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Springfield College

Accept Rate
70.23%
Grad Rate
70.1%
Enrollment
1,916
Avg SAT
1120
Tuition
$43,707
Median Salary
$48,036
Overall Grade
C
B
Academics
C
Value
C
Admissions
C
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

Springfield College has a vibrant, community-focused vibe that feels like a collaborative family rather than a massive institution. The campus is rooted in its 'Humanics' philosophy, emphasizing leadership and service, which creates a palpable sense of purpose among students. You'll feel a strong connection to peers and faculty, with a campus that is energetic but not overwhelming.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

70.23%
Open Admission

SAT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 112075th Pctl
10701260
40080012001600

ACT Score Range

ACT data not available

Average: 27

Admissions Tips

Highlight your leadership experience and commitment to service in your application essays, as the college values the 'Humanics' model of developing the whole person. Since the average SAT is 1120, aim to meet or exceed this score to strengthen your application, though holistic review is used. If you have a specific interest in their top majors like Physical Therapy or Recreation, mention how you plan to utilize their specialized facilities and internships.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1120
40080012001600
School range: 1070โ€“1260

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

The college excels in hands-on learning, particularly in Health Professions, Parks & Recreation, and Psychology, where students gain real-world experience early on. Small class sizes foster close relationships with professors who are dedicated mentors rather than distant lecturers. While research opportunities exist, the academic strength lies in applied, practical projects that prepare you directly for your career.

Popular Majors

Health Professions
38%
Parks, Recreation & Fitness
21.3%
Business & Marketing
8.7%
Psychology
7.7%
Criminal Justice
4.7%
Visual & Performing Arts
2.8%
Education
2.4%
Communications
2.1%
Computer Science
1.9%
Biology & Biomedical
1.9%
English & Literature
1.9%
History
1.5%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

70.1%
Graduation Rate
83.6%
Retention Rate
1,916
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$43,707
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$29,187
After financial aid
Total Cost
$57,942
Cost of attendance/year
21.7%
Receive Pell Grants
71.5%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Springfield

Springfield offers a mix of urban culture and New England charm; students often visit the Quadrangle for museums or catch a show at the MassMutual Center. The city has a growing food scene and is close enough for day trips to Hartford or Boston, though it requires a car or bus. On weekends, students enjoy local concerts, sports events, and exploring the downtown area.

Local Rent Check

$1,115 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Springfield
Explore Springfield

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$174,828
$0Est. 4 Years: $174,828

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($48,036):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

Springfield College is located in an urban setting, so standard city precautions are necessary, but the campus itself is generally considered safe with its own campus police. The college is situated in a residential neighborhood, and students are advised to be aware of their surroundings when venturing off-campus.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Strong hands-on programs in Health and Human Services with excellent internship placement.
  • โœ“ High retention rate (83.6%) indicates a satisfied and engaged student body.
  • โœ“ Intimate class sizes allow for personalized attention from faculty.
  • โœ“ The 'Humanics' philosophy provides a unique focus on leadership and service.

Cons

  • โœ— Tuition is high ($43,707) for a private college of this size.
  • โœ— The urban location requires awareness of city safety compared to rural campuses.
  • โœ— Limited brand recognition outside of the Northeast for certain majors.

Notable Alumni

James Naismith
Inventor of basketball; he was a physical education instructor at the college's predecessor, the YMCA Training School.
Bill Cosby
Comedian and actor; graduated with a degree in Physical Education in 1963.
Homer D. Bragg
Former head football coach and athletic director; a significant figure in the college's sports history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Springfield College is best known for its pioneering Humanics philosophy, which focuses on educating students in spirit, mind, and body for leadership in service to others. It is highly regarded for its top-ranked programs in Parks and Recreation Management, Physical Therapy, and Athletic Training. The college also boasts a historic connection to the invention of basketball, which was first played in its own Springfield YMCA building.

Springfield College has an acceptance rate of approximately 70%, making it moderately selective. While not as competitive as elite institutions, admission requires a solid academic record. The average SAT score for admitted students is around 1120, and successful applicants typically demonstrate strong extracurricular involvement and a commitment to community service.

Campus life is active and community-oriented, with a high retention rate of 83.6% suggesting students feel connected and supported. Students engage in a variety of clubs, NCAA Division III athletics, and service-oriented events centered around the Humanics philosophy. The urban setting provides access to city amenities, while the campus itself offers a tight-knit, residential experience.

The value depends on your major and financial aid package; with an average net price of $29,187, it is more affordable than the sticker price but still a significant investment. The 10-year median earnings of $48,036 are reasonable, especially for graduates entering high-demand fields like healthcare and recreation. For students who qualify for Pell Grants (21.7% of the student body) and utilize the college's strong internship networks, the ROI is generally positive.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Baystate Health MassMutual Springfield Public Schools YMCA of the USA Boston Children's Hospital
Smart Start Score
59

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 2,050
  • In-State Tuition $43,707
  • Zip Code 01109

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 50.9% โ™€ 49.1%

The Money Talk

With an average net price of nearly $30,000 after aid, the degree is a significant investment, but the 10-year median earnings of $48,036 suggest a decent return for a private college. The tuition is high compared to public options, but the strong graduation rate and specialized programs in high-demand fields like health and fitness can justify the cost. For students utilizing the 21.7% Pell Grant rate, the investment becomes more manageable, making it a solid value for those who leverage financial aid.

*Based on Dept of Education data

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $43,707
Housing (12 mo) $13,380
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $64,287
With avg financial aid:
$29,187/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.