Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies at Texas Tech University

Lubbock, TX · Public · Bachelor's Degree
45 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
46
Optimistic
45
Base Case
37
Pessimistic
Earnings $39,943/yr (35% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (62% exposed)
Job Market Large (48,200 openings/yr)
ROI 11.7x earnings multiple (5.7x out-of-state)
Ranked #13 of 121 Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies programs Top 25%

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 $563K $553K $502K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 11.9x 11.7x 10.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.8x 5.7x 5.1x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 42% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 46 45 37

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$47,408
Out-of-state: $97,804 (5.7x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$80,284
-69% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,494
6.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$58,424
46% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $39,943 per year, Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies graduates from Texas Tech University significantly outpace the $29,653 national average for this major, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.

With a 11.7x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 11% 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 $20,494 against $39,943/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

Texas Tech University ranks #13 among 121 Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 46% earnings increase from $39,943 to $58,424 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Texas Tech University

With 71% of applicants admitted, Texas Tech University prioritizes broad access, with 32,446 students enrolled in Lubbock, TX.

See all programs and financial aid at Texas Tech 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

Other Majors at Texas Tech 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 45/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies at Texas Tech University?
At 45/100, 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 Texas Tech 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 Texas Tech University one of the best schools for Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies?
Among 121 Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies programs, Texas Tech University's #13 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →