What is the starting salary for Civil Engineering graduates in Springfield?

The estimated starting salary for Civil Engineering graduates in Springfield, MA is $90,440 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 133. The national average starting salary for this major is $68,000. Salaries in Springfield are 33% higher than the national average due to cost of living differences.

Is a Civil Engineering degree worth it in Springfield?

A Civil Engineering degree in Springfield has an estimated ROI payback period of 3 years, with a projected lifetime return of $997,572 after subtracting education costs. With 6 colleges in the area and average public tuition of $11,943/year, Springfield offers affordable options for this degree. The local unemployment rate of 5.7% and the major's national unemployment rate of 2.8% should also factor into your decision.

How much does it cost to study Civil Engineering in Springfield?

The average annual public university tuition in Springfield is $11,943, while private universities average $42,786/year. Including room and board ($21,289/year), total 4-year costs range from $132,928 at a public school to $256,300 at a private institution. Average financial aid per student in Springfield is $7,962/year.

What jobs can Civil Engineering graduates get in Springfield?

Civil Engineering graduates in Springfield can pursue careers as Civil Engineer, Structural Engineer, Project Manager. Key skills valued by local employers include Structural Analysis, AutoCAD, Surveying, Project Management. The Springfield job market features Engineering firms, Manufacturing, Defense contractors among the top hiring sectors for this field. National top employers include AECOM, Bechtel, Jacobs.

How long to pay off student loans for Civil Engineering in Springfield?

With a standard 10-year repayment plan at 6.5% interest, Civil Engineering graduates in Springfield would pay $1,509/month on an estimated $132,928 in loans, with $48,196 in total interest. An aggressive 5-year plan would require $2,601/month but save $25,071 in interest. With a COL-adjusted starting salary of $90,440, monthly payments would represent 20% of gross monthly income.

Civil Engineering Degree in Springfield, MA — Salary & ROI 2026

Civil Engineering degree analysis for Springfield, MA. COL-adjusted salary data, local tuition costs, ROI calculator, and job market outlook.

Starting Salary

$90K

COL-adjusted

Mid-Career

$133K

COL-adjusted

ROI Payback

3 yrs

in Springfield

Cost of Living

133

index (100 = avg)

Civil Engineering in Springfield, MA Overview

Springfield, Massachusetts (pop. 155,929) has 6 colleges offering Civil Engineering programs. The local cost of living index of 133 is higher than average, so budget accordingly, with average rent near campus at $1,238/month. Civil Engineering enrollment is stable nationwide, with steady demand for graduates skilled in Structural Analysis and AutoCAD. The adjusted starting salary in Springfield is approximately $90,440.

Civil Engineering Salary in Springfield (COL-Adjusted)

Salaries adjusted for Springfield's cost of living index of 133 (national average = 100).

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$90,440(+$22,440 vs national)

Mid Career (5-9 yrs)

$133,000(+$33,000 vs national)

Senior Level (15+ yrs)

$166,250(+$41,250 vs national)

Note: National average Civil Engineering salary: $68,000 starting, $100,000 mid-career, $125,000 senior level.Springfield adjustment factor: 1.33x based on the local cost of living index.

Civil Engineering ROI Calculator for Springfield

Estimate your return on investment for a Civil Engineering degree using local Springfield tuition and cost of living data.

Annual Tuition ($)

Public avg: $11,943 | Private avg: $42,786

Years of Study

Annual Financial Aid ($)

Springfield avg aid: $7,962/yr

Student Loan Rate (%)

Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%

Total Education Cost

$132,928

tuition + room & board - aid

Annual Earnings Premium

$43,890

vs HS diploma in Springfield

ROI Payback Period

3 years

to break even

Lifetime Return in Springfield

$997,572

Lifetime earnings premium ($1,130,500) minus total education cost ($132,928)

Student Loan Payoff for Civil Engineering in Springfield

Standard Plan (10 years)

Loan Amount$132,928

Monthly Payment$1,509

Total Interest$48,196

% of Monthly Income20%

Aggressive Plan (5 years)

Loan Amount$132,928

Monthly Payment$2,601

Total Interest$23,125

Interest Savings$25,071

Colleges in Springfield for Civil Engineering

Western New England University

private

$42,228/yr

$168,912 total

Springfield College

private

$43,344/yr

$173,376 total

Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)

Springfield Technical Community College

$5,760/yr

Top Employers for Civil Engineering in Springfield

Springfield offers opportunities in Engineering firms, Manufacturing, Defense contractors for Civil Engineering graduates. National top employers in this field include:

AECOMBechtelJacobsUS Army Corps of EngineersKiewit

Key Springfield Hiring Sectors for Engineering

Engineering firms

Manufacturing

Defense contractors

Energy companies

Construction firms

Common Civil Engineering Job Titles

Civil EngineerStructural EngineerProject Manager

Civil Engineering in Nearby Massachusetts Cities

Boston, MA

$93K starting · COL 137

24 colleges

Worcester, MA

$80K starting · COL 117

11 colleges

Cambridge, MA

$90K starting · COL 133

6 colleges

Lowell, MA

$77K starting · COL 112.5

5 colleges

Brockton, MA

$74K starting · COL 108.5

5 colleges

Quincy, MA

$87K starting · COL 128.5

4 colleges

New Bedford, MA

$70K starting · COL 102.5

4 colleges

Lynn, MA

$81K starting · COL 118.5

4 colleges

Other Engineering Majors in Springfield

Petroleum Engineering

$67K starting · 2.5 yr ROI

Computer Engineering

$67K starting · 3 yr ROI

Chemical Engineering

$109K starting · 3.2 yr ROI

Nuclear Engineering

$67K starting · 3.3 yr ROI

Electrical Engineering

$106K starting · 3.3 yr ROI

Aerospace Engineering

$106K starting · 3.5 yr ROI

Mechanical Engineering

$104K starting · 3.5 yr ROI

Mining Engineering

$67K starting · 3 yr ROI

Methodology & Education Data Sources

How we calculate Civil Engineering degree outcomes in Springfield, MA: Our salary projections, ROI estimates, and tuition data combine multiple federal datasets to provide a localized view of education economics. We use a 10-year career-trajectory model standard in higher education research.

Tuition data sourced from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), the federal education statistics database operated by NCES. Average tuition for Civil Engineering programs reflects 4-year public/private weighted averages for Massachusetts.
Career salary projections based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, with cost-of-living adjustments for Springfield using regional CPI data.
10-year ROI calculates: (Total Career Earnings With Degree) − (Total Career Earnings Without Degree) − (Total Education Cost Including Interest on Loans).
Job market outlook for Civil Engineering graduates uses BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook 10-year projections (2024-2034 base period).
Default rates and loan data sourced from College Scorecard (US Department of Education), which tracks repayment outcomes by institution.

Authoritative US education data sources:

IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — official federal college data
College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion rates
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Civil Engineering career projections
Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan and grant info
NCES Digest of Education Statistics — comprehensive education data
BLS Occupational Employment and Wages — entry-level salary data for Civil Engineering grads

Education Disclaimer: Salary and ROI estimates are projections based on national and state-level averages. Individual outcomes depend on institution prestige, GPA, internships, location, network, and economic conditions. Always verify current tuition with the institution directly, and consult a financial aid counselor before taking on student loans. Use the Federal Loan Simulator to model repayment scenarios.

Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS & BLS data current as of latest annual release

Financial Aid Resources for Springfield Students

Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), Massachusetts students have access to state-specific grants, scholarships, and tuition assistance programs. The 2026-27 FAFSA also added a new Low Earnings Indicator (Dec 2025) flagging programs where graduates earn less than non-college peers — check your target school's status:

📋 Federal Aid (FAFSA)

Pell Grant up to $7,395/yr (2026-27). Subsidized loans at 6.53% (academic year 25-26):

🏛️ State Grants (Massachusetts)

State-specific grants stack with federal aid:

• USA.gov — Massachusetts programs
• NASFAA — State Aid Programs
• Search "massachusetts higher education commission grants"

🎓 College Outcomes Data

Verify earnings + debt before enrolling:

• College Scorecard — earnings, debt, completion
• NCES College Navigator
• IPEDS Net Price Calculator Center

💰 Scholarship Search

Free, official, scam-free scholarship databases:

2026-27 FAFSA tip: The new Low Earnings Indicator flags programs where graduates earn less than non-graduates. Check this before enrolling. Speak with a NASFAA-credentialed financial aid counselor at your target school.

Civil Engineering Degree in Springfield — FAQ

Data Sources: Salary data from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Cost of living from BLS Regional Data. College data from NCES/IPEDS. Updated March 2026.

Explore More

Compare Civil Engineering ROI in other cities, or explore other majors in Springfield.

Civil Engineering Overview Colleges in Springfield All Majors

Civil Engineering Degree in Springfield, MA — Salary & ROI 2026

Civil Engineering in Springfield, MA Overview

Civil Engineering Salary in Springfield (COL-Adjusted)

Civil Engineering ROI Calculator for Springfield

Student Loan Payoff for Civil Engineering in Springfield

Standard Plan (10 years)

Aggressive Plan (5 years)

Colleges in Springfield for Civil Engineering

Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)

Top Employers for Civil Engineering in Springfield

Key Springfield Hiring Sectors for Engineering

Common Civil Engineering Job Titles

Civil Engineering in Nearby Massachusetts Cities

Boston, MA

Worcester, MA

Cambridge, MA

Lowell, MA

Brockton, MA

Quincy, MA

New Bedford, MA

Lynn, MA

Other Engineering Majors in Springfield

Petroleum Engineering

Computer Engineering

Chemical Engineering

Nuclear Engineering

Electrical Engineering

Aerospace Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Mining Engineering

Methodology & Education Data Sources

Financial Aid Resources for Springfield Students

Civil Engineering Degree in Springfield — FAQ

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