Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies at Ohio University-Lancaster Campus

Lancaster, OH · Public · Bachelor's Degree
24 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
25
Optimistic
24
Base Case
22
Pessimistic
Earnings $23,399/yr (-21% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (62% exposed)
Job Market Large (48,200 openings/yr)
ROI 16.1x earnings multiple (10.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #68 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 $382K $398K $396K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 15.5x 16.1x 16.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 10.4x 10.8x 10.8x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 42% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 25 24 22

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$24,712
Out-of-state: $36,680 (10.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$24,532
1% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,500
13.1 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

At $23,399 per year, Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies graduates from Ohio University-Lancaster Campus earn below the $29,653 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

With a 16.1x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The -4% 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 a 1.1x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #68 ranking among 121 Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies programs places Ohio University-Lancaster Campus in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About Ohio University-Lancaster Campus

a compact campus enrolling 657 students in Lancaster, OH.

See all programs and financial aid at Ohio University-Lancaster Campus →

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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Explore the Trade Alternative

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 does a 24/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies at Ohio University-Lancaster Campus?
At 24/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the payoff timeline for a Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies degree from Ohio University-Lancaster Campus?
At $25,500 in median debt, graduates carry 13 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 and Composition/Writing Studies at Ohio University-Lancaster Campus?
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 Ohio University-Lancaster Campus a good choice for Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Ohio University-Lancaster Campus's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →