Rhetoric & Writing at Seattle University
Seattle, WA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
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
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 | $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
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
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
Compare & Explore
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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
How does Seattle University's Rhetoric & Writing program score?
This program scores 18/100 — 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 →