Springfield College provides students with specialized training in health sciences and exercise science, leading to steady careers in growing fields like physical therapy and athletic training.
The college's strong completion rates and zero default rate demonstrate its commitment to student success, even as graduates enter service-oriented careers with modest but stable earning potential.
Springfield College is a small private nonprofit institution in Massachusetts that focuses heavily on health sciences, exercise science, and human services programs. While the college doesn't rank among the top tier nationally for overall outcomes, it serves a specific niche effectively, with about 22% of students receiving Pell Grants and 31% being first-generation college students. The institution maintains solid completion rates, with 68% of students graduating within six years.
Springfield's strength lies in its specialized program offerings, particularly in exercise science and allied health fields, where graduates find steady employment in growing sectors. The college's small size creates an intimate learning environment, though this also means fewer program options compared to larger institutions. Net prices are moderate for a private college, ranging from about $21,252 for low-income students to $32,494 for higher-income families.
As an "Opportunity Builders" institution, Springfield College provides access to students from diverse backgrounds while working to improve outcomes. The college's focus on health and human services aligns well with regional employment needs, though graduates typically see more modest earnings compared to those from institutions with stronger business or engineering programs.
Springfield College's program portfolio centers on health sciences and human services, reflecting the institution's historical mission and regional employment needs. Exercise Science and Kinesiology dominates with 76 graduates annually, serving as a pipeline to physical therapy, athletic training, and fitness careers where Springfield maintains strong alumni networks and employer relationships. Allied Health programs graduate 56 students into diagnostic and treatment roles, while Corrections Administration, though smaller with 21 graduates, achieves the highest early-career earnings at $36,141.
The college's focused program mix creates clear career pathways but limited options for students seeking business, technology, or other high-earning fields. Most programs prepare students for roles requiring additional certification or graduate study, which explains the modest initial earnings but strong job placement rates. Springfield's specialized reputation in health and exercise science provides graduates with recognition among employers in these sectors, particularly in New England where the college's brand carries weight in healthcare systems and educational institutions.
Springfield College graduates earn a median of $48,036 ten years after enrollment, placing the institution around the national average for long-term earnings outcomes. While these earnings are solid for graduates entering health and human services fields, they reflect the college's concentration in sectors that prioritize service over high salaries. The college's specialized focus means career outcomes vary significantly by program choice.
Exercise Science and Kinesiology represents Springfield's largest and most successful program, graduating 76 students annually with median earnings of $32,925 ten years out. Allied Health programs also show strong enrollment with 56 graduates earning around $30,409, while Corrections Administration, though smaller with 21 graduates, achieves higher earnings at $36,141. These programs reflect Springfield's mission-driven approach, preparing students for careers in physical therapy, athletic training, and criminal justice.
The college's return on investment is modest but appropriate for its program mix. Students typically enter fields where job security and personal fulfillment often matter more than peak earning potential. Graduates find steady employment in healthcare systems, schools, and community organizations, with many pursuing additional certifications or graduate degrees to advance in their chosen fields.
Springfield College offers relatively accessible pricing for a private institution, with net prices that vary significantly by family income. Low-income students pay about $21,252 annually, while middle-income families see costs around $24,226, and higher-income families pay approximately $32,494. These prices place Springfield in the lower tier nationally for affordability, reflecting the financial challenges many private colleges face.
The college provides meaningful financial aid that reduces sticker prices substantially for most families. Students typically graduate with $26,250 in federal loan debt, a manageable level given the institution's focus on stable career fields. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $24,787, which represents a significant but not unusual contribution for families choosing private education. The college maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that graduates generally manage their debt obligations successfully despite modest earnings levels.
Springfield College Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
