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Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies at DePauw University

Greencastle, IN · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $31,640/yr (7% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (62% exposed)

Job Market Large (48,200 openings/yr)

ROI 2.5x earnings multiple

Ranked #82 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	$595K	$581K	$521K
Earnings Multiple	2.6x	2.5x	2.3x
Probability of Field Employment	49%	42%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	21	21	15

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$228,280

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$98,184

57% less than sticker · See by income

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$58,790

86% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $31,640 per year, Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies graduates from DePauw University earn slightly above the $29,653 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

The financial case is thin at 2.5x — decade earnings barely exceed the cost of attendance. The value proposition here is driven by factors beyond pure ROI.

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 12% gap from the optimistic case.

Ranked #82 of 121 Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies programs, DePauw University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $58,790 show a 86% jump from the $31,640 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About DePauw University

DePauw University accepts 54% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, with a smaller student body of 1,804 in Greencastle, IN. The average net cost of $98,184 over four years represents a 57% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at DePauw 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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies at DePauw University?

A score of 21/100 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 $520,991 in decade earnings vs $595,054 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.

Is DePauw University a hidden gem for Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies?

After financial aid, the average student pays $98,184 over four years — 57% below the $228,280 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 →