10 Most Affordable Database Administration Programs

Database administration is an ever-growing and evolving field in the information technology sector. All sorts of businesses rely on their databases to maintain inventories, sales, research, and loads of data. Database professionals handle all of these matters and more for clients who run retail operations, warehouses, and even financial institutions. The field can even involve cyber security, networking, and software development.

This page is dedicated to students who are seeking the most affordable database administration programs in the United States. We cover the topic thoroughly and any aspiring database professional is sure to find useful information in these pages.

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Best Affordable Database Administration College Rankings

Some of the factors we consider in our Rankings include:

Student Loan Default Rate:
This number relates to how many graduates are unable to meet their financial obligations vis-a-vis student loans. The lower the number of defaults will reflect positively on the long-term earnings potential for graduates.
Online Program Availability:
While this might be a given for a technology degree, we track this number to assure students in case they need to study from home for part of all of their database administration degree program. Even traditional students can take advantage when a program offers online courses in that the flexibility can open time for an internship in database administration.
Variety of Programs Offered:
This is especially important at the undergraduate level. That's because undergraduate students frequently discover that their intended degree is not exactly what they desire. For instance, a computer science major might discover that they'd prefer a career in database management. When a school offers more variety, students can select the path that makes the most sense for them.
Admission Rate:
Educational statistics show a direct correlation with competitive admissions standards and speedy graduation times. The lower the rate, the more students are found graduating between four to six years.
Retention Rate:
This is a very important educational statistic that measures how many first-time, full-time students return to a school for a second academic year. There are often statistics for part-time students, as well. A high retention rate indicates strong levels of satisfaction among students and their families. When a high retention rate meets a high graduation rate, any program is sure to deliver top notch academic value.

1

Northern Kentucky University

Tuition
- In-State: $10,296
- Out-of-state: $20,256
Net Price: $9,664
Retention Rate: 72%

Graduation Rate: 47%
Total Enrollment: 15,664
Undergrad Students: 11,868
Graduate Students: 3,796

2

Palm Beach State College

Tuition
- In-State: $2,444
- Out-of-state: $8,732
Net Price: $9,782
Retention Rate: N/A

Graduation Rate: 44%
Total Enrollment: 31,289
Undergrad Students: 31,289
Graduate Students: 0

3

Clayton State University

Tuition
- In-State: $5,568
- Out-of-state: $16,290
Net Price: $11,620
Retention Rate: 71%

Graduation Rate: 31%
Total Enrollment: 6,879
Undergrad Students: 6,368
Graduate Students: 511

4

Purdue University Fort Wayne

Tuition
- In-State: $8,730
- Out-of-state: $20,961
Net Price: $12,071
Retention Rate: 57%

Graduation Rate: 40%
Total Enrollment: 10,208
Undergrad Students: 9,697
Graduate Students: 511

5

Austin Peay State University

Tuition
- In-State: $8,303
- Out-of-state: $13,847
Net Price: $14,967
Retention Rate: 66%

Graduation Rate: 48%
Total Enrollment: 11,048
Undergrad Students: 9,971
Graduate Students: 1,077

6

Central Washington University

Tuition
- In-State: $8,444
- Out-of-state: $24,520
Net Price: $16,441
Retention Rate: 71%

Graduation Rate: 58%
Total Enrollment: 11,658
Undergrad Students: 11,111
Graduate Students: 547

7

Old Dominion University

Tuition
- In-State: 10,800
- Out-of-state: 30,960
Net Price: $17,162
Retention Rate: 80%

Graduation Rate: 53%
Total Enrollment: 23,675
Undergrad Students: 19,176
Graduate Students: 4,499

8

Florida Institute of Technology

Tuition
- In-State: 43,246
- Out-of-state: 43,246
Net Price: $33,313
Retention Rate: 79%

Graduation Rate: 60%
Total Enrollment: 6,022
Undergrad Students: 3,542
Graduate Students: 2,480

9

DePaul University

Tuition
- In-State: $41,202
- Out-of-state: $41,202
Net Price: $33,319
Retention Rate: 83%

Graduation Rate: 71%
Total Enrollment: 21,922
Undergrad Students: 14,145
Graduate Students: 7,777

10

Liberty University

Tuition
- In-State: $21,587
- Out-of-state: $21,587
Net Price: $28,762
Retention Rate: 81%

Graduation Rate: 54%
Total Enrollment: 93,349
Undergrad Students: 47,988
Graduate Students: 45,361

Why a Degree from an Affordable Database Administration Program?

A database administration degree is a great choice for tech-minded students, as nearly every organization relies on databases, creating plenty of job opportunities. Professionals can work for large companies, small businesses, or freelance, with strong earning potential. Students are advised to seek out affordable programs that not only cost less but also provide a solid academic foundation to boost career success and income in the IT field.

Starting with an associate degree is a great way to keep costs low. Many states now offer affordable or free community college options, allowing students to complete core coursework inexpensively. Database administration students can begin their focus at a community college and later transfer to a four-year university to finish their bachelor's degree, saving money even if the bachelor’s program is more costly.

Further, when students spend a few years in community college and do some work in an IT department, they may have a clearer idea of how to proceed. They may learn that they need a program that focuses on cloud computing, cybersecurity, Linux databases, or some other concentration within database administration.

Find Online Database Administration Schools

Choosing an Inexpensive College

When students decide to pursue a bachelor’s degree in database administration, they are faced with a bevy of options. The cost of education can vary widely, as can the academic opportunities available to technology students. In fact, when students are looking for the most affordable database administration college or university, they have many factors to consider.

Database administration students should choose programs that align with their specific interests, as not all programs are the same. Some may focus on cloud computing or cybersecurity, while others provide a broad-based education in database fundamentals, opening more career opportunities. Reviewing the curriculum is key to ensuring the desired focus. Broad programs can be complemented with certifications for specific roles or further specialization through a master’s degree program.

Once students have determined what they specifically want from a bachelor’s degree in database administration, financial considerations can come into play. One way to alleviate costs right off the bat is to focus on public, in-state colleges and universities. Students in western states, including the Dakotas, can also investigate the Western Undergraduate Exchange program, which allows them to attend a database administration program in an affiliated state for no additional, out-of-state costs.

Students can save money by attending a community college for their first two years, as these institutions often offer much cheaper credits than four-year schools, with some states even providing free or heavily subsidized options. Another cost-saving route is enrolling in online database administration degree programs, which are often more affordable per credit. Online programs also eliminate the need to relocate or travel for school breaks, reducing expenses further, especially if the alternative is living in a more expensive city.

Online Options

Many database administration degree programs are now offered online, making them ideal for students seeking flexibility. This format is well-suited to the subject matter, with computer science departments often providing tools for collaboration without leaving home. Online education also offers advantages, such as increased instructor access—students can easily email professors with questions, fostering connections that might be harder to establish in a busy classroom setting.

Online database administration programs also render geography a moot point. They can attend any college or university that offers the database administration program they desire. Thus, a student in small-town California can attend a program in New York City, for example, without having to move across the nation. Students in similar situations also avoid the costs associated with both moving and living in a more expensive area.

The quality of an online degree depends largely on the student and the program. Engaging directly with instructors via email can enhance the educational experience. Students should prioritize programs with regional accreditation from a CHEA-approved agency and seek ABET accreditation for database administration programs, as it represents a high standard of quality.

Are These Programs in High Demand?

Since every business of any considerable size relies on a database for its day-to-day operations, database administrators are nearly always in high demand. Businesses also need database architects, cloud computing experts, and cyber security professionals who will ensure that the database is safe and secure. Thus, the field for database administration is growing all the time. In fact, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 9% growth rate for database administrators and architects through 2033.

The BLS also shows that database administrators rake in a healthy salary. The agency reports that these IT professionals earn a median salary of over $117,000. This is on par with many similar occupations, according to the BLS. For instance, computer programmers earn a media salary of $99,700, while computer systems analysts earn a median salary that hovers around $104,000. For database administration, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) salary figures are factored with the typical education level at the undergraduate level. When a database administrator achieves their MBA or other master’s degree, their salary goes up, and they probably earn a new title that falls into a different category for the BLS.

On top of this, any quick internet search will reveal countless colleges and universities that offer database administration as part of their information technology or computer science department. Some business schools are also home to database administration degrees, due to the fact that database management is so imperative to the proper operations of any good business. There are also innumerable certification programs that help database professionals focus their skills to one specific technology, coding language, or other niche within the profession.

What Can You Do with a Degree in Database Administration?

A degree in database administration can open doors to various career paths. Many start as entry-level database administrators, overseeing daily operations and managing data access. However, opportunities extend beyond this role, including data management, database design, architecture, and information security. Data management experts focus on organizing, collecting, securely storing, and efficiently using data, often handling large-scale "big data" systems.

Database design and architecture offer rewarding career paths for degree holders. As database architects, professionals create customized data management systems, requiring in-depth knowledge of data theory, cyber security, user experience, and programming. Mastery of programming languages like Python and SQL is essential—Python is used for structuring data, while SQL is fundamental to database technology. Once the basics of SQL are mastered, other variants become easier to learn.

Database administrators may choose to transition into software engineering or create custom databases for clients. Entrepreneurial professionals can also work as independent contractors, using their expertise in big data to create models for businesses. Additionally, many database experts pursue careers in information security, a key area for database integrity. All database administration students should consider taking at least one course in cyber security, while others may focus their studies on security through a CAE-approved program.

Graduates Earn More After College

A degree in database administration is sure to yield graduates healthy earnings for a lifetime. Database administration graduates hit the ground running. According to Payscale.com they average $73,000 a year. Those that specialize in Microsoft SQL server reportedly earn a bit more at $76,000, while those who focus on ordinary SQL are on par with the average database administrators, earning $73,000.

Adding specialized skills to a resume can boost earnings. For example, learning NoSQL can increase salary by over 50%, according to Payscale. Skills in Sybase Adaptive Server and database management also have a positive impact. Additionally, obtaining an Oracle Database Administrator certification can lead to a salary of around $97,000, with both academic programs and non-credit courses preparing students for the certification exam.

A graduate degree can significantly impact both career trajectory and earnings. Students interested in data science can pursue advanced studies in that field, while those drawn to the business side of database management might opt for an MBA with a concentration in database administration. For those who can commit to three years of full-time study, a dual MBA program combining business with another graduate degree, such as database administration, mathematics, computer science, or cyber security, could be a valuable option.

FAQs

What are the admission requirements for database administration programs?
This depends on the program. For instance, most community colleges have minimal admissions requirements. On the other hand, large universities may have secondary admissions requirements to their database administration programs. This could mean a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or greater, on top of a list of prerequisite courses.
What is the average time it takes to earn an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or MBA in database administration?
Assuming that students maintain a full-time schedule and don't take time off, an associate degree should take two years, a bachelor’s degree should take four years, and a master's degree will take another two. However, there are accelerated graduate programs where undergraduate students can complete both their bachelor’s and master's degrees in 5 intense years.
Is a bachelor’s degree in database management worth it?
Yes! In fact, a bachelor’s degree in database management will help most any graduate launch a career in information technology. For many employers, a bachelor’s in database administration is a core requirement for employment.
What is the top earnings potential for those with a database administration program?
While it’s impossible to say exactly what a person will end up earning with any degree, database administration is in such high demand that we can speculate. With a general database administration degree, the average salary is in the $70,000 range. However, database professionals who specialize in, say, cyber security are likely to earn more, especially as the gap between the needed professionals vs. available professionals continues to increase. Information security professionals can start out with salaries in the $90,000 range. When bonuses and befits are factored, salaries can exceed $100,000.