Best Value Database Management Degree Programs 2026

Best Database Management Programs - Top 10 Best Value — Complete Program Data

1. #1. Western Governors University Database Management Program

   Hakia ranks Western Governors University as the #1 in database management degree program. Location: Salt Lake City, UT | Type: Private | Tuition: $7,710/year | Score: 77.0

   What makes Western Governors University stand out: WGU's competency-based, asynchronous model enables working professionals to earn a database management degree with embedded industry certifications at a flat rate, uniquely serving non-traditional learners.

   Hakia Insight: Through ties with CompTIA and Microsoft, Western Governors University bridges the gap between academic training and industry practice.

   Program Overview: Western Governors University's database management degree pathway is designed entirely around asynchronous, competency-based learning—meaning students progress by demonstrating mastery rather than seat time, and can accelerate or take additional time based on their pace. The program covers relational database design, SQL, data warehousing, and administration through a series of hands-on labs and assessments that students can access 24/7. What makes this particularly valuable for working professionals is the ability to learn while maintaining full-time employment; many students complete the degree in 12-18 months by dedicating specific hours each week. The curriculum includes industry certifications (CompTIA, Microsoft, Oracle) embedded within degree requirements, so graduates earn credentials alongside the degree. WGU's subscription model means flat-rate tuition per 6-month term regardless of course load, making it cost-effective for disciplined learners. While lacking the research environment of traditional universities, WGU excels at delivering job-ready database skills to career-changers and professionals seeking upskilling.

   Degree Programs: Bachelors in Database Management

   Industry Partners: CompTIA, Microsoft, Oracle

   Career Outcomes:

   Admissions:

   Accreditations: CompTIA Security+, Microsoft SQL Server certifications, Oracle Database certifications

2. #2. Bellevue College Database Management Program

   Hakia ranks Bellevue College as the #2 in database management degree program. Location: Bellevue, WA | Type: Public | Tuition: $4,074/year | Graduation Rate: 96% | Score: 74.5

   What makes Bellevue College stand out: 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.

   Hakia Insight: Bellevue tech corridor

   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.

   Degree Programs: Bachelors in Database Management

   Career Outcomes:

   Admissions:

3. #3. Northeastern University Database Management Program

   Hakia ranks Northeastern University as the #3 in database management degree program. Location: Boston, MA | Type: Private | Tuition: $62,000/year | Score: 68.6

   What makes Northeastern University stand out: 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.

   Hakia Insight: Northeastern University's industry network — including Google and Amazon — provides students with internship and hiring pathways.

   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: MS in Data Science with Database Focus (2-2.5 years); MS in Data Architecture and Management (2 years)

   Research Labs: Database and Information Systems Lab - Database systems, data management, query optimization

   Industry Partners: Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Financial Services Companies

   Career Outcomes:

   Admissions: GPA: Competitive GPA expected

   Accreditations: ABET accredited (Computer Science)

4. #4. University of Nevada-Las Vegas Database Management Program

   Hakia ranks University of Nevada-Las Vegas as the #4 in database management degree program. Location: Las Vegas, NV | Type: Public | Tuition: $8,354/year | Graduation Rate: 90% | Score: 57.6

   What makes University of Nevada-Las Vegas stand out: 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.

   Hakia Insight: University of Nevada-Las Vegas's direct partnerships with Bently Nevada Cyber Security Services and Vere Software give students a competitive edge through industry-embedded projects and recruiting pipelines.

   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: Master of Science in Cybersecurity; Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity; Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity; MS Cybersecurity & MS Management Information Systems (Dual Degree)

   Industry Partners: Bently Nevada Cyber Security Services, Vere Software, Ghost Systems

   Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment, Wells Fargo, Bank of America | Common Roles: Database Administrator, Data Engineer, Database Developer, Business Intelligence Analyst

   Admissions:

5. #5. Utah State University Database Management Program

   Hakia ranks Utah State University as the #5 in database management degree program. Location: Logan, UT | Type: Public | Tuition: $7,387/year | Graduation Rate: 100% | Score: 55.7

   What makes Utah State University stand out: Utah State uniquely applies database management expertise to agriculture, environmental science, and civil engineering domains, creating differentiated career pathways in government and domain-specific tech sectors.

   Hakia Insight: Utah State University's industry network — including USDA and Trimble — provides students with internship and hiring pathways.

   Program Overview: Utah State University's Computer Science program incorporates database management as both a core competency and a specialization track, with particular emphasis on data-intensive applications in agriculture, engineering, and environmental science. The program leverages Utah State's research strengths in these domains, giving students real-world database design challenges that go beyond generic e-commerce examples. Students work on projects involving sensor networks, geospatial databases, and large-scale agricultural data management—contexts where database design decisions have tangible impact. The curriculum covers relational and NoSQL approaches, data warehousing, and increasingly, real-time streaming data architectures. Faculty research in computational agriculture and civil infrastructure creates unique opportunities for graduate students to apply database expertise to research problems. The Logan location and the university's land-grant mission create pathways into government agencies (USDA, EPA) and environmental/agricultural tech companies that mainstream programs might not emphasize.

   Degree Programs: BS in Computer Science with Database specialization (4 years); MS in Computer Science with data/database focus (2 years)

   Research Labs: Artificial Intelligence Laboratory - AI and data systems applications

   Industry Partners: USDA, Trimble

   Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Amazon, Conservice, Malouf, Northrop Grumman, R.R. Donnelley & Sons, Rent Dynamics, USU Space Dynamics Laboratory

   Admissions:

   Accreditations: AACSB

6. #6. Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus Database Management Program

   Hakia ranks Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus as the #6 in database management degree program. Location: University Park, PA | Type: Public | Tuition: $19,672/year | Graduation Rate: 87% | Score: 55.5

   Admissions:

7. #7. University of San Francisco Database Management Program

   Hakia ranks University of San Francisco as the #7 in database management degree program. Location: San Francisco, CA | Type: Private | Tuition: $57,670/year | Score: 51.9

   What makes University of San Francisco stand out: USF's MS-DSAI program uniquely guarantees all students a nine-month practicum placement with leading tech companies and research institutions, providing real-world experience alongside rigorous academic training in a compressed 12-month format.

   Hakia Insight: University of San Francisco graduates earn $147,500, driven by the program's industry connections and hands-on database management curriculum.

   Program Overview: The University of San Francisco's Master of Science in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (MS-DSAI) is a rigorous 12-month, 35-unit program that integrates cutting-edge curriculum in analytics, machine learning, deep learning, cloud computing, large language models, and data engineering. Located at USF's downtown San Francisco campus, the program uniquely combines theoretical foundations with nine months of hands-on practical application through guaranteed practicum experiences with industry partners including Meta, Reddit, Atlassian, Block Inc., PG&E, UCSF, Stanford Medical, Upwork, BlackRock, and AWS. Students work 16 hours per week on real-world data science and AI challenges while completing coursework in Python, SQL, NoSQL database management, Spark, AWS, Natural Language Processing, and Generative AI. The program offers an optional Data Engineering concentration and has been continuously updated since 2012 to align with the latest industry trends.

   Degree Programs: Master of Science in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (MS-DSAI) (12 months); MS-DSAI with Data Engineering Concentration (12 months)

   Research Labs: Geospatial Analysis Lab (GsAL) - Geographic Information Science technologies, ArcGIS PRO, Google Earth Engine, LiDAR technologies, web mapping applications, remote sensing

   Industry Partners: Meta, Reddit, Atlassian, Block Inc., PG&E, UCSF, Stanford Medical, Upwork, BlackRock, Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud Platform, Databricks, MongoDB

   Career Outcomes: Placement Rate: 96% | Common Roles: data scientists, machine learning engineers, data engineers, AI engineers

   Admissions: | Acceptance Rate: not specified

   Accreditations: Geospatial Information Science Certificate

8. #8. University of St Thomas Database Management Program

   Hakia ranks University of St Thomas as the #8 in database management degree program. Location: Saint Paul, MN | Type: Private | Tuition: $50,788/year | Graduation Rate: 89% | Score: 51.3

9. #9. DePaul University Database Management Program

   Hakia ranks DePaul University as the #9 in database management degree program. Location: Chicago, IL | Type: Private | Tuition: $43,379/year | Graduation Rate: 86% | Score: 50.1

   What makes DePaul University stand out: DePaul's database programs uniquely combine technical depth with business applications, offering hands-on experience with Fortune 500 SAP ERP systems and real-world industry projects through prominent Chicago companies.

   Hakia Insight: Through ties with Allstate and Morningstar, DePaul University bridges the gap between academic training and industry practice.

   Program Overview: DePaul University's Database Management program is offered through multiple degree pathways within the Jarvis College of Computing and Digital Media. The MS in Computer Science features a comprehensive database focus with required courses in Principles of Database Management Systems (CSC 453) and advanced electives including Database System Implementation (CSC 549), Distributed Database Systems (CSC 551), and Advanced Database Concepts (CSC 553). The MS in Information Systems emphasizes the intersection of business and IT with a dedicated Data Management domain covering database management, data warehousing, and business intelligence systems. Students gain hands-on experience with SAP ERP systems used by Fortune 500 companies and can participate in real-world projects with industry partners. Both programs are STEM-designated, allowing international students to extend their post-graduation stay in the United States. The curriculum bridges theoretical foundations with practical applications, preparing students for careers as database managers, BI directors, and data architects.

   Degree Programs: MS in Computer Science (not specified); MS in Information Systems (not specified)

   Research Labs: Laboratory for Interactive Human-Computer Analytics - Human-in-the-Loop analytics and Interactive Machine Learning

   Industry Partners: Allstate, Morningstar, DigitalMint, SAP

   Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Amazon, Facebook, Google, Groupon, CVS, Deloitte | Common Roles: Database Manager, BI Director, IT Project Manager, Business Intelligence Architect, Analytics Solution Specialist, Data Scientist, Data Engineer

   Notable Faculty: John McDonald (Data Science); Raffaella Settimi-Woods (Information Systems); Eli Brown (Data Science and Analytics)

   Admissions:

   Accreditations: STEM-designated program

10. #10. University of Minnesota-Duluth Database Management Program

    Hakia ranks University of Minnesota-Duluth as the #10 in database management degree program. Location: Duluth, MN | Type: Public | Tuition: $12,766/year | Score: 43.6

    What makes University of Minnesota-Duluth stand out: Research-informed curriculum that combines rigorous computer science foundations with practical database systems engineering within a major university ecosystem.

    Hakia Insight: Access to Twin Cities tech hub (2 hours)

    Program Overview: UMN-Duluth's database management instruction sits within a rigorous computer science program that emphasizes algorithmic thinking and systems-level understanding alongside applied database skills. Students in this track gain exposure to advanced topics—query optimization, distributed transactions, data consistency models—through a curriculum that bridges academic computer science and industry-ready database engineering. The program benefits from UMN's broader research infrastructure and partnerships with organizations across Minnesota; Duluth's location provides access to both regional employers and the Twin Cities' tech ecosystem (2 hours south). Faculty members maintain active research interests in data systems, occasionally involving advanced students in projects involving large-scale data processing or database optimization. Graduates tend toward database engineer, data architect, or systems administrator roles, with many continuing to UMN's Twin Cities campus for graduate degrees in data science or advanced database systems. The program's strength lies in producing graduates who can speak fluently about both the theoretical foundations of database systems and the practical realities of deployment and maintenance.

    Degree Programs: BS in Computer Science (4 years); MS in Computer Science (2 years)

    Career Outcomes: | Common Roles: Database Engineer, Data Architect, Systems Administrator

    Admissions: