- 1.Database Managers earn a median salary of $101,000 with 8% projected job growth through 2032 (BLS OES 2024)
- 2.Top-ranked Database Management programs include Florida Atlantic University, University of South Florida, Bellevue College based on graduation rates, program strength, and career outcomes
- 3.Best value: Florida Atlantic University offers database management education at $2,522/year with 77% graduation rate
- 4.25 accredited Database Management programs analyzed using IPEDS 2023 completion data
Best Database Management Programs - Top 10 Most Affordable
Florida Atlantic University
N/A database management graduates annually
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 for Database Management based on 77% graduation rate, strong graduates, and overall score of undefined/100. Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Program Strengths
- 77% graduation rate
- Accredited institution
University of South Florida
N/A database management graduates annually
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 for Database Management based on 85% graduation rate, strong graduates, and overall score of undefined/100. Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Program Strengths
- 85% graduation rate
- Accredited institution
Bellevue College
Based on the available sources, specific details about Bellevue College's Database Management program could not be verified, though the college offers database-related coursework within broader technology programs.
Program Overview
The sources provided do not contain information about a Database Management program at Bellevue College. The content primarily covers Bellevue University (a different institution in Nebraska) and various programs at Bellevue College in Washington including Computer Science BS, Data Analytics, and Database Administration courses, but no comprehensive Database Management degree program is described. Bellevue College does offer database-related coursework through its Data Analytics program and individual Database Administration (DBA) courses like DBA 232 - Database Administration, DBA 294 - Special Topics in Database Administration, and DBA 299 - Individual Studies in Database Administration.
The college, located in Bellevue, Washington, serves over 54% students of color and more than 1,300 international students. While the institution offers robust technology programs including a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Data Analytics pathways, the specific Database Management program details are not available in the provided sources.
Georgia Southern University
N/A database management graduates annually
Texas A & M International University
N/A database management graduates annually
University of West Florida
N/A database management graduates annually
University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus
N/A database management graduates annually
Florida Gulf Coast University
N/A database management graduates annually
University of North Georgia
N/A database management graduates annually
University of North Florida
N/A database management graduates annually
Best Database Management Programs - Compare Top 5 Most Affordable
| School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Florida Atlantic University | Boca Raton, FL | Public | $2,522 | 77% | N/A |
| #2 University of South Florida | Tampa, FL | Public | $4,559 | 85% | N/A |
| #3 Bellevue College | Bellevue, WA | Public | $4,074 | 96% | N/A |
| #4 Georgia Southern University | Statesboro, GA | Public | $4,371 | 94% | N/A |
| #5 Texas A & M International University | Laredo, TX | Public | $3,818 | 82% | N/A |
Top 25 Most Affordable Database Management Programs 2026
| Rank | Institution | Location | Tuition | Value Score | Grad Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Florida Atlantic University | Boca Raton, FL | $2,522 | 241.4 | 77% |
| 2 | University of South Florida | Tampa, FL | $4,559 | 177.4 | 85% |
| 3 | Bellevue College | Bellevue, WA | $4,074 | 151 | 96% |
| 4 | Georgia Southern University | Statesboro, GA | $4,371 | 144.9 | 94% |
| 5 | Texas A & M International University | Laredo, TX | $3,818 | 139.7 | 82% |
| 6 | University of West Florida | Pensacola, FL | $3,735 | 139.1 | 84% |
| 7 | University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus | Norman, OK | $5,070 | 138.2 | 88% |
| 8 | Florida Gulf Coast University | Fort Myers, FL | $4,191 | 135.6 | 95% |
| 9 | University of North Georgia | Dahlonega, GA | $4,230 | 134.5 | 100% |
| 10 | University of North Florida | Jacksonville, FL | $3,996 | 132.9 | 82% |
| 11 | Grambling State University | Grambling, LA | $5,140 | 129 | 99% |
| 12 | Kennesaw State University | Kennesaw, GA | $4,450 | 124.4 | 66% |
| 13 | Appalachian State University | Boone, NC | $4,242 | 117.6 | 78% |
| 14 | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | Chapel Hill, NC | $7,019 | 111.4 | 93% |
| 15 | Binghamton University | Vestal, NY | $7,070 | 102.3 | 87% |
| 16 | Texas A & M University-Commerce | Commerce, TX | $4,790 | 101.1 | 83% |
| 17 | Nicholls State University | Thibodaux, LA | $4,922 | 99.6 | 94% |
| 18 | Stony Brook University | Stony Brook, NY | $7,070 | 99.3 | 89% |
| 19 | Utah Valley University | Orem, UT | $5,614 | 99 | 92% |
| 20 | Weber State University | Ogden, UT | $5,471 | 97.6 | 92% |
| 21 | Tarleton State University | Stephenville, TX | $4,416 | 97.2 | 69% |
| 22 | CUNY New York City College of Technology | Brooklyn, NY | $6,930 | 95.7 | 98% |
| 23 | University of Houston | Houston, TX | $8,685 | 95.4 | 91% |
| 24 | University of Nebraska at Omaha | Omaha, NE | $6,536 | 92 | 97% |
| 25 | Louisiana Tech University | Ruston, LA | $6,401 | 90.9 | 85% |
Career Paths
Database Administrator
SOC 15-1141Design, implement, and maintain database systems for organizations
Data Analyst
SOC 15-2051Extract insights from databases to support business decisions
Database Developer
SOC 15-1132Create and optimize database applications and stored procedures
Business Intelligence Analyst
SOC 15-2051Design data warehouses and reporting systems
Cloud Database Engineer
SOC 15-1142Manage databases in cloud platforms like AWS and Azure
Most Affordable States for Database Management Education
Florida
Georgia
Louisiana
Nebraska
Texas
North Carolina
New York
Utah
Maryland
Wisconsin
Washington
Tennessee
Mississippi
Alabama
Financial Aid Strategies for Database Management Students
Federal financial aid significantly reduces costs for eligible students. The average Pell Grant covers 58% of tuition at most affordable database management programs. Students from families earning under $60,000 annually often qualify for grants covering 70-90% of program costs when combined with state aid.
Employer tuition reimbursement programs provide additional funding, with 67% of technology companies offering educational benefits. Major employers like IBM, Oracle, and Microsoft reimburse up to $8,000 annually for database-related education, making career advancement programs nearly free for working professionals.
State-specific grants target STEM education gaps. California offers Cal Grant technology supplements up to $4,000 annually, while Texas provides TEXAS Grant funding for database management students. Military veterans can use GI Bill benefits, often covering full tuition plus housing allowances.
- Complete FAFSA by March 1 for maximum aid eligibility
- Apply for state grants early - many have limited funding
- Research employer education benefits before enrollment
- Consider work-study programs for hands-on database experience
- Look for scholarships from database vendors like Oracle and IBM
Cost vs Value Analysis: ROI of Affordable Programs
Affordable database management programs deliver strong return on investment through lower debt loads and solid career outcomes. Graduates from programs under $15,000 annually report average starting salaries of $58,000-$68,000, creating positive ROI within 3-4 years compared to 6-8 years for expensive private programs.
Regional accreditation ensures degree recognition by employers and graduate schools. All top affordable programs maintain ABET or equivalent accreditation, with many holding additional certifications from database vendors. Arizona State University Online graduates achieve s within six months, matching outcomes from more expensive alternatives.
Industry certifications included in affordable programs add significant value. Oracle Database Administrator certification alone commands $15,000-$20,000 salary premiums, while Microsoft SQL Server certifications increase earning potential by 18-25%. These certifications are often embedded in curriculum at no additional cost.
Frequently Asked Questions About Affordable Database Management Programs
Based on 117 programs from IPEDS 2023 (tuition $2K-$35K, 40%+ grad rate, 10+ graduates)
Our Best Value algorithm calculates Value Score = Quality Score / (Tuition / $10,000). This rewards schools delivering quality education at reasonable prices.
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023, weighted at 35% of the Quality Score
Number of Database Management graduates indicating program resources and faculty (IPEDS 2023)
Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)
R1 research universities receive bonus points for institutional quality
Data Sources and Methodology
Official data on college costs, graduation rates, and employment outcomes
Comprehensive higher education statistics and institutional data
Employment projections and salary data for database occupations
Starting salary surveys and career outcomes 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.