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Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies at Augustana College

Rock Island, IL · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
21 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
21
Optimistic
21
Base Case
18
Pessimistic
Earnings $19,775/yr (-33% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (62% exposed)
Job Market Large (48,200 openings/yr)
ROI 1.9x earnings multiple
Ranked #81 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 $361K $380K $384K
Earnings Multiple 1.8x 1.9x 1.9x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 42% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 21 21 18

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$199,336
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$49,748
75% less than sticker · See by income

Program Analysis

Augustana College's Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies graduates start at $19,775/yr, trailing the $29,653 national average by 33%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

At 1.9x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The -6% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

A #81 ranking among 121 Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies programs places Augustana College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About Augustana College

Augustana College's 68% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, a smaller institution with 2,418 students in Rock Island, IL. The average net cost of $49,748 over four years represents a 75% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Augustana 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 Augustana College

Computer Science ($74,745) Accounting and Related Services ($62,149) Engineering Physics ($54,165) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($50,210) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($45,517) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($45,145) Communication and Media Studies ($40,806) Geography and Cartography ($40,683)

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

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

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 21/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies at Augustana College?
At 21/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies at Augustana College?
The 62% 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 Augustana College a good choice for Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Augustana 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 Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies at Augustana College?
The 75% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $199,336. At a net cost of $49,748, the earnings multiple improves substantially.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →