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Key Takeaways
Best database management degree programs: U of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, U of Wisconsin-Madison, U of Wisconsin-La Crosse
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $4,386 to $47,690/year
Waukesha County Technical... offers the most affordable option at $4,386/yr
Database Management degree programs available: 2 associate's, 4 master's, 2 doctoral in Wisconsin
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
3 online database management degree programs in Wisconsin
Flexible scheduling for working professionals
Wisconsin community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
2 associate's programs provide transfer pathways to bachelor's degrees
Education Commission of the States
Major employers: Epic Systems, Rockwell Automation, Northwestern Mutual, Exact Sciences
Tech hubs in Madison and Milwaukee
Hakia Research 2026
Database Management degree programs near 45+ cities across Wisconsin
Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location
Updated July 13, 2026
How we ranked Wisconsin Database Management programs
We rank 18 accredited database management programs in Wisconsin 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.
Are Database Management Degree Programs in Wisconsin Worth It?
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Database Management Degree Rankings in Wisconsin
Compare the top-ranked Database Management programs in Wisconsin by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Database Management Programs in Wisconsin
Program Landscape
Wisconsin offers 2 accredited associate's degree programs in database management, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include Waukesha County Technical..., Rasmussen University-Wisc..., which combine rigorous technical curriculum with practical skills training.
Costs & Value
Community colleges in Wisconsin offer these two-year programs at an average cost of $8,222/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 $56,848 in Wisconsin.
Career Pathways
Many programs feature guaranteed transfer agreements with Wisconsin's public universities, allowing students to complete their first two years at reduced cost before transferring to complete a bachelor's degree. The Madison, Milwaukee areas offer particularly strong job markets for associate's degree holders, with employers like Epic Systems, Rockwell Automation, Northwestern Mutual 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 Wisconsin, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their database management degrees in Wisconsin.
Best Bachelor's Database Management Programs in Wisconsin
Program Landscape
Wisconsin ranks among the nation's top destinations for database management education, with 10 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 8 public and 2 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are U of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, U of Wisconsin-Madison, U of Wisconsin-La Crosse, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Wisconsin database management programs earn a median salary of $87,856, 11% below the national average. The state's robust technology sector, anchored by the Madison, Milwaukee metropolitan areas, provides abundant internship and employment opportunities with companies including Epic Systems, Rockwell Automation, Northwestern Mutual.
Costs & Value
Tuition ranges from $6,582 to $43,532 annually, with an average of $13,506/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 88%, with the highest reaching 97%. 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 Wisconsin's leading technology employers. For students seeking database management degrees in Wisconsin, these top-ranked database management schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Show all 10 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #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 | University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Flex | Milwaukee, WI | Public | $6,750 | — | 38.7 |
| #10 | Saint Norbert College | De Pere, WI | Private | $43,532 | — | 33.1 |
Best Master's Database Management Programs in Wisconsin
Program Landscape
Wisconsin offers 4 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 Wisconsin-Madison, U of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Ottawa University-Milwaukee, combine advanced technical training with research opportunities and leadership development.
Career Outcomes
Master's graduates in Wisconsin earn a median salary of $103,360, approximately 20-30% higher than bachelor's degree holders. The concentration of technology companies in Madison, Milwaukee creates strong demand for graduate-level talent, with Epic Systems, Rockwell Automation, Northwestern Mutual 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 $19,441/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 Wisconsin's database management schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Best Doctoral Database Management Programs in Wisconsin
Program Landscape
Wisconsin is home to 2 doctoral programs in database management, preparing students for research positions, faculty appointments, and executive technical roles. Leading programs at U of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, U of Wisconsin-Madison are recognized for cutting-edge research, strong faculty publications, and competitive funding packages.
Career Outcomes
Doctoral graduates command premium salaries, with Wisconsin PhD holders earning a median of $129,200, reflecting the advanced expertise required for research and executive positions. The Madison, Milwaukee region's research universities and corporate R&D centers provide extensive collaboration opportunities with industry leaders like Epic Systems, Rockwell Automation, Northwestern Mutual.
Costs & Value
PhD programs typically require 4-6 years of full-time study, including coursework, qualifying examinations, and original dissertation research. Many programs offer full funding through teaching or research assistantships, covering tuition and providing stipends of $25,000–$40,000 annually.
Curriculum & Specializations
Research strengths across Wisconsin programs include artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, human-computer interaction, systems, and theoretical computer science. For aspiring researchers pursuing database management degrees in Wisconsin, graduates go on to careers as university faculty, industry research scientists, or technical executives, contributing to advances in technology that impact millions of users worldwide.
Database Management Degree Costs & Tuition in Wisconsin
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $15,083/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $37,708/year |
| Community college tuition | $3,771/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $90,500 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $22,624 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Database Management Students in Wisconsin
State Aid Programs
Wisconsin residents pursuing database management degrees have access to strong financial aid programs designed to reduce education costs. The Wisconsin Grant program provides need-based grants specifically for Wisconsin residents attending University of Wisconsin System institutions, making higher education more accessible across the state's 50 four-year institutions and 21 two-year institutions. This state-level support complements federal aid available through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which opens doors to Pell Grants, federal loans, and work-study opportunities. All prospective students should complete the FAFSA at StudentAid.gov to determine eligibility for both federal and state funding.
Key Programs & Amounts
Beyond grants, Wisconsin institutions offer institutional scholarships and merit-based awards that can significantly offset tuition expenses. The University of Wisconsin System's commitment to affordability is evident in average public in-state tuition of $7,030 annually, compared to the national average for four-year programs. Community colleges like Madison Area Technical College, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, and Gateway Technical College charge $4,386 in tuition, providing an even more economical pathway for students starting with associate's degrees before transferring. Students should explore scholarship opportunities through individual institutions and leverage the Wisconsin Grant program to maximize financial aid packages, ensuring that cost doesn't become a barrier to earning a valuable database management credential.
Database Management Degree ROI Calculator, Wisconsin
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a database management degree in Wisconsin. 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
+907%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
$1,677,254
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
5 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
$133,333
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
Tuition plus opportunity cost (earnings you miss while in school)
Direct cost of the degree program
4 years × $35K/year foregone salary while studying full-time
Projected career earnings starting after graduation, with salary growth
What you'd earn working at $35K/year with 2% annual growth
Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)
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 Wisconsin metro areas
View data table
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Madison | $114K |
| Milwaukee | $109K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Hakia.com
Top Employers Hiring Database Management Graduates in Wisconsin
Find database management jobs in Wisconsin. These major employers across Wisconsin metro areas are actively hiring database management degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Database Management Jobs in Madison
WIDatabase Management Jobs in Milwaukee
WITransfer Pathways for Database Management Degrees in Wisconsin
State Transfer System
Wisconsin's streamlined transfer system supports students pursuing database management degrees from community colleges to four-year universities. The Universal Credit Transfer Agreement (UCTA) (UCTA) guarantees transfer of general education credits across institutions within the University of Wisconsin System, eliminating duplicate coursework and reducing time to degree completion. Wisconsin hosts 2 two-year institutions and 21 two-year institutions statewide offering associate's degrees in database management, providing affordable entry points for students beginning their higher education journey. Institutions like Madison Area Technical College, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, and Gateway Technical College offer comprehensive associate's programs with tuition averaging $4,386, positioning them as cost-effective alternatives to four-year programs.
How Transfers Work
Students completing associate's degrees at Wisconsin technical colleges can seamlessly transfer to bachelor's programs at UW System institutions like UW-Milwaukee, UW-La Crosse, and UW-Platteville. The UCTA ensures that credits earned toward general education transfer directly, allowing students to focus upper-level coursework on major-specific database management content. Wisconsin also offers the Wisconsin Grant, a need-based financial aid program available to qualified residents attending UW System institutions, reducing financial barriers to degree completion. Students should consult with academic advisors at their current institution and target transfer schools to confirm specific prerequisite courses and program-to-program articulation agreements. Explore related fields through Data Science in Wisconsin and Information Systems in Wisconsin transfer pathways.
Why Pursue a Database Management Degree in Wisconsin?
Industry & Workforce
Wisconsin offers exceptional opportunities for students pursuing database management education. The state hosts 25 institutions offering database management programs across all degree levels, from associate's to doctoral degrees (IPEDS). In 2023, Wisconsin schools awarded 321 bachelor's degrees, 39 master's degrees, and 7 doctoral degrees in database management, demonstrating strong program availability and graduate output. The University of Wisconsin System leads the state with institutions like UW-Madison and UW-Milwaukee, which collectively produced 237 bachelor's degree completions alone.
Salary Outlook
Wisconsin's major metropolitan areas. Milwaukee, Madison, and Green Bay, serve as technology hubs hosting major employers like Epic Systems, UW Health, and Advocate Aurora Health, creating abundant career pathways for graduates. Public four-year institutions in Wisconsin offer an average in-state tuition of just $7,030, making quality education highly accessible compared to national averages (College Scorecard). Top-ranked programs such as UW-Madison's bachelor's program and UW-Platteville's online option combine academic excellence with affordability. Students exploring related fields should also consider Data Analytics in Wisconsin and Information Systems in Wisconsin programs, which often share faculty and resources with database management departments.
Database Management Program Availability in Wisconsin
Source: IPEDS 2024
Database Management Job Market & Salary Data in Wisconsin
Employment Outlook
Wisconsin's database management job market reflects strong demand across multiple metropolitan regions and industry sectors. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for database professionals continue to grow as organizations increasingly rely on data-driven decision-making. Major job centers include the Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis metro area, Madison, and the Green Bay region, each offering distinct career pathways for database management graduates. The state's diverse employer base spans healthcare, technology, retail, and financial services sectors, creating varied opportunities for professionals at all experience levels.
Salaries by Metro
Wisconsin institutions are producing qualified database management professionals to meet market demand. IPEDS data shows 25 institutions across the state offer database management programs, with 321 bachelor's degree completions recorded in 2023. The University of Wisconsin System dominates graduate production, with UW-Milwaukee leading at 173 completions, followed by UW-Madison with 64 completions and UW-Eau Claire with 33 completions. These numbers align with employer needs in key metros. For students exploring career pathways, reviewing national rankings and comparing program outcomes can help identify schools best positioned to launch successful careers in Wisconsin's competitive database management market.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Online vs On-Campus Database Management Programs in Wisconsin
Online Programs
3 available in Wisconsin
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Database Management Programs in Other States
- Total Programs
- 25
- Median Tuition
- $9,000
- Total Programs
- 9
- Median Tuition
- $38,100
- Total Programs
- 39
- Median Tuition
- $20,000
- Total Programs
- 28
- Median Tuition
- $15,100
- Total Programs
- 35
- Median Tuition
- $12,200
- Total Programs
- 16
- Median Tuition
- $7,600
- Total Programs
- 76
- Median Tuition
- $7,500
- Total Programs
- 75
- Median Tuition
- $7,100
Database Management Degree Programs in Wisconsin: FAQ
What are the best database management degree programs in Wisconsin?
How much do database management degree programs cost in Wisconsin?
What salary can database management degree graduates earn in Wisconsin?
Are there online database management degree programs in Wisconsin?
What companies hire database management degree graduates in Wisconsin?
Is a database management degree program worth it in Wisconsin?
How long do database management degree programs take in Wisconsin?
What financial aid is available for database management degree students in Wisconsin?
Data Sources
Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
Wisconsin salary and employment data
Program details and admissions information
Last Updated: June 26, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2024 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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.