Computer Software and Media Applications at Juniata College

A first-year salary around $38,000 for a bachelor's degree in software sits notably below what similar programs in Pennsylvania typically produce—state peers average $42,269, and schools like Penn College of Technology and Duquesne report outcomes over $41,000. While the estimated debt load of $25,603 isn't crushing (comparable programs nationally carry about $27,000), the combination creates a tighter financial picture than parents might expect from a technology degree. The 0.67 debt-to-earnings ratio is manageable but leaves less breathing room than stronger-performing programs in the state.

Part of the concern stems from these figures being estimates drawn from peer institutions rather than Juniata's actual graduate outcomes, which the Department of Education suppresses due to small sample sizes. This means we don't know whether Juniata's computer software graduates perform better or worse than the national baseline we're using. Given that Pennsylvania's tech job market generally supports higher starting salaries than what these estimates suggest, much depends on how well the program connects students to regional employers and whether graduates leverage Juniata's liberal arts environment into competitive positions.

The practical takeaway: if your child is choosing Juniata specifically for its small-college experience or interdisciplinary approach, understand that the software program appears to underperform Pennsylvania standards based on available comparisons. Visit campus to ask directly about recent graduate placements and starting salaries—the school should be able to share outcome details even if federal data can't.