Analysis
The $43,600 first-year salary suggested by comparable Pennsylvania programs sits right at the state median but well above the national benchmark, which may initially seem reassuring. However, the lack of actual reported data for Juniata's program makes it impossible to know whether this interdisciplinary degree delivers outcomes closer to Drexel's $72,000 or Moravian's $38,000—a difference that fundamentally changes the return on investment.
With an estimated debt load of $26,000, the 0.60 debt-to-earnings ratio appears manageable on paper. But interdisciplinary studies programs vary wildly in their market value depending on how students customize their coursework and translate it to employers. The estimated figures here—drawn from just a handful of Pennsylvania peer programs—can't tell you whether Juniata's specific approach builds competitive career pathways or leaves graduates struggling to articulate their qualifications in a crowded job market.
The real challenge is that you're investing in a program without visibility into its actual track record. Before committing, press the school directly for placement data: where do graduates actually land jobs, and what do they earn? If Juniata can't provide concrete examples of successful career outcomes from this program, that absence of evidence should weigh heavily in your decision.
Where Juniata College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all multi/interdisciplinary studies bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (45 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Juniata CollegeHuntingdon | $56,402 | $43,593* | — | $25,939* | — |
 Drexel UniversityPhiladelphia | $60,663 | $72,174* | $82,021 | $25,878* | 0.36 |
 Franklin and Marshall CollegeLancaster | $68,380 | $43,593* | $60,796 | $19,875* | 0.46 |
 Moravian UniversityBethlehem | $52,000 | $37,824* | — | $27,000* | 0.71 |
| National Median | — | $38,704* | — | $25,495* | 0.66 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Juniata College, approximately 26% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 3 similar programs in PA. Actual outcomes may vary.