Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies at Ithaca College

Ithaca, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
14 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
14
Optimistic
14
Base Case
10
Pessimistic
Earnings $26,443/yr (-11% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (62% exposed)
Job Market Large (48,200 openings/yr)
ROI 2.3x earnings multiple
Ranked #115 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 $456K $461K $439K
Earnings Multiple 2.3x 2.3x 2.2x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 42% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 14 14 10

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$202,040
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$131,860
35% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,000
11.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$38,514
46% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Ithaca College's Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies program produces graduates earning $26,443/yr — within striking distance of the $29,653 national average for this field.

An earnings multiple of 2.3x 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 4% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $25,000 debt-to-$26,443 income ratio translates to about 11 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #115 out of 121 programs, Ithaca College's financial outcomes for Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $26,443 to $38,514 shows 46% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About Ithaca College

Ithaca College's 70% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, a compact campus enrolling 4,350 students in Ithaca, NY. After financial aid, the average student pays $131,860 over four years — 35% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Ithaca 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 and Composition/Writing Studies at Other Schools

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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

How does Ithaca College's Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies program score?
This program scores 14/100 — on the lower end for Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →