Top 3 Database Management Programs in Tennessee 2026
Middle Tennessee State University
71 database management graduates annually, 97% graduation rate
Christian Brothers University
215 database management graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
31 database management graduates annually, 73% graduation rate
- 1.Database Managers earn a median salary of $101,000 with 8% projected job growth through 2032 (BLS OEWS 2024)
- 2.Top-ranked Database Management programs include Middle Tennessee State University, Christian Brothers University, The University of Tennessee-Knoxville based on graduation rates, program strength, and career outcomes
- 3.Best value: Middle Tennessee State University offers Database Management education at $7,536/year with 97% graduation rate
- 4.12 accredited Database Management programs analyzed in Tennessee using IPEDS 2023 completion data
Database Management Education in Tennessee: Overview
Tennessee offers 12 accredited database management programs, producing approximately 531 graduates annually. The state's tech industry is centered in Nashville, Knoxville, Memphis, with major employers including HCA Healthcare, Asurion, AllianceBernstein.
With a median software developer salary of $108,470 (BLS OES May 2024) and a cost of living index of 93.2% compared to the US average, Tennessee offers above-average purchasing power for tech workers compared to higher-cost coastal markets. Tennessee has no state income tax on wages, further boosting take-home pay.
The top database management programs in the state are led by Middle Tennessee State University, Christian Brothers University, The University of Tennessee-Knoxville, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Tennessee Database Management Programs Rankings 2026
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Middle Tennessee State University | Murfreesboro, TN | Public | $7,536 | 97% | 68.9 |
| 2 | Christian Brothers University | Memphis, TN | Private | $37,300 | โ | 68 |
| 3 | The University of Tennessee-Knoxville | Knoxville, TN | Public | $11,332 | 73% | 57.2 |
| 4 | Tennessee Technological University | Cookeville, TN | Public | $8,764 | 88% | 55.6 |
| 5 | Strayer University-Tennessee | Memphis, TN | For-Profit | $13,725 | 100% | 54.7 |
| 6 | Austin Peay State University | Clarksville, TN | Public | $7,008 | โ | 53.4 |
| 7 | University of Memphis | Memphis, TN | Public | $8,520 | โ | 49.8 |
| 8 | The University of Tennessee-Martin | Martin, TN | Public | $8,546 | 94% | 49.3 |
| 9 | Lincoln Memorial University | Harrogate, TN | Private | $25,680 | 87% | 47.3 |
| 10 | Southern Adventist University | Collegedale, TN | Private | $24,350 | 75% | 43.5 |
| 11 | Belmont University | Nashville, TN | Private | $39,400 | 97% | 42.2 |
| 12 | The University of Tennessee Southern | Pulaski, TN | Public | $9,270 | โ | 34.2 |
Top 5 Database Management Programs in Tennessee: Side-by-Side
| School | Middle Tennessee State | Christian Brothers | University of Tennessee-K... | Tennessee Technological | Strayer University-Tennessee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $7,536 | $37,300 | $11,332 | $8,764 | $13,725 |
| Graduation Rate | 97% | N/A% | 73% | 88% | 100% |
| Annual Graduates | 71 | 215 | 31 | 41 | 4 |
| Acceptance Rate | 68% | 88% | 46% | 83% | N/A |
| Type | Public | Private | Public | Public | For-Profit |
| Score | 68.9/100 | 68.0/100 | 57.2/100 | 55.6/100 | 54.7/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Database Management in Tennessee
Tennessee offers 12 bachelor's-level database management programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Middle Tennessee State University, The University of Tennessee-Knoxville, Tennessee Technological University. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $75,929 in the Tennessee 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 Tennessee
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Middle Tennessee State | $7,536 | 97% | 71 | 68.9 |
| #2 University of Tennessee-K... | $11,332 | 73% | 31 | 57.2 |
| #3 Tennessee Technological | $8,764 | 88% | 41 | 55.6 |
Top Database Management Schools for Master's Degrees in Tennessee
For graduate study, Tennessee offers 4 master's-level database management programs. Leading institutions include Christian Brothers University, Strayer University-Tennessee, Austin Peay State University. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Tennessee reaching $141,011 or more.
Top 3 Database Management Master's Programs in Tennessee
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Christian Brothers | $37,300 | N/A% | 215 | 68.0 |
| #2 Strayer University-Tennessee | $13,725 | 100% | 4 | 54.7 |
| #3 Austin Peay State | $7,008 | N/A% | 90 | 53.4 |
Most Affordable Database Management Colleges in Tennessee
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable database management programs in Tennessee are at Austin Peay State University ($7,008/year), Middle Tennessee State University ($7,536/year), University of Memphis ($8,520/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Tennessee's competitive tech salaries.
At Austin Peay State University, a 4-year degree costs approximately $28,032 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $75,929, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.7 years. See our Most Affordable Database Management Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Database Management Programs in Tennessee (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Austin Peay State | $7,008 | $28,032 | 0.7 years | Public |
| #2 Middle Tennessee State | $7,536 | $30,144 | 0.7 years | Public |
| #3 U of Memphis | $8,520 | $34,080 | 0.8 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Database Management Schools in Tennessee
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 database management programs in Tennessee, including admissions requirements, curriculum highlights, career outcomes, and what makes each program unique. Data sourced from official university websites and IPEDS 2023.
Middle Tennessee State University
Murfreesboro, TN โข Public
Program Highlights
- โข Annual Tuition: $7,536 (in-state)
- โข Graduation Rate: 97% (IPEDS 2023)
- โข Database Management Graduates: 71 annually
- โข Acceptance Rate: 68%
- โข Ranking Score: 68.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- 97% graduation rate
- 71 database management graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 68.9 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (97%), program size (71 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,470), and selectivity (68% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity Management at MTSU is offered both on ground and online in a high-demand field with excellent earning potential. The comprehensive curriculum covers computer architecture, programming, cryptography, and security system design to prepare skilled managers for maintaining security of data, systems, and infrastructure.
Available Scholarships
Admissions
- Transfer Friendly
Career Outcomes
- Top Employers: Asurion, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee, Bridgestone Firestone, CAT Financial, Deloitte, HCA, Ingram Content Group, State of Tennessee, UBS
Christian Brothers University
Memphis, TN โข Private
Program Highlights
- โข Annual Tuition: $37,300 (in-state)
- โข Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- โข Database Management Graduates: 215 annually
- โข Acceptance Rate: 88%
- โข Ranking Score: 68.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 215 database management graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 68.0 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (215 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,470), and selectivity (88% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
This program offers a comprehensive two-semester capstone project in collaboration with industry partners, ABET accreditation, and the flexibility to customize your degree with technical electives in database management, video game design, and mobile app development. Students can also complete a dual degree in electrical engineering and computer science or finish both bachelor's and master's degrees in just five years.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Admissions
- Acceptance Rate: 86.7%
Program Details
- Credits: 134 credits
Available Specializations / Concentrations
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Knoxville, TN โข Public
Program Highlights
- โข Annual Tuition: $11,332 (in-state)
- โข Graduation Rate: 73% (IPEDS 2023)
- โข Database Management Graduates: 31 annually
- โข Acceptance Rate: 46%
- โข Ranking Score: 57.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- 73% graduation rate
- 31 database management graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 57.2 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (73%), program size (31 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,470), and selectivity (46% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Tennessee Technological University
Cookeville, TN โข Public
Program Highlights
- โข Annual Tuition: $8,764 (in-state)
- โข Graduation Rate: 88% (IPEDS 2023)
- โข Database Management Graduates: 41 annually
- โข Acceptance Rate: 83%
- โข Ranking Score: 55.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- 88% graduation rate
- 41 database management graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 55.6 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (88%), program size (41 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,470), and selectivity (83% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Strayer University-Tennessee
Memphis, TN โข For-Profit
Program Highlights
- โข Annual Tuition: $13,725 (in-state)
- โข Graduation Rate: 100% (IPEDS 2023)
- โข Database Management Graduates: 4 annually
- โข Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- โข Ranking Score: 54.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- 100% graduation rate
- 4 database management graduates annually
- For-Profit institution
- Overall score: 54.7 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (100%), program size (4 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,470), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Career Paths
Software Developer
SOC 15-1252Software Developer opportunities in Tennessee with strong job growth.
Data Scientist
SOC 15-2051Data Scientist opportunities in Tennessee with strong job growth.
DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1244DevOps Engineer opportunities in Tennessee with strong job growth.
AI/ML Engineer
SOC 15-1299AI/ML Engineer opportunities in Tennessee with strong job growth.
Cybersecurity Analyst
SOC 15-1212Cybersecurity Analyst opportunities in Tennessee with strong job growth.
Other Tech Degree Programs in Tennessee
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Explore cybersecurity programs in Tennessee
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Explore software engineering programs in Tennessee
Explore computer science programs in Tennessee
Explore computer engineering programs in Tennessee
Database Management Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Illinois
Pennsylvania
Georgia
Massachusetts
Should You Study Database Management in Tennessee?
- You want access to tech jobs in Nashville, Knoxville, Memphis
- You're seeking lower cost of living than coastal states (93.2% of US average)
- You want to work at companies like HCA Healthcare or Asurion
- You want no state income tax on wages
- You prioritize highest possible salary (consider CA, WA, NY)
- You want more program options (CA has 100+ vs Tennessee's 12)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration (consider SF, Seattle, NYC)
Database Management in Tennessee FAQ
Based on 12 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)
Tennessee-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 - Tennessee 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.