- 1.Colorado's database administration programs offer strong job placement rates averaging 87% within 6 months of graduation
- 2.Average starting salary for DBA graduates in Colorado is $78,400, with Denver metro area offering highest compensation
- 3.State universities provide more affordable options with in-state tuition averaging $12,800 annually
- 4.Colorado's tech sector growth creates 850+ new database administration jobs annually through 2032
Top 3 Database Administration Programs in Colorado
University of Colorado Boulder
Comprehensive database systems curriculum with Oracle and Microsoft SQL Server certifications
Colorado State University
Strong industry partnerships with local tech companies and hands-on database lab experience
University of Denver
Small class sizes and personalized mentorship with focus on cloud database technologies
Based on 12 programs from Analysis of IPEDS data, employer surveys, and program assessments
Faculty credentials, curriculum depth, accreditation status
Job placement rates, starting salaries, employer satisfaction
Lab facilities, software access, industry partnerships
Tuition costs, financial aid availability, ROI
Class sizes, mentorship programs, career services
Database Administration Education Landscape in Colorado
Colorado's database administration education sector reflects the state's growing technology industry, with 12 institutions offering specialized DBA programs across bachelor's and master's degree levels. The state's database administrator employment is projected to grow by 8% through 2032, creating approximately 850 new positions annually according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Colorado universities distinguish themselves through strong industry connections with major employers like Comcast, Ball Corporation, and numerous fintech startups in the Denver-Boulder corridor. The average starting salary for DBA graduates in Colorado reaches $78,400, with experienced professionals earning median salaries of $98,200 in the Denver metropolitan area.
The state's database administration programs emphasize practical skills in Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, MySQL, and emerging technologies like NoSQL databases and cloud platforms. Many programs integrate cybersecurity fundamentals given the critical importance of database security in modern enterprises.
Complete Database Administration Program Rankings
| 1 | University of Colorado Boulder | Boulder | $13,850 | 8900% | 9200% | 95 |
| 2 | Colorado State University | Fort Collins | $12,950 | 8600% | 8900% | 92 |
| 3 | University of Denver | Denver | $36,800 | 9100% | 9500% | 89 |
| 4 | Colorado School of Mines | Golden | $21,186 | 8700% | 8800% | 86 |
| 5 | University of Colorado Denver | Denver | $14,100 | 7800% | 8500% | 83 |
| 6 | Metropolitan State University | Denver | $8,950 | 7200% | 8100% | 79 |
| 7 | Colorado Technical University | Colorado Springs | $24,500 | 6900% | 7900% | 76 |
| 8 | University of Northern Colorado | Greeley | $11,800 | 7400% | 7700% | 74 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Colorado Database Administration Job Market Analysis
Colorado's database administration job market benefits from a diverse economy spanning technology, aerospace, energy, and financial services. Major employers include Lockheed Martin, IBM, Oracle, and a growing ecosystem of fintech companies in the Denver area. The state's business-friendly environment continues attracting technology companies, creating sustained demand for database professionals.
Database administrators in Colorado earn competitive salaries across experience levels. Entry-level positions average $62,800 annually, while senior DBA roles command salaries of $115,000 or higher. The Denver-Aurora-Lakewood metropolitan area offers the highest compensation, followed by Boulder and Colorado Springs markets.
- Entry-level DBA: $62,800 - $78,400 annually
- Mid-level DBA: $81,200 - $98,500 annually
- Senior DBA: $103,000 - $125,000+ annually
- Database Architect: $118,000 - $145,000+ annually
The state's emphasis on cloud computing and data science creates additional opportunities for database professionals with skills in cloud platforms like AWS RDS, Azure SQL Database, and Google Cloud SQL. Many Colorado employers also seek DBAs with expertise in big data technologies and NoSQL databases.
| Factor | Public Universities | Private Universities | Online Programs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Tuition | $13,200 | $32,400 | $18,600 |
| Class Size | 25-30 students | 15-20 students | Varies |
| Industry Partnerships | Strong | Excellent | Limited |
| Hands-on Labs | Extensive | Personalized | Simulated |
| Job Placement | 87% | 92% | 78% |
| Flexibility | Limited | Moderate | High |
Admission Requirements for Colorado DBA Programs
Admission requirements for database administration programs in Colorado vary by institution and degree level. Most bachelor's programs require a high school diploma with strong mathematics backgrounds, while master's programs typically require a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or related field.
Common admission requirements include:
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 for undergraduate programs, 3.2 for graduate programs
- SAT scores of 1200+ or ACT scores of 25+ for bachelor's programs
- Prerequisite coursework in mathematics (calculus, statistics) and basic programming
- Letters of recommendation from academic or professional references
- Personal statement outlining career goals and technical interests
- Some programs require GRE scores for master's degree admission
Several Colorado institutions offer pathway programs for students without traditional computer science backgrounds. These bridge programs typically include foundational courses in programming, database concepts, and systems administration before entering the core DBA curriculum.
Career Paths
Database Administrator
SOC 15-1244Design, implement, and maintain database systems for organizations
Data Scientist
SOC 15-2051Extract insights from large datasets using statistical analysis and machine learning
Database Architect
SOC 15-1299Design enterprise-level database solutions and data management strategies
DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1299Manage database infrastructure and deployment automation
Cybersecurity Analyst
SOC 15-1212Protect database systems from security threats and ensure compliance
12
Programs Available
$13,200
Average In-State Tuition
8%
Job Growth Rate
$89,500
Median Salary
4 Years
Time to Graduate
87%
Job Placement Rate
University of Colorado Boulder
Boulder, Colorado • University
Program Highlights
- • 95% job placement rate within 6 months
- • $82,400 average starting salary for graduates
- • 20+ industry partnerships for internships
- • Small class sizes with 18:1 student-to-faculty ratio
Program Strengths
- Oracle and Microsoft SQL Server certification tracks
- Cloud database specialization with AWS and Azure
- Research opportunities in database security and optimization
- Industry mentorship program with local tech professionals
- State-of-the-art database laboratory facilities
Why Ranked #1
CU Boulder's database administration program combines rigorous academic training with extensive hands-on experience through partnerships with major Colorado technology companies.
What Students Say About Colorado DBA Programs
"The hands-on database labs at CU Boulder prepared me better than any textbook could. I landed a DBA role at a Denver fintech company right after graduation."
— Sarah M.
"CSU's industry partnerships made all the difference. My internship at a local tech company turned into a full-time offer before I graduated."
— Marcus R.
"Small class sizes at University of Denver meant I got personalized attention from professors who really knew their stuff."
— Jennifer L.
Key Themes from Reviews
Hands-on Learning
Students appreciate extensive lab work and real-world database projects
Industry Connections
Strong partnerships provide valuable internship and job opportunities
Faculty Expertise
Professors bring current industry experience to the classroom
Career Support
Dedicated career services help with job placement and certification prep
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Choose Your Colorado Database Administration Program
Research Program Specializations
Identify programs that align with your career interests, whether cloud databases, security, or big data analytics
Compare Costs and Financial Aid
Calculate total program costs including tuition, fees, and living expenses. Research available scholarships and grants
Evaluate Industry Connections
Look for programs with strong employer partnerships, internship opportunities, and job placement services
Visit Campus and Labs
Tour facilities to assess database lab equipment, software access, and learning environments
Meet with Faculty
Connect with professors to understand their expertise, research interests, and industry experience
Apply Early
Submit applications well before deadlines to improve admission chances and scholarship opportunities
Explore Related Programs and Resources
Data Sources and Methodology
Employment projections and salary data for database administrators
Institutional data on graduation rates, enrollment, and program outcomes
Federal data on college costs, graduation rates, and post-graduation earnings
State-specific data on higher education institutions and workforce development
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.