Top 3 Database Management Programs in Wisconsin 2025
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
158 database management graduates annually, 97% graduation rate
University of Wisconsin-Madison
52 database management graduates annually, 83% graduation rate
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
29 database management graduates annually, 92% graduation rate
- 1.Wisconsin offers 12+ accredited database management programs across public and private universities
- 2.University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee leads with 97% graduation rate
- 3.Wisconsin software developers earn median $103,360 annually (BLS OES 2024)
- 4.Tech opportunities concentrated in Madison, Milwaukee
- 5.Cost of living index: 95.2% of US average (below average)
Database Management Education in Wisconsin: Overview
Wisconsin offers 12 accredited database management programs, producing approximately 355 graduates annually. The state's tech industry is centered in Madison, Milwaukee, with major employers including Epic Systems, Rockwell Automation, Northwestern Mutual.
With a median software developer salary of $103,360 (BLS OES May 2024) and a cost of living index of 95.2% compared to the US average, Wisconsin offers above-average purchasing power for tech workers compared to higher-cost coastal markets.
The top database management programs in the state are led by University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
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)
Wisconsin-specific salaries from BLS OES May 2024
Wisconsin Database Management Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee | Milwaukee, WI | Public | $8,455 | 97% | 79.5 |
| 2 | University of Wisconsin-Madison | Madison, WI | Public | $9,644 | 83% | 69.8 |
| 3 | University of Wisconsin-La Crosse | La Crosse, WI | Public | $7,974 | 92% | 57.6 |
| 4 | University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh | Oshkosh, WI | Public | $6,806 | 89% | 52 |
| 5 | University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire | Eau Claire, WI | Public | $7,645 | — | 48.9 |
| 6 | University of Wisconsin-Green Bay | Green Bay, WI | Public | $6,767 | 79% | 48.8 |
| 7 | Lakeland University | Plymouth, WI | Private | $30,900 | 86% | 44.2 |
| 8 | University of Wisconsin-Parkside | Kenosha, WI | Public | $6,582 | — | 40.4 |
| 9 | Ottawa University-Milwaukee | Brookfield, WI | Private | $11,976 | — | 39.5 |
| 10 | University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Flex | Milwaukee, WI | Public | $6,750 | — | 38.7 |
| 11 | Marquette University | Milwaukee, WI | Private | $47,690 | — | 33.2 |
| 12 | Saint Norbert College | De Pere, WI | Private | $43,532 | — | 33.1 |
Top 5 Database Management Programs in Wisconsin: Side-by-Side
| School | U of Wisconsin-Milwaukee | UW Madison | U of Wisconsin-La Crosse | U of Wisconsin-Oshkosh | U of Wisconsin-Eau Claire |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $8,455 | $9,644 | $7,974 | $6,806 | $7,645 |
| Graduation Rate | 97% | 83% | 92% | 89% | N/A% |
| Annual Graduates | 158 | 52 | 29 | 22 | 39 |
| Acceptance Rate | 88% | 43% | 73% | 87% | 76% |
| Type | Public | Public | Public | Public | Public |
| Score | 79.5/100 | 69.8/100 | 57.6/100 | 52.0/100 | 48.9/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Database Management in Wisconsin
Wisconsin offers 10 bachelor's-level database management programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $72,352 in the Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Wisconsin-Milwaukee | $8,455 | 97% | 158 | 79.5 |
| #2 UW Madison | $9,644 | 83% | 52 | 69.8 |
| #3 U of Wisconsin-La Crosse | $7,974 | 92% | 29 | 57.6 |
Top Database Management Schools for Master's Degrees in Wisconsin
For graduate study, Wisconsin offers 4 master's-level database management programs. Leading institutions include University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Ottawa University-Milwaukee. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Wisconsin reaching $134,368 or more.
Top 3 Database Management Master's Programs in Wisconsin
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 UW Madison | $9,644 | 83% | 23 | 63.1 |
| #2 U of Wisconsin-Milwaukee | $8,455 | 97% | 14 | 53.8 |
| #3 Ottawa University-Milwaukee | $11,976 | N/A% | 1 | 39.5 |
Most Affordable Database Management Colleges in Wisconsin
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable database management programs in Wisconsin are at University of Wisconsin-Parkside ($6,582/year), University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Flex ($6,750/year), University of Wisconsin-Green Bay ($6,767/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Wisconsin's competitive tech salaries.
At University of Wisconsin-Parkside, a 4-year degree costs approximately $26,328 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $72,352, 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 Wisconsin (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Wisconsin-Parkside | $6,582 | $26,328 | 0.7 years | Public |
| #2 U of Wisconsin-Milwaukee... | $6,750 | $27,000 | 0.7 years | Public |
| #3 U of Wisconsin-Green Bay | $6,767 | $27,068 | 0.7 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Database Management Schools in Wisconsin
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 database management programs in Wisconsin, including admissions requirements, curriculum highlights, career outcomes, and what makes each program unique. Data sourced from official university websites and IPEDS 2023.
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Milwaukee, WI • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $8,455 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 97% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Database Management Graduates: 158 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 88%
- • Ranking Score: 79.5 / 100
Program Strengths
- 97% graduation rate
- 158 database management graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 79.5 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (97%), program size (158 graduates), state salary outcomes ($103,360), and selectivity (88% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, WI • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $9,644 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 83% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Database Management Graduates: 52 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 43%
- • Ranking Score: 69.8 / 100
Program Strengths
- 83% graduation rate
- 52 database management graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 69.8 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (83%), program size (52 graduates), state salary outcomes ($103,360), and selectivity (43% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
La Crosse, WI • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $7,974 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 92% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Database Management Graduates: 29 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 73%
- • Ranking Score: 57.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- 92% graduation rate
- 29 database management graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 57.6 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (92%), program size (29 graduates), state salary outcomes ($103,360), and selectivity (73% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
UW-La Crosse offers a comprehensive 30-credit Data Science Master's program with specialized courses in big data, machine learning, and deep learning. The program boasts near 100% placement rates with higher than average starting salaries for graduates.
Admission Prerequisites
- •Elementary Statistics
- •Introduction to Programming
Admissions
- Acceptance Rate: 81.2%
Program Details
- Credits: 30 credits
Career Outcomes
- Job Placement: near 100 percent over the years
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
Oshkosh, WI • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $6,806 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 89% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Database Management Graduates: 22 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 87%
- • Ranking Score: 52.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- 89% graduation rate
- 22 database management graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 52.0 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (89%), program size (22 graduates), state salary outcomes ($103,360), and selectivity (87% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
Eau Claire, WI • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $7,645 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Database Management Graduates: 39 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 76%
- • Ranking Score: 48.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 39 database management graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 48.9 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (39 graduates), state salary outcomes ($103,360), and selectivity (76% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Career Paths
Software Developer
SOC 15-1252Software Developer opportunities in Wisconsin with strong job growth.
Data Scientist
SOC 15-2051Data Scientist opportunities in Wisconsin with strong job growth.
DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1244DevOps Engineer opportunities in Wisconsin with strong job growth.
AI/ML Engineer
SOC 15-1299AI/ML Engineer opportunities in Wisconsin with strong job growth.
Cybersecurity Analyst
SOC 15-1212Cybersecurity Analyst opportunities in Wisconsin with strong job growth.
Which Should You Choose?
- You want access to tech jobs in Madison, Milwaukee
- You're seeking lower cost of living than coastal states (95.2% of US average)
- You want to work at companies like Epic Systems or Rockwell Automation
- You prefer Wisconsin's quality of life
- You prioritize highest possible salary (consider CA, WA, NY)
- You want more program options (CA has 100+ vs Wisconsin's 12)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration (consider SF, Seattle, NYC)
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Database Management Programs in Other States
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Texas
New York
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Illinois
Pennsylvania
Georgia
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Database Management in Wisconsin FAQ
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 - Wisconsin 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.