Analysis
Biology programs in Massachusetts show significant earnings variation, with top programs placing graduates into $45,000-$52,000 first-year positions. Springfield College's estimated outcomes sit at the state median—roughly $42,000 in earnings against $27,000 in debt—which positions it in the middle tier of Bay State biology programs rather than among the leaders.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.64 suggests manageable repayment for a bachelor's degree, though this depends heavily on career trajectory. Many biology graduates pursue additional education for healthcare or research careers, which can delay higher earnings but also increase debt loads. If your child plans to enter the workforce directly after graduation, comparable programs in Massachusetts typically produce starting salaries that allow for reasonable debt service, though not much financial cushion in an expensive state.
The real question is where this program leads. Biology bachelor's degrees often serve as pre-med or pre-graduate school preparation rather than terminal credentials. If your child is using this as a stepping stone to medical school or graduate programs, the moderate debt load is reasonable. If they're planning to work immediately after graduation, understanding Springfield's specific placement outcomes—internship pipelines, lab research opportunities, employer connections—becomes critical, since those details matter more than the estimated numbers when actual program data isn't available.
Where Springfield College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all biology bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts
Biology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (49 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $43,707 | $41,879* | — | $27,000* | — | |
| $59,070 | $51,711* | $71,939 | $26,999* | 0.52 | |
| $46,220 | $46,736* | — | $27,000* | 0.58 | |
| $16,570 | $46,526* | $66,988 | $26,747* | 0.57 | |
| $54,500 | $46,088* | $58,080 | $27,000* | 0.59 | |
| $11,978 | $45,670* | $59,961 | $27,000* | 0.59 | |
| National Median | — | $32,316* | — | $25,000* | 0.77 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with biology graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Forensic Science Technicians
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Biological Technicians
Agricultural Technicians
Precision Agriculture Technicians
Food Science Technicians
Biological Scientists, All Other
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 34 similar programs in MA. Actual outcomes may vary.