Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies at Oglethorpe University

Atlanta, GA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
21 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
22
Optimistic
21
Base Case
16
Pessimistic
Earnings $32,415/yr (9% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (62% exposed)
Job Market Large (48,200 openings/yr)
ROI 2.9x earnings multiple
Ranked #80 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 $537K $530K $487K
Earnings Multiple 2.9x 2.9x 2.7x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 42% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 22 21 16

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$183,224
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$86,940
53% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
10.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$51,839
60% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $32,415/yr, edging above the $29,653 national average for Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

The financial case is thin at 2.9x — decade earnings barely exceed the cost of attendance. The value proposition here is driven by factors beyond pure ROI.

Some AI exposure exists in Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies's typical career paths, with 62% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 9% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $27,000 represents roughly 10 months of the $32,415 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #80 of 121 Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies programs, Oglethorpe University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $51,839 show a 60% jump from the $32,415 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About Oglethorpe University

With a 60% acceptance rate, Oglethorpe University is moderately selective, a compact campus enrolling 1,429 students in Atlanta, GA. The average net cost of $86,940 over four years represents a 53% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Oglethorpe 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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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

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies at Oglethorpe University?
A score of 21/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies careers?
With 62% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $486,584 in decade earnings vs $536,561 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Is Oglethorpe University a hidden gem for Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies?
After financial aid, the average student pays $86,940 over four years — 53% below the $183,224 sticker price. That gap makes the ROI significantly better than published tuition suggests.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →