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Key Takeaways
Best database management degree programs: U of Maryland Global, U of Maryland-College Park, U of Maryland-Baltimore C...
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $4,933 to $62,840/year
Prince George's Community... offers the most affordable option at $5,016/yr
Database Management degree programs available: 9 associate's, 9 master's, 2 doctoral in Maryland
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
6 online database management degree programs in Maryland
Flexible scheduling for working professionals
Maryland community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
9 associate's programs provide transfer pathways to bachelor's degrees
Education Commission of the States
Major employers: NSA, Lockheed Martin, Johns Hopkins APL, Northrop Grumman
Tech hubs in Baltimore and Bethesda
Hakia Research 2026
Database Management degree programs near 43+ cities across Maryland
Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location
Updated July 13, 2026
How we ranked Maryland Database Management programs
We rank 34 accredited database management programs in Maryland 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 Maryland Worth It?
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Database Management Degree Rankings in Maryland
Compare the top-ranked Database Management programs in Maryland by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Database Management Programs in Maryland
Program Landscape
Maryland offers 9 accredited associate's degree programs in database management, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include Prince George's Community..., Howard Community College, Community College of Balt..., which combine rigorous technical curriculum with practical skills training.
Costs & Value
Community colleges in Maryland offer these two-year programs at an average cost of $6,274/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 $67,331 in Maryland.
Career Pathways
Many programs feature guaranteed transfer agreements with Maryland's public universities, allowing students to complete their first two years at reduced cost before transferring to complete a bachelor's degree. The Baltimore, Bethesda, Rockville areas offer particularly strong job markets for associate's degree holders, with employers like NSA, Lockheed Martin, Johns Hopkins APL 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 Maryland, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their database management degrees in Maryland.
Show all 9 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Harford Community College | Bel Air, MD | Public | $5,640 | — | 39.8 |
| #7 | Hagerstown Community College | Hagerstown, MD | Public | $5,760 | — | 38.8 |
| #8 | Wor-Wic Community College | Salisbury, MD | Public | $6,192 | — | 37.9 |
| #9 | Carroll Community College | Westminster, MD | Public | $5,712 | — | 36.8 |
Best Bachelor's Database Management Programs in Maryland
Program Landscape
Maryland ranks among the nation's top destinations for database management education, with 14 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 9 public and 4 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are U of Maryland Global, U of Maryland-College Park, U of Maryland-Baltimore C..., recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Maryland database management programs earn a median salary of $104,057, 6% above the national average. The state's robust technology sector, anchored by the Baltimore, Bethesda, Rockville metropolitan areas, provides abundant internship and employment opportunities with companies including NSA, Lockheed Martin, Johns Hopkins APL.
Costs & Value
Tuition ranges from $4,933 to $55,480 annually, with an average of $16,921/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 83%, with the highest reaching 97%. 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 Maryland's leading technology employers. For students seeking database management degrees in Maryland, these top-ranked database management schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
Show all 14 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Loyola University Maryland | Baltimore, MD | Private | $55,480 | 92% | 47.9 |
| #7 | Stevenson University | Owings Mills, MD | Private | $36,940 | 87% | 43.2 |
| #8 | Strayer University-Maryland | Suitland, MD | For-Profit | $13,725 | — | 41.6 |
| #9 | Washington Adventist University | Takoma Park, MD | Private | $23,400 | — | 42.8 |
| #10 | Notre Dame of Maryland University | Baltimore, MD | Private | $40,430 | 81% | 40.9 |
| #11 | Coppin State University | Baltimore, MD | Public | $4,933 | — | 42.4 |
| #12 | Morgan State University | Baltimore, MD | Public | $5,587 | 52% | 42.8 |
| #13 | University of Baltimore | Baltimore, MD | Public | $7,442 | — | 39.6 |
| #14 | Frostburg State University | Frostburg, MD | Public | $7,110 | — | 36.8 |
Best Master's Database Management Programs in Maryland
Program Landscape
Maryland offers 9 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 Maryland Global, U of Maryland-Baltimore C..., Johns Hopkins, combine advanced technical training with research opportunities and leadership development.
Career Outcomes
Master's graduates in Maryland earn a median salary of $122,420, approximately 20-30% higher than bachelor's degree holders. The concentration of technology companies in Baltimore, Bethesda, Rockville creates strong demand for graduate-level talent, with NSA, Lockheed Martin, Johns Hopkins APL 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 $26,907/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 Maryland's database management schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
Johns Hopkins University
Show all 9 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Stevenson University | Owings Mills, MD | Private | $36,940 | 87% | 47.7 |
| #7 | Notre Dame of Maryland University | Baltimore, MD | Private | $40,430 | 81% | 41.5 |
| #8 | Strayer University-Maryland | Suitland, MD | For-Profit | $13,725 | — | 42.8 |
| #9 | Bowie State University | Bowie, MD | Public | $5,993 | — | 38.6 |
Best Doctoral Database Management Programs in Maryland
Program Landscape
Maryland is home to 2 doctoral programs in database management, preparing students for research positions, faculty appointments, and executive technical roles. Leading programs at U of Maryland-Baltimore C..., U of Maryland-College Park are recognized for cutting-edge research, strong faculty publications, and competitive funding packages.
Career Outcomes
Doctoral graduates command premium salaries, with Maryland PhD holders earning a median of $153,025, reflecting the advanced expertise required for research and executive positions. The Baltimore, Bethesda, Rockville region's research universities and corporate R&D centers provide extensive collaboration opportunities with industry leaders like NSA, Lockheed Martin, Johns Hopkins APL.
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 Maryland programs include artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, human-computer interaction, systems, and theoretical computer science. For aspiring researchers pursuing database management degrees in Maryland, 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.
University of Maryland-Baltimore County
University of Maryland-College Park
Database Management Degree Costs & Tuition in Maryland
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $14,488/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $36,220/year |
| Community college tuition | $3,622/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $86,928 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $21,732 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Database Management Students in Maryland
State Aid Programs
Maryland students pursuing database management degrees have access to multiple layers of financial support. The foundation begins with federal aid through FAFSA, available at Federal Student Aid, which provides grants, loans, and work-study opportunities to eligible undergraduate and graduate students. Maryland residents benefit from the Maryland Senatorial/Delegate Scholarship, a need-based award program administered by the Maryland Higher Education Commission that connects students directly with their state legislators for targeted financial assistance (Maryland Higher Education Commission). This program represents a significant funding opportunity for in-state applicants seeking to reduce their out-of-pocket costs.
Key Programs & Amounts
Beyond state programs, individual institutions offer substantial institutional aid packages. Leading schools like the University of Maryland-College Park and Johns Hopkins University provide merit scholarships, graduate assistantships, and need-based grants that can substantially offset tuition costs. Community colleges such as Montgomery College and the Community College of Baltimore County offer the most affordable entry points into database management education, with average tuition costs under $6,000 annually, making federal Pell Grants particularly impactful (College Scorecard). Students should contact each institution's financial aid office directly to learn about institution-specific scholarships, employer partnerships, and graduate fellowship opportunities. The Maryland Higher Education Commission maintains comprehensive resources on all state-level aid programs and eligibility requirements.
Database Management Degree ROI Calculator, Maryland
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a database management degree in Maryland. 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
+959%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
$1,774,135
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.
$100,000
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 Maryland metro areas
View data table
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Baltimore | $135K |
| Bethesda | $129K |
| Rockville | $122K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Hakia.com
Top Employers Hiring Database Management Graduates in Maryland
Find database management jobs in Maryland. These major employers across Maryland metro areas are actively hiring database management degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Database Management Jobs in Baltimore
MDDatabase Management Jobs in Bethesda-Rockville
MDDatabase Management Jobs in Columbia-Fort Meade
MDTransfer Pathways for Database Management Degrees in Maryland
State Transfer System
Maryland's ARTSYS (Articulation System) provides a comprehensive framework for transferring credits between institutions, enabling students to begin database management education at 11 community colleges and transition seamlessly to 36 four-year universities (ARTSYS). The system maps course equivalencies between institutions, ensuring that credits earned at two-year colleges transfer without loss of progress. Students pursuing associate degrees at Prince George's Community College, Howard Community College, or Montgomery College can apply their credits toward bachelor's programs at University of Maryland-College Park, Towson University, or University of Maryland-Baltimore County. This structured pathway reduces time-to-degree and total education costs, with community college tuition averaging significantly less than four-year institution costs (IPEDS).
How Transfers Work
Transfer students benefit from explicit articulation agreements that identify which community college courses satisfy bachelor's degree requirements. Maryland's top community colleges. Montgomery College ($8,190 tuition), College of Southern Maryland ($5,880 tuition), and Community College of Baltimore County ($5,784 tuition), offer introductory and intermediate database coursework recognized by four-year institutions. Students completing associate degrees with database specialization earn credentials valued by employers including Johns Hopkins, NIH, and Lockheed Martin, while maintaining the option to continue bachelor's or master's education. For students exploring related technical pathways, compare database administration options, information systems programs, and data analytics education to identify comprehensive technology career preparation strategies aligned with Maryland's transfer system.
Why Pursue a Database Management Degree in Maryland?
Industry & Workforce
Maryland offers exceptional opportunities for database management students, with 39 institutions offering programs across all degree levels, including 15 bachelor's programs and 11 master's programs (IPEDS). The state's top-ranked schools, including the University of Maryland-College Park and University of Maryland-Baltimore County, consistently produce graduates ready for immediate employment in competitive tech markets. With an average public in-state tuition of $7,730 for four-year institutions, Maryland provides affordable access to quality education compared to national alternatives (IPEDS).
Salary Outlook
Maryland's geographic position and thriving tech corridors make it an ideal location for database management education. Major employers including Johns Hopkins, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Lockheed Martin, and the University of Maryland system actively recruit database professionals from local programs. The Baltimore-Columbia-Towson and Washington-Arlington-Alexandria metro areas host some of the nation's largest concentrations of technology and healthcare companies. Students benefit from proximity to these employers, offering internship opportunities, networking events, and direct career pathways. For comparative context, explore national best bachelor's programs and database administration opportunities to understand Maryland's competitive advantages in specialized technical education.
Database Management Program Availability in Maryland
Source: IPEDS 2024
Database Management Job Market & Salary Data in Maryland
Employment Outlook
Maryland's database management job market is strong and diverse, supported by a strong concentration of technology employers and government institutions across multiple metropolitan areas. The state is home to major tech and research hubs in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson and the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria metro area (Maryland portion), which together create a dynamic employment landscape for database professionals. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Maryland offers competitive opportunities for database administrators and specialists across various industries. Students graduating from Maryland institutions benefit from proximity to major employers including Johns Hopkins, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the University of Maryland system, Lockheed Martin, and Marriott, which collectively drive significant demand for database management expertise.
Salaries by Metro
The job market is particularly strong in specific Maryland cities including Baltimore, Columbia, Germantown, Silver Spring, Rockville, Frederick, and Bethesda. The Baltimore-Columbia corridor hosts a significant cluster of healthcare and research organizations requiring sophisticated database infrastructure, while the DC suburbs, particularly Germantown, Silver Spring, Rockville, and Bethesda, offer abundant opportunities in government contracting and federal agencies. With 39 institutions across Maryland offering database management programs at various degree levels (IPEDS), the state produces a steady pipeline of qualified professionals. For detailed salary and employment outlook information specific to Maryland, prospective students should consult the BLS State Occupational Data and explore related fields like Database Administration in Maryland and Data Analytics in Maryland for comprehensive career insights. Additionally, reviewing Data Science in Maryland programs can provide complementary skill pathways for database professionals seeking advancement.
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 Maryland
Online Programs
6 available in Maryland
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Database Management Programs in Other States
- Total Programs
- 69
- Median Tuition
- $15,400
- Total Programs
- 4
- Median Tuition
- $13,900
- Total Programs
- 21
- Median Tuition
- $12,900
- Total Programs
- 11
- Median Tuition
- $8,100
- 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 Maryland: FAQ
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Data Sources
Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
Maryland 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.