Top 3 Database Management Programs in Kansas 2025
Fort Hays State University
117 database management graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
University of Kansas
38 database management graduates annually, 79% graduation rate
Ottawa University-Kansas City
24 database management graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
- 1.Kansas offers 13+ accredited database management programs across public and private universities
- 2.Fort Hays State University leads with strong% graduation rate
- 3.Kansas software developers earn median $92,340 annually (BLS OES 2024)
- 4.Tech opportunities concentrated in Kansas City, Wichita, Overland Park
- 5.Cost of living index: 86.8% of US average (below average)
Database Management Education in Kansas: Overview
Kansas offers 13 accredited database management programs, producing approximately 255 graduates annually. The state's tech industry is centered in Kansas City, Wichita, Overland Park, with major employers including Garmin, Sprint, Cerner.
With a median software developer salary of $92,340 (BLS OES May 2024) and a cost of living index of 86.8% compared to the US average, Kansas offers above-average purchasing power for tech workers.
The top database management programs in the state are led by Fort Hays State University, University of Kansas, Ottawa University-Kansas City, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Kansas Database Management Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fort Hays State University | Hays, KS | Public | $4,437 | — | 64.9 |
| 2 | University of Kansas | Lawrence, KS | Public | $10,596 | 79% | 54.8 |
| 3 | Ottawa University-Kansas City | Overland Park, KS | Private | $11,976 | — | 51 |
| 4 | Friends University | Wichita, KS | Private | $32,108 | 70% | 48.8 |
| 5 | Kansas State University | Manhattan, KS | Public | $9,964 | — | 47.1 |
| 6 | Southwestern College | Winfield, KS | Private | $38,330 | 96% | 47 |
| 7 | Pittsburg State University | Pittsburg, KS | Public | $6,128 | — | 40.1 |
| 8 | Rasmussen University-Kansas | Topeka, KS | For-Profit | $13,137 | — | 39.7 |
| 9 | Ottawa University-Online | Overland Park, KS | Private | $11,976 | — | 39.7 |
| 10 | Newman University | Wichita, KS | Private | $35,500 | — | 38.8 |
| 11 | Ottawa University-Ottawa | Ottawa, KS | Private | $31,900 | 69% | 38.5 |
| 12 | Emporia State University | Emporia, KS | Public | $5,542 | — | 37.2 |
| 13 | Barton County Community College | Great Bend, KS | Public | $2,432 | — | 26.9 |
Top 5 Database Management Programs in Kansas: Side-by-Side
| School | Fort Hays State | U of Kansas | Ottawa University-Kansas... | Friends | Kansas State |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $4,437 | $10,596 | $11,976 | $32,108 | $9,964 |
| Graduation Rate | N/A% | 79% | N/A% | 70% | N/A% |
| Annual Graduates | 117 | 38 | 24 | 9 | 30 |
| Acceptance Rate | 92% | 88% | N/A | 56% | 79% |
| Type | Public | Public | Private | Private | Public |
| Score | 64.9/100 | 54.8/100 | 51.0/100 | 48.8/100 | 47.1/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Database Management in Kansas
Kansas offers 8 bachelor's-level database management programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Fort Hays State University, University of Kansas, Kansas State University. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $64,638 in the Kansas 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 Kansas
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Fort Hays State | $4,437 | N/A% | 117 | 64.9 |
| #2 U of Kansas | $10,596 | 79% | 38 | 54.8 |
| #3 Kansas State | $9,964 | N/A% | 30 | 47.1 |
Top Database Management Schools for Master's Degrees in Kansas
For graduate study, Kansas offers 4 master's-level database management programs. Leading institutions include Ottawa University-Kansas City, Friends University, Ottawa University-Online. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Kansas reaching $120,042 or more.
Explore our complete national rankings of the best database management master's programs for more options beyond Kansas.
Top 3 Database Management Master's Programs in Kansas
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Ottawa University-Kansas... | $11,976 | N/A% | 24 | 51.0 |
| #2 Friends | $32,108 | 70% | 9 | 48.8 |
| #3 Ottawa University-Online | $11,976 | N/A% | 2 | 39.7 |
Most Affordable Database Management Colleges in Kansas
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable database management programs in Kansas are at Barton County Community College ($2,432/year), Fort Hays State University ($4,437/year), Emporia State University ($5,542/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Kansas's competitive tech salaries.
At Barton County Community College, a 4-year degree costs approximately $9,728 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $64,638, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.3 years. See our Most Affordable Database Management Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Database Management Programs in Kansas (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Barton County Community... | $2,432 | $9,728 | 0.3 years | Public |
| #2 Fort Hays State | $4,437 | $17,748 | 0.6 years | Public |
| #3 Emporia State | $5,542 | $22,168 | 0.7 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Database Management Schools in Kansas
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 database management programs in Kansas, including admissions requirements, curriculum highlights, career outcomes, and what makes each program unique. Data sourced from official university websites and IPEDS 2023.
Fort Hays State University
Hays, KS • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $4,437 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Database Management Graduates: 117 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 92%
- • Ranking Score: 64.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 117 database management graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 64.9 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (117 graduates), state salary outcomes ($92,340), and selectivity (92% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
University of Kansas
Lawrence, KS • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $10,596 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 79% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Database Management Graduates: 38 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 88%
- • Ranking Score: 54.8 / 100
Program Strengths
- 79% graduation rate
- 38 database management graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 54.8 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (79%), program size (38 graduates), state salary outcomes ($92,340), and selectivity (88% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Ottawa University-Kansas City
Overland Park, KS • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $11,976 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Database Management Graduates: 24 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 51.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 24 database management graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 51.0 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (24 graduates), state salary outcomes ($92,340), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Friends University
Wichita, KS • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $32,108 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 70% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Database Management Graduates: 9 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 56%
- • Ranking Score: 48.8 / 100
Program Strengths
- 70% graduation rate
- 9 database management graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 48.8 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (70%), program size (9 graduates), state salary outcomes ($92,340), and selectivity (56% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Kansas State University
Manhattan, KS • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $9,964 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Database Management Graduates: 30 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 79%
- • Ranking Score: 47.1 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 30 database management graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 47.1 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (30 graduates), state salary outcomes ($92,340), and selectivity (79% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Career Paths
Software Developer
SOC 15-1252Software Developer opportunities in Kansas with strong job growth.
Systems Analyst
SOC 15-1211Systems Analyst opportunities in Kansas with strong job growth.
IT Manager
SOC 15-1299IT Manager opportunities in Kansas with strong job growth.
Technical Consultant
SOC 15-1299Technical Consultant opportunities in Kansas with strong job growth.
Database Administrator
SOC 15-1242Database Administrator opportunities in Kansas 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 Kansas City, Wichita, Overland Park
- You're seeking lower cost of living (86.8% of US average)
- You want to work at companies like Garmin or Sprint
- You prefer Kansas's quality of life
- You prioritize highest possible salary (consider CA, WA, NY)
- You want more program options (CA has 100+ vs Kansas's 13)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration
Database Management in Kansas FAQ
Based on 13 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)
Kansas-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 - Kansas 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.