Rhetoric & Writing at CUNY Brooklyn College

Brooklyn, NY · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
24 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
24
Optimistic
24
Base Case
21
Pessimistic
Earnings $20,242/yr (-32% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (62% exposed)
Job Market Large (48,200 openings/yr)
ROI 16.1x earnings multiple (7.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #64 of 121 Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies programs

Program Analysis

The earnings data for Rhetoric and Composition from Brooklyn College reflects the intensely competitive and diverse New York City job market. While the CUNY system provides an affordable pathway, many graduates initially enter roles in the non-profit, public education, or entry-level communications sectors, which often start lower than national averages, particularly in a high cost-of-living area. This program's strength lies in developing critical thinking and sophisticated communication skills, but these may not translate immediately into high salaries without targeted application. The high AI risk indicates that basic content creation and editing tasks are increasingly automated. Your future success will hinge on demonstrating advanced rhetorical strategy, persuasive communication, and the ability to solve complex problems through writing. To maximize your prospects, actively pursue internships in technical writing, UX design, or strategic corporate communications, building a portfolio that showcases your unique ability to navigate complex information and influence audiences beyond what AI can achieve.

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 $477K $480K $452K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 16.0x 16.1x 15.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.7x 7.8x 7.3x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 42% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 24 24 21

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$29,808
Out-of-state: $61,608 (7.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$11,772
61% less than sticker · See by income
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$38,415
90% growth from Year 1

About CUNY Brooklyn College

CUNY Brooklyn College accepts 54% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, enrolling 10,443 students in Brooklyn, NY. With 56% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum. After financial aid, the average student pays $11,772 over four years — 61% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at CUNY Brooklyn 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 & Writing at Other Schools

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Explore the Trade Alternative

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 & Writing at CUNY Brooklyn College?
A score of 24/100 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 $451,772 in decade earnings vs $477,376 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Rhetoric & Writing from CUNY Brooklyn College?
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.
Is CUNY Brooklyn College a hidden gem for Rhetoric & Writing?
After financial aid, the average student pays $11,772 over four years — 61% below the $29,808 sticker price. That gap makes the ROI significantly better than published tuition suggests.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →