Juniata College
Juniata College — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Juniata College at a Glance
Juniata College is a private liberal arts college in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, United States. Founded in 1876 as a co-educational normal school, it was the first college started by members of the Church of the Brethren. It was originally founded as a center for vocational learning for those who could not afford formal education.
1876
150 years old
$138M
$137.7 million (2025)
1,573
800 acres
Identity
Is Juniata College Worth It?
Juniata College offers moderate value at $23,988/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $56,918, which is near the national average. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.7 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
The 71% graduation rate means roughly 29% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
How Juniata College compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in PA
Ranked #36 of 151 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Andrews University | 73 | $12,547 | $53,187 |
| #2 | Kalamazoo College | 68 | $19,072 | $65,590 |
| #3 | Albion College | 61 | $14,301 | $58,799 |
| #4 | Canisius University | 58 | $17,940 | $60,681 |
| #5 | Clarkson College | 57 | $19,241 | $64,876 |
| #6 | Goldey-Beacom College | 56 | $15,554 | $59,892 |
| #36 | Juniata College | 42 | $23,988 | $56,918 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Juniata College's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 16 in PA.
Best Programs at Juniata College
The highest-earning program at Juniata College is Communication and Media Studies at $28,000/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Biology, General at $22,700/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Communication and Media Studies graduate from Juniata College earns $28,000, while a Biology, General graduate earns $22,700. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Communication and Media Studies graduates carry $27,000 in median debt vs. $27,000 for Biology, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $23,988/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Communication and Media Studies | $28,000 | $28,000 | $27,000 |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research | $25,300 | $25,300 | $27,000 |
| Biology, General | $22,700 | $22,700 | $27,000 |
Similar Colleges in PA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Huntingdon, PA
- Student Body
- 1,191 students
- Admission Rate
- 79%
- Graduation Rate
- 71%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $23,988
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $56,918
- Median Student Debt
- $27,000