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Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies Colleges Under $20,000

Programs with net price under $20,000. See our methodology.

Community colleges and regional campuses dominate the most affordable Rhetoric and Composition programs, with net costs ranging from just $2,943 at CUNY Brooklyn College to $8,364 at the upper end. The CUNY system claims four spots in this affordable market, where students can earn degrees for under $5,000 annually while staying in America's media capital. California State schools also feature prominently, offering solid graduation rates like Cal State Fullerton's 69.2% alongside manageable costs. These programs prepare students for the nation's growing content economy, where digital marketing agencies, publishing houses, and corporate communications departments seek skilled writers. Early career earnings span from $18,315 to $32,569, with California State Los Angeles graduates earning the highest median at $32,569. Ohio University's regional campuses provide access across small towns, though graduation rates hover around 20%. The most striking pattern emerges in debt loads, where some programs like Cal State Los Angeles keep median debt at $12,500 while others reach $25,500, making careful program selection essential for long-term financial health.
50
Programs
$2,943 – $12,437
Net Price Range
$27,896
Avg. Program Earnings
45.7%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $2,943 $7,452 56.6% 54.5%
2 $3,307 $4,250 19.7%
3 $3,486 $7,340 54.7% 66.6%
4 $4,113 $6,813 52.6% 86.9%
5 $4,503 $6,178 20.0%
6 $4,734 $7,358 30.3% 59.1%
7 $4,783 $7,332 19.4% 81.8%
8 $5,328 $6,178 19.3%
9 $5,646 $7,073 69.2% 66.7%
10 $5,918 $7,675 54.7% 91.1%
11 $5,971 $6,178 17.7%
12 $6,061 $3,195 29.1% 67.0%
13 $6,133 $6,178 13.7%
14 $6,480 $6,980 54.8% 95.4%
15 $6,483 $6,178 12.1%
16 $6,747 $8,147 52.2% 78.1%
17 $7,599 $7,095 56.2% 91.2%
18 $8,265 $9,058 56.4% 74.4%
19 $8,327 $8,942 48.7% 96.9%
20 $8,364 $8,179 35.7% 86.9%
21 $8,837 $26,892 59.1% 75.4%
22 $8,931 $7,008 69.9% 40.0%
23 $9,110 $14,288 61.9% 77.7%
24 $9,121 $9,708 59.5% 84.0%
25 $10,017 $12,817 62.3% 88.4%
26 $10,043 $6,410 74.6% 43.9%
27 $10,089 $9,838 47.7% 84.0%
28 $10,097 $6,906 37.0%
29 $10,650 $6,368 75.1% 41.0%
30 $10,722 $6,391 43.0%
31 $10,726 $9,744 45.9% 99.9%
32 $10,896 $37,300 56.0% 87.5%
33 $10,904 $14,944 56.6% 54.1%
34 $10,980 $6,748 55.3% 56.4%
35 $10,988 $10,986 46.2% 87.5%
36 $10,991 $7,592 27.4% 97.1%
37 $11,008 $32,305 45.7% 77.3%
38 $11,268 $10,026 45.9% 86.5%
39 $11,366 $5,970 35.4% 56.4%
40 $11,611 $10,760 40.1% 75.6%
41 $11,800 $7,513 37.2% 99.5%
42 $11,812 $7,912 22.1% 64.8%
43 $11,877 $10,791 52.9% 80.6%
44 $11,889 $5,751 41.7% 87.8%
45 $12,030 $9,470 68.4% 45.1%
46 $12,171 $8,508 48.7% 94.4%
47 $12,202 $13,630 47.9% 87.9%
48 $12,280 $14,014 44.6% 66.4%
49 $12,322 $5,801 24.5% 100.0%
50 $12,437 $49,834 79.2% 61.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the wide range in post-graduation earnings across these affordable programs?

Earnings vary dramatically based on location and program strength, with graduates earning between $18,315 and $32,569. California State Los Angeles leads at $32,569, likely reflecting the competitive Los Angeles job market for content creators and communications professionals. CUNY graduates earn around $25,967 to $31,839, benefiting from New York's media industry concentration. Geographic location plays a major role, as urban markets typically offer more opportunities for writing and communications roles than rural areas.

How do graduation rates compare between community colleges and four-year institutions in this list?

Four-year universities significantly outperform regional campuses in graduation rates, with Cal State Fullerton achieving 69.2% compared to Ohio University regional campuses that range from 12.1% to 20%. CUNY four-year colleges maintain moderate rates between 30.3% and 56.6%. Community colleges and regional campuses often serve different student populations, including part-time and working students who may take longer to complete degrees. These lower completion rates don't necessarily indicate program quality but rather reflect the challenges facing non-traditional student populations.

Is student debt a significant concern at these affordable writing programs?

Student debt varies considerably, from a manageable $12,500 at California State Los Angeles to $25,500 across Ohio University's regional campuses. The debt-to-earnings ratio becomes important when considering that some graduates earn $18,315 while carrying $25,500 in debt. California State schools generally maintain lower debt loads relative to earnings potential. Students should calculate whether their expected starting salary can comfortably support loan payments, particularly in competitive job markets where entry-level writing positions may start modestly.

Where do CUNY schools rank in terms of value for writing students?

CUNY schools dominate the lowest-cost options, with Brooklyn College at just $2,943 net cost and strong earnings potential at $25,967. City College costs $3,486 with solid 54.7% graduation rates, while York College graduates earn $31,839 despite lower completion rates. The CUNY system's location advantage in New York provides access to publishing, media, and digital content industries. Students get strong value considering the low costs and access to one of America's primary media markets.

Does acceptance rate correlate with program quality in these affordable options?

Acceptance rates range from 54.54% at CUNY Brooklyn College to 95.43% at Cal State Fresno, but higher selectivity doesn't always indicate better outcomes. Cal State Fresno accepts 95.43% of applicants yet maintains a respectable 54.8% graduation rate. Ohio University regional campuses show high acceptance but struggle with completion rates below 20%. The most selective program, CUNY Brooklyn College at 54.54%, also offers the lowest net cost and solid earnings, suggesting that selectivity can sometimes indicate both academic rigor and financial value.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.