Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies at Seattle University

Seattle, WA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
18 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
19
Optimistic
18
Base Case
13
Pessimistic
Earnings $32,663/yr (10% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (62% exposed)
Job Market Large (48,200 openings/yr)
ROI 2.0x earnings multiple
Ranked #104 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 $434K $443K $426K
Earnings Multiple 2.0x 2.0x 2.0x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 42% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 19 18 13
4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$217,140
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$139,208
36% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,000
8.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$31,966
Small cohort — data may not reflect typical outcomes

Program Analysis

At $32,663 per year, Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies graduates from Seattle University earn slightly above the $29,653 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

An earnings multiple of 2.0x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.

AI risk is moderate — 62% task exposure — and the 2% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $23,000 debt-to-$32,663 income ratio translates to about 8 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #104 out of 121 programs, Seattle University's financial outcomes for Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About Seattle University

With 76% of applicants admitted, Seattle University prioritizes broad access, with a smaller student body of 4,117 in Seattle, WA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $139,208 — 36% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Seattle 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

Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies at Other Schools

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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

How does Seattle University's Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies program score?
This program scores 18/100 — on the lower end for Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies 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 →