- 1.Database Managers earn a median salary of $101,000 with 8% projected job growth through 2032 (BLS OES 2024)
- 2.Top-ranked Database Management programs include Northeastern University, University of Nevada-Las Vegas, Bellevue College based on graduation rates, program strength, and career outcomes
- 3.Best value: University of Nevada-Las Vegas offers database management education at $8,354/year with 90% graduation rate
- 4.24 accredited Database Management programs analyzed using IPEDS 2023 completion data
Best Database Management Programs - Top 10 Bachelor's
Northeastern University
Northeastern's database management education is uniquely integrated across multiple colleges through interdisciplinary programs, combining 115 years of cooperative education experience with hands-on database work at companies like Google, Amazon, and major financial institutions through the renowned co-op program.
Program Overview
Northeastern University doesn't offer a standalone Database Management program, but instead integrates database technologies into several interdisciplinary data-focused programs. The flagship Master of Science in Data Science, offered jointly by the Khoury College of Computer Sciences and College of Engineering, provides comprehensive database management training within a broader data science curriculum. Students master integrated databases for managing large-scale datasets while developing expertise in data management, processing, analysis, and visualization at scale. The program offers concentrations in Computer Science (focusing on building data infrastructure and scalable platforms) or Engineering Theory and Modeling (applying data techniques to tangible challenges in manufacturing, smart cities, and environmental systems). At the Seattle campus, students can pursue the MS in Data Architecture and Management, specifically designed for the evolving field of data engineering, where they gain holistic knowledge to engineer big data systems, curate data, and integrate complex datasets for business analysts and data scientists.
Degree Programs
Industry Partners
Admissions
University of Nevada-Las Vegas
UNLV's cybersecurity programs are uniquely interdisciplinary, combining computer science and management information systems to produce graduates who understand both the technical and business sides of cybersecurity. The programs directly serve Nevada's booming cybersecurity market, where job opportunities increased 89% in just four years.
Program Overview
The University of Nevada, Las Vegas offers cybersecurity education through an interdisciplinary approach that spans computer science and management information systems. The flagship Master of Science in Cybersecurity is available both on-campus and fully online, providing flexibility for working professionals in Nevada's rapidly growing tech sector. UNLV also offers a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity and a Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity, all designed as interdisciplinary programs that bridge technical skills with business acumen. The programs are strategically positioned to serve Nevada's cybersecurity workforce needs, particularly given that the state's cybersecurity job market increased by 89% from 2010 to 2014. Students can pursue dual-degree options, including an MS in Cybersecurity combined with an MS in Management Information Systems, reflecting the university's recognition that modern cybersecurity requires both technical depth and business understanding.
Degree Programs
Industry Partners
Bellevue College
Based on the available sources, specific details about Bellevue College's Database Management program could not be verified, though the college offers database-related coursework within broader technology programs.
Program Overview
The sources provided do not contain information about a Database Management program at Bellevue College. The content primarily covers Bellevue University (a different institution in Nebraska) and various programs at Bellevue College in Washington including Computer Science BS, Data Analytics, and Database Administration courses, but no comprehensive Database Management degree program is described. Bellevue College does offer database-related coursework through its Data Analytics program and individual Database Administration (DBA) courses like DBA 232 - Database Administration, DBA 294 - Special Topics in Database Administration, and DBA 299 - Individual Studies in Database Administration.
The college, located in Bellevue, Washington, serves over 54% students of color and more than 1,300 international students. While the institution offers robust technology programs including a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Data Analytics pathways, the specific Database Management program details are not available in the provided sources.
Western Governors University
200 database management graduates annually
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
15 database management graduates annually
Utah State University
31 database management graduates annually
DePaul University
10 database management graduates annually
University of St Thomas
21 database management graduates annually
Lewis University
2 database management graduates annually
University of San Francisco
15 database management graduates annually
Best Database Management Programs - Compare Top 5 Bachelor's
| School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Northeastern University | Boston, MA | Private | $62,000 | N/A | 69.7/100 |
| #2 University of Nevada-Las Vegas | Las Vegas, NV | Public | $8,354 | 90% | 66.6/100 |
| #3 Bellevue College | Bellevue, WA | Public | $4,074 | 96% | 65.4/100 |
| #4 Western Governors University | Salt Lake City, UT | Private | $7,710 | N/A | 62.8/100 |
| #5 Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus | University Park, PA | Public | $19,672 | 87% | 60/100 |
Complete Database Management Bachelor's Programs Rankings 2026
| 1 | Northeastern University | Boston, MA | Private | $62,000 | — | 69.7 |
| 2 | University of Nevada-Las Vegas | Las Vegas, NV | Public | $8,354 | 90% | 66.6 |
| 3 | Bellevue College | Bellevue, WA | Public | $4,074 | 96% | 65.4 |
| 4 | Western Governors University | Salt Lake City, UT | Private | $7,710 | — | 62.8 |
| 5 | Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus | University Park, PA | Public | $19,672 | 87% | 60 |
| 6 | Utah State University | Logan, UT | Public | $7,387 | 100% | 59.1 |
| 7 | DePaul University | Chicago, IL | Private | $43,379 | 86% | 54.7 |
| 8 | University of St Thomas | Saint Paul, MN | Private | $50,788 | 89% | 54.4 |
| 9 | Lewis University | Romeoville, IL | Private | $37,592 | 99% | 51.1 |
| 10 | University of San Francisco | San Francisco, CA | Private | $57,670 | — | 50.7 |
| 11 | George Washington University | Washington, DC | Private | $64,508 | — | 50 |
| 12 | University of Southern Mississippi | Hattiesburg, MS | Public | $9,508 | — | 45.9 |
| 13 | Northeastern University Professional Programs | Boston, MA | Private | $48,464 | — | 45 |
| 14 | Dickinson State University | Dickinson, ND | Public | $7,470 | 88% | 44.5 |
| 15 | University of Minnesota-Duluth | Duluth, MN | Public | $12,766 | — | 42.8 |
| 16 | University of North Dakota | Grand Forks, ND | Public | $9,237 | — | 40.1 |
| 17 | Roosevelt University | Chicago, IL | Private | $20,000 | — | 38 |
| 18 | University of Northwestern-St Paul | Saint Paul, MN | Private | $35,970 | — | 37.9 |
| 19 | Aquinas College | Grand Rapids, MI | Private | $37,720 | — | 37.8 |
| 20 | Northwest Missouri State University | Maryville, MO | Public | $6,442 | — | 36.3 |
| 21 | University of Dubuque | Dubuque, IA | Private | $38,260 | — | 35 |
| 22 | Vermont State University | Randolph, VT | Public | $9,984 | — | 31.6 |
| 23 | University of Phoenix-Arizona | Phoenix, AZ | For-Profit | $9,552 | — | 28.6 |
| 24 | Capella University | Minneapolis, MN | For-Profit | $14,436 | 13% | 27.7 |
Career Paths
Database Administrator
SOC 15-1141Manage and maintain database systems, ensure data security, and optimize performance for enterprise applications.
Data Analyst
SOC 15-2051Extract insights from databases, create reports, and support business decision-making through data analysis.
Database Developer
SOC 15-1252Design and implement database applications, write stored procedures, and optimize database performance.
Data Engineer
SOC 15-1299Build and maintain data pipelines, ETL processes, and data warehouses for large-scale analytics platforms.
Systems Administrator
SOC 15-1244Maintain database servers, implement security protocols, and ensure high availability of database systems.
Database Management Programs by State
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Illinois
Pennsylvania
Ohio
Michigan
What to Look for in Database Management Bachelor's Programs
The best database management bachelor's programs combine foundational computer science principles with specialized database technologies. Look for programs that offer hands-on experience with both traditional relational database management systems (RDBMS) like MySQL, PostgreSQL, and Oracle, as well as modern NoSQL solutions including MongoDB, Cassandra, and Redis.
Industry partnerships are crucial for database management programs. Schools like the University of Washington leverage relationships with Amazon Web Services, Microsoft, and Oracle to provide students with access to enterprise-grade database systems and cloud platforms. These connections often translate into internship opportunities and direct hiring pipelines.
Faculty expertise in database research and industry experience significantly impacts program quality. Top programs feature professors who have contributed to database system development, published in premier conferences like SIGMOD and VLDB, or worked at major technology companies. This expertise ensures curricula stay current with rapidly evolving database technologies and industry practices.
- Comprehensive coverage of SQL and NoSQL database systems
- Hands-on labs with real enterprise database environments
- Cloud database platforms (AWS RDS, Azure SQL, Google Cloud SQL)
- Data modeling, normalization, and database design principles
- Performance optimization and query tuning techniques
- Database security, backup, and disaster recovery procedures
- Integration with modern development frameworks and APIs
Choose a Database Management Bachelor's Program If You
- Enjoy working with complex data structures and relationships
- Have strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills
- Are interested in optimizing system performance and efficiency
- Prefer focusing on database technologies rather than general programming
- Are interested in data architecture and enterprise systems
- Want to work with mission-critical business data and systems
- Appreciate that database skills remain consistently in demand
- Want to work in industries where data management is crucial
- Are interested in both technical and analytical career progression
Database Management Bachelor's Program FAQ
Based on 127 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Degree completions (sqrt normalized, capped at 500)
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023
State-specific salary data from BLS OES 2024
Admission rate (lower = more selective)
Institution type (R1/R2 research bonus)
CAE-CD designation, curator bonuses
Data completeness proxy
Reporting completeness
Data Sources and Methodology
Employment projections and salary data for database professionals
Federal data on college costs, graduation rates, and post-graduation earnings
Institutional characteristics and enrollment data for accredited programs
Analysis of curriculum, faculty credentials, and industry partnerships
Post-graduation employment and salary data from program graduates
Taylor Rupe
Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)
Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.