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Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies at University of Nebraska at Kearney

Kearney, NE · Public · Bachelor's Degree
39 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
40
Optimistic
39
Base Case
33
Pessimistic
Earnings $35,726/yr (20% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (62% exposed)
Job Market Large (48,200 openings/yr)
ROI 15.0x earnings multiple (8.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #20 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 $501K $500K $466K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 15.1x 15.0x 14.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 8.8x 8.8x 8.2x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 42% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 40 39 33

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$33,208
Out-of-state: $57,040 (8.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$65,952
-99% less than sticker · See by income
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$47,989
34% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $35,726 per year, Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies graduates from University of Nebraska at Kearney earn slightly above the $29,653 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

With a 15.0x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 7% 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.

University of Nebraska at Kearney ranks #20 among 121 Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 34% earnings increase from $35,726 to $47,989 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About University of Nebraska at Kearney

With 86% of applicants admitted, University of Nebraska at Kearney prioritizes broad access, a compact campus enrolling 4,130 students in Kearney, NE.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Nebraska at Kearney →

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

Compare this program → View all 121 schools offering Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies →

Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies at Other Schools

Wabash College ($50,446) University of Utah ($47,950) Missouri State University-Springfield ($47,377) University of North Texas ($45,015) University of California-Berkeley ($44,553) Arizona State University Campus Immersion ($44,411) Arizona State University Digital Immersion ($44,411) Johns Hopkins University ($43,524)

Other Majors at University of Nebraska at Kearney

Agricultural Business and Management ($61,152) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($60,771) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($48,861) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($42,001) Fine and Studio Arts ($40,501) Criminal Justice and Corrections ($40,128) History ($39,340) Social Work ($39,218)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 39/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies at University of Nebraska at Kearney?
At 39/100, 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 Nebraska at Kearney?
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 Nebraska at Kearney one of the best schools for Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies?
Among 121 Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies programs, University of Nebraska at Kearney's #20 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 →