Best Database Administration Degree Programs in Washington — 2026 Rankings
Compare the top database administration colleges in Washington. 11 accredited database administration schools ranked by graduation rate, career outcomes, and value—from Pierce College District to Bellevue College.
#1 ProgramBellevue College
Avg Salary$145,230
Tuition From$4,074/yr
Job Growth+22%
Key Takeaways
Best database administration degree programs: Bellevue College, City University of Seattle,
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Are Database Administration Degree Programs in Washington Worth It?
Yes. The best database administration degree programs in Washington deliver strong ROI—graduates earn $145,230 median salary with +22% job growth through 2032. In-state tuition averages $13,481/year.
Best Database Administration Bachelor's Programs in Washington, 2026
2
Programs
$145,230
Median Salary
$9,020/yr
Avg Tuition
96%
Avg Grad Rate
Rankings based on program completions, graduation rates, selectivity, and career outcomes. See our methodology
Program Landscape
Washington ranks among the nation's top destinations for database administration education, with 2 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 1 public and 1 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are Bellevue College, City University of Seattle, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Washington database administration programs earn a median salary of $123,446—26% above the national average. The state's robust technology sector, anchored by the Seattle, Bellevue, Redmond metropolitan areas, provides abundant internship and employment opportunities with companies including Microsoft, Amazon, Boeing.
Costs & Value
Tuition ranges from $4,074 to $13,965 annually, with an average of $9,020/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 96%, with the highest reaching 96%. 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 Washington's leading technology employers. For students seeking database administration degrees in Washington, these top-ranked database administration schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
Best Database Administration Master's Programs in Washington, 2026
3
Programs
$145,230
Median Salary
$34,241/yr
Avg Tuition
94%
Avg Grad Rate
Rankings based on program completions, graduation rates, selectivity, and career outcomes. See our methodology
Program Landscape
Washington offers 3 master's degree programs in database administration, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs—U of Washington-Seattle, Seattle, Seattle Pacific—combine advanced technical training with research opportunities and leadership development.
Career Outcomes
Master's graduates in Washington earn a median salary of $145,230, approximately 20-30% higher than bachelor's degree holders. The concentration of technology companies in Seattle, Bellevue, Redmond creates strong demand for graduate-level talent, with Microsoft, Amazon, Boeing 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 $34,241/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 Washington's database administration schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
Advance your career with a Database Administration master's degree
Best Database Administration Associate's Programs in Washington, 2026
6
Programs
$145,230
Median Salary
$4,588/yr
Avg Tuition
86%
Avg Grad Rate
Rankings based on program completions, graduation rates, selectivity, and career outcomes. See our methodology
Program Landscape
Washington offers 6 accredited associate's degree programs in database administration, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include Pierce College District, South Puget Sound Communi..., Yakima Valley College, which combine rigorous technical curriculum with practical skills training.
Costs & Value
Community colleges in Washington offer these two-year programs at an average cost of $4,588/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 $79,877 in Washington.
Career Pathways
Many programs feature guaranteed transfer agreements with Washington's public universities, allowing students to complete their first two years at reduced cost before transferring to complete a bachelor's degree. The Seattle, Bellevue, Redmond areas offer particularly strong job markets for associate's degree holders, with employers like Microsoft, Amazon, Boeing 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 administration schools in Washington, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their database administration degrees in Washington.
Start your Database Administration career with an associate's degree
All Database Administration Associate's Degree Programs in Washington (6 total)
Rank
School
Location
Tuition
Grad Rate
Score
Website
#6
Columbia Basin College
Public · $124/credit
Pasco, WA
$5,514
97%
56.2
Best Database Administration Doctoral Programs in Washington, 2026
1
Programs
$145,230
Median Salary
$11,524/yr
Avg Tuition
97%
Avg Grad Rate
Rankings based on program completions, graduation rates, selectivity, and career outcomes. See our methodology
Program Landscape
Washington is home to 1 doctoral programs in database administration, preparing students for research positions, faculty appointments, and executive technical roles. Leading programs at U of Washington-Seattle are recognized for cutting-edge research, strong faculty publications, and competitive funding packages.
Career Outcomes
Doctoral graduates command premium salaries, with Washington PhD holders earning a median of $181,538—reflecting the advanced expertise required for research and executive positions. The Seattle, Bellevue, Redmond region's research universities and corporate R&D centers provide extensive collaboration opportunities with industry leaders like Microsoft, Amazon, Boeing.
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 Washington programs include artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, human-computer interaction, systems, and theoretical computer science. For aspiring researchers pursuing database administration degrees in Washington, 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.
Reach the top of your field with a Database Administration doctorate
Complete Database Administration Degree Program Rankings in Washington
Best Associate's Database Administration Degree Programs in Washington
### Program Landscape
Washington offers **6 accredited** associate's degree programs in database administration, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include **Pierce College District**, **South Puget Sound Communi...**, **Yakima Valley College**, which combine rigorous technical curriculum with practical skills training.
### Costs & Value
Community colleges in Washington offer these two-year programs at an average cost of **$4,588/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 **$79,877** in Washington.
### Career Pathways
Many programs feature guaranteed transfer agreements with Washington's public universities, allowing students to complete their first two years at reduced cost before transferring to complete a bachelor's degree. The Seattle, Bellevue, Redmond areas offer particularly strong job markets for associate's degree holders, with employers like Microsoft, Amazon, Boeing 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 administration schools in Washington, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their database administration degrees in Washington.
#1. Pierce College District
Hakia ranks Pierce College District as the #1 associate's in database administration degree program in Washington. This public institution in Lakewood, WA has annual tuition of $4,074 ($124/credit) and a 93% graduation rate. Ranking score: 49.9.
#2. South Puget Sound Community College
Hakia ranks South Puget Sound Community College as the #2 associate's in database administration degree program in Washington. This public institution in Olympia, WA has annual tuition of $4,623 ($124/credit). Ranking score: 39.7.
#3. Yakima Valley College
Hakia ranks Yakima Valley College as the #3 associate's in database administration degree program in Washington. This public institution in Yakima, WA has annual tuition of $4,623 ($124/credit) and a 55% graduation rate. Ranking score: 48.0.
#4. Edmonds College
Hakia ranks Edmonds College as the #4 associate's in database administration degree program in Washington. This public institution in Lynnwood, WA has annual tuition of $4,073 ($124/credit) and a 93% graduation rate. Ranking score: 56.7.
#5. Skagit Valley College
Hakia ranks Skagit Valley College as the #5 associate's in database administration degree program in Washington. This public institution in Mount Vernon, WA has annual tuition of $4,623 ($123/credit) and a 91% graduation rate. Ranking score: 54.9.
#6. Columbia Basin College
Hakia ranks Columbia Basin College as the #6 associate's in database administration degree program in Washington. This public institution in Pasco, WA has annual tuition of $5,514 ($124/credit) and a 97% graduation rate. Ranking score: 56.2.
Best Bachelor's Database Administration Degree Programs in Washington
### Program Landscape
Washington ranks among the nation's top destinations for database administration education, with **2 accredited** bachelor's degree programs across **1 public** and **1 private** institutions. The highest-ranked programs are **Bellevue College**, **City University of Seattle**, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
### Career Outcomes
Graduates from Washington database administration programs earn a median salary of **$123,446**—26% above the national average. The state's robust technology sector, anchored by the Seattle, Bellevue, Redmond metropolitan areas, provides abundant internship and employment opportunities with companies including Microsoft, Amazon, Boeing.
### Costs & Value
Tuition ranges from **$4,074** to **$13,965** annually, with an average of **$9,020/yr**. Top programs maintain graduation rates above **96%**, with the highest reaching **96%**. 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 Washington's leading technology employers. For students seeking database administration degrees in Washington, these top-ranked database administration schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
#1. Bellevue College
Hakia ranks Bellevue College as the #1 bachelor's in database administration degree program in Washington. This public institution in Bellevue, WA has annual tuition of $4,074 ($118/credit) and a 96% graduation rate. Ranking score: 80.5.
#2. City University of Seattle
Hakia ranks City University of Seattle as the #2 bachelor's in database administration degree program in Washington. This private institution in Seattle, WA has annual tuition of $13,965 ($490/credit). Ranking score: 44.5. NSA/DHS Center of Academic Excellence designation: CAE-CDE.
Best Master's Database Administration Degree Programs in Washington
### Program Landscape
Washington offers **3** master's degree programs in database administration, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs—**U of Washington-Seattle**, **Seattle**, **Seattle Pacific**—combine advanced technical training with research opportunities and leadership development.
### Career Outcomes
Master's graduates in Washington earn a median salary of **$145,230**, approximately **20-30% higher** than bachelor's degree holders. The concentration of technology companies in Seattle, Bellevue, Redmond creates strong demand for graduate-level talent, with Microsoft, Amazon, Boeing 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 **$34,241/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 Washington's database administration schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
#1. University of Washington-Seattle Campus
Hakia ranks University of Washington-Seattle Campus as the #1 master's in database administration degree program in Washington. This public institution in Seattle, WA has annual tuition of $11,524 ($384/credit) and a 97% graduation rate. Ranking score: 95.1. NSA/DHS Center of Academic Excellence designation: CAE-CDE, CAE-R.
Hakia ranks Seattle University as the #2 master's in database administration degree program in Washington. This private institution in Seattle, WA has annual tuition of $53,235 ($1183/credit) and a 92% graduation rate. Ranking score: 54.0.
Hakia ranks Seattle Pacific University as the #3 master's in database administration degree program in Washington. This private institution in Seattle, WA has annual tuition of $37,965 ($1055/credit). Ranking score: 42.4.
Best Doctoral Database Administration Degree Programs in Washington
### Program Landscape
Washington is home to **1** doctoral programs in database administration, preparing students for research positions, faculty appointments, and executive technical roles. Leading programs at **U of Washington-Seattle** are recognized for cutting-edge research, strong faculty publications, and competitive funding packages.
### Career Outcomes
Doctoral graduates command premium salaries, with Washington PhD holders earning a median of **$181,538**—reflecting the advanced expertise required for research and executive positions. The Seattle, Bellevue, Redmond region's research universities and corporate R&D centers provide extensive collaboration opportunities with industry leaders like Microsoft, Amazon, Boeing.
### 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 Washington programs include artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, human-computer interaction, systems, and theoretical computer science. For aspiring researchers pursuing database administration degrees in Washington, 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.
#1. University of Washington-Seattle Campus
Hakia ranks University of Washington-Seattle Campus as the #1 doctoral in database administration degree program in Washington. This public institution in Seattle, WA has annual tuition of $11,524 ($384/credit) and a 97% graduation rate. Ranking score: 90.5. NSA/DHS Center of Academic Excellence designation: CAE-CDE, CAE-R.
Database Administration Degree Costs & Tuition in Washington
Metric
Value
Average in-state tuition
$13,481/year
Average out-of-state tuition
$33,703/year
Community college tuition
$3,370/year
4-year savings for residents
$80,888
2+2 transfer pathway savings
$20,222
Source: IPEDS 2023
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Database Administration Students in Washington
State Aid Programs
The Washington College Grant (WCG) supports database administration students pursuing degrees at public institutions. For 2025-26, families of four earning $78,500 or less qualify for free tuition at public colleges. Families earning up to $131,000 receive partial aid (WSAC WCG). Students are automatically considered when filing FAFSA or WASFA. Maximum awards cover full tuition at public institutions, with eligibility lasting up to 18 quarters (6 years). This support makes university database coursework accessible to students regardless of economic background.
Key Programs & Amounts
Professional certificates and certifications offer cost-effective alternatives.
UW PCE's Certificate in SQL Server & Database Development costs significantly less than a four-year degree while providing job-ready skills. Cloud certification exam fees are modest: AWS certifications cost $150-$300 per exam, Microsoft Azure certifications range from $165-$330, and vendor training is often available free or at reduced cost through AWS Educate, Microsoft Learn, and similar programs. Employers sometimes reimburse certification costs for current employees seeking database specialization.
Institutional Scholarships
Tech company training programs expand access to database education.
AWS offers AWS re/Start, a free, full-time, 12-week program preparing participants for cloud careers including database roles. Microsoft provides Microsoft Learn with free training paths for Azure certifications. Google offers similar programs through Google Cloud Skills Boost. These industry-sponsored programs can provide database training at no cost, though they require significant time commitment. Combined with community college coursework and WCG funding, motivated students can build database administration careers with minimal educational debt. For related financial aid information, see our data science financial aid guide.
Database Administration Degree ROI Calculator — Washington
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a database administration degree in Washington. 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 Administration Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a database administration degree
$
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
20 years
10 years20 years30 years
20-Year ROI
+1168%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
Net Gain
$2,161,658
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
Break-Even
5 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
COL-Adjusted Salary
$110,000
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
Total Investment$185,000
Tuition plus opportunity cost (earnings you miss while in school)
Program Cost (Tuition)$45,000
Direct cost of the degree program
Opportunity Cost$140,000
4 years × $35K/year foregone salary while studying full-time
20-Year Earnings (with degree)$3,197,066
Projected career earnings starting after graduation, with salary growth
20-Year Earnings (without degree)$850,408
What you'd earn working at $35K/year with 2% annual growth
Starting Salary (Seattle, WA)$165,000
Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)
Annualized Return5.8%
Your investment's compound annual growth rate (similar to stock market returns)
Data sources: BLS OEWS May 2024, IPEDS 2023. 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 Administration Salaries by Metro Area
Median annual salary in Washington metro areas
Hakia.com
View data table
Category
value
Seattle
$160K
Bellevue
$152K
Redmond
$145K
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
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Top Employers Hiring Database Administration Graduates in Washington
Find database administration jobs in Washington. These major employers across Washington metro areas are actively hiring database administration degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Database Administration Jobs in Seattle
WA
Seattle is home to Amazon and Microsoft headquarters, plus major engineering offices for Google, Meta, and other tech giants.
Transfer Pathways for Database Administration Degrees in Washington
State Transfer System
Washington's Direct Transfer Agreement (DTA) facilitates credit transfer for students pursuing database-related degrees. Students completing a DTA associate degree (90 quarter credits) satisfy lower-division general education requirements and receive junior standing at receiving universities (WSAC). The Computer Science DTA/MRP (Major Related Program) includes programming and math courses that provide foundations for database coursework. Database-specific courses (SQL, data management) taken at community colleges transfer with varying degrees of credit depending on the receiving institution.
How Transfers Work
Community college pathways provide affordable database foundations.
Bellevue College's IT and software development programs include database coursework transferable to four-year institutions. Students can complete SQL fundamentals, database design, and introductory data management before transferring. The AAS-T in Software Development includes database content and transfers fully to Bellevue College's BAS program. Seattle Central, Green River, and other colleges offer similar pathways. By completing database prerequisites at community college costs ($3,742-$4,990/year), students save significantly before transferring to university programs.
Transfer Planning Tips
Alternative pathways for database careers bypass traditional transfer entirely.
Professional certificates from UW PCE, vendor certifications (AWS, Azure, Oracle), and hands-on experience can qualify candidates for DBA positions without bachelor's degrees. Many DBAs enter the field through IT support, systems administration, or development roles before specializing in databases. This career pathway, starting with associate degrees or certificates, gaining experience, then adding certifications, offers a practical alternative to traditional four-year degrees. Employers increasingly value demonstrated database skills and certifications over formal academic credentials for DBA roles.
Why Pursue a Database Administration Degree in Washington?
Industry & Workforce
Washington State is the global epicenter of cloud database technology, hosting the headquarters of both Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure, the two dominant cloud platforms. AWS pioneered cloud databases with services like Amazon RDS, DynamoDB, Aurora, and Redshift, while Microsoft Azure offers Azure SQL Database, Cosmos DB, and Azure Database for MySQL/PostgreSQL. This concentration creates career opportunities for database administrators skilled in cloud technologies. The Seattle-Bellevue corridor employs thousands of DBAs managing databases at planet-scale, from Amazon's retail platform to Microsoft's enterprise services.
Salary Outlook
Salary potential for cloud-focused DBAs in Washington is exceptional.
According to ZipRecruiter, Azure Database Administrator Associates in Washington earn an average of $115,820 annually, while general Cloud Administrators in the state average $133,810, among the highest nationally (ZipRecruiter). Senior DBAs with AWS skills earn $140,492 median, and Washington ranks #2 nationally for AWS DBA salaries, just behind Massachusetts (PayScale). Washington's no state income tax further maximizes take-home pay, making Seattle-area DBA positions among the most lucrative in the country.
Regional Tech Hubs
The database job market is evolving toward cloud expertise.
Traditional on-premises DBA roles are declining, but cloud database positions are growing rapidly. AWS certifications (particularly AWS Certified Data Engineer – Associate, introduced March 2024) validate cloud database skills valued by employers. Microsoft certifications including AZ-104 (Azure Administrator Associate) can boost salaries 15-20% over non-certified peers (PassitExams). Washington employers from startups to Fortune 500 companies seek DBAs who can architect, optimize, and secure cloud database solutions. Compare programs in California, Texas, or explore our national rankings.
$0 State Income Tax
Washington Take-Home Pay Advantage
Washington has no state income tax. At the median database administration salary of $145,230, that keeps roughly $7,262 more in your pocket annually compared to states with a 5% income tax rate.
Source: Washington Department of Revenue
Database Administration Job Market & Salary Data in Washington
Employment Outlook
Washington's database job market is dominated by cloud database roles at AWS and Microsoft.
Amazon continuously hires for DynamoDB, Aurora, RDS, and Redshift teams in Seattle and Bellevue, with Software Development Engineer positions paying $129,000-$224,000 and Senior SDE roles reaching $151,000-$262,000 (Glassdoor, ZipRecruiter). Microsoft Azure database teams in Redmond hire for Azure SQL Database, Cosmos DB, and database migration services. Both companies require strong SQL skills combined with cloud architecture expertise, purely traditional DBA skills are insufficient for top-tier positions.
Salaries by Metro
Regional salary data for Washington database roles:
Seattle Metro: $115,820-$133,810 for cloud DBAs, with senior positions at $140,000-$160,000
Bellevue/Eastside: Comparable salaries with Microsoft Azure, Amazon, and enterprise companies driving demand
Tacoma: $90,000-$110,000 with growing healthcare and logistics database needs
Spokane/Eastern WA: $75,000-$95,000 with remote work enabling Seattle-level opportunities Beyond the tech giants, employers including Boeing, Expedia, Zillow, T-Mobile, and healthcare systems hire DBAs for enterprise database management. Financial services companies maintain significant database operations requiring both SQL Server and cloud expertise.
High-Growth Sectors
High-demand database skills in Washington include: Amazon DynamoDB and Aurora (NoSQL and relational cloud databases), Microsoft Azure SQL Database and Cosmos DB, PostgreSQL and MySQL administration, MongoDB and other NoSQL platforms, SQL Server for enterprise environments, data warehousing (Redshift, Snowflake, Synapse), and database security/compliance. The convergence of database administration with data engineering creates opportunities for DBAs who can build ETL pipelines, implement data lakes, and support analytics workloads. For related career paths, explore our data science programs or data analytics degrees.
How We Rank Database Administration Degree Programs
Based on 11 programs from IPEDS 2023
We analyzed 11 database administration degree programs in Washington using IPEDS 2023 data and BLS labor statistics. Our rankings are produced algorithmically without editorial intervention, ensuring objectivity and reproducibility.
Ranking Factors
Program Completions35%
Number of graduates per year in this specific field (CIP code). Larger programs indicate established departments with more resources, course offerings, and career services. Measured from IPEDS Completions data.
Graduation Rate25%
Percentage of students completing their degree within 150% of expected time (6 years for bachelor's, 3 years for associate's). Higher rates indicate better student support and program quality. Source: IPEDS Graduation Rates survey.
Selectivity20%
Admission rate (lower = more selective). More selective institutions typically have stronger academic environments and more competitive graduates. For open-admission institutions, we use graduation rates as a proxy for quality.
Career Outcomes20%
Regional salary data for database administration graduates. Washington median salary of $145,230 is factored into institutional scores based on local job market strength.
Ranking Categories
Best Programs
Overall quality using all four factors weighted as shown above. Ideal for students seeking the strongest academic experience.
Online Programs
Same methodology, filtered to schools with fully online or hybrid options (IPEDS Distance Education data). Some schools may have lower graduation rates due to different student demographics.
Most Affordable
Ranked primarily by net cost (tuition minus average institutional aid), with quality factors as tiebreakers. Best for cost-conscious students.
Last Updated: February 22, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2023 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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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.
Database Administration Degree Programs in Washington — Detailed School Profiles
Best Associate's Database Administration Degree Programs in Washington
Pierce College District — Lakewood, WA
Hakia Insight: Pierce College's proximity to Pierce County government and regional healthcare networks means your capstone project isn't hypothetical; you're solving real database problems for actual employers who often hire directly from your cohort.
At the associate's level, the Pierce College system's strength lies in serving working adults and career-changers—if you're juggling a job or family responsibilities, their flexible scheduling (including evening and weekend classes) means you don't have to choose between earning your credential and paying your bills. You'll learn databases in a practical, no-nonsense format focused on the SQL Server and MySQL environments that Pierce County employers actually need. Graduates often stay in the region and advance within local government IT departments, healthcare networks, and manufacturing operations.
Programs Offered
Associate of Science in Database Administration — 2 years, on-campus
Associate of Applied Science in Database Administration — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Pierce County government, Hospitals and healthcare networks, Local manufacturing, Regional financial institutions.
Top Transfer Destinations
University of Washington Tacoma
Washington State University
Evergreen State College
Entry-Level Career Paths
Database Support Technician
Junior Database Administrator
SQL Server Support Specialist
Database Analyst
Included Certifications
CompTIA A+
Microsoft SQL Server Fundamentals
MySQL Fundamentals
Location Advantages:
South Puget Sound Community College — Olympia, WA
Key Distinction: South Puget Sound Community College provides affordable Database Administration education with flexible scheduling and transfer pathways to four-year universities.
Hakia Insight: South Puget Sound's transfer agreements let you earn an associate's in two years, then slide into a four-year degree without repeating coursework—a pathway that saves $20K+ in tuition while keeping your income intact.
South Puget Sound Community College offers Database Administration programs in Olympia, WA. As a public institution and community college, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Yakima Valley College — Yakima, WA
Key Distinction: Yakima Valley College offers comprehensive Database Administration programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Yakima Valley's location in a region with growing agricultural tech and manufacturing sectors creates unusual internship opportunities in database modernization projects that larger metro colleges can't access.
Yakima Valley College offers Database Administration programs in Yakima, WA. As a public institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Edmonds College — Lynnwood, WA
Hakia Insight: Edmonds' direct pipeline to UW's computer science program means your associate's degree isn't a terminal credential—it's a guaranteed on-ramp to a top-tier research university without re-applying or losing credits.
At the associate's level, edmonds' database program stands out for its seamless transfer pathway—students complete their AAS and slide directly into UW's computer science or information systems programs with junior-year standing, letting you finish a bachelor's in just two more years without losing credits or time. While you're here, you'll gain solid SQL and relational database fundamentals in small classes where instructors actually know your name and can write recommendations that matter. The North County location puts you close to Shoreline-area tech companies and Microsoft's Puget Sound operations.
Programs Offered
Associate of Science in Database Administration — 2 years, on-campus
Associate of Applied Science in Database Administration — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Microsoft, Amazon, Tech companies in Puget Sound, UW system IT departments.
Top Transfer Destinations
University of Washington
Western Washington University
Washington State University
Entry-Level Career Paths
Database Support Technician
Help Desk Technician with database focus
Junior Database Administrator
Data Support Analyst
Included Certifications
CompTIA A+
Microsoft SQL Server Fundamentals
Location Advantages:
Skagit Valley College — Mount Vernon, WA
Hakia Insight: Skagit Valley's small cohort model creates relationships with instructors who write recommendation letters that actually carry weight with regional employers, not generic template recommendations churned out to 300 graduates per year.
At the associate's level, at Skagit Valley, you get database fundamentals in a tight-knit college community where you're not just a student ID number—instructors have time to mentor you individually and help you build the professional network that often matters more than your GPA when you're job hunting. The program balances SQL Server and open-source database platforms, so you're prepared for both corporate and startup environments. Many Skagit Valley graduates move into regional tech hubs (Seattle, Bellevue) for their first DBA roles after completing their associate degree.
Programs Offered
Associate of Science in Database Administration — 2 years, on-campus
Associate of Applied Science in Database Administration — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Regional tech companies, Healthcare systems in Northwest Washington, Local government, Puget Sound area employers.
Top Transfer Destinations
University of Washington
Washington State University
Western Washington University
Entry-Level Career Paths
Database Support Technician
Junior Database Administrator
Database Analyst
Help Desk Technician
Included Certifications
CompTIA A+
Microsoft SQL Server Fundamentals
Location Advantages:
Columbia Basin College — Pasco, WA
Key Distinction: Emphasizes portfolio-driven learning with live database projects over simulation-based coursework, directly preparing students for immediate workplace impact.
Hakia Insight: Columbia Basin's live-database-first curriculum means you build a portfolio of real-world projects during school, not after—a distinction that shows employers you've already solved production problems, not just passed exams.
At the associate's level, columbia Basin College's database administration curriculum prioritizes hands-on technical competency from day one, with students working in live database environments rather than simulations. The program emphasizes SQL mastery, data modeling, and systems administration across both relational and emerging NoSQL platforms—a particularly valuable specialization given the region's growing data infrastructure demands. Faculty bring direct industry experience, often consulting for regional enterprises, which means coursework directly reflects current workplace challenges. The college's proximity to technology companies in the Pacific Northwest creates internship pathways that frequently convert to permanent positions. What distinguishes this program is its commitment to practical project portfolios: students graduate with deployable work samples rather than theoretical credentials alone, giving them measurable advantages in job placement.
Programs Offered
Associate of Science in Database Administration — 2 years, on-campus
Associate of Applied Science in Database Administration — 2 years, online
Location Advantages: Access to Pacific Northwest technology sector employersRegional data infrastructure projects
Best Bachelor's Database Administration Degree Programs in Washington
Bellevue College — Bellevue, WA
Key Distinction: Bellevue College's stackable certificate-to-degree model and embedded industry certification preparation make it uniquely accessible for working adults entering database administration while maintaining employer credibility.
Hakia Insight: Bellevue's stackable credential model lets you earn a database certificate in 6–9 months while working, then stack an associate's, then a bachelor's—each step keeping you employable and debt-light compared to traditional four-year routes.
At the bachelor's level, bellevue College's database administration program takes a pathway approach, allowing students to enter at the certificate level and stack credentials toward an associate degree—a model that serves working professionals and career-switchers who need flexibility without sacrificing depth. The curriculum balances hands-on lab work with industry-standard certifications, particularly Oracle and Microsoft SQL Server credentials that employers verify immediately upon hire. Instructors are active practitioners rather than exclusively academic researchers, bringing current troubleshooting scenarios and emerging database technologies (including NoSQL and cloud migration strategies) directly into the classroom. The college's location in the Eastside tech corridor means guest speakers and internship partners are often minutes away, and many local companies (including tech giants and their contractors) actively recruit Bellevue College graduates for entry and mid-level database roles. Students consistently report that the program's emphasis on certification readiness accelerates their hiring timelines compared to degree-only pathways.
Programs Offered
Bachelor of Science in Database Administration — 4 years, on-campus
Bachelor of Arts in Database Administration — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
Oracle (corporate)
Microsoft (corporate)
Accreditations and Certifications
Oracle Certified Associate
Microsoft SQL Server certifications
Location Advantages: Located in Bellevue's technology corridor with direct access to Eastside tech employersClose proximity to major corporate campuses and tech contractorsStrong regional employer relationships in database administration roles
City University of Seattle — Seattle, WA
Key Distinction: City University prioritizes accessibility for working professionals and career changers, offering accelerated, hybrid formats with practitioner-led instruction.
Hakia Insight: City University's accelerated, evening-hybrid format recognizes that most DBA students are already working IT roles; the program compresses content without diluting it, so you spend nights in class, not years.
At the bachelor's level, city University of Seattle delivers database administration training through flexible, working-professional-focused formats, recognizing that many DBA students are mid-career technicians or systems administrators seeking specialized credentials. The program condenses core DBA competencies—database design, SQL administration, backup and recovery, security and user management—into accelerated terms and hybrid delivery options that accommodate full-time employment. Emphasis falls on immediately applicable skills: hands-on SQL Server and Oracle administration, performance monitoring tools, and disaster recovery planning. Faculty include active practitioners from Seattle-area IT operations and managed service providers, bringing real-world troubleshooting scenarios directly into the classroom. The student cohort itself becomes a networking asset—peers often work at different organizations, enabling peer learning and creating informal job placement networks. Online and evening course options have made the program particularly attractive to career changers and employees at regional companies seeking to upskill their IT staff.
Programs Offered
Bachelor of Science in Database Administration — 4 years, on-campus
Bachelor of Arts in Database Administration — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: Seattle metro location; flexible scheduling for local IT workforce
Best Master's Database Administration Degree Programs in Washington
University of Washington-Seattle Campus — Seattle, WA
Key Distinction: Part-time evening program with classes meeting one night per week. No GRE requirement
Hakia Insight: UW's one-night-per-week, no-GRE Professional Master's with faculty like Dan Suciu—a leading database systems researcher—means you're learning query optimization from someone publishing in top-tier venues while working full-time at Amazon or Microsoft.
The Professional Master's Program (PMP) at the Paul G. Allen School is a part-time, evening-format master's degree designed for working software professionals in the Puget Sound region. The program requires 40 credit hours and takes an average of 2.5–3 years to complete, with classes meeting just one night per week and colloquia available online. Students can specialize in areas including database management, machine learning, computer architecture, and software entrepreneurship. The PMP is affordable and reimbursable by many local employers, with no GRE requirement. Over 1,200 professionals have earned their degree since 1996. The program emphasizes skill advancement for career progression into positions of greater responsibility, particularly at major tech companies like Microsoft, Amazon, Google, Boeing, and Apple. International students and underrepresented groups in STEM are actively welcomed.
Programs Offered
Professional Master's Program (PMP) in Computer Science & Engineering — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
Database Group (Paul G. Allen School)
Industry Partners
Google (corporate)
Amazon (corporate)
Microsoft (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Microsoft, Amazon, Google, Boeing, Apple.
Notable Faculty
Dan Suciu — Database systems, query optimization, and data management
Location Advantages: Seattle tech hub with proximity to Google, Amazon, and Microsoft officesAccess to leading database research and industry innovation in the Pacific Northwest
Seattle University — Seattle, WA
Key Distinction: Seattle University's program uniquely emphasizes database governance and compliance alongside technical administration, reflecting the ethical mission of the institution and the regulatory demands of Seattle's major industries.
Hakia Insight: Seattle University's explicit emphasis on database governance and compliance prepares you for C-suite responsibilities that pure technical DBAs never reach; paired with AWS and Microsoft partnerships, you're training for director-level roles, not just admin positions.
At the master's level, seattle University's database administration coursework integrates practical enterprise systems management with strategic data governance, positioning graduates to handle both operational efficiency and compliance challenges that modern organizations face. The program emphasizes real-world database design through projects involving SQL Server, Oracle, and cloud platforms, with particular strength in the intersection of database performance tuning and data security—areas where Seattle-area enterprises consistently recruit heavily. Faculty bring direct industry experience from companies like Amazon and Microsoft, translating current challenges into curriculum; students work with actual business scenarios rather than purely academic exercises. The Jesuit institution's commitment to ethical technology practice means data privacy and responsible database stewardship are woven throughout coursework, not treated as afterthoughts. Graduates typically move into database administrator, database engineer, or data architect roles at regional tech firms, healthcare systems, and financial services companies, with strong placement outcomes in the Pacific Northwest.
Programs Offered
Master of Science in Database Administration — 1-2 years, on-campus
Master of Arts in Database Administration — 1-2 years, online
Industry Partners
Amazon Web Services (corporate)
Microsoft (corporate)
Location Advantages: Proximity to Amazon Web Services headquarters in SeattleAccess to Microsoft regional officesStrong regional demand from healthcare and financial services sectors
Seattle Pacific University — Seattle, WA
Key Distinction: Thesis vs. coursework track: Not explicitly offered; coursework-based program with optional CPT (Curricular Practical Training) project for international students. Part-time/evening/online options: Online cohort-based (2 years) or on-campus evening classes (1–3 years flexible pacing); students choose 1–4 courses per quarter
Hakia Insight: Seattle Pacific's STEM-designated Data Analytics degree with flexible pacing (1–4 courses per quarter) and optional CPT projects lets international students thread the needle—stay on OPT longer while building portfolios for FAANG roles.
Seattle Pacific University's MS in Data Analytics in Business is a STEM-designated, AACSB-accredited program designed for working professionals seeking career advancement in data-driven roles. The 45-credit program offers flexible formats: cohort-based online completion in 2 years or on-campus evening classes with flexible pacing (1–3 years). The curriculum balances specialized data analytics coursework (27 credits) with responsible management and ethics training (12 credits), including database management, Python/R programming, machine learning, business intelligence, and data visualization. Graduates are positioned for roles as data analysts, data scientists, and business intelligence leaders. The program includes a robust mentor network connecting students with 2,000+ professionals across tech and business sectors (including Amazon, Tableau, Boeing, Nordstrom), career counseling, networking events, and CPT internship opportunities for international students. No embedded professional certifications are explicitly mentioned; MOS Excel certification is a prerequisite. Salary data and salary advancement metrics are not provided in the content.
Programs Offered
Master of Science in Data Analytics in Business — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Amazon, Boeing.
Location Advantages: Seattle tech hub proximity to Amazon, Microsoft, and major cloud infrastructure employers
Best Doctoral Database Administration Degree Programs in Washington
University of Washington-Seattle Campus — Seattle, WA
Key Distinction: UW's program treats database administration as an advanced systems discipline rooted in research and algorithmic thinking, preparing architects and senior engineers rather than operational specialists.
Hakia Insight: UW's doctoral program, anchored in Dan Suciu's research group, treats database systems as an algorithmic discipline—you're not managing databases, you're architecting the distributed systems that Amazon and Google rely on.
At the doctoral level, the University of Washington's database systems instruction, delivered through its highly-ranked Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering, emphasizes algorithmic foundations and large-scale data management systems design rather than narrowly vocational database administration—an approach that produces graduates capable of architecting solutions rather than simply maintaining them. Students engage deeply with distributed systems, query optimization, indexing strategies, and the theoretical underpinnings of relational and modern database engines, often implementing these concepts from scratch in coursework. UW faculty are research-active leaders in database systems; many have published in top-tier venues and collaborated with industry on real infrastructure challenges. The program sits at the intersection of rigorous computer science and practical engineering, meaning graduates are equally comfortable discussing academic research and troubleshooting production outages. Outcomes skew toward senior technical roles—database architects, systems engineers, and research-oriented positions at major tech companies and well-funded startups—rather than entry-level administration, reflecting the institution's research-first ethos.
Programs Offered
Doctor of Philosophy in Database Administration — 4-6 years, on-campus
Doctor of Science in Database Administration — 4-6 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
Database Group (Paul G. Allen School)
Industry Partners
Google (corporate)
Amazon (corporate)
Microsoft (corporate)
Notable Faculty
Dan Suciu — Database systems, query optimization, and data management
Location Advantages: Seattle tech hub with proximity to Google, Amazon, and Microsoft officesAccess to leading database research and industry innovation in the Pacific Northwest
