Rhetoric & Writing at Metropolitan State University

Saint Paul, MN · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
42 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
43
Optimistic
42
Base Case
35
Pessimistic
Earnings $39,558/yr (33% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (62% exposed)
Job Market Large (48,200 openings/yr)
ROI 13.0x earnings multiple
Ranked #15 of 121 Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies programs Top 25%

Program Analysis

The strong financial outcomes for this Rhetoric and Composition program are largely a testament to its location within the dynamic Twin Cities metro area. This region boasts a robust economy with numerous corporate headquarters across diverse sectors like medical devices, finance, and major tech companies. These employers have a constant, high demand for skilled communicators capable of crafting clear technical documentation, engaging marketing copy, and effective corporate communications. This program likely emphasizes practical application, equipping you with marketable skills in areas like technical writing, content strategy, and UX writing—roles essential for complex organizations. Your ability to translate intricate information into accessible language becomes a highly valued asset in this job market. To maximize this advantage, actively pursue internships with local companies to build your professional portfolio and network while you study.

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 $513K $510K $473K
Earnings Multiple 13.1x 13.0x 12.1x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 42% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 43 42 35

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$39,120
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$76,724
-96% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$13,095
4.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$50,935
29% growth from Year 1

About Metropolitan State University

Metropolitan State University has a 96% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with a smaller student body of 4,998 in Saint Paul, MN. 44% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at Metropolitan 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

Rhetoric & Writing at Other Schools

Other Majors at Metropolitan State University

Consider the Trade Route?

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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Rhetoric & Writing at Metropolitan State University?
A score of 42/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Rhetoric & Writing. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Rhetoric & Writing careers?
With 62% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $472,907 in decade earnings vs $513,310 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes Metropolitan State University's Rhetoric & Writing program stand out?
Ranked #15 of 121 programs nationally, Metropolitan State University lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →