At $8,196/yr net price, Springfield Technical Community College graduates earn $36,966/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $2,966/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $8,196 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $32,784 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $36,966/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$2,966/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 11.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 27.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $6,570 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,048/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,835/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,110/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $12,378/yr |
| $110,001+ | $14,119/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $64,493 | $10,884 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $59,948 | $8,107 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $53,927 | $10,002 |
| Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $48,849 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $42,682 | $9,914 |
| Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $41,565 | $5,445 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Associate | $41,565 | $6,283 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $30,554 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $29,685 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $29,202 | $5,038 |
The Risk Factor
27.0% of students at Springfield Technical Community College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Springfield Technical Community College delivers strong returns for students who choose the right programs, but your major selection matters enormously. The dental support and nursing programs generate impressive earnings that justify the investment, while many other programs struggle to move graduates beyond minimum wage work.
The nursing program stands out with $59,948 median earnings and reasonable debt of $8,107, creating excellent payback potential. Dental support services graduates earn even more at $64,493, though with slightly higher debt. Allied health diagnostic programs also perform well at $53,927. These healthcare tracks capitalize on Springfield's medical job market and the broader regional demand for healthcare workers.
The school's 27% graduation rate creates significant risk. Nearly three-quarters of students leave without completing their programs, often carrying debt but no credential. This completion rate ranks among the lowest for Massachusetts community colleges.
Your financial aid strategy should focus on grants rather than loans given the mixed outcomes. With 47% of students receiving aid, opportunities exist, but the relatively low median debt of $6,570 suggests most students avoid heavy borrowing.
STCC works financially if you commit to one of the high-earning healthcare programs and have the academic preparation to complete them. Students considering liberal arts, business, or other general programs should examine transfer pathways carefully, as the earnings data suggests limited direct career value. Part-time students and career changers targeting specific technical skills may find good value, but traditional students should consider four-year options if completion seems uncertain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Springfield Technical Community College worth the money?
Springfield Technical Community College offers decent value for students who complete health programs like dental support or nursing, which can lead to salaries above $50,000. However, the 27% graduation rate means many students don't finish, and general graduates earn just $37,000 annually.
What are the best paying programs at Springfield Technical Community College?
Dental support services leads at $64,493 annually, followed by registered nursing at $59,948. These health-focused programs significantly outpace the school's overall graduate earnings of $37,000.
How much debt will I have from Springfield Technical Community College?
The median debt is relatively low at $6,570, making it less risky than four-year colleges. With an annual cost of $8,196, students can minimize borrowing through financial aid and part-time attendance.
What is Springfield Technical Community College's graduation rate?
Only 27% of students graduate, which is concerning for return on investment. Students should have clear career goals and be prepared to actively seek support services to improve their chances of completing their program.