Analysis
Massachusetts accounting programs consistently produce strong first-year outcomes, and based on comparable programs across the state, Springfield College's graduates likely follow suit. With estimated earnings of $65,304 and debt around $27,000, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.41 sits comfortably below the concerning 0.5 thresholdβmeaning graduates would need less than half their first-year salary to cover what they borrowed.
What's worth noting is how this stacks up regionally. The estimated figures place Springfield roughly at the state median, trailing elite programs like Boston College and Bentley by $7,000-$10,000 annually, but substantially ahead of the national median of $53,694. That gap matters: accounting is a profession with clear credential requirements and hiring standards, so starting $11,000 above the national norm suggests Massachusetts employers value local graduates, regardless of institutional prestige. The practical translation: your child would likely enter a robust job market where debt remains manageable even in a worst-case scenario.
The caveat is realβthese are estimates drawn from peer institutions, not Springfield's actual outcomes. But accounting programs tend to produce more predictable results than many fields, and the state-level data provides a reasonable floor. If your child plans to stay in the Northeast and work in traditional accounting roles, this appears to be a sensible investment, particularly given Springfield's 70% admission rate makes it accessible without requiring exceptional test scores.
Where Springfield College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts
Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (26 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $43,707 | $65,304* | β | $26,966* | β | |
| $67,680 | $75,512* | $98,724 | $18,000* | 0.24 | |
| $60,850 | $73,234* | β | $27,000* | 0.37 | |
| $58,150 | $72,823* | $83,486 | $27,000* | 0.37 | |
| $39,212 | $68,483* | $78,896 | β* | β | |
| $17,357 | $67,574* | $85,464 | $23,250* | 0.34 | |
| National Median | β | $53,694* | β | $25,000* | 0.47 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with accounting graduates
Financial Managers
Treasurers and Controllers
Investment Fund Managers
Financial and Investment Analysts
Financial Risk Specialists
Financial Examiners
Budget Analysts
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Accountants and Auditors
Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks
Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Springfield College, approximately 22% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 14 similar programs in MA. Actual outcomes may vary.