Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies at Ferris State University

Big Rapids, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree
22 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
22
Optimistic
22
Base Case
19
Pessimistic
Earnings $23,508/yr (-21% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (62% exposed)
Job Market Large (48,200 openings/yr)
ROI 9.4x earnings multiple
Ranked #76 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 $518K $514K $475K
Earnings Multiple 9.5x 9.4x 8.7x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 42% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 22 22 19

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$54,520
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$48,808
10% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,500
11.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$45,012
91% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $23,508 per year, Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies graduates from Ferris State University earn below the $29,653 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

The earnings-to-cost ratio of 9.4x signals a solid financial return — projected decade earnings comfortably exceed the tuition investment.

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 8% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $21,500 represents roughly 11 months of the $23,508 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #76 of 121 Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies programs, Ferris State University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $45,012 show a 91% jump from the $23,508 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About Ferris State University

With 81% of applicants admitted, Ferris State University prioritizes broad access, serving 8,087 students in Big Rapids, MI.

See all programs and financial aid at Ferris State 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 Ferris State University?
A score of 22/100 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 $475,416 in decade earnings vs $517,573 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies from Ferris State University?
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 →