Rhetoric & Writing at California State University-San Bernardino

San Bernardino, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
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

Program Analysis

The reported outcomes reflect the unique labor market dynamics of the Inland Empire, where entry-level roles for generalist writing skills often exist within local government, education, or non-profits, which may not always align with the higher national salary benchmarks for specialized writing professions. While this program equips you with excellent critical thinking and communication abilities, many graduates might initially take roles where these skills are valuable but not the primary driver of high compensation. To unlock the earnings potential seen in technical writing or editing, you'll need to be proactive. Actively seek internships in specific industries, build a targeted portfolio showcasing specialized skills like UX writing or grant writing, and network with professionals in your desired field. Given the evolving landscape with AI, focus on developing strategic communication and complex problem-solving skills that require deep human understanding, rather than just content generation.

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Rhetoric & Writing 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

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Rhetoric & Writing at California State University-San Bernardino?
A score of 20/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Rhetoric & Writing. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Rhetoric & Writing 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 & Writing 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 →