- 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 University of Southern California, George Mason University, Northeastern University based on graduation rates, program strength, and career outcomes
- 3.Best value: George Mason University offers database management education at $10,095/year with 80% graduation rate
- 4.47 accredited Database Management programs analyzed using IPEDS 2023 completion data
Best Database Management Programs - Top 10 Online
University of Southern California
USC's approach uniquely integrates database management within a comprehensive data science framework, allowing students to 'live in the data' through hands-on experiences while leveraging USC's position in Los Angeles for access to entertainment, tech, and aerospace industries.
Program Overview
USC's database management education is primarily delivered through the Master of Science in Applied Data Science program at the Viterbi School of Engineering, a comprehensive 32-unit program designed to train students with diverse backgrounds to become skilled data scientists. The program features core coursework in DSCI 551 (Foundations of Data Management), alongside machine learning and data mining foundations, providing students with essential database skills integrated within a broader data science curriculum. Students gain hands-on experience with both traditional databases and big data infrastructure, learning to write data science programs in Python while applying these skills to real-world challenges through an extensive elective track and unique professional practicum. The program is available both on-campus and through USC's DEN@Viterbi online platform, offering the same rigorous academic experience with flexible delivery options for working professionals.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Data management, information systems, and database technologies
Applied data science techniques and big data infrastructure
Knowledge extraction and data mining from large databases
Industry Partners
Admissions
George Mason University
Mason's approach uniquely integrates database management with scientific modeling and simulation, preparing graduates specifically for the federal sector and high-tech firms that require both database expertise and scientific computing skills.
Program Overview
George Mason University does not offer a standalone Database Management program, but instead integrates database technologies through its comprehensive Computational and Data Sciences offerings. The crown jewel is the BS in Computational and Data Sciences, housed in the College of Science, which provides rigorous training in scientific data management, database systems, and data mining. This STEM-designated interdisciplinary program uniquely combines real-world computer science skills with data acquisition, analysis, and scientific modeling.
The program stands out with its transformative approach that addresses the central role of computation in 'big data,' modeling, and simulation. Students master core technologies through courses like CDS 302 Scientific Data and Databases and CDS 303 Scientific Data Mining, while gaining hands-on experience with scientific information visualization and high-performance computing. The curriculum is designed to prepare graduates for the increasingly important scientific simulation and data analysis groups in federal agencies, public sector organizations, and high-technology firms.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Computational analysis of large biological datasets
Database management for microbiome research
Industry Partners
Admissions
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 Pennsylvania
Penn Engineering's data programs benefit from the university's interdisciplinary approach, allowing students to take graduate courses across all Penn schools, and leverage research centers like the Warren Center for Network and Data Science and the Computational Social Science Lab.
Western Governors University
200 database management graduates annually
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.
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.
Boston University
Boston University's Database Management program has been consistently ranked Top 10 nationally since 2014 and is housed within the longest-running computer science department at BU, established in 1979, giving students access to over four decades of institutional expertise in data systems evolution.
North Carolina State University at Raleigh
NC State's approach uniquely emphasizes business-oriented database management rather than computer science programming, creating graduates who understand how to apply database technology to support business decision-making and organizational strategy.
Brandeis University
Brandeis integrates data science education across multiple disciplines through its comprehensive Data Science Initiative, combining liberal arts rigor with technical training in a medium-sized research university setting just outside Boston's innovation hub.
Best Database Management Programs - Compare Top 5 Online
| School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 University of Southern California | Los Angeles, CA | Private | $66,640 | 92% | 77.1/100 |
| #2 George Mason University | Fairfax, VA | Public | $10,095 | 80% | 75.1/100 |
| #3 Northeastern University | Boston, MA | Private | $62,000 | N/A | 69.7/100 |
| #4 University of Pennsylvania | Philadelphia, PA | Private | $58,620 | 1% | 69.5/100 |
| #5 Western Governors University | Salt Lake City, UT | Private | $7,710 | N/A | 67.8/100 |
Top 50 Online Database Management Degree Programs
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Southern California | Los Angeles, CA | Private | $66,640 | 92% | — | 77.1 |
| 2 | George Mason University | Fairfax, VA | Public | $10,095 | 80% | — | 75.1 |
| 3 | Northeastern University | Boston, MA | Private | $62,000 | — | — | 69.7 |
| 4 | University of Pennsylvania | Philadelphia, PA | Private | $58,620 | 100% | — | 69.5 |
| 5 | Western Governors University | Salt Lake City, UT | Private | $7,710 | — | — | 67.8 |
| 6 | University of Nevada-Las Vegas | Las Vegas, NV | Public | $8,354 | 90% | — | 66.6 |
| 7 | Bellevue College | Bellevue, WA | Public | $4,074 | 96% | — | 65.4 |
| 8 | Boston University | Boston, MA | Private | $63,798 | — | — | 65 |
| 9 | North Carolina State University at Raleigh | Raleigh, NC | Public | $6,535 | 85% | — | 64.6 |
| 10 | Brandeis University | Waltham, MA | Private | $64,348 | 99% | — | 63.3 |
| 11 | Auburn University | Auburn, AL | Public | $10,704 | 81% | — | 60.2 |
| 12 | Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus | University Park, PA | Public | $19,672 | 87% | — | 60 |
| 13 | Utah State University | Logan, UT | Public | $7,387 | 100% | — | 59.1 |
| 14 | Rowan University | Glassboro, NJ | Public | $11,250 | 97% | — | 58.4 |
| 15 | DePaul University | Chicago, IL | Private | $43,379 | 86% | — | 54.7 |
| 16 | University of St Thomas | Saint Paul, MN | Private | $50,788 | 89% | — | 54.4 |
| 17 | University of West Florida | Pensacola, FL | Public | $3,735 | 84% | — | 54.3 |
| 18 | University of North Carolina Wilmington | Wilmington, NC | Public | $4,443 | 79% | — | 51.9 |
| 19 | Lewis University | Romeoville, IL | Private | $37,592 | 99% | — | 51.1 |
| 20 | University of San Francisco | San Francisco, CA | Private | $57,670 | — | — | 50.7 |
| 21 | George Washington University | Washington, DC | Private | $64,508 | — | — | 50 |
| 22 | Northcentral University | San Diego, CA | Private | $11,064 | — | — | 47.1 |
| 23 | New England College | Henniker, NH | Private | $25,714 | — | — | 46.5 |
| 24 | Appalachian State University | Boone, NC | Public | $4,242 | 78% | — | 46.4 |
| 25 | University of Southern Mississippi | Hattiesburg, MS | Public | $9,508 | — | — | 45.9 |
Showing 1–25 of 47
Online Database Management Degree Overview
Online database management degree programs prepare students for high-demand careers in data administration, database architecture, and information systems management. With businesses increasingly relying on data-driven decisions, professionals skilled in database management are essential across industries. Our analysis of 127 accredited online programs reveals significant variations in quality, cost, and career outcomes.
The median tuition for online database management programs is $18,450 annually, compared to $12,500 for in-state on-campus programs. However, online programs offer unmatched flexibility for working professionals seeking to advance their careers. Top programs like Arizona State University and Penn State World Campus provide the same curriculum quality as their on-campus counterparts, with additional support services tailored for remote learners.
Career prospects are excellent for database management graduates. According to BLS data, database administrators earn a median salary of $101,510, with job growth of 8% projected through 2032. Related careers include data scientists (median $126,830) and software engineers specializing in database systems.
Career Paths
Database Administrator
SOC 15-1241Design, implement, and maintain database systems for organizations. Ensure data security, backup procedures, and optimal performance.
Data Analyst
SOC 15-2051Extract insights from databases using SQL queries and statistical analysis. Create reports and visualizations for business decision-making.
Database Developer
SOC 15-1252Design and code database applications and stored procedures. Work with development teams to optimize database performance and functionality.
Data Engineer
SOC 15-1299Build and maintain data pipeline infrastructure. Design systems for data collection, storage, and processing at scale.
Business Intelligence Analyst
SOC 15-1211Transform raw data into actionable business insights. Design dashboards and reporting systems using database technologies.
Systems Analyst
SOC 15-1211Analyze business requirements and design database solutions. Bridge the gap between technical capabilities and business needs.
Online Database Programs by State
Arizona
California
Colorado
Florida
Georgia
Illinois
Maryland
New Hampshire
Pennsylvania
Texas
Financial Aid for Online Database Programs
Online database management students have access to the same federal financial aid options as on-campus students, including Pell Grants, federal loans, and work-study programs. Many schools offer additional scholarships specifically for online learners or working professionals. Understanding aid options is crucial for managing educational costs effectively.
- Federal Pell Grants up to $7,395 annually for eligible students (no repayment required)
- Federal Direct Loans up to $12,500 annually for undergraduates
- Employer tuition reimbursement programs averaging $3,500-$5,250 annually
- Military benefits including GI Bill and Military Tuition Assistance
- State grants available for residents attending in-state online programs
- Merit-based scholarships from institutions averaging $1,500-$4,000
For comprehensive information about financial aid for STEM programs, including database management degrees, visit our FAFSA & Grants for STEM Majors guide. Additionally, explore employer tuition reimbursement opportunities, as many IT employers offer education benefits for database-related skills development.
Program Selection Framework
- You want maximum flexibility with 6 start dates per year
- 24/7 support is important for your schedule
- You prefer accelerated 8-week courses
- Strong industry partnerships appeal to you
- You can afford $15,256 annual tuition
- Budget is your primary concern ($9,600/year)
- You have prior IT experience for competency-based learning
- You want to accelerate through familiar material
- No GPA requirement is beneficial
- You prefer a supportive, student-centered environment
- Brand recognition and prestige matter for your career
- You want access to a large alumni network
- Research opportunities interest you
- You can handle a more rigorous academic environment
- You're willing to pay premium tuition for quality
- You're military or a veteran seeking support
- Database security integration appeals to you
- You want exposure to government contracting
- University of Maryland credibility is valuable
- You need moderate tuition costs
Frequently Asked Questions
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
Institutional characteristics, graduation rates, and enrollment data for 2023
Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) May 2024
Student outcomes and institutional performance data
Direct communication with program administrators, October-November 2025
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.