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Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies at University of Arizona

Tucson, AZ · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $26,715/yr (-10% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (62% exposed)

Job Market Large (48,200 openings/yr)

ROI 9.6x earnings multiple (3.2x out-of-state)

Ranked #53 of 121 Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies programs Top 50%

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	$528K	$523K	$481K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	9.7x	9.6x	8.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	3.2x	3.2x	2.9x
Probability of Field Employment	49%	42%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	26	25	22

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$54,504

Out-of-state: $164,380 (3.2x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$63,840

-17% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$20,850

9.4 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$47,986

80% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $26,715/yr, roughly in line with the $29,653 national median for Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

A 9.6x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 9% 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 $20,850 against $26,715/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #53 ranking among 121 Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies programs places University of Arizona in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $26,715-to-$47,986 earnings arc over five years reflects a 80% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of Arizona

University of Arizona accepts 86% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, one of the larger campuses at 40,769 students in Tucson, AZ.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Arizona →

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

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Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 25/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies at University of Arizona?

At 25/100, 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 University of Arizona?

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.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →