Rhetoric & Writing at The University of Texas at Austin

Austin, TX · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
46 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
47
Optimistic
46
Base Case
38
Pessimistic
Earnings $38,713/yr (31% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (62% exposed)
Job Market Large (48,200 openings/yr)
ROI 12.4x earnings multiple (3.4x out-of-state)
Ranked #7 of 121 Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies programs Top 10%

Program Analysis

A degree in Rhetoric and Composition from UT Austin positions you exceptionally well, largely due to the university's strong academic reputation and its prime location in a thriving economic hub. Austin's dynamic tech and startup scene creates significant demand for professionals skilled in clear, persuasive communication. This explains why careers like technical writing and content strategy are particularly robust here, with local companies frequently seeking UT graduates who can translate complex information into accessible language. Unlike a general English degree, this program emphasizes strategic communication, audience analysis, and critical thinking, making you highly adaptable for roles beyond traditional teaching, including UX writing, corporate communications, or even policy analysis. While AI tools are transforming many writing tasks, the advanced rhetorical skills you develop are about *directing* and *leveraging* such tools, not being replaced by them, especially in roles requiring nuanced human insight. To capitalize on this, actively seek internships within Austin's tech or publishing sectors early in your academic journey.

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 $592K $578K $519K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 12.7x 12.4x 11.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.5x 3.4x 3.0x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 42% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 47 46 38

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$46,712
Out-of-state: $171,112 (3.4x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$78,712
-69% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,323
6.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$61,896
60% growth from Year 1

About The University of Texas at Austin

The University of Texas at Austin accepts 29% of applicants — selective, though not ultra-competitive, serving a student body of 42,100 in Austin, TX.

See all programs and financial aid at The University of Texas at Austin →

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Rhetoric & Writing at The University of Texas at Austin?
A score of 46/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Rhetoric & Writing. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
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 $519,329 in decade earnings vs $592,232 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →