Rhetoric & Writing at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, IL · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
23
Optimistic
22
Base Case
19
Pessimistic
Earnings
$24,225/yr (-18% vs median)
AI Risk
Very High (62% exposed)
Job Market
Large (48,200 openings/yr)
ROI
8.3x earnings multiple (3.8x out-of-state)
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 | $536K | $530K | $486K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 8.4x | 8.3x | 7.6x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 3.9x | 3.8x | 3.5x |
| 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, In-State (Sticker)
$64,016
Out-of-state: $138,004 (3.8x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,175
10.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$47,544
96% growth from Year 1
About University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign accepts 44% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, serving a student body of 34,623 in Champaign, IL.
See all programs and financial aid at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign →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
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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 University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign?
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 University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign?
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 University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign a good choice for Rhetoric & Writing despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign'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 →