Springfield College
Springfield College — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Springfield College at a Glance
Springfield College is a private university in Springfield, Massachusetts, United States. The institution's mission, called the Humanics philosophy, calls for educating students in spirit, mind, and body for leadership in service to others. It is also notable for its historical significance as the birthplace of basketball, which was invented on campus in 1891 by Canadian-American instructor and graduate student James Naismith.
1885
141 years old
$80M
$79.6 million (2020)
2,984
1,939 undergrad · 1,045 grad
100 acres
Identity
Is Springfield College Worth It?
At a value score of 28/100, Springfield College is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $48,036 — 11% below average — while paying $30,587/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
With a 2.5-year payback period, most graduates recoup their total cost of attendance relatively quickly.
The 71% graduation rate means roughly 29% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
With median debt of $26,250 representing 55% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Springfield College has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Springfield College compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in MA
Ranked #65 of 116 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Albion College | 61 | $14,301 | $58,799 |
| #2 | Fresno Pacific University | 57 | $13,630 | $58,896 |
| #3 | North Park University | 50 | $16,948 | $59,572 |
| #4 | University of Evansville | 49 | $18,499 | $53,770 |
| #5 | Coe College | 48 | $18,745 | $57,125 |
| #6 | Luther College | 47 | $23,097 | $59,850 |
| #65 | Springfield College | 28 | $30,587 | $48,036 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Springfield College's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 5 in MA.
Best Programs at Springfield College
The highest-earning program at Springfield College is Health and Physical Education/Fitness at $33,500/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Community Organization and Advocacy at $33,300/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Health and Physical Education/Fitness graduate from Springfield College earns $33,500, while a Community Organization and Advocacy graduate earns $33,300. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Health and Physical Education/Fitness graduates carry $27,000 in median debt vs. $22,117 for Community Organization and Advocacy.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $30,587/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $33,500 | $33,500 | $27,000 |
| Community Organization and Advocacy | $33,300 | $33,300 | $22,117 |
Similar Colleges in MA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Springfield, MA
- Student Body
- 1,751 students
- Admission Rate
- 72%
- Graduation Rate
- 71%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $30,587
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $48,036
- Median Student Debt
- $26,250