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Rhetoric & Writing at Hamilton College

Clinton, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $28,442/yr (-4% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (62% exposed)

Job Market Large (48,200 openings/yr)

ROI 1.6x earnings multiple

Ranked #90 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 & Writing graduates.

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$410K	$422K	$412K
Earnings Multiple	1.6x	1.6x	1.6x
Probability of Field Employment	49%	42%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	20	20	15

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$262,960

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$113,256

57% less than sticker · See by income

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $28,442/yr, roughly in line with the $29,653 national median for Rhetoric & Writing. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

An earnings multiple of 1.6x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.

AI risk is moderate — 62% task exposure — and the -0% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

At #90 out of 121 programs, Hamilton College's financial outcomes for Rhetoric & Writing trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About Hamilton College

Hamilton College's 12% admission rate places it in the top tier of selectivity nationally, a smaller institution with 2,045 students in Clinton, NY. After financial aid, the average student pays $113,256 over four years — 57% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Hamilton 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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For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Hamilton College's Rhetoric & Writing program score?

This program scores 20/100 — on the lower end for Rhetoric & Writing. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.

How vulnerable is Rhetoric & Writing to AI automation?

AI won't 'replace' Rhetoric & Writing careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 62% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.

How affordable is Rhetoric & Writing at Hamilton College after financial aid?

Sticker price is $262,960, but the average net cost is $113,256 — a 57% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →