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Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies at University of Puget Sound

Tacoma, WA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $22,251/yr (-25% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (62% exposed)

Job Market Large (48,200 openings/yr)

ROI 1.6x earnings multiple

Ranked #85 of 121 Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies programs

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	$375K	$392K	$392K
Earnings Multiple	1.6x	1.6x	1.6x
Probability of Field Employment	49%	42%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	22	21	19

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$239,600

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$155,680

35% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$26,998

14.6 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

At $22,251 per year, Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies graduates from University of Puget Sound earn below the $29,653 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

The financial case is thin at 1.6x — decade earnings barely exceed the cost of attendance. The value proposition here is driven by factors beyond pure ROI.

Some AI exposure exists in Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies's typical career paths, with 62% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a -4% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $26,998 against $22,251/yr in first-year earnings means roughly 1.2 years of salary goes to loan repayment. That's a heavy but not crushing debt load.

Ranked #85 of 121 Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies programs, University of Puget Sound falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

About University of Puget Sound

With 76% of applicants admitted, University of Puget Sound prioritizes broad access, with a smaller student body of 1,631 in Tacoma, WA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $155,680 — 35% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Puget Sound →

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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Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies at University of Puget Sound?

A score of 21/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.

Is Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies at University of Puget Sound worth the student debt?

Median debt of $26,998 against $22,251/yr starting salary means roughly 1.2 years of earnings go to repayment. That's above average — financial aid and loan terms matter here.

Will AI replace Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies careers?

With 62% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $391,786 in decade earnings vs $375,400 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.

Can you still earn well with Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies from University of Puget Sound?

First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.

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