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Key Takeaways
Best database management degree programs: Fort Hays State, U of Kansas, Kansas State
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $2,432 to $38,330/year
Barton County Community C... offers the most affordable option at $2,432/yr
Database Management degree programs available: 2 associate's, 4 master's in Kansas
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
4 online database management degree programs in Kansas
Flexible scheduling for working professionals
Kansas community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
2 associate's programs provide transfer pathways to bachelor's degrees
Education Commission of the States
Major employers: Garmin, Sprint, Cerner, Koch Industries
Tech hubs in Kansas City and Wichita
Hakia Research 2026
Database Management degree programs near 44+ cities across Kansas
Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location
Updated June 28, 2026
How we ranked Kansas Database Management programs
We rank 14 accredited database management programs in Kansas 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 Kansas Worth It?
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Database Management Degree Rankings in Kansas
Compare the top-ranked Database Management programs in Kansas by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Database Management Programs in Kansas
Program Landscape
Kansas offers 2 accredited associate's degree programs in database management, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include Barton County Community C..., Rasmussen University-Kansas, which combine rigorous technical curriculum with practical skills training.
Costs & Value
Community colleges in Kansas offer these two-year programs at an average cost of $7,785/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 $50,787 in Kansas.
Career Pathways
Many programs feature guaranteed transfer agreements with Kansas's public universities, allowing students to complete their first two years at reduced cost before transferring to complete a bachelor's degree. The Kansas City, Wichita, Overland Park areas offer particularly strong job markets for associate's degree holders, with employers like Garmin, Sprint, Cerner 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 Kansas, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their database management degrees in Kansas.
Best Bachelor's Database Management Programs in Kansas
Program Landscape
Kansas ranks among the nation's top destinations for database management education, with 8 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 5 public and 3 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are Fort Hays State, U of Kansas, Kansas State, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Kansas database management programs earn a median salary of $78,489, 20% below the national average. The state's robust technology sector, anchored by the Kansas City, Wichita, Overland Park metropolitan areas, provides abundant internship and employment opportunities with companies including Garmin, Sprint, Cerner.
Costs & Value
Tuition ranges from $4,437 to $38,330 annually, with an average of $17,800/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 81%, with the highest reaching 96%. 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 Kansas's leading technology employers. For students seeking database management degrees in Kansas, these top-ranked database management schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
Kansas State University
Show all 8 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Newman University | Wichita, KS | Private | $35,500 | — | 38.8 |
| #7 | Ottawa University-Ottawa | Ottawa, KS | Private | $31,900 | 69% | 38.5 |
| #8 | Emporia State University | Emporia, KS | Public | $5,542 | — | 37.2 |
Best Master's Database Management Programs in Kansas
Program Landscape
Kansas offers 4 master's degree programs in database management, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, Ottawa University-Kansas ..., Friends, Ottawa University-Online, combine advanced technical training with research opportunities and leadership development.
Career Outcomes
Master's graduates in Kansas earn a median salary of $92,340, approximately 20-30% higher than bachelor's degree holders. The concentration of technology companies in Kansas City, Wichita, Overland Park creates strong demand for graduate-level talent, with Garmin, Sprint, Cerner 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 $21,990/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 Kansas's database management schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
Database Management Degree Costs & Tuition in Kansas
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $16,464/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $41,160/year |
| Community college tuition | $4,116/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $98,784 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $24,696 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Database Management Students in Kansas
State Aid Programs
Kansas students pursuing database management degrees have access to multiple layers of financial aid, starting with the federal FAFSA process. All students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid at (Federal Student Aid) to determine eligibility for federal grants, loans, and work-study programs. The FAFSA also unlocks access to state-specific aid programs designed to make higher education more affordable across Kansas institutions.
Key Programs & Amounts
The Kansas Comprehensive Grant program provides need-based financial assistance specifically for students enrolled at Kansas independent institutions (Kansas Board of Regents). This state grant complements federal aid and can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs. Additionally, many Kansas universities offer institutional scholarships for database management and information technology programs. Students should investigate scholarship opportunities at their chosen institution, particularly at top programs like University of Kansas and Wichita State University, which often provide merit-based awards for strong academic performers in STEM fields.
Institutional Scholarships
For students attending two-year institutions, community college grants and state aid packages may provide lower overall costs before transferring to a four-year program. The (Kansas Transfer Equivalency System) ensures that credits earned at community colleges transfer seamlessly to universities, allowing students to minimize time and expense. Veterans and active military personnel should consult the VA GI Bill benefits through Federal Student Aid. Comparing total aid packages across institutions, including grants, scholarships, and loans, is essential before enrolling.
Database Management Degree ROI Calculator, Kansas
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a database management degree in Kansas. 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
+907%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
$1,677,254
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.
$133,333
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 Kansas metro areas
View data table
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Kansas City | $102K |
| Wichita | $97K |
| Overland Park | $92K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Hakia.com
Top Employers Hiring Database Management Graduates in Kansas
Find database management jobs in Kansas. These major employers across Kansas metro areas are actively hiring database management degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Database Management Jobs in Overland Park
KSDatabase Management Jobs in Wichita
KSTransfer Pathways for Database Management Degrees in Kansas
State Transfer System
Kansas provides clear pathways for students beginning at community colleges and transferring to four-year institutions through the Kansas Transfer Equivalency System (kansasregents.org/academic_affairs/transfer-articulation). The state's 7 associate's degree programs feed directly into 13 bachelor's degree programs, ensuring credit portability and minimal course duplication. Top community colleges such as Johnson County Community College, Butler Community College, and Barton County Community College offer database-related courses that align with bachelor's curricula at institutions like Kansas State University and Wichita State University. These pathways are coordinated by the Kansas Board of Regents, which maintains systemwide articulation agreements that benefit transferring students.
How Transfers Work
Students completing an associate's degree in database management can seamlessly transition to bachelor's programs at Kansas universities, maximizing credit transfer and reducing overall time-to-degree. Associate programs emphasize foundational database skills. SQL, data modeling, and administration, that directly apply to upper-level bachelor's coursework. The Kansas Transfer Equivalency System guarantees that courses taken at accredited community colleges are recognized at public universities, simplifying enrollment and financial planning. Graduates from two-year programs often complete their bachelor's in just two additional years. For students continuing to advanced study, master's programs at Wichita State University and Kansas State University accept bachelor's degree holders. Explore data analytics programs and information systems programs as complementary transfer pathways.
Why Pursue a Database Management Degree in Kansas?
Industry & Workforce
Kansas offers a strong pathway into database management with 24 institutions offering programs across associate, bachelor, and master's degree levels (IPEDS). The state's commitment to database education is evident in completion rates: 204 bachelor's degrees, 31 master's degrees, and 3 associate's degrees annually, making Kansas a solid choice for students seeking specialized IT credentials. Fort Hays State University leads the state with 117 completions, while Kansas State University and the University of Kansas contribute significantly with 30 and 27 completions respectively.
Salary Outlook
Kansas is home to major technology employers and innovation hubs across its largest metropolitan areas. Companies like Spirit AeroSystems, Textron Aviation, and Koch Industries drive demand for database professionals in the state's thriving tech sectors. The affordability of Kansas higher education strengthens the value proposition: average public in-state tuition at four-year institutions is just $7,625, compared to $19,960 for out-of-state students. Top-ranked programs like the University of Kansas ($10,596) and Wichita State University ($7,247) provide instruction at costs well below national averages. For career-focused learners, explore database administration programs and data analytics programs to complement your database management expertise. Check national rankings at best bachelor's programs to compare Kansas institutions against peer schools nationwide.
Database Management Program Availability in Kansas
Source: IPEDS 2024
Database Management Job Market & Salary Data in Kansas
Employment Outlook
Kansas offers a growing job market for database management professionals, with opportunities concentrated in major metropolitan areas and tech-driven industries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Kansas has developed a competitive landscape for IT professionals across multiple sectors. The state's 24 institutions offering database management programs reflect strong regional demand, with 204 bachelor's degree completions annually preparing graduates for entry into this expanding field. Major hiring centers include the Kansas City Metro, Wichita, and Topeka, where both private and public sector employers maintain significant operations.
Salaries by Metro
Database management professionals in Kansas benefit from diverse employment opportunities spanning aerospace, manufacturing, higher education, and energy sectors. The state's average public in-state tuition for four-year institutions stands at $7,625, making Kansas-based education highly affordable compared to national averages. Students completing database management programs at top-performing institutions like Fort Hays State University (117 completions), Kansas State University (30 completions), and University of Kansas (27 completions) position themselves well for regional employment. Explore related career pathways through our Database Administration in Kansas and Data Analytics in Kansas guides, or view National Best Databases Programs for comparison.
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 Kansas
Online Programs
4 available in Kansas
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Database Management Programs in Other States
- Total Programs
- 7
- Median Tuition
- $8,100
- Total Programs
- 12
- Median Tuition
- $12,100
- Total Programs
- 9
- Median Tuition
- $6,600
- Total Programs
- 14
- Median Tuition
- $12,100
- Total Programs
- 35
- Median Tuition
- $12,200
- Total Programs
- 16
- Median Tuition
- $7,600
- Total Programs
- 76
- Median Tuition
- $7,500
- Total Programs
- 75
- Median Tuition
- $7,100
Database Management Degree Programs in Kansas: FAQ
What are the best database management degree programs in Kansas?
How much do database management degree programs cost in Kansas?
What salary can database management degree graduates earn in Kansas?
Are there online database management degree programs in Kansas?
What companies hire database management degree graduates in Kansas?
Is a database management degree program worth it in Kansas?
How long do database management degree programs take in Kansas?
What financial aid is available for database management degree students in Kansas?
Data Sources
Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
Kansas 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.