Campus News

Juniata College Earns National Recognition for Academic Excellence and Social Mobility

(Posted September 25, 2025)

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HUNTINGDON, Pa.— Juniata College continues to rank among the top colleges and universities in the nation. U.S. News & World Report announced today that Juniata College is ranked #92 among the best national liberal arts colleges, #57 in Best Value Schools, and #44 in Top Performers in Social Mobility in the publication’s just-released 2026 rankings of 1,500 national colleges and universities.   

“As we celebrate our sesquicentennial year, Juniata College is pleased to once again receive national recognition for the quality and value of our education,” said Jim Troha, Ph.D, president of Juniata College. “The rankings clearly demonstrate the significant difference Juniata faculty and staff make in supporting students throughout their education and preparing them to lead lives of purpose and meaning.”  

Using a wide range of data sources, U.S. News calculates more than 80 Best College rankings to highlight colleges that excel in areas such as value, social mobility, and graduating student outcomes. U.S. News publishes the rankings annually to provide prospective students and their families with the comparative merits of colleges and universities 

“For over four decades, Best Colleges has served as a trusted and data-backed resource for students and families navigating the complex college search process,” says LaMont Jones, Ed.D., managing editor for Education at U.S. News. “Over the years, Best Colleges has evolved into a comprehensive tool that reflects the changing landscape of higher education, providing prospective students with a crucial starting point to identify schools that align with their academic and personal goals.” 

Washington Monthly  

The Washington Monthly ranked Juniata as #54 among national liberal arts colleges. When looking closely at these areas of recognition, Juniata College ranked #40 (#10 in Pennsylvania) for outcomes and #12 (#1 in Pennsylvania) for service.   

Since 2005, the Washington Monthly has ranked colleges based on what they do for the country—based on their contribution to the public good in three broad categories: social mobility, research, and promoting public service.  

The Princeton Review  

Juniata College is named among the top 15% of four-year colleges nationwide according to newly published recommendations by The Princeton Review. The Princeton Review’s surveys of students who attend the 391 best colleges.  

Juniata appears on several lists within The Best 391 Colleges, including Best Mid-Atlantic Colleges and Universities. The College ranks #7 for Lots of Race/Class Interaction, based on students’ responses to whether “different types of students interact frequently and easily.” It is #16 for Best Classroom Experience, where students rated their professors, classrooms, and lab facilities, the amount of in-class time devoted to discussion, and the percentage of classes they attend. Juniata is #5 for Most Accessible Professors, with students noting professors’ availability outside of the classroom to meet and connect. The College also ranks #23 for Great Financial Aid, reflecting students’ satisfaction with the financial aid packages they received. 

About Juniata College Sesquicentennial  Juniata College, celebrating its 150th anniversary during the 2025–2026 academic year, has a long tradition of education, integrity, and service. Founded in 1876 as Huntingdon Normal School by Andrew B. Brumbaugh and his cousins, the College has grown from a single classroom above a printshop to a vibrant campus preparing students for lives of leadership, purpose, and meaningful impact. The sesquicentennial year features a range of commemorative events, including lectures, performances, exhibits, and special programs, highlighting Juniata’s history and vision for the future. Learn more at www.juniata.edu. 

Contact April Feagley at feaglea@juniata.edu or (814) 641-3131 for more information.