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Key Takeaways
Best database management degree programs: U of Colorado Boulder, Metropolitan State Univer..., Colorado State University...
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $3,941 to $58,032/year
Community College of Denver offers the most affordable option at $3,941/yr
Database Management degree programs available: 1 associate's, 6 master's, 1 doctoral in Colorado
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
1 online database management degree programs in Colorado
Flexible scheduling for working professionals
Colorado community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
1 associate's programs provide transfer pathways to bachelor's degrees
Education Commission of the States
Major employers: Arrow Electronics, IHS Markit, Lockheed Martin, Ping Identity
Tech hubs in Denver and Boulder
Hakia Research 2026
Database Management degree programs near 31+ cities across Colorado
Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location
Updated July 13, 2026
How we ranked Colorado Database Management programs
We rank 14 accredited database management programs in Colorado 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 Colorado Worth It?
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Database Management Degree Rankings in Colorado
Compare the top-ranked Database Management programs in Colorado by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Database Management Programs in Colorado
Program Landscape
Colorado offers 1 accredited associate's degree programs in database management, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include Community College of Denver, which combine rigorous technical curriculum with practical skills training.
Costs & Value
Community colleges in Colorado offer these two-year programs at an average cost of $3,941/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 $66,792 in Colorado.
Career Pathways
Many programs feature guaranteed transfer agreements with Colorado's public universities, allowing students to complete their first two years at reduced cost before transferring to complete a bachelor's degree. The Denver, Boulder, Colorado Springs areas offer particularly strong job markets for associate's degree holders, with employers like Arrow Electronics, IHS Markit, Lockheed Martin 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 Colorado, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their database management degrees in Colorado.
Best Bachelor's Database Management Programs in Colorado
Program Landscape
Colorado ranks among the nation's top destinations for database management education, with 6 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 4 public and 2 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are U of Colorado Boulder, Metropolitan State Univer..., Colorado State University..., recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Colorado database management programs earn a median salary of $103,224, 5% above the national average. The state's robust technology sector, anchored by the Denver, Boulder, Colorado Springs metropolitan areas, provides abundant internship and employment opportunities with companies including Arrow Electronics, IHS Markit, Lockheed Martin.
Costs & Value
Tuition ranges from $6,870 to $58,032 annually, with an average of $23,328/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 90%, with the highest reaching 93%. 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 Colorado's leading technology employers. For students seeking database management degrees in Colorado, these top-ranked database management schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
Colorado State University-Fort Collins
Show all 6 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Regis University | Denver, CO | Private | $41,990 | — | 41.7 |
Best Master's Database Management Programs in Colorado
Program Landscape
Colorado offers 6 master's degree programs in database management, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, U of Colorado Denver/Ansc..., U of Denver, Colorado State University..., combine advanced technical training with research opportunities and leadership development.
Career Outcomes
Master's graduates in Colorado earn a median salary of $121,440, approximately 20-30% higher than bachelor's degree holders. The concentration of technology companies in Denver, Boulder, Colorado Springs creates strong demand for graduate-level talent, with Arrow Electronics, IHS Markit, Lockheed Martin 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 $23,621/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 Colorado's database management schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus
Colorado State University-Fort Collins
Show all 6 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | University of Colorado Boulder | Boulder, CO | Public | $13,910 | 87% | 60.4 |
Best Doctoral Database Management Programs in Colorado
Program Landscape
Colorado is home to 1 doctoral programs in database management, preparing students for research positions, faculty appointments, and executive technical roles. Leading programs at U of Colorado Boulder are recognized for cutting-edge research, strong faculty publications, and competitive funding packages.
Career Outcomes
Doctoral graduates command premium salaries, with Colorado PhD holders earning a median of $151,800, reflecting the advanced expertise required for research and executive positions. The Denver, Boulder, Colorado Springs region's research universities and corporate R&D centers provide extensive collaboration opportunities with industry leaders like Arrow Electronics, IHS Markit, Lockheed Martin.
Costs & Value
PhD programs typically require 4-6 years of full-time study, including coursework, qualifying examinations, and original dissertation research. Many programs offer full funding through teaching or research assistantships, covering tuition and providing stipends of $25,000–$40,000 annually.
Curriculum & Specializations
Research strengths across Colorado programs include artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, human-computer interaction, systems, and theoretical computer science. For aspiring researchers pursuing database management degrees in Colorado, graduates go on to careers as university faculty, industry research scientists, or technical executives, contributing to advances in technology that impact millions of users worldwide.
Database Management Degree Costs & Tuition in Colorado
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $17,934/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $44,835/year |
| Community college tuition | $4,484/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $107,604 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $26,900 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Database Management Students in Colorado
State Aid Programs
Colorado students access multiple financial aid sources for database management education.
Federal Pell Grants provide need-based assistance up to $7,000 annually for undergraduate students. The Colorado Student Grant supplements federal aid for state residents attending public institutions. Work-study programs at (Community College of Denver) and other campuses offer part-time employment opportunities. Students should complete FAFSA applications early to maximize aid eligibility.
Key Programs & Amounts
Technology-specific scholarships support database management students.
Professional organizations like the Association for Computing Machinery offer scholarships for information systems students. Local technology companies provide scholarship programs for underrepresented students in STEM fields. Some employers offer tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing database certifications or degrees. Merit-based scholarships recognize academic achievement and leadership potential in technology fields.
Institutional Scholarships
Alternative funding options reduce educational costs.
Income-driven repayment plans help manage student loan obligations after graduation. Some programs offer competency-based learning allowing students to accelerate degree completion. Employer partnerships provide internship opportunities with tuition assistance. Students can explore comprehensive funding strategies through the financial aid guide to minimize debt while pursuing database management education.
Database Management Degree ROI Calculator, Colorado
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a database management degree in Colorado. 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
+854%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
$1,580,373
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.
$122,727
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 Colorado metro areas
View data table
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Denver | $134K |
| Boulder | $128K |
| Colorado Springs | $121K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Hakia.com
Top Employers Hiring Database Management Graduates in Colorado
Find database management jobs in Colorado. These major employers across Colorado metro areas are actively hiring database management degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Database Management Jobs in Denver/Boulder
CODenver/Boulder is a growing tech hub with aerospace heritage, outdoor lifestyle appeal, and a thriving startup ecosystem.
Nearby cities: Boulder, Westminster, Broomfield, Englewood, Littleton
Transfer Pathways for Database Management Degrees in Colorado
State Transfer System
Colorado's transfer system facilitates movement between institutions.
The Colorado Commission on Higher Education oversees statewide transfer policies ensuring credit portability. Community colleges offer Associate of Applied Science degrees in computer information systems that transfer to four-year programs. The (Community College of Denver) maintains articulation agreements with Colorado State University, University of Colorado, and Metropolitan State University for seamless transfers.
How Transfers Work
Transfer students can complete database management programs efficiently.
Many universities accept community college database and programming courses toward bachelor's requirements. Students complete general education and foundational courses at community colleges before transferring for specialized upper-division coursework. Some programs offer guaranteed admission for students meeting GPA and prerequisite requirements. Transfer planning tools help students map coursework progression and avoid credit loss during institutional transitions.
Why Pursue a Database Management Degree in Colorado?
Industry & Workforce
Colorado's tech sector offers exceptional opportunities for database management professionals.
The state's software developers earn competitive salaries according to the latest (Bureau of Labor Statistics data), and database specialists command similar compensation packages. Colorado's unemployment insurance system tracks over 500,000 employer accounts across diverse industries (Colorado Department of Labor), indicating a strong job market requiring skilled data professionals.
Salary Outlook
The Denver-Boulder metro area is a significant AI and technology hub.
Recent analysis shows that while the Bay Area dominates with 13% of AI-related job postings nationally, emerging metro areas like Denver are experiencing growth in generative AI and data systems roles (Brookings AI Economy Report). This trend creates demand for professionals who can design, implement, and manage the databases that power AI applications.
Regional Tech Hubs
Colorado offers advantages beyond salary potential.
The state's business-friendly environment attracts major technology companies requiring database expertise. Students can explore best bachelors programs database management options throughout the state, from community colleges to research universities. Compared to database management in texas, Colorado provides similar opportunities with outdoor recreation access and no state income tax on military retirement pay.
Database Management Job Growth in Colorado
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook
Database Management Job Market & Salary Data in Colorado
Employment Outlook
Colorado's database management job market reflects strong technology sector growth.
The state's employer database maintained by the (Colorado Department of Labor) tracks hiring patterns across industries requiring data professionals. Technology companies, financial services, and government agencies actively recruit database administrators, data architects, and business intelligence specialists. Employment projections show continued growth as companies digitize operations and require sophisticated data management systems.
Salaries by Metro
Salary ranges vary by metro area and specialization level.
Entry-level database administrators earn between $55,000-$70,000 annually, while senior database architects command $95,000-$130,000 or higher. The Denver-Boulder corridor offers the highest compensation due to concentration of technology companies and startups. Colorado Springs and Fort Collins provide competitive salaries with lower living costs, making them attractive for new graduates.
High-Growth Sectors
High-growth sectors include artificial intelligence and data analytics.
The emergence of Denver as an AI hub (Brookings AI Economy Report) creates opportunities for database professionals specializing in machine learning data pipelines. Remote work options have expanded significantly, allowing Colorado-based professionals to work for national companies. Students can explore related career paths through software developer and data scientist resources.
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 Colorado
Online Programs
1 available in Colorado
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Database Management Programs in Other States
- Total Programs
- 10
- Median Tuition
- $7,400
- Total Programs
- 7
- Median Tuition
- $8,100
- Total Programs
- 14
- Median Tuition
- $12,000
- Total Programs
- 9
- Median Tuition
- $6,600
- Total Programs
- 7
- Median Tuition
- $1,800
- Total Programs
- 35
- Median Tuition
- $12,200
- Total Programs
- 16
- Median Tuition
- $7,600
Database Management Degree Programs in Colorado: FAQ
What are the best database management degree programs in Colorado?
How much do database management degree programs cost in Colorado?
What salary can database management degree graduates earn in Colorado?
Are there online database management degree programs in Colorado?
What companies hire database management degree graduates in Colorado?
Is a database management degree program worth it in Colorado?
How long do database management degree programs take in Colorado?
What financial aid is available for database management degree students in Colorado?
Data Sources
Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
Colorado 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.