Biology at Juniata College

Huntingdon, PA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Biology, General
24 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
24
Optimistic
24
Base Case
24
Pessimistic
Earnings $25,119/yr (-22% vs median)
AI Risk High (40% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (113,000 openings/yr)
ROI 3.1x earnings multiple
Ranked #775 of 822 Biology, General programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Biology graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $709K $694K $620K
Earnings Multiple 3.1x 3.1x 2.7x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 45% 35%
DegreeOutlook Score 24 24 24

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$225,608
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$110,652
51% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
12.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$65,962
163% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $25,119 place Juniata College below the $32,219 national median for Biology — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

At 3.1x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 12% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Biology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At a 1.1x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #775 ranking among 822 Biology programs places Juniata College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $25,119-to-$65,962 earnings arc over five years reflects a 163% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Juniata College

Juniata College accepts 72% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, a smaller institution with 1,175 students in Huntingdon, PA. The average net cost of $110,652 over four years represents a 51% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Juniata College →

Top Career Paths

Natural sciences managers $161,180/yr
Medical scientists, except epidemiologists $100,590/yr
Biological scientists, all other $93,330/yr
View all 10 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Biology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Juniata College

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 24/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Biology at Juniata College?
At 24/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Biology programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the payoff timeline for a Biology degree from Juniata College?
At $27,000 in median debt, graduates carry 13 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Should I worry about AI if I study Biology at Juniata College?
The 40% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is Juniata College a good choice for Biology despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Juniata College's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
What do students actually pay for Biology at Juniata College?
The 51% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $225,608. At a net cost of $110,652, the earnings multiple improves substantially.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →