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

Athens, OH · Public · Bachelor's Degree
20 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
21
Optimistic
20
Base Case
18
Pessimistic
Earnings $23,399/yr (-21% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (62% exposed)
Job Market Large (48,200 openings/yr)
ROI 7.2x earnings multiple (4.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #92 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) 6.9x 7.2x 7.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.0x 4.1x 4.1x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 42% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 21 20 18

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$54,984
Out-of-state: $96,456 (4.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$81,652
-49% 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-Main Campus earn below the $29,653 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

The earnings-to-cost ratio of 7.2x signals a solid financial return — projected decade earnings comfortably exceed the tuition investment.

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 -4% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $25,500 against $23,399/yr in first-year earnings means roughly 1.1 years of salary goes to loan repayment. That's a heavy but not crushing debt load.

Ranked #92 of 121 Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies programs, Ohio University-Main Campus falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

About Ohio University-Main Campus

With 85% of applicants admitted, Ohio University-Main Campus prioritizes broad access, serving 18,456 students in Athens, OH.

See all programs and financial aid at Ohio University-Main 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

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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 Ohio University-Main Campus?
A score of 20/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Is Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies at Ohio University-Main Campus worth the student debt?
Median debt of $25,500 against $23,399/yr starting salary means roughly 1.1 years of earnings go to repayment. That's above average — financial aid and loan terms matter here.
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 $395,608 in decade earnings vs $381,898 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies from Ohio University-Main Campus?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →