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Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies at Aquinas College

Grand Rapids, MI · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
15 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
16
Optimistic
15
Base Case
13
Pessimistic
Earnings $17,827/yr (-40% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (62% exposed)
Job Market Large (48,200 openings/yr)
ROI 2.4x earnings multiple
Ranked #114 of 121 Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $350K $370K $377K
Earnings Multiple 2.3x 2.4x 2.4x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 42% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 16 15 13

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$154,080
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$75,608
51% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,964
15.5 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

At $17,827 per year, Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies graduates from Aquinas College earn below the $29,653 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

An earnings multiple of 2.4x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.

AI risk is moderate — 62% task exposure — and the -8% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $22,964 debt load exceeds a year of the $17,827 starting salary, suggesting a multi-year repayment window before graduates break even financially.

At #114 out of 121 programs, Aquinas College's financial outcomes for Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About Aquinas College

With 71% of applicants admitted, Aquinas College prioritizes broad access, with a smaller student body of 1,201 in Grand Rapids, MI. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $75,608 — 51% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Aquinas College →

Top Career Paths

Technical writers $91,670/yr
Postsecondary teachers, all other $78,490/yr
English language and literature teachers, postsecondary $78,270/yr
View all 6 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 121 schools offering Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies →

Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies at Other Schools

Wabash College ($50,446) University of Utah ($47,950) Missouri State University-Springfield ($47,377) University of North Texas ($45,015) University of California-Berkeley ($44,553) Arizona State University Campus Immersion ($44,411) Arizona State University Digital Immersion ($44,411) Johns Hopkins University ($43,524)

Other Majors at Aquinas College

Accounting and Related Services ($63,311) Business/Corporate Communications ($49,378) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($45,713) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($44,913) Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($33,555) Communication and Media Studies ($31,817) Psychology, General ($31,789) Biology, General ($31,787)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Aquinas College's Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies program score?
This program scores 15/100 — on the lower end for Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Do Aquinas College Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies graduates earn enough to justify the loans?
The debt-to-income ratio of 1.3x suggests an extended repayment window. Whether it's 'worth it' depends on career trajectory, not just first-year pay.
How vulnerable is Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 62% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why are Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies earnings lower at Aquinas College?
Lower starting pay at Aquinas College may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
How affordable is Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies at Aquinas College after financial aid?
Sticker price is $154,080, but the average net cost is $75,608 — a 51% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →