Rhetoric & Writing at Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
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
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 | $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
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,250
11.2 months of Year 1 earnings
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
Compare & Explore
Rhetoric & Writing at Other Schools
Other Majors at Syracuse 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
What does a 22/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Rhetoric & Writing at Syracuse University?
At 22/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Rhetoric & Writing programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Rhetoric & Writing 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 & Writing 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 →