(Posted July 29, 2002)

HUNTINGDON, Pa. -- Juniata College joins such institutions as Harvard University, Duke University, Ohio State University and Yale University as one of 320 colleges nationwide to be included in the "Unofficial Insider's Guide to the 320 Most Interesting Colleges," published by Kaplan Publishing.

"Our inclusion in the Kaplan guide is one more indication that people across the country recognize the quality of education we offer as well as our superb facilities," says Thomas Kepple, president of Juniata College, "This rating, together with our ranking as one of the top 114 liberal arts colleges by U.S. News and World Report shows we can compete as one of the top colleges in the nation."

The guide, written by Trent Anderson and Seppy Basili, states Juniata is "an excellent choice for students interested in the health sciences who want a great deal of individual attention." The guide goes on to single out Juniata's Information Technology program and the college's Environmental Science and Studies program, noting that "research opportunities are available in virtually every discipline."

Each of the colleges profiled in the guides are rated by the same criteria, including information on the student body, academics, admissions, financial information and graduates.

The authors also praise the campus environment and facilities, highlighting the new $20 million William J. von Liebig Center for Science and the college's Peace Chapel, designed by Maya Lin, the nationally acclaimed designer of the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The guide's section on Juniata's student life describes the college's students as "bright career-focused individuals." Noting that there are no fraternities or sororities on campus, the guide describes a few of Juniata's more than 100 student organizations. Juniata's unique traditions such as Mountain Day, a fall event where classes are canceled for the day so students can head for a nearby state park, are discussed in detail.

The Kaplan guide arrives at its selections by polling guidance counselors and students, as well as examining institutional data such as enrollment statistics, selectivity and by current events at each college. In addition, the authors interview or survey students, alumni and college officials from each institution.

This year, Juniata College was listed as one of the top 114 liberal arts colleges in the nation by U.S. News & World Report in its 2002 rankings of the best liberal arts colleges in the nation, according to the magazine's publication "America's Best Colleges." Juniata also is listed for the first time in "The Princeton Review: The Best 345 Colleges" which will be available in bookstores in August.

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