Rhetoric & Writing at Pepperdine University
Malibu, CA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
24
Optimistic
24
Base Case
18
Pessimistic
Earnings
$33,228/yr (12% vs median)
AI Risk
Very High (62% exposed)
Job Market
Large (48,200 openings/yr)
ROI
1.7x earnings multiple
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 | $438K | $445K | $428K |
| Earnings Multiple | 1.6x | 1.7x | 1.6x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 49% | 42% | 29% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 24 | 24 | 18 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$266,968
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,013
8.3 months of Year 1 earnings
About Pepperdine University
Pepperdine University accepts 50% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, a compact campus enrolling 3,629 students in Malibu, CA. After financial aid, the average student pays $181,636 over four years — 32% below sticker price.
See all programs and financial aid at Pepperdine 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
Compare & Explore
Rhetoric & Writing at Other Schools
Other Majors at Pepperdine 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
How does Pepperdine University's Rhetoric & Writing program score?
This program scores 24/100 — on the lower end for Rhetoric & Writing. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Rhetoric & Writing to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Rhetoric & Writing careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 62% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →