Graphic Design Degree in Springfield, MA — Salary & ROI 2026
Graphic Design degree analysis for Springfield, MA. COL-adjusted salary data, local tuition costs, ROI calculator, and job market outlook.
Starting Salary
$64K
COL-adjusted
Mid-Career
$96K
COL-adjusted
ROI Payback
7.7 yrs
in Springfield
Cost of Living
133
index (100 = avg)
Graphic Design in Springfield, MA Overview
Springfield, Massachusetts (pop. 155,929) has 6 colleges offering Graphic Design 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. Graphic Design enrollment is stable nationwide, with steady demand for graduates skilled in Adobe Creative Suite and Typography. The adjusted starting salary in Springfield is approximately $63,840.
Category
Arts & Design
Local Colleges
6
Public Tuition
$11,943/yr
Private Tuition
$42,786/yr
Room & Board
$21,289/yr
Avg Fin. Aid
$7,962/yr
Unemployment
5.7%
Graduation Rate
49%
Graphic Design Salary in Springfield (COL-Adjusted)
Salaries adjusted for Springfield's cost of living index of 133 (national average = 100).
Note: National average Graphic Design salary: $48,000 starting, $72,000 mid-career, $88,000 senior level.Springfield adjustment factor: 1.33x based on the local cost of living index.
Graphic Design ROI Calculator for Springfield
Estimate your return on investment for a Graphic Design degree using local Springfield tuition and cost of living data.
Public avg: $11,943 | Private avg: $42,786
Springfield avg aid: $7,962/yr
Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%
Total Education Cost
$132,928
tuition + room & board - aid
Annual Earnings Premium
$17,290
vs HS diploma in Springfield
ROI Payback Period
7.7 years
to break even
Lifetime Return in Springfield
$372,472
Lifetime earnings premium ($505,400) minus total education cost ($132,928)
Student Loan Payoff for Graphic Design in Springfield
Standard Plan (10 years)
Aggressive Plan (5 years)
Colleges in Springfield for Graphic Design
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 Graphic Design in Springfield
Springfield offers opportunities in Design agencies, Studios, Tech companies for Graphic Design graduates. National top employers in this field include:
Key Springfield Hiring Sectors for Arts & Design
Design agencies
Studios
Tech companies
Advertising firms
Media companies
Common Graphic Design Job Titles
Graphic Design in Nearby Massachusetts Cities
Boston, MA
$66K starting · COL 137
24 colleges
Worcester, MA
$56K starting · COL 117
11 colleges
Cambridge, MA
$64K starting · COL 133
6 colleges
Lowell, MA
$54K starting · COL 112.5
5 colleges
Brockton, MA
$52K starting · COL 108.5
5 colleges
Quincy, MA
$62K starting · COL 128.5
4 colleges
New Bedford, MA
$49K starting · COL 102.5
4 colleges
Lynn, MA
$57K starting · COL 118.5
4 colleges
Other Arts & Design Majors in Springfield
UX Design
$67K starting · 3.2 yr ROI
Architecture
$77K starting · 5.5 yr ROI
Animation & Game Design
$67K starting · 4.8 yr ROI
Industrial Design
$67K starting · 4.8 yr ROI
Interior Design
$67K starting · 5.8 yr ROI
Fashion Design
$67K starting · 6.5 yr ROI
Film & Media Studies
$67K starting · 7.5 yr ROI
Fine Arts
$67K starting · 9 yr ROI
Graphic Design 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 Graphic Design ROI in other cities, or explore other majors in Springfield.