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Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies at Binghamton University

Vestal, NY · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $24,377/yr (-18% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (62% exposed)

Job Market Large (48,200 openings/yr)

ROI 14.9x earnings multiple (5.2x out-of-state)

Ranked #35 of 121 Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies programs Top 50%

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	$639K	$618K	$547K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	15.4x	14.9x	13.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	5.4x	5.2x	4.6x
Probability of Field Employment	49%	42%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	34	34	31

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$41,452

Out-of-state: $117,812 (5.2x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$85,456

-106% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$19,300

9.5 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$58,435

140% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $24,377 place Binghamton University below the $29,653 national median for Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

The 14.9x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 62% task exposure — and the 14% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $19,300 debt-to-$24,377 income ratio translates to about 10 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

Ranked #35 out of 121 programs, Binghamton University's Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

Earnings growth from $24,377 to $58,435 over five years (140% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Binghamton University

Binghamton University accepts 38% of applicants — selective, though not ultra-competitive, with a mid-sized student body of 14,401 in Vestal, NY.

See all programs and financial aid at Binghamton University →

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 Binghamton University

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 Binghamton University's Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies program score?

This program scores 34/100 — on the lower end for Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.

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 Binghamton University?

Lower starting pay at Binghamton University may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →