Rhetoric & Writingat Aquinas College
Graduates earn $17,827/yr in their first year — about 40.0% below the national Rhetoric & Writing average. Base-case 10-year earnings $370K; scenarios range from $377K to $350K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Aquinas College
The outcomes for this Rhetoric and Composition program at Aquinas College suggest a unique dynamic, likely reflecting the specific labor market for writing professionals in the Grand Rapids area. While technical writing and editing roles exist, the region's overall demand and salary structure for these positions may not mirror larger national hubs. A smaller, private liberal arts college often emphasizes broad intellectual development, which can lead graduates into diverse fields beyond traditional writing careers, potentially affecting initial earnings. Additionally, the "Very High" AI risk for this field is particularly relevant; many entry-level writing tasks are increasingly susceptible to automation, which can depress demand and starting wages. To thrive, you’ll need to actively cultivate a strong digital portfolio showcasing specialized skills, like UX writing or content strategy, to stand out in a competitive and evolving landscape.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Aquinas College's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Rhetoric & Writing
How Aquinas College stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Aquinas College
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Aquinas College, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Rhetoric & Writing offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Rhetoric & Writing trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Rhetoric & Writing at Aquinas College
How does Aquinas College's Rhetoric & Writing program score?
This program scores 15/100 — on the lower end for Rhetoric & Writing. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Do Aquinas College Rhetoric & Writing 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 & Writing to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Rhetoric & Writing 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 & Writing 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 & Writing 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.