Top 3 Database Management Programs in Kentucky 2025
University of Kentucky
63 database management graduates annually, 75% graduation rate
Eastern Kentucky University
21 database management graduates annually, 97% graduation rate
Northern Kentucky University
46 database management graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
- 1.Kentucky offers 6+ accredited database management programs across public and private universities
- 2.University of Kentucky leads with 75% graduation rate
- 3.Kentucky software developers earn median $91,230 annually (BLS OES 2024)
- 4.Tech opportunities concentrated in Louisville, Lexington, Covington
- 5.Cost of living index: 92.2% of US average (below average)
Database Management Education in Kentucky: Overview
Kentucky offers 6 accredited database management programs, producing approximately 142 graduates annually. The state's tech industry is centered in Louisville, Lexington, Covington, with major employers including Humana, Yum! Brands, Kindred Healthcare.
With a median software developer salary of $91,230 (BLS OES May 2024) and a cost of living index of 92.2% compared to the US average, Kentucky offers above-average purchasing power for tech workers.
The top database management programs in the state are led by University of Kentucky, Eastern Kentucky University, Northern Kentucky University, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Kentucky Database Management Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Kentucky | Lexington, KY | Public | $11,849 | 75% | 63.6 |
| 2 | Eastern Kentucky University | Richmond, KY | Public | $9,830 | 97% | 57.2 |
| 3 | Northern Kentucky University | Highland Heights, KY | Public | $10,512 | — | 49.6 |
| 4 | Thomas More University | Crestview Hills, KY | Private | $37,650 | 88% | 42.9 |
| 5 | Morehead State University | Morehead, KY | Public | $9,518 | — | 37.2 |
| 6 | Western Kentucky University | Bowling Green, KY | Public | $11,436 | — | 29.1 |
Top 5 Database Management Programs in Kentucky: Side-by-Side
| School | U of Kentucky | Eastern Kentucky | Northern Kentucky | Thomas More | Morehead State |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $11,849 | $9,830 | $10,512 | $37,650 | $9,518 |
| Graduation Rate | 75% | 97% | N/A% | 88% | N/A% |
| Annual Graduates | 63 | 21 | 46 | 5 | 6 |
| Acceptance Rate | 92% | 78% | 96% | 97% | 82% |
| Type | Public | Public | Public | Private | Public |
| Score | 63.6/100 | 57.2/100 | 49.6/100 | 42.9/100 | 37.2/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Database Management in Kentucky
Kentucky offers 6 bachelor's-level database management programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are University of Kentucky, Eastern Kentucky University, Northern Kentucky University. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $63,861 in the Kentucky 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 Kentucky
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Kentucky | $11,849 | 75% | 63 | 63.6 |
| #2 Eastern Kentucky | $9,830 | 97% | 21 | 57.2 |
| #3 Northern Kentucky | $10,512 | N/A% | 46 | 49.6 |
Top Database Management Schools for Master's Degrees in Kentucky
For graduate study, Kentucky offers 1 master's-level database management programs. Leading institutions include Northern Kentucky University. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Kentucky reaching $118,599 or more.
Explore our complete national rankings of the best database management master's programs for more options beyond Kentucky.
Top 3 Database Management Master's Programs in Kentucky
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Northern Kentucky | $10,512 | N/A% | 23 | 42.6 |
Most Affordable Database Management Colleges in Kentucky
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable database management programs in Kentucky are at Morehead State University ($9,518/year), Eastern Kentucky University ($9,830/year), Northern Kentucky University ($10,512/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Kentucky's competitive tech salaries.
At Morehead State University, a 4-year degree costs approximately $38,072 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $63,861, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 1.3 years. See our Most Affordable Database Management Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Database Management Programs in Kentucky (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Morehead State | $9,518 | $38,072 | 1.3 years | Public |
| #2 Eastern Kentucky | $9,830 | $39,320 | 1.4 years | Public |
| #3 Northern Kentucky | $10,512 | $42,048 | 1.5 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Database Management Schools in Kentucky
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 database management programs in Kentucky, including admissions requirements, curriculum highlights, career outcomes, and what makes each program unique. Data sourced from official university websites and IPEDS 2023.
University of Kentucky
Lexington, KY • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $11,849 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 75% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Database Management Graduates: 63 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 92%
- • Ranking Score: 63.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- 75% graduation rate
- 63 database management graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 63.6 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (75%), program size (63 graduates), state salary outcomes ($91,230), and selectivity (92% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Eastern Kentucky University
Richmond, KY • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $9,830 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 97% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Database Management Graduates: 21 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 78%
- • Ranking Score: 57.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- 97% graduation rate
- 21 database management graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 57.2 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (97%), program size (21 graduates), state salary outcomes ($91,230), and selectivity (78% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Northern Kentucky University
Highland Heights, KY • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $10,512 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Database Management Graduates: 46 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 96%
- • Ranking Score: 49.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 46 database management graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 49.6 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (46 graduates), state salary outcomes ($91,230), and selectivity (96% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Thomas More University
Crestview Hills, KY • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $37,650 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 88% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Database Management Graduates: 5 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 97%
- • Ranking Score: 42.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- 88% graduation rate
- 5 database management graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 42.9 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (88%), program size (5 graduates), state salary outcomes ($91,230), and selectivity (97% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Morehead State University
Morehead, KY • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $9,518 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Database Management Graduates: 6 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 82%
- • Ranking Score: 37.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 6 database management graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 37.2 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (6 graduates), state salary outcomes ($91,230), and selectivity (82% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Career Paths
Software Developer
SOC 15-1252Software Developer opportunities in Kentucky with strong job growth.
Systems Analyst
SOC 15-1211Systems Analyst opportunities in Kentucky with strong job growth.
IT Manager
SOC 15-1299IT Manager opportunities in Kentucky with strong job growth.
Technical Consultant
SOC 15-1299Technical Consultant opportunities in Kentucky with strong job growth.
Database Administrator
SOC 15-1242Database Administrator opportunities in Kentucky 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 Louisville, Lexington, Covington
- You're seeking lower cost of living (92.2% of US average)
- You want to work at companies like Humana or Yum! Brands
- You prefer Kentucky's quality of life
- You prioritize highest possible salary (consider CA, WA, NY)
- You want more program options (CA has 100+ vs Kentucky's 6)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration
Database Management in Kentucky FAQ
Based on 6 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)
Kentucky-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 - Kentucky 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.