Updated December 2025

Best Database Management Programs in Tennessee: Top Schools & Colleges Ranked

Ranking 12 top accredited database management programs in Tennessee. Compare schools by tuition, graduation rates, and career outcomes in Nashville, Knoxville, Memphis.

Programs Ranked:12
Median Salary:$108,470
Cost of Living:93.2%
Tech Hubs:3

Top 3 Database Management Programs in Tennessee 2026

๐Ÿฅ‡ #1

Middle Tennessee State University

Murfreesboro, TNPublic

71 database management graduates annually, 97% graduation rate

$8K
Tuition/yr
97%
Grad Rate
68.9
Score
๐Ÿฅˆ #2

Christian Brothers University

Memphis, TNPrivate

215 database management graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate

$37K
Tuition/yr
68.0
Score
๐Ÿฅ‰ #3

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

Knoxville, TNPublic

31 database management graduates annually, 73% graduation rate

$11K
Tuition/yr
73%
Grad Rate
57.2
Score
Key Takeaways
  • 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
On This Page

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
1Middle Tennessee State UniversityMurfreesboro, TNPublic$7,53697%68.9
2Christian Brothers UniversityMemphis, TNPrivate$37,300โ€”68
3The University of Tennessee-KnoxvilleKnoxville, TNPublic$11,33273%57.2
4Tennessee Technological UniversityCookeville, TNPublic$8,76488%55.6
5Strayer University-TennesseeMemphis, TNFor-Profit$13,725100%54.7
6Austin Peay State UniversityClarksville, TNPublic$7,008โ€”53.4
7University of MemphisMemphis, TNPublic$8,520โ€”49.8
8The University of Tennessee-MartinMartin, TNPublic$8,54694%49.3
9Lincoln Memorial UniversityHarrogate, TNPrivate$25,68087%47.3
10Southern Adventist UniversityCollegedale, TNPrivate$24,35075%43.5
11Belmont UniversityNashville, TNPrivate$39,40097%42.2
12The University of Tennessee SouthernPulaski, TNPublic$9,270โ€”34.2

Top 5 Database Management Programs in Tennessee: Side-by-Side

SchoolMiddle Tennessee StateChristian BrothersUniversity of Tennessee-K...Tennessee TechnologicalStrayer 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

SchoolTuitionGrad RateGraduatesScore
#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

SchoolTuitionGrad RateGraduatesScore
#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)

SchoolAnnual Tuition4-Year CostPayback PeriodType
#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.

#1

Middle Tennessee State University

Murfreesboro, TN โ€ข Public

Delivery:On-Campus
Visit Program

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $7,536 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: 97% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Database Management Graduates: 71 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 68%
  • โ€ข 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
$Transfer Promise Scholarship
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
#21 Designation

Christian Brothers University

Memphis, TN โ€ข Private

Delivery:On-Campus
Visit Program

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $37,300 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Database Management Graduates: 215 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 88%
  • โ€ข 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
ABET - Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
Admissions
  • Acceptance Rate: 86.7%
Program Details
  • Credits: 134 credits
Available Specializations / Concentrations
electronics and systemscomputer systems
#3

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

Knoxville, TN โ€ข Public

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $11,332 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: 73% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Database Management Graduates: 31 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 46%
  • โ€ข 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.

#4

Tennessee Technological University

Cookeville, TN โ€ข Public

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $8,764 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: 88% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Database Management Graduates: 41 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 83%
  • โ€ข 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.

#5

Strayer University-Tennessee

Memphis, TN โ€ข For-Profit

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $13,725 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: 100% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Database Management Graduates: 4 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: N/A%
  • โ€ข 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.

$75,929
Starting Salary
$108,470
Mid-Career
+17%
Job Growth
7,318
Annual Openings

Career Paths

+17%

Software Developer opportunities in Tennessee with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$113,621

Data Scientist

SOC 15-2051
+35%

Data Scientist opportunities in Tennessee with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$120,006

DevOps Engineer

SOC 15-1244
+22%

DevOps Engineer opportunities in Tennessee with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$125,796

AI/ML Engineer

SOC 15-1299
+23%

AI/ML Engineer opportunities in Tennessee with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$102,604
+33%

Cybersecurity Analyst opportunities in Tennessee with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$108,569

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+35% growth
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Database Management Programs in Other States

Should You Study Database Management in Tennessee?

Choose Tennessee if...
  • 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
Consider other states if...
  • 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

Ranking Methodology

Based on 12 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024

Program Strength35%

Database Management degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources (IPEDS 2023)

Graduation Rate25%

6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023

Selectivity20%

Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)

Career Outcomes20%

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

Official University Websites

Program-specific admissions, curriculum, and career outcome data

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