At $27,663/yr net price, Juniata College graduates earn $56,918/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $22,918/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $27,663 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $110,652 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $56,918/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$22,918/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 68.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $27,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $18,472/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $22,163/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $24,309/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $25,355/yr |
| $110,001+ | $34,036/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $52,107 | |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $36,848 | $27,000 |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research. | Bachelor | $30,409 | $27,000 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $26,739 | $27,000 |
| Natural Resources and Conservation, Other. | Bachelor | $24,421 | |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $24,421 | $27,000 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $22,329 | $27,000 |
The Risk Factor
68.9% of students at Juniata College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 31% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Juniata College delivers weak financial returns for most students, with median post-graduation earnings of $56,918 barely justifying the $27,663 annual net price. Your investment pays off only if you pursue computer science, which generates $52,107 in median earnings. Business majors earn a disappointing $36,848 despite taking on the same $27,000 debt load as other programs.
The college's environmental and communication programs show particularly poor returns. Natural resources majors earn just $30,409, while communication students make $26,739 after graduation. These outcomes make the debt burden difficult to justify, especially when regional job markets in central Pennsylvania offer limited high-paying opportunities in these fields.
Your biggest financial risk at Juniata is the 31% chance you won't graduate at all, based on the 69% graduation rate. The 77% retention rate suggests many students realize the poor value proposition early and transfer elsewhere. If you stay and graduate outside of computer science, you face a lengthy payback period on your student loans.
This school works financially if you're pursuing computer science and can secure merit aid to reduce costs below the median net price. The 26% of students receiving aid suggests limited financial assistance availability. You should look elsewhere if you're interested in liberal arts fields, environmental studies, or communications, where regional job prospects remain weak and starting salaries won't support your debt payments comfortably.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Juniata College worth the cost compared to other schools?
Juniata College graduates earn $56,918 ten years after graduation, which is decent but not exceptional for a $27,663 annual net price. The computer science program shows strong returns at $52,107, but other popular majors like communications ($26,739) and natural resources ($24,421) produce below-average earnings that may not justify the cost.
What is the student debt situation at Juniata College?
Typical Juniata College graduates carry $27,000 in debt, which is manageable compared to national averages. However, with a 69% graduation rate, about one in three students don't complete their degree, potentially leaving them with debt but no degree to show for it.
Which Juniata College programs offer the best return on investment?
Computer science graduates from Juniata College earn the highest starting salaries at $52,107, making it the clear winner for ROI. Business majors earn $36,848, which is reasonable, while natural resources and communications majors see significantly lower returns that may not offset the tuition costs.
How does Juniata College's financial aid affect the actual cost?
Juniata College's net price of $27,663 reflects financial aid, bringing down the sticker price significantly for most students. This makes the college more accessible, though families should still carefully consider whether the career outcomes justify this investment, especially for lower-earning majors.