Rhetoric & Writing at Susquehanna University

Selinsgrove, PA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
11 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
12
Optimistic
11
Base Case
9
Pessimistic
Earnings $19,753/yr (-33% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (62% exposed)
Job Market Large (48,200 openings/yr)
ROI 2.3x earnings multiple
Ranked #119 of 121 Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies programs

Program Analysis

The outcomes for this program suggest a challenging path for graduates entering the job market. Located in a smaller, more rural region of Pennsylvania, Susquehanna graduates may find fewer local opportunities directly aligned with high-demand writing professions compared to those in major urban centers. While a liberal arts foundation in rhetoric and writing provides excellent critical thinking skills, securing competitive roles in technical writing, editing, or even postsecondary education often requires extensive networking, a specialized portfolio, or advanced degrees. Furthermore, the advent of sophisticated AI tools is rapidly transforming the landscape for many entry-level writing and content creation roles, intensifying competition and potentially impacting earning potential. Consider how you'll proactively build a niche skill set or a robust professional portfolio to stand out in a rapidly evolving job market.

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 $528K $523K $482K
Earnings Multiple 2.3x 2.3x 2.1x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 42% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 12 11 9

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$229,600
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$106,156
54% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
16.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$43,685
121% growth from Year 1

About Susquehanna University

Susquehanna University has a 79% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, a smaller institution with 2,120 students in Selinsgrove, PA. The average net cost of $106,156 over four years represents a 54% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Susquehanna 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 & Writing at Other Schools

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Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Rhetoric & Writing at Susquehanna University?
A score of 11/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Rhetoric & Writing. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Is Rhetoric & Writing at Susquehanna University worth the student debt?
Median debt of $27,000 against $19,753/yr starting salary means roughly 1.4 years of earnings go to repayment. That's above average — financial aid and loan terms matter here.
Will AI replace Rhetoric & Writing careers?
With 62% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $481,681 in decade earnings vs $528,227 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Rhetoric & Writing from Susquehanna University?
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.
Is Susquehanna University a hidden gem for Rhetoric & Writing?
After financial aid, the average student pays $106,156 over four years — 54% below the $229,600 sticker price. That gap makes the ROI significantly better than published tuition suggests.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →