About Springfield College
Springfield College owns basketball history as the sport's birthplace, where James Naismith invented the game in 1891. The 1,916-student private college has built its reputation on physical education, sports management, and health sciences programs in midsize Springfield, Massachusetts. Basketball legend Bob Cousy and football coaching pioneer Alonzo Stagg both walked these halls.
Students pay an average net price of $29,187 after financial aid, less than the $59,209 sticker price. Graduates earn a median of $48,036 ten years after graduation, though they typically leave with $26,250 in debt and monthly loan payments of $278. The 96.7% employment rate suggests strong career outcomes, but the financial return takes time to materialize given the debt load.
Springfield operates as a true sports-centered campus with 22 varsity teams and 716 student-athletes competing in NCAA Division III. Nearly 37% of students participate in athletics, creating an intensely athletic culture. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention in specialized programs. With an 83.62% retention rate and 67.6% six-year graduation rate, students generally stick with their Springfield experience, though academic completion rates lag behind peer institutions.
Students pay an average net price of $29,187 after financial aid, less than the $59,209 sticker price. Graduates earn a median of $48,036 ten years after graduation, though they typically leave with $26,250 in debt and monthly loan payments of $278. The 96.7% employment rate suggests strong career outcomes, but the financial return takes time to materialize given the debt load.
Springfield operates as a true sports-centered campus with 22 varsity teams and 716 student-athletes competing in NCAA Division III. Nearly 37% of students participate in athletics, creating an intensely athletic culture. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention in specialized programs. With an 83.62% retention rate and 67.6% six-year graduation rate, students generally stick with their Springfield experience, though academic completion rates lag behind peer institutions.
Academics & Faculty
Springfield College built its academic reputation around physical education, sports management, and health sciences programs that capitalize on its historic connection to basketball's invention. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate learning environment where professors know students personally. About 70% of students graduate in four years, reflecting the college's hands-on approach to education that blends classroom theory with practical experience. The school's "Humanics" philosophy emphasizes developing the whole person through service learning and community engagement. Students pursuing careers in athletic training, recreation therapy, and sports psychology benefit from extensive fieldwork opportunities. The college also offers strong programs in social work, education, and rehabilitation counseling that prepare graduates for helping professions.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 11:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 70.1%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 67.6%
- Retention Rate
- 83.6%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $48,036
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral/Professional University
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $114,595 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $68,858 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $54,948 |
| Social Work. | Master | $51,794 |
| Education, General. | Master | $50,606 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $46,478 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $45,696 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $44,747 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Master | $41,937 |
| Community Organization and Advocacy. | Master | $40,945 |
Campus Life
Springfield College sits in western Massachusetts, about 90 minutes from Boston and two hours from New York City. The campus houses 1,973 students in dorms, meaning nearly every undergraduate lives on campus given the total enrollment of 1,916. Winter coats are essential as Springfield experiences cold, snowy winters typical of New England.
The 11:1 student-faculty ratio creates tight-knit relationships between professors and students. With 716 athletes competing across 22 varsity sports, nearly 40% of students participate in NCAA Division III athletics. Basketball holds special reverence here since James Naismith invented the sport on campus in 1891. Students frequently visit the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame located nearby. The college's motto "Mens Sana in Corpore Sano" (sound mind in a sound body) shapes campus culture around physical fitness and wellness. Weekends center on athletic events, outdoor activities in the nearby Berkshire Mountains, and campus traditions tied to the school's sports heritage. The employment rate of 96.7% reflects strong connections between academic programs and career outcomes in health, fitness, and sports industries.
The 11:1 student-faculty ratio creates tight-knit relationships between professors and students. With 716 athletes competing across 22 varsity sports, nearly 40% of students participate in NCAA Division III athletics. Basketball holds special reverence here since James Naismith invented the sport on campus in 1891. Students frequently visit the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame located nearby. The college's motto "Mens Sana in Corpore Sano" (sound mind in a sound body) shapes campus culture around physical fitness and wellness. Weekends center on athletic events, outdoor activities in the nearby Berkshire Mountains, and campus traditions tied to the school's sports heritage. The employment rate of 96.7% reflects strong connections between academic programs and career outcomes in health, fitness, and sports industries.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 1,973 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
39 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 9 | 9 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 5 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Fondling | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 15°–34°F
- July Avg
- 60°–84°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 45.2"
- Annual Snowfall
- 51.7"
Student Demographics
Students come to Springfield from across the country, with 61% traveling from outside Massachusetts to attend the birthplace of basketball. The student body splits nearly evenly between men and women, reflecting the school's broad appeal in physical education, sports management, and health sciences. About one in five students receives Pell Grants, showing Springfield serves working-class families alongside middle-income students. The college attracts future coaches, athletic trainers, and recreation professionals who want hands-on experience in the city where basketball was invented.
- Men
- 50.9%
- Women
- 49.1%
- White
- 73.3%
- Black
- 6.0%
- Hispanic
- 9.5%
- Asian
- 3.1%
- In-State Students
- 39.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 21.7%
Location
Springfield sits in western Massachusetts, about 90 miles west of Boston and 30 miles north of Hartford, Connecticut. The city of 155,000 anchors the Pioneer Valley region along the Connecticut River. Springfield invented basketball here in 1891 and still celebrates that legacy downtown at the Basketball Hall of Fame. The campus occupies 100 acres in a mid-sized city that blends urban amenities with New England charm. Students find internships and jobs throughout the Springfield metro area, which serves nearly 700,000 residents. The region offers four distinct seasons and easy access to the Berkshire Mountains for outdoor recreation. Students considering colleges in Massachusetts may also compare Springfield College with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Springfield, Massachusetts 01109-3797
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $48,036
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $55,341
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $40,700
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 55.0%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $278/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $26,250
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Springfield College?
Springfield College accepts 75.63% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1200. The school attracts students who want to study where basketball was invented and pursue careers in physical education and sports management.
How much does Springfield College cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Springfield College is $29,187 after aid, though the sticker price is $43,707 for tuition. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay an average of $21,252, making this private college surprisingly accessible for lower-income families.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Springfield College?
Springfield College maintains an 11:1 student-faculty ratio with 1,916 total students. This small size allows for personalized attention in the college's signature programs like exercise science and athletic training.
What do Springfield College graduates earn after graduation?
Springfield College graduates earn a median of $48,036 ten years after graduation with a 96.7% employment rate. The college's strong connections to the sports and fitness industry help graduates find work in their specialized fields.
Does Springfield College have a strong athletic program?
Springfield College fields 22 varsity sports with 716 total athletes competing in NCAA Division III. The Pride teams compete in the New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference, reflecting the college's deep commitment to athletics education.
Where was basketball invented and what makes Springfield College unique?
Basketball was invented at Springfield College by James Naismith in 1891, making it the sport's official birthplace. The college's motto 'Mens Sana in Corpore Sano' (a sound mind in a sound body) reflects its continued focus on combining physical fitness with academic excellence.
