Analysis
Based on comparable psychology programs in Pennsylvania, first-year earnings around $41,600 would place this degree solidly in the middle of the state's range—essentially matching what peer institutions like Gettysburg report. That's encouraging, particularly since it sits well above the national median of $34,768 for research psychology bachelor's degrees. The estimated $26,250 in debt, however, reflects Pennsylvania's generally higher borrowing patterns for private college students in this field.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.63 suggests manageable repayment on a standard ten-year plan, though psychology graduates often pursue additional education or enter lower-paying helping professions immediately after their bachelor's. Since these figures come from just three reporting programs statewide rather than Juniata's specific outcomes, there's meaningful uncertainty here. The actual results could vary based on how well Juniata's particular students leverage the college's smaller environment and career services.
For families considering this investment, the key question is whether your student is certain about their career path. If they're headed directly to work or already planning for graduate school with clear funding, these estimates suggest reasonable financial risk. If they're still exploring, recognize that you're making this decision with limited visibility into this specific program's track record—the small graduate cohort means the school hasn't published its own outcomes data yet.
Where Juniata College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all research and experimental psychology bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Research and Experimental Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (14 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $56,402 | $41,599* | — | $26,250* | — | |
| $66,104 | $44,542* | — | $18,125* | 0.41 | |
| $64,230 | $41,599* | — | $27,000* | 0.65 | |
| $64,701 | $39,218* | — | $26,250* | 0.67 | |
| National Median | — | $34,768* | — | $21,500* | 0.62 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with research and experimental psychology graduates
Statisticians
Biostatisticians
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists
Psychologists, All Other
Neuropsychologists
Clinical Neuropsychologists
Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary
Child, Family, and School Social Workers
Managers, All Other
Compliance Managers
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.