Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies at Beloit College

Beloit, WI · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
11 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
12
Optimistic
11
Base Case
9
Pessimistic
Earnings $21,720/yr (-27% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (62% exposed)
Job Market Large (48,200 openings/yr)
ROI 2.0x earnings multiple
Ranked #120 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 $465K $469K $445K
Earnings Multiple 2.0x 2.0x 1.9x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 42% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 12 11 9

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$234,216
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$87,696
63% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,000
14.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$37,723
74% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $21,720 per year, Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies graduates from Beloit College earn below the $29,653 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

An earnings multiple of 2.0x 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 4% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $26,000 debt load exceeds a year of the $21,720 starting salary, suggesting a multi-year repayment window before graduates break even financially.

At #120 out of 121 programs, Beloit College's financial outcomes for Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $21,720 to $37,723 over five years (74% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Beloit College

Beloit College accepts 57% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, a compact campus enrolling 898 students in Beloit, WI. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $87,696 — 63% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Beloit 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

Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies at Other Schools

Other Majors at Beloit College

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Beloit College's Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies program score?
This program scores 11/100 — on the lower end for Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Do Beloit College Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies graduates earn enough to justify the loans?
The debt-to-income ratio of 1.2x 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 Beloit College?
Lower starting pay at Beloit 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 Beloit College after financial aid?
Sticker price is $234,216, but the average net cost is $87,696 — a 63% 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 →