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Minnesota State Community and Technical College
Fergus Falls, MNPublic
$5,424
Tuition/yr
47%
Grad rate
78.7
Hakia Score
On this page
Reviewed by Taylor Rupe, Founder & EditorSee methodology
Key Takeaways
Best database management degree programs: U of Minnesota-Twin Cities, U of St Thomas, Metropolitan State
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $4,178 to $50,788/year
Normandale Community College offers the most affordable option at $5,347/yr
Database Management degree programs available: 11 associate's, 2 master's in Minnesota
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
6 online database management degree programs in Minnesota
Flexible scheduling for working professionals
Minnesota community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
11 associate's programs provide transfer pathways to bachelor's degrees
Education Commission of the States
Major employers: Target, UnitedHealth, Best Buy, 3M
Tech hubs in Minneapolis and St. Paul
Hakia Research 2026
Database Management degree programs near 53+ cities across Minnesota
Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location
Updated July 13, 2026
How we ranked Minnesota Database Management programs
We rank 25 accredited database management programs in Minnesota 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.
Program completions (35%)Graduation rate (25%)Selectivity (20%)Career outcomes (20%)
See full methodologyAre Database Management Degree Programs in Minnesota Worth It?
Answer
$106,790
Yes. The best database management degree programs in Minnesota deliver strong ROI, graduates earn $106,790 median salary with +22% job growth through 2032. In-state tuition averages $14,888/year.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Database Management Degree Rankings in Minnesota
Compare the top-ranked Database Management programs in Minnesota by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Database Management Programs in Minnesota
3
Programs ranked
$5,419
Avg tuition/yr
38%
Avg grad rate
Program Landscape
Minnesota offers 11 accredited associate's degree programs in database management, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include Normandale Community College, Century College, Rasmussen University-Minn..., which combine rigorous technical curriculum with practical skills training.
Costs & Value
Community colleges in Minnesota offer these two-year programs at an average cost of $5,737/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 $58,735 in Minnesota.
Career Pathways
Many programs feature guaranteed transfer agreements with Minnesota's public universities, allowing students to complete their first two years at reduced cost before transferring to complete a bachelor's degree. The Minneapolis, St. Paul, Bloomington areas offer particularly strong job markets for associate's degree holders, with employers like Target, UnitedHealth, Best Buy 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 Minnesota, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their database management degrees in Minnesota.
Best Bachelor's Database Management Programs in Minnesota
3
Programs ranked
$26,726
Avg tuition/yr
54%
Avg grad rate
Program Landscape
Minnesota ranks among the nation's top destinations for database management education, with 12 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 5 public and 5 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are U of Minnesota-Twin Cities, U of St Thomas, Metropolitan State, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Minnesota database management programs earn a median salary of $90,772, 8% below the national average. The state's robust technology sector, anchored by the Minneapolis, St. Paul, Bloomington metropolitan areas, provides abundant internship and employment opportunities with companies including Target, UnitedHealth, Best Buy.
Costs & Value
Tuition ranges from $8,571 to $50,788 annually, with an average of $23,267/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 69%, with the highest reaching 94%. 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 Minnesota's leading technology employers. For students seeking database management degrees in Minnesota, these top-ranked database management schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
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University of St Thomas
Saint Paul, MNPrivate nonprofit
Virtual Tour of the University of St. Thomas (Minnesota)$52,820
Tuition/yr
76%
Grad rate
81.2
Hakia Score
Best Master's Database Management Programs in Minnesota
1
Programs ranked
$52,820
Avg tuition/yr
76%
Avg grad rate
Program Landscape
Minnesota offers 2 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 St Thomas, Walden, combine advanced technical training with research opportunities and leadership development.
Career Outcomes
Master's graduates in Minnesota earn a median salary of $106,790, approximately 20-30% higher than bachelor's degree holders. The concentration of technology companies in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Bloomington creates strong demand for graduate-level talent, with Target, UnitedHealth, Best Buy 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 $30,551/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 Minnesota's database management schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
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University of St Thomas
Saint Paul, MNPrivate nonprofit
Virtual Tour of the University of St. Thomas (Minnesota)$52,820
Tuition/yr
76%
Grad rate
77.0
Hakia Score
Database Management Degree Costs & Tuition in Minnesota
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $14,888/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $37,220/year |
| Community college tuition | $3,722/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $89,328 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $22,332 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Database Management Students in Minnesota
State Aid Programs
Minnesota students pursuing database management degrees have access to one of the nation's most strong state financial aid programs. The Minnesota State Grant, administered by the Minnesota Office of Higher Education, provides need-based grants specifically designed to support Minnesota residents attending eligible institutions. This program ranks among the largest state aid initiatives in the country, making it a critical funding source for students at both public and private universities across the state. Additionally, all students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to access federal grants, loans, and work-study opportunities through the Federal Student Aid portal.
Key Programs & Amounts
Beyond state and federal aid, many Minnesota institutions offering database management programs provide institutional scholarships and merit-based awards. Public universities like Metropolitan State University and Minnesota State University-Mankato often feature competitive scholarship opportunities for both in-state and out-of-state students. Private institutions such as University of St Thomas and Carleton College offer substantial financial aid packages designed to make quality education accessible. Students should explore scholarship databases, contact financial aid offices directly, and investigate employer sponsorship programs, particularly through Minnesota's major employers like Mayo Clinic, Target, and UnitedHealth Group, which frequently offer tuition assistance for employees pursuing advanced technical degrees.
Database Management Degree ROI Calculator, Minnesota
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a database management degree in Minnesota. 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
20 years
10 years20 years30 years
20-Year ROI
+697%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
Net Gain
$1,289,731
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
Break-Even
6 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
COL-Adjusted Salary
$120,000
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
Total Investment$185,000
Tuition plus opportunity cost (earnings you miss while in school)
Program Cost (Tuition)$45,000
Direct cost of the degree program
Opportunity Cost$140,000
4 years × $35K/year foregone salary while studying full-time
20-Year Earnings (with degree)$2,325,139
Projected career earnings starting after graduation, with salary growth
20-Year Earnings (without degree)$850,408
What you'd earn working at $35K/year with 2% annual growth
Starting Salary (Minneapolis, MN)$120,000
Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)
Annualized Return4.1%
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 Minnesota metro areas
Minneapolis$117K
St. Paul$112K
Bloomington$107K
View data table
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Minneapolis | $117K |
| St. Paul | $112K |
| Bloomington | $107K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Hakia.com
Top Employers Hiring Database Management Graduates in Minnesota
Find database management jobs in Minnesota. These major employers across Minnesota metro areas are actively hiring database management degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Database Management Jobs in Minneapolis-St. Paul
MNTarget
retail-tech
UnitedHealth Group
healthcare
Best Buy
retail-tech
3M
manufacturing
Medtronic
medtech
Transfer Pathways for Database Management Degrees in Minnesota
State Transfer System
Minnesota's transfer system is designed to make pathways from community colleges to four-year institutions seamless and affordable. The Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC) establishes common general education requirements across all public institutions, enabling students to complete associate's degrees at one of Minnesota's 14 database management programs and transfer without loss of credit. Community colleges like Normandale Community College, Anoka-Ramsey Community College, and North Hennepin Community College offer affordable entry points at $5,347, $4,942, and $4,502 annually, respectively. Students completing MnTC requirements can articulate into bachelor's programs at 13 four-year institutions offering database management degrees, including Metropolitan State University ($8,571 tuition) and Minnesota State University-Mankato ($8,356 tuition).
How Transfers Work
Transfer pathways provide significant financial and academic advantages. By starting at a community college, students save approximately $5,000–$6,000 annually compared to four-year institutions, then complete upper-level database management courses at universities to earn bachelor's or master's credentials. Minnesota's articulation agreements guarantee that MnTC general education credits count toward any public four-year institution, protecting student progress and cost efficiency. Students can also leverage the Minnesota State Grant program, a need-based aid initiative that supports Minnesota residents pursuing higher education. For advanced credentials, transfer students with bachelor's degrees can pursue master's programs at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities or University of St Thomas. Explore related transfer-friendly pathways in Database Administration in Minnesota, Data Analytics in Minnesota, and Information Systems in Minnesota for complementary specializations.
Why Pursue a Database Management Degree in Minnesota?
Industry & Workforce
Minnesota offers a strong ecosystem for database management education, with 31 institutions across the state providing dedicated programs at multiple degree levels (IPEDS). Students can choose from 14 associate's programs, 13 bachelor's programs, and 4 master's programs, generating 468 total completions annually. The state's geographic diversity, spanning the Twin Cities metro, Rochester, Duluth, and other regional hubs, means students can access instruction whether they prefer urban or smaller college environments. Top-ranked institutions like the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and University of St Thomas lead the nation in database management education, with the former alone producing 141 completions and the latter 111 completions.
Salary Outlook
Minnesota's technology sector provides exceptional career opportunities for database management graduates. Major employers including Mayo Clinic, Target, UnitedHealth Group, and 3M operate within the state, creating strong pipelines for internships and employment. Public four-year institution tuition averages just $10,088 in-state, making Minnesota significantly more affordable than national peers (College Scorecard). Community college pathways offer even greater affordability, with programs like Normandale Community College charging $5,347 annually. For those seeking advanced credentials, explore related fields through our guides to Database Administration in Minnesota, Data Analytics in Minnesota, and Data Science in Minnesota to understand complementary career pathways.
Database Management Program Availability in Minnesota
23 Programs
Minnesota offers 23 accredited database management programs across public universities, private colleges, and community colleges. Top tech hubs include Minneapolis, St. Paul, Bloomington.
Source: IPEDS 2024
Database Management Job Market & Salary Data in Minnesota
Employment Outlook
Minnesota's database management job market is strong and growing, supported by a diverse technology sector and Fortune 500 companies headquartered throughout the state. The Twin Cities metro area, encompassing Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Bloomington, represents the largest employment hub for database professionals. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Minnesota offers competitive salaries and steady demand for skilled database management professionals. Beyond the Twin Cities, secondary markets in Rochester, Duluth, and surrounding regions provide additional opportunities, particularly within healthcare and manufacturing sectors. The state's strong educational infrastructure, with 31 institutions offering database management programs, ensures a steady pipeline of qualified graduates to meet employer demand.
Salaries by Metro
Educational pathways in Minnesota are diverse and affordable, with public four-year institutions averaging $10,088 in in-state tuition (Minnesota Office of Higher Education). The Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC) enables seamless general education transfer between institutions, allowing students to begin at affordable community colleges, where tuition averages between $4,502 and $5,556, and transfer to bachelor's degree programs without losing credits. Students should explore related fields like Database Administration in Minnesota, Data Analytics in Minnesota, and Information Systems in Minnesota to maximize career flexibility. Additionally, Minnesota State Grant programs provide need-based financial aid for residents, making education more accessible.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Median Salary in Minnesota$69,414$154,846
Typical RolesJunior Developer, AnalystStaff Engineer, Architect
Remote Work AccessLimitedCommon
Degree ExpectationBachelor's sufficientMaster's preferred
Online vs On-Campus Database Management Programs in Minnesota
Online Programs
6 available in Minnesota
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Typical Tuition$13,399/yr$14,888/yr
Schedule FlexibilitySelf-paced or asyncFixed schedule
NetworkingVirtual cohortsIn-person, career fairs
Best ForWorking professionalsTraditional students
Completion Time2-4 years (flexible)4 years (standard)
Compare Database Management Programs in Other States
Best Database Management Degree Programs in Wisconsin
- Total Programs
- 18
- Median Tuition
- $8,500
Best Database Management Degree Programs in Iowa
- Total Programs
- 9
- Median Tuition
- $38,100
Best Database Management Degree Programs in North Dakota
- Total Programs
- 10
- Median Tuition
- $7,300
Best Database Management Degree Programs in California
- Total Programs
- 35
- Median Tuition
- $12,200
Best Database Management Degree Programs in Washington
- Total Programs
- 16
- Median Tuition
- $7,600
Best Database Management Degree Programs in Texas
- Total Programs
- 76
- Median Tuition
- $7,500
Best Database Management Degree Programs in New York
- Total Programs
- 75
- Median Tuition
- $7,100
Database Management Degree Programs in Minnesota: FAQ
What are the best database management degree programs in Minnesota?
The best database management degree programs in Minnesota based on our methodology are: 1) University of Minnesota-Twin Cities (92% graduation rate), 2) University of St Thomas, and 3) Metropolitan State University. Our rankings weight graduation rates (25%), program completions (35%), selectivity (20%), and career outcomes (20%). Minnesota offers 23 total accredited programs across 15 public and 5 private institutions. See our complete rankings for all 12 bachelor's programs.
How much do database management degree programs cost in Minnesota?
Database Management degree program costs in Minnesota vary significantly by institution type. In-state public tuition averages $14,888/year, while private institutions average $32,754/year. Community colleges offer the most affordable path at approximately $3,722/year for associate's degrees. The total 4-year cost ranges from $59,552 at public schools to $131,014 at private institutions before financial aid. Most students don't pay full sticker price, federal grants, state aid, and institutional scholarships can reduce costs by 30-60%.
What salary can database management degree graduates earn in Minnesota?
Database Management professionals in Minnesota earn a median salary of $106,790, which is competitive with the national average of $115,500. Entry-level positions typically start around $69,414, while senior roles exceed $154,846. Salaries vary by metro area: Minneapolis ($117,469), St. Paul ($112,130) offer the highest compensation. Specialized roles like AI/ML engineers and cloud architects command premiums of 15-30% above median.
Are there online database management degree programs in Minnesota?
Yes, Minnesota offers 6 accredited online Database Management programs from state institutions. These programs award the same degree as on-campus options and include synchronous and asynchronous formats. Top-ranked online programs include offerings from Rasmussen University-Minnesota and Dakota County Technical College. Online programs typically cost the same as on-campus tuition for in-state students. Many programs offer flexible scheduling for working professionals, with some offering accelerated completion in 2-3 years. Ensure any online program holds regional accreditation and ideally ABET accreditation for engineering programs.
What companies hire database management degree graduates in Minnesota?
Major Database Management employers in Minnesota include Target, UnitedHealth, Best Buy, 3M, Medtronic. The Minneapolis and St. Paul metro areas serve as primary tech hubs with thousands of open positions. Top employers maintain recruiting pipelines directly from Minnesota universities, with many offering internship-to-hire programs. Beyond tech giants, opportunities exist in healthcare IT, financial services, defense contractors, and growing startups. Minnesota's tech sector shows +22% projected job growth through 2033, outpacing most other industries.
Is a database management degree program worth it in Minnesota?
A database management degree program in Minnesota offers strong ROI with a $106,790 median salary and +22% projected job growth. At average in-state tuition of $14,888/year, graduates typically recoup their educational investment within 3-5 years. The degree opens doors to high-paying careers in software development ($120,673), data science, cybersecurity, and AI/ML. Beyond salary, benefits include job security, remote work flexibility, and clear advancement paths. Alternative paths like bootcamps exist for career changers, but bachelor's degrees provide broader career options and higher lifetime earnings.
How long do database management degree programs take in Minnesota?
Standard completion times for database management degree programs in Minnesota are: Associate's (2 years, 60 credits), Bachelor's (4 years, 120 credits), and Master's (1-2 years, 30-36 credits). However, actual timelines vary based on course load, transfer credits, and program format. Accelerated programs can compress a bachelor's to 3 years or a master's to 12 months. Part-time students typically need 5-6 years for a bachelor's degree. Minnesota community colleges offer a cost-effective "2+2" path: complete your associate's in 2 years, then transfer to a Minnesota university for the final 2 years of a bachelor's program.
What financial aid is available for database management degree students in Minnesota?
Minnesota database management degree students can access multiple financial aid sources. Federal aid includes Pell Grants (up to $7,395/year for qualifying students) and federal student loans. Minnesota state grants provide additional support for residents attending in-state schools. Institutional scholarships from universities can significantly reduce costs, many schools offer merit-based awards for STEM students. Work-study programs and teaching/research assistantships (especially for graduate students) provide income while building experience. Complete the FAFSA by Minnesota's priority deadline to maximize aid eligibility. Some employers also offer tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing CS degrees.
Data Sources
Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
Minnesota salary and employment data
Official University Websites
Program details and admissions information
Last Updated: June 26, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2024 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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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.