Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies at Oakland University

Rochester Hills, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree
26 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
26
Optimistic
26
Base Case
19
Pessimistic
Earnings $34,464/yr (16% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (62% exposed)
Job Market Large (48,200 openings/yr)
ROI 7.7x earnings multiple (4.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #50 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 $445K $451K $432K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 7.6x 7.7x 7.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.8x 4.9x 4.7x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 42% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 26 26 19
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$58,776
Out-of-state: $92,752 (4.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$54,336
8% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,894
8.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$32,718
Small cohort — data may not reflect typical outcomes

Program Analysis

At $34,464 per year, Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies graduates from Oakland University earn slightly above the $29,653 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

A 7.7x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 3% 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.

At $22,894 against $34,464/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #50 ranking among 121 Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies programs places Oakland University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

About Oakland University

With 70% of applicants admitted, Oakland University prioritizes broad access, with a mid-sized student body of 12,450 in Rochester Hills, MI.

See all programs and financial aid at Oakland 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

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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

What does a 26/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies at Oakland University?
At 26/100, 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 Oakland 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →