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Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies at Syracuse University

Syracuse, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
22 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
23
Optimistic
22
Base Case
19
Pessimistic
Earnings $24,935/yr (-16% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (62% exposed)
Job Market Large (48,200 openings/yr)
ROI 1.6x earnings multiple
Ranked #77 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 $391K $405K $401K
Earnings Multiple 1.5x 1.6x 1.6x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 42% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 23 22 19

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$252,244
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$164,104
35% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,250
11.2 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $24,935/yr fall 16% below the $29,653 national median for Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

At 1.6x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The -3% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $23,250 against $24,935/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #77 ranking among 121 Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies programs places Syracuse University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About Syracuse University

With a 42% acceptance rate, Syracuse University is moderately selective, with a mid-sized student body of 15,245 in Syracuse, NY. After financial aid, the average student pays $164,104 over four years — 35% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Syracuse 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

Compare this program → View all 121 schools offering Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies →

Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies at Other Schools

Wabash College ($50,446) University of Utah ($47,950) Missouri State University-Springfield ($47,377) University of North Texas ($45,015) University of California-Berkeley ($44,553) Arizona State University Campus Immersion ($44,411) Arizona State University Digital Immersion ($44,411) Johns Hopkins University ($43,524)

Other Majors at Syracuse University

Computer Engineering ($84,793) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($84,494) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($82,378) Accounting and Related Services ($75,294) Civil Engineering ($74,748) Information Science/Studies ($73,033) Chemical Engineering ($72,864) Finance and Financial Management Services ($72,819)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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

What does a 22/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies at Syracuse University?
At 22/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies at Syracuse University?
The 62% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is Syracuse University a good choice for Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Syracuse University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →