Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies at Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
31 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
32
Optimistic
31
Base Case
23
Pessimistic
Earnings $43,524/yr (47% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (62% exposed)
Job Market Large (48,200 openings/yr)
ROI 2.3x earnings multiple
Ranked #37 of 121 Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies programs Top 50%

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 $585K $572K $515K
Earnings Multiple 2.3x 2.3x 2.0x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 42% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 32 31 23

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$253,360
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$72,644
71% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$13,728
3.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$62,703
44% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $43,524 per year, Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies graduates from Johns Hopkins University significantly outpace the $29,653 national average for this major, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.

At 2.3x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 12% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

The median debt load of $13,728 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

A #37 ranking among 121 Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies programs places Johns Hopkins University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

A 44% earnings increase from $43,524 to $62,703 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Johns Hopkins University

With just 8% of applicants admitted, Johns Hopkins University ranks among the nation's most selective schools, serving 5,617 students in Baltimore, MD. The average net cost of $72,644 over four years represents a 71% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Johns Hopkins 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

Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies at Other Schools

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Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 31/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies at Johns Hopkins University?
At 31/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies at Johns Hopkins University?
The 62% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
What do students actually pay for Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies at Johns Hopkins University?
The 71% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $253,360. At a net cost of $72,644, the earnings multiple improves substantially.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →