Home › Knox College › Rhetoric & Writing

Rhetoric & Writing at Knox College

Galesburg, IL · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
10 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
11
Optimistic
10
Base Case
8
Pessimistic
Earnings $15,466/yr (-48% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (62% exposed)
Job Market Large (48,200 openings/yr)
ROI 2.0x earnings multiple
Ranked #121 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 $440K $447K $430K
Earnings Multiple 2.0x 2.0x 1.9x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 42% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 11 10 8

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$222,348
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$99,500
55% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,394
20.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$31,169
102% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $15,466/yr fall 48% below the $29,653 national median for Rhetoric & Writing. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

At 2.0x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 2% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Rhetoric & Writing career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At a 1.7x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #121 ranking among 121 Rhetoric & Writing programs places Knox College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $15,466-to-$31,169 earnings arc over five years reflects a 102% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Knox College

Knox College has a 71% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, a smaller institution with 997 students in Galesburg, IL. The average net cost of $99,500 over four years represents a 55% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Knox 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

Compare this program → View all 121 schools offering Rhetoric & Writing →

Rhetoric & Writing at Other Schools

Wabash College ($50,446) University of Utah ($47,950) Missouri State University-Springfield ($47,377) University of North Texas ($45,015) University of California-Berkeley ($44,553) Arizona State University Campus Immersion ($44,411) Arizona State University Digital Immersion ($44,411) Johns Hopkins University ($43,524)

Other Majors at Knox College

Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($41,934) Biology, General ($31,203) Natural Resources Conservation and Research ($28,757) Sociology and Anthropology ($26,350) Economics ($23,222)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare Rhetoric & Writing trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 10/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Rhetoric & Writing at Knox College?
At 10/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Rhetoric & Writing programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the payoff timeline for a Rhetoric & Writing degree from Knox College?
At $26,394 in median debt, graduates carry 20 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Should I worry about AI if I study Rhetoric & Writing at Knox College?
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.
Is Knox College a good choice for Rhetoric & Writing despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Knox College's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
What do students actually pay for Rhetoric & Writing at Knox College?
The 55% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $222,348. At a net cost of $99,500, the earnings multiple improves substantially.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →