Psychology at Springfield College
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Springfield College's psychology program starts slow but builds momentum impressively. First-year graduates earn just $33,197, which lands below the Massachusetts median of $36,873 and trails prestigious in-state options by significant margins. But by year four, earnings jump to $43,032—a 30% increase that closes much of the gap. With debt under $27,000, graduates owe less than a year's mid-career salary, making the trajectory manageable even through the slower start.
The question is whether that initial gap matters for your family's situation. Landing in the 40th percentile among Massachusetts psychology programs means more than half of state competitors deliver stronger early earnings, which could impact loan repayment plans or financial independence right after college. However, Springfield performs above the national median and shows stronger growth than many peers—suggesting the program builds practical skills that employers value with experience.
For families comfortable supporting a graduate through those first few years, the math works. The debt load is reasonable, the trajectory points upward, and Springfield's outcomes exceed what most psychology programs deliver nationally. Just recognize you're not getting the $44,000+ starting salaries that Boston College or Williams graduates command—at least not immediately.
Where Springfield College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all psychology bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Springfield College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Springfield College graduates earn $33k, placing them in the 64th percentile of all psychology bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts
Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (52 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Springfield College | $33,197 | $43,032 | $26,249 | 0.79 |
| Bentley University | $62,218 | — | $25,494 | 0.41 |
| Boston College | $44,760 | $59,196 | $18,000 | 0.40 |
| Williams College | $43,943 | $57,158 | $13,416 | 0.31 |
| Endicott College | $43,646 | $50,853 | $27,000 | 0.62 |
| College of the Holy Cross | $41,099 | $56,085 | $27,000 | 0.66 |
| National Median | $31,482 | — | $25,500 | 0.81 |
Other Psychology Programs in Massachusetts
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Massachusetts schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bentley University Waltham | $58,150 | $62,218 | $25,494 |
| Boston College Chestnut Hill | $67,680 | $44,760 | $18,000 |
| Williams College Williamstown | $64,860 | $43,943 | $13,416 |
| Endicott College Beverly | $39,212 | $43,646 | $27,000 |
| College of the Holy Cross Worcester | $60,850 | $41,099 | $27,000 |
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.