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76.2%Acceptance
$56,402Tuition
1,175Students
69%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$56,918Earnings
Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalLiberal ArtsNCAA Division IIIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Juniata College

Juniata College stands out for its Program of Emphasis (POE) system that allows students to design their own major with faculty guidance. This modern approach attracts 1,175 students to a small town in Pennsylvania where academic flexibility takes center stage. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention as students craft interdisciplinary studies that traditional majors can't offer. Most students get in with a 76% acceptance rate and SAT scores averaging 1230.

The financial picture tells a compelling story about value. Students pay an average net price of $27,663 after aid, well below the sticker price of $56,402. Graduates earn a median of $56,918 ten years out, making the typical debt load of $27,000 manageable with monthly payments around $286. The 80% loan repayment rate suggests most alumni handle their obligations successfully.

Nearly half the student body competes in Division III athletics across 24 varsity sports, with 431 total athletes representing about 37% of enrollment. The Eagles compete in the Landmark Conference without athletic scholarships, keeping the focus on academics first. The 69% four-year graduation rate reflects the challenge of self-designed programs, but 94% of graduates find employment.

Academics & Faculty

Juniata operates on the modern Program of Emphasis (POE) system, allowing students to design their own majors with faculty mentorship at this liberal arts college. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention in small classes and collaborative research opportunities. Students graduate with interdisciplinary knowledge that crosses traditional academic boundaries. The college is particularly known for strong programs in environmental science, international business, and the natural sciences. With a 70% four-year graduation rate, most students complete their custom-designed degrees on time. The POE approach attracts self-directed learners who want to combine multiple interests into a cohesive academic plan rather than following preset major requirements.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
10:1
Full-Time Faculty
74.1%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
69.8%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
68.9%
Retention Rate
77.0%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$56,918
Carnegie Classification
Liberal Arts College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Computer and Information Sciences, General. Bachelor $52,107
Business/Commerce, General. Bachelor $36,848
Natural Resources Conservation and Research. Bachelor $30,409
Communication and Media Studies. Bachelor $26,739
Natural Resources and Conservation, Other. Bachelor $24,421
Biology, General. Bachelor $24,421
Psychology, General. Bachelor $22,329

View all 89 programs →

Campus Life

This small Pennsylvania town sits about two hours from Pittsburgh, where students bundle up for snowy winters and enjoy mild summers. With housing capacity for 1,222 students and total enrollment of 1,175, nearly everyone lives on campus in a tight-knit community. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and academic interests.

Juniata's signature Program of Emphasis (POE) system creates an academic culture where students actively design their learning path with faculty mentors rather than following preset majors. Weekend life revolves around the close campus community since Huntingdon offers limited off-campus options. Students attend Eagles athletic events across 24 Division III sports, with 431 total athletes making up over one-third of the student body. The Landmark Conference competition brings energy to campus weekends. Many students participate in outdoor activities like hiking and camping in the surrounding Pennsylvania mountains. The semester system allows for winter and spring breaks that align with the region's distinct seasons.
Setting
Town-Distant
Housing Capacity
1,222 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1876

Campus Safety (2023)

32 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Stalking 3 3 1 0
Dating Violence 3 3 0 0
Fondling 3 3 0 0
Rape 3 3 0 0
Burglary 2 2 0 0
Motor Vehicle Theft 0 0 0 3

Climate & Weather

January Avg
21°–36°F
July Avg
62°–83°F
Annual Precipitation
78.6"
Annual Snowfall
-751.4"

Student Demographics

Students come primarily from Pennsylvania and surrounding mid-Atlantic states, reflecting Juniata's strong regional reputation rather than national recognition. The college draws middle-class families who value personalized education but need substantial financial aid to afford the steep sticker price. Nearly equal numbers of men and women enroll, typical for liberal arts colleges that emphasize broad intellectual exploration over specialized programs. The student body skews heavily white, common for small Pennsylvania colleges located in rural areas. Most students appreciate the college's signature Program of Emphasis system that encourages academic experimentation.
Men
48.1%
Women
51.9%
White
68.8%
Black
4.9%
Hispanic
7.7%
Asian
2.1%
In-State Students
60.7%
Pell Grant Recipients
26.2%

Location

Huntingdon, Pennsylvania sits about 90 miles east of Pittsburgh in the rural Appalachian foothills. The town of 7,000 residents centers around Juniata College's historic campus, creating a classic college town atmosphere. Students find themselves surrounded by rolling hills and farmland, with outdoor recreation opportunities in nearby state parks and forests. The campus houses 1,222 students in a close-knit community where 77% of first-year students return for their sophomore year. The small-town setting means limited nightlife but strong town-gown relationships. Students considering colleges in Pennsylvania may also compare Juniata College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Huntingdon, Pennsylvania 16652-2196

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$56,918
Median Earnings (5 years)
$53,474
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$37,500
Loan Repayment Rate
80.5%
Monthly Loan Payment
$286/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Juniata College?

Juniata College accepts 76.16% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1120 and 1340 on the SAT. This liberal arts college in rural Pennsylvania draws students who want to design their own academic path through the Program of Emphasis system.

How much does Juniata College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $27,663 despite the $56,402 sticker price. About 28% of students receive institutional grants averaging $36,116. Graduates leave with a median debt of $27,000 and monthly loan payments of $286.

What makes Juniata College's academic program unique?

Juniata is known for its Program of Emphasis system that lets students design their own major with faculty guidance. With a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, students get personalized attention in this liberal arts environment. The college operates on a semester calendar with strong mentorship built into the academic experience.

What are the graduation and employment outcomes at Juniata College?

Juniata graduates 68.90% of students within six years, with a 94.2% employment rate after graduation. Alumni earn a median salary of $56,918 ten years after graduation. The college maintains a 77.03% retention rate, indicating students generally stay engaged with their studies.

Where is Juniata College located and what is campus life like?

Juniata sits in the small town of Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, creating a tight-knit campus community of 1,175 students. The college houses 1,222 students on campus, with 24 varsity sports teams competing in NCAA Division III. About 37% of students participate in athletics as one of 431 total athletes.

How diverse is the student body at Juniata College?

The student body is 68.77% white with growing diversity including 7.66% Hispanic and 4.85% Black students. About 61% of students come from Pennsylvania, while the rest bring perspectives from other states. Women make up 51.91% of the student population, creating a balanced gender ratio.