Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies at California State University-San Bernardino

San Bernardino, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
20 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
21
Optimistic
20
Base Case
18
Pessimistic
Earnings $20,726/yr (-30% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (62% exposed)
Job Market Large (48,200 openings/yr)
ROI 14.2x earnings multiple (5.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #86 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 $427K $436K $422K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 13.9x 14.2x 13.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.5x 5.6x 5.4x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 42% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 21 20 18

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$30,700
Out-of-state: $78,220 (5.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$23,672
23% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$16,254
9.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$32,348
56% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $20,726 per year, Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies graduates from California State University-San Bernardino earn below the $29,653 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 14.2x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies's typical career paths, with 62% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 1% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $16,254 represents roughly 9 months of the $20,726 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #86 of 121 Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies programs, California State University-San Bernardino falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $32,348 show a 56% jump from the $20,726 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About California State University-San Bernardino

With 98% of applicants admitted, California State University-San Bernardino prioritizes broad access, enrolling 15,771 students in San Bernardino, CA. Pell Grant recipients make up 57% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at California State University-San Bernardino →

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

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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

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies at California State University-San Bernardino?
A score of 20/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies careers?
With 62% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $422,178 in decade earnings vs $427,067 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies from California State University-San Bernardino?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →