Community colleges are experiencing a significant resurgence. According to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, community college enrollment increased 5.4% between Fall 2023 and Fall 2024 (+288,000 students)—the largest growth among all institutional sectors.
As Dr. Walter Bumphus, president of the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), noted: "Community colleges have always been gateways to opportunity, but in 2025, they are increasingly engines of innovation in workforce development."
Why Community Colleges Excel for Technology Programs
- Smaller class sizes: Community college classes average 25-35 students, compared to 100+ in university introductory courses (Community College Review)
- Industry-connected instructors: Many instructors work in tech and teach part-time, bringing current industry practices to the classroom
- Lower cost: Average public community college tuition is $3,990/year vs $11,260 at public 4-year schools (AACC Fast Facts 2024)
- Open access: No SAT/ACT requirements—community colleges serve all students regardless of prior academic performance
- Flexible scheduling: Evening, weekend, and hybrid options designed for working adults
- Transfer pathways: State articulation agreements provide guaranteed transfer to 4-year universities
2-Year Curriculum Overview
Database Management associate's programs typically require 60-65 credit hours completed over 2 years full-time. The curriculum balances technical skills with general education requirements, preparing students for both employment and transfer to bachelor's programs.
Core Database Management Courses
- Database Design
- SQL Programming
- Data Warehousing
- ETL Processes
- NoSQL Databases
- Data Governance
Typical Course Sequence
- Year 1: Programming fundamentals, math requirements (algebra/statistics), English composition, introductory technical courses
- Year 2: Advanced technical courses, electives in specialization area, capstone project or internship
Transfer Requirements: Most courses will transfer to 4-year universities through articulation agreements. A grade of C or better is typically required for technical courses. Check your state's transfer agreements (e.g., ASSIST.org for California, Direct Transfer Agreement for Washington).
Accelerated & Online Options
Online learning has become mainstream in higher education. According to NCES, 53% of U.S. students were enrolled in at least one online course in 2022-23. BestColleges research found that 60% of institutions reported online classes filling first in 2024—indicating strong student preference for flexible formats.
Enrollment Trends: The National Student Clearinghouse reports associate degree enrollment grew 6.3% in Spring 2025. Notably, older first-year students are driving growth—enrollment among those aged 25+ increased 19.7% compared to the prior year.
Flexible Format Options
- Fully online: Complete your degree from anywhere with asynchronous courses—many community colleges now offer 100% online associate's degrees
- Hybrid programs: Mix of online coursework and in-person labs—ideal for hands-on technical practice
- Accelerated tracks: Complete in 18 months with year-round enrollment at schools offering quarterly or trimester calendars
- Evening/weekend programs: Designed for working adults; many community colleges offer courses starting at 6pm or on Saturdays
Tip: Look for programs with asynchronous course delivery if your work schedule is unpredictable. Synchronous (live) classes require logging in at specific times.
Associate's vs Bootcamp vs Certificate
Choosing between an associate's degree, bootcamp, or certificate depends on your career goals, timeline, and budget. Each path has trade-offs.
Coding Bootcamp Outcomes: According to the Council on Integrity in Results Reporting (CIRR), 71% of coding bootcamp graduates find a job within 6 months of completion. Course Report's 2025 survey found 79% of alumni land programming jobs within six months, with a 51% average salary increase over pre-bootcamp income.
Comparison
- Associate's degree (2 years, $7-15K total): Regionally accredited credential, transfers to bachelor's programs, qualifies for federal financial aid, recognized by employers across industries
- Coding bootcamp (3-6 months, $10-20K): 71% job placement within 6 months (CIRR), fastest path to specific dev roles, but limited to certain job titles and employers
- Industry certificate (6-12 months, $2-5K): CompTIA, AWS, or vendor-specific certifications focus on specific skills; best for career changers with some tech background
Key difference: Only associate's degrees are regionally accredited and qualify for federal student aid. Bootcamps typically require full upfront payment or income share agreements. As The Century Foundation notes, always read the fine print on any education program's outcomes claims.
Our recommendation: Choose an associate's degree if you want maximum flexibility—transfer options, employer recognition, and financial aid eligibility. Choose a bootcamp if you're confident about a specific developer role and can afford the upfront cost.
Financial Aid & Employer Tuition Assistance
Community college programs qualify for federal financial aid, state grants, and employer tuition assistance. With average tuition under $4,000/year, many students graduate debt-free.
Federal Pell Grants: The maximum Federal Pell Grant for 2024-25 is $7,395 (minimum $740). Since this exceeds typical community college tuition, eligible students may have funds left for books and fees. Lifetime eligibility is limited to 12 semesters.
Free Community College Programs: Over 300 promise programs now operate at state and local levels, including:
- California: California College Promise provides free tuition for first-time students at participating community colleges
- Maryland: Community College Promise Scholarship covers up to $5,000/year in tuition
- Oregon: Oregon Promise Grant covers tuition for recent high school graduates
- Maine: Free College Scholarship covers tuition at all 7 Maine community colleges for classes 2020-2025
Employer Tuition Assistance: In 2023, 80% of large U.S. employers offered tuition reimbursement, spending $28 billion annually (Learn & Work Ecosystem Library). Key programs:
- Amazon Career Choice: Pre-pays 100% of tuition, books, and fees for associates and bachelor's degrees at participating schools. Available to hourly employees after 90 days.
- Target Dream to Be: 100% tuition coverage for 250+ programs at 40 partner schools, or up to $5,250/year for other programs
- Starbucks College Achievement Plan: 100% tuition coverage for Arizona State University online bachelor's programs after 3 months of 20+ hours/week
Tax benefits: The American Opportunity Tax Credit provides up to $2,500/year in tax credits for the first four years of higher education.
Top States for Database Management Associate's Programs
| State | Total Programs | Median Tuition | Top Program |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Database Management Associate's Programs in California | 1 | $57,700 | University of San Francisco |
| Best Database Management Associate's Programs in Pennsylvania | 1 | $19,700 | Pennsylvania State University |
| Best Database Management Associate's Programs in Illinois | 3 | $37,600 | DePaul University |
| Best Database Management Associate's Programs in Massachusetts | 2 | $62,000 | Northeastern University |
| Best Database Management Associate's Programs in Washington | 1 | $4,100 | Bellevue College |
Data Analytics Career Track
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Frequently Asked Questions
Data Sources
Federal database of U.S. postsecondary institutions
May 2024 salary data by occupation and location
Department of Education outcomes data
Related Database Management Resources
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.