Top 3 Database Management Programs in Iowa 2025
Buena Vista University
4 database management graduates annually, 94% graduation rate
Simpson College
10 database management graduates annually, 87% graduation rate
Luther College
21 database management graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
- 1.Iowa offers 9+ accredited database management programs across public and private universities
- 2.Buena Vista University leads with 94% graduation rate
- 3.Iowa software developers earn median $89,450 annually (BLS OES 2024)
- 4.Tech opportunities concentrated in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City
- 5.Cost of living index: 90.1% of US average (below average)
Database Management Education in Iowa: Overview
Iowa offers 9 accredited database management programs, producing approximately 58 graduates annually. The state's tech industry is centered in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, with major employers including Principal Financial, Wellmark, Rockwell Collins.
With a median software developer salary of $89,450 (BLS OES May 2024) and a cost of living index of 90.1% compared to the US average, Iowa offers above-average purchasing power for tech workers.
The top database management programs in the state are led by Buena Vista University, Simpson College, Luther College, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Iowa Database Management Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Buena Vista University | Storm Lake, IA | Private | $40,190 | 94% | 48.3 |
| 2 | Simpson College | Indianola, IA | Private | $45,306 | 87% | 47.3 |
| 3 | Luther College | Decorah, IA | Private | $49,650 | — | 46.2 |
| 4 | Grand View University | Des Moines, IA | Private | $32,800 | 99% | 45.1 |
| 5 | Maharishi International University | Fairfield, IA | Private | $16,000 | 55% | 35.8 |
| 6 | University of Dubuque | Dubuque, IA | Private | $38,260 | — | 34.4 |
| 7 | Mount Mercy University | Cedar Rapids, IA | Private | $38,070 | — | 33.9 |
| 8 | Upper Iowa University | Fayette, IA | Private | $18,000 | — | 33.2 |
| 9 | Central College | Pella, IA | Private | $20,988 | — | 32.5 |
Top 5 Database Management Programs in Iowa: Side-by-Side
| School | Buena Vista | Simpson College | Luther College | Grand View | Maharishi International |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $40,190 | $45,306 | $49,650 | $32,800 | $16,000 |
| Graduation Rate | 94% | 87% | N/A% | 99% | 55% |
| Annual Graduates | 4 | 10 | 21 | 5 | 7 |
| Acceptance Rate | 72% | 89% | 73% | 98% | 97% |
| Type | Private | Private | Private | Private | Private |
| Score | 48.3/100 | 47.3/100 | 46.2/100 | 45.1/100 | 35.8/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Database Management in Iowa
Iowa offers 8 bachelor's-level database management programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Buena Vista University, Simpson College, Luther College. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $62,615 in the Iowa market.
A bachelor's in database management typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Database Management Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Database Management Bachelor's Programs in Iowa
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Buena Vista | $40,190 | 94% | 4 | 48.3 |
| #2 Simpson College | $45,306 | 87% | 10 | 47.3 |
| #3 Luther College | $49,650 | N/A% | 21 | 46.2 |
Top Database Management Schools for Master's Degrees in Iowa
For graduate study, Iowa offers 1 master's-level database management programs. Leading institutions include Maharishi International University. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Iowa reaching $116,285 or more.
Explore our complete national rankings of the best database management master's programs for more options beyond Iowa.
Top 3 Database Management Master's Programs in Iowa
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Maharishi International | $16,000 | 55% | 7 | 35.8 |
Most Affordable Database Management Colleges in Iowa
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable database management programs in Iowa are at Maharishi International University ($16,000/year), Upper Iowa University ($18,000/year), Central College ($20,988/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Iowa's competitive tech salaries.
At Maharishi International University, a 4-year degree costs approximately $64,000 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $62,615, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 2.3 years. See our Most Affordable Database Management Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Database Management Programs in Iowa (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Maharishi International | $16,000 | $64,000 | 2.3 years | Private |
| #2 Upper Iowa | $18,000 | $72,000 | 2.6 years | Private |
| #3 Central College | $20,988 | $83,952 | 3 years | Private |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Database Management Schools in Iowa
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 database management programs in Iowa, including admissions requirements, curriculum highlights, career outcomes, and what makes each program unique. Data sourced from official university websites and IPEDS 2023.
Buena Vista University
Storm Lake, IA • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $40,190 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 94% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Database Management Graduates: 4 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 72%
- • Ranking Score: 48.3 / 100
Program Strengths
- 94% graduation rate
- 4 database management graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 48.3 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (94%), program size (4 graduates), state salary outcomes ($89,450), and selectivity (72% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Simpson College
Indianola, IA • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $45,306 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 87% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Database Management Graduates: 10 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 89%
- • Ranking Score: 47.3 / 100
Program Strengths
- 87% graduation rate
- 10 database management graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 47.3 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (87%), program size (10 graduates), state salary outcomes ($89,450), and selectivity (89% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Luther College
Decorah, IA • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $49,650 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Database Management Graduates: 21 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 73%
- • Ranking Score: 46.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 21 database management graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 46.2 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (21 graduates), state salary outcomes ($89,450), and selectivity (73% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Grand View University
Des Moines, IA • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $32,800 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 99% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Database Management Graduates: 5 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 98%
- • Ranking Score: 45.1 / 100
Program Strengths
- 99% graduation rate
- 5 database management graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 45.1 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (99%), program size (5 graduates), state salary outcomes ($89,450), and selectivity (98% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Maharishi International University
Fairfield, IA • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $16,000 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 55% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Database Management Graduates: 7 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 97%
- • Ranking Score: 35.8 / 100
Program Strengths
- 55% graduation rate
- 7 database management graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 35.8 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (55%), program size (7 graduates), state salary outcomes ($89,450), and selectivity (97% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Career Paths
Software Developer
SOC 15-1252Software Developer opportunities in Iowa with strong job growth.
Systems Analyst
SOC 15-1211Systems Analyst opportunities in Iowa with strong job growth.
IT Manager
SOC 15-1299IT Manager opportunities in Iowa with strong job growth.
Technical Consultant
SOC 15-1299Technical Consultant opportunities in Iowa with strong job growth.
Database Administrator
SOC 15-1242Database Administrator opportunities in Iowa with strong job growth.
Database Management Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Washington
Massachusetts
Illinois
Georgia
Which Should You Choose?
- You want access to tech jobs in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City
- You're seeking lower cost of living (90.1% of US average)
- You want to work at companies like Principal Financial or Wellmark
- You prefer Iowa's quality of life
- You prioritize highest possible salary (consider CA, WA, NY)
- You want more program options (CA has 100+ vs Iowa's 9)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration
Database Management in Iowa FAQ
Based on 9 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Database Management degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources (IPEDS 2023)
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023
Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)
Iowa-specific salaries from BLS OES May 2024
Related Resources
Data Sources & Methodology
Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System - program completions, graduation rates, tuition, admissions
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics - Iowa salary data
2023-2033 occupational outlook and growth projections
Program-specific admissions, curriculum, and career outcome data
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.