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Best Value Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies Colleges

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

University of Houston-Downtown stands apart from other Rhetoric and Composition programs with graduates earning $49,683 annually despite a net price of just $14,623. This Texas institution nearly doubles the earnings of most competitors in the field, where graduates typically earn between $18,315 and $32,569. The earnings gap reflects Houston's position as the fourth-largest city in America, where technical writing, content strategy, and corporate communications roles command higher salaries than traditional markets. CUNY Brooklyn College offers the lowest net cost at $2,943, making graduate school preparation accessible for students planning advanced degrees in writing studies. California State University-Los Angeles provides middle-ground value at $4,113 net cost with $32,569 in graduate earnings. The 20-program market shows public universities dominating affordable options, with net prices ranging from under $3,000 to $15,235. Graduation rates vary significantly, from University of South Florida's 74.6% to Metropolitan State University of Denver's 29.9%, suggesting that institutional support systems matter as much as program cost in this field focused on critical thinking and communication skills.
50
Programs
$2,943 – $22,112
Net Price Range
$32,941
Avg. Program Earnings
58.6%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $2,943 $25,967 $7,452 56.6% 54.5%
2 $4,113 $32,569 $6,813 52.6% 86.9%
3 $4,734 $31,839 $7,358 30.3% 59.1%
4 $6,747 $30,409 $8,147 52.2% 78.1%
5 $10,043 $35,740 $6,410 74.6% 43.9%
6 $14,623 $49,683 $7,708 33.8% 88.4%
7 $10,722 $34,348 $6,391 43.0%
8 $12,280 $38,289 $14,014 44.6% 66.4%
9 $5,918 $18,315 $7,675 54.7% 91.1%
10 $14,294 $42,276 $10,780 29.9% 97.9%
11 $15,235 $43,319 $11,728 56.5% 80.8%
12 $8,327 $23,649 $8,942 48.7% 96.9%
13 $13,670 $37,568 $12,051 67.8% 89.8%
14 $8,931 $24,112 $7,008 69.9% 40.0%
15 $12,869 $34,526 $9,228 57.3% 93.7%
16 $10,988 $28,960 $10,986 46.2% 87.5%
17 $14,352 $37,808 $11,164 59.6% 79.1%
18 $10,017 $25,658 $12,817 62.3% 88.4%
19 $14,979 $38,289 $14,850 92.9% 11.3%
20 $12,882 $30,988 $7,424 50.1% 94.2%
21 $16,177 $38,289 $13,244 56.3% 91.5%
22 $9,110 $21,508 $14,288 61.9% 77.7%
23 $17,502 $41,193 $9,024 57.3% 92.6%
24 $11,877 $27,181 $10,791 52.9% 80.6%
25 $12,202 $27,823 $13,630 47.9% 87.9%
26 $17,139 $38,498 $16,488 84.8% 74.9%
27 $21,906 $49,058 $49,125 77.1% 61.5%
28 $14,170 $31,585 $12,262 44.4% 95.1%
29 $13,375 $29,685 $8,044 32.1%
30 $16,438 $36,282 $11,450 56.2% 87.7%
31 $13,741 $30,173 $7,992 64.7% 76.7%
32 $18,287 $39,729 $13,815 69.3% 90.0%
33 $11,889 $25,774 $5,751 41.7% 87.8%
34 $13,167 $28,309 $7,913 46.6% 98.2%
35 $17,945 $38,289 $37,470 61.1% 77.2%
36 $14,760 $31,133 $10,304 44.1% 91.6%
37 $16,630 $34,793 $14,620 43.4% 93.6%
38 $17,034 $34,793 $14,630 39.6% 97.6%
39 $20,751 $40,945 $15,988 82.2% 88.0%
40 $15,201 $29,685 $16,004 84.9% 44.8%
41 $19,678 $37,671 $11,678 87.6% 31.4%
42 $17,622 $33,565 $34,535 64.2% 76.7%
43 $13,485 $25,658 $12,643 83.7% 47.5%
44 $17,053 $31,314 $13,710 49.4% 59.8%
45 $18,952 $34,793 $14,646 53.4% 97.4%
46 $18,161 $32,569 $63,340 94.6% 7.3%
47 $22,112 $39,489 $15,554 87.9% 43.0%
48 $12,791 $22,824 $8,370 47.5% 85.9%
49 $15,794 $28,055 $9,950 49.9% 85.3%
50 $12,437 $22,087 $49,834 79.2% 61.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Houston-Downtown worth its higher net price of $14,623?

Graduates earn $49,683 annually, nearly $15,000 more than the next highest-earning program in this ranking. Houston's energy sector, medical center, and aerospace industry create demand for technical writers and communications specialists. The 88.42% acceptance rate means most qualified applicants gain admission to access these career opportunities.

How do CUNY schools compare for rhetoric and composition value?

CUNY Brooklyn College offers the lowest net cost at $2,943 with graduates earning $25,967 annually. CUNY York College costs slightly more at $4,734 but produces similar earnings of $31,839. Both schools provide New York City access at community college prices, though York College's 30.3% graduation rate signals retention challenges.

Is California State University-San Bernardino worth considering despite low graduate earnings?

Graduates earn just $18,315 annually, the lowest among all programs listed, while carrying $16,254 in student debt. The 54.7% graduation rate and $5,918 net cost suggest reasonable completion odds at low cost. However, the earnings-to-debt ratio raises concerns about financial viability after graduation.

Does University of South Florida justify its $10,043 net cost?

The 74.6% graduation rate ranks highest among all programs, while graduates earn $35,740 annually. Florida residents pay just $6,410 in-state, making this program particularly attractive for state residents. The combination of high completion rates and solid earnings creates strong value despite moderate costs.

Where can students find the best balance of cost and graduation rates?

California State University-Long Beach combines a reasonable $8,931 net cost with a 69.9% graduation rate and $24,112 in graduate earnings. New Mexico State University offers similar value at $6,747 net cost with 52.2% graduation rates. Both schools provide completed degrees at manageable prices without the retention risks seen at some lower-cost options.

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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.