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Best Value Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies Colleges in Texas

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

University of Houston-Downtown produces the highest-earning writing graduates in Texas at $49,683, nearly $13,000 above UT Austin's $37,671 despite costing $19,678 less. This surprising outcome reflects Houston's role as a major corporate center where technical writing, communications, and digital content creation drive strong demand for skilled writers. The state's 20 rhetoric and composition programs range from $10,991 to $41,942 in net costs, with public universities dominating the value market. Texas employers from energy companies to medical institutions in the world's largest medical complex need writers who can translate complex information for varied audiences. Several programs show graduation rates above 80%, including UT Austin at 87.6% and Trinity University at 81.9%, indicating strong program completion despite varying costs.
26
Programs
$10,726 – $41,942
Net Price Range
$33,789
Avg. Program Earnings
55.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

26 Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $14,623 $49,683 $7,708 33.8% 88.4%
2 $15,235 $43,319 $11,728 56.5% 80.8%
3 $14,352 $37,808 $11,164 59.6% 79.1%
4 $16,438 $36,282 $11,450 56.2% 87.7%
5 $19,678 $37,671 $11,678 87.6% 31.4%
6 $20,071 $33,382 $11,852 67.5% 67.3%
7 $13,853 $20,140 $9,711 64.9% 66.2%
8 $19,734 $26,896 $9,173 19.9% 96.8%
9 $15,152 $20,140 $10,600 51.7% 89.5%
10 $23,636 $29,685 $51,384 64.2% 85.1%
11 $41,942 $36,668 $54,844 80.2% 45.9%
12 $10,726 $9,744 45.9% 99.9%
13 $13,931 $9,920 46.8% 93.9%
14 $33,531 $57,220 85.6% 56.1%
15 $19,398 $37,934 32.4% 60.9%
16 $23,451 $46,500 69.5% 54.4%
17 $23,650 $51,352 81.9% 30.5%
18 $10,991 $7,592 27.4% 97.1%
19 $41,778 $64,460 83.3% 52.3%
20 $17,760 $31,728 42.4%
21 $19,988 $31,372 38.6% 56.5%
22 $25,910 $27,298 48.7% 81.6%
23 $19,710 $38,100 49.8% 84.5%
24 $21,031 $31,686 49.6% 88.3%
25 $11,268 $10,026 45.9% 86.5%
26 $23,790 $30,050 48.0% 67.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains University of Houston-Downtown's $49,683 average earnings for writing graduates?

Houston's corporate concentration creates high demand for business writers, technical communicators, and content strategists. The university's downtown location provides direct access to major employers in energy, healthcare, and finance sectors. Students often secure internships and entry-level positions at companies requiring specialized writing skills. This real-world experience translates into higher starting salaries compared to graduates from more traditional academic settings.

How do public and private program costs compare for writing students in Texas?

Public universities offer the best value, with in-state tuition ranging from $7,708 at University of Houston-Downtown to $11,852 at Texas Tech. Private institutions like Baylor University charge $54,844 in tuition, resulting in a $41,942 net cost after aid. Saint Edward's University and Trinity University both cost around $23,600 net, making them more affordable private options. The Texas Tomorrow Fund and TEXAS Grant programs help reduce costs for qualifying in-state students.

Does graduation rate correlate with program cost in Texas writing programs?

Higher-cost programs generally show better completion rates, but notable exceptions exist. UT Austin combines a moderate $19,678 net cost with an strong 87.6% graduation rate. Trinity University achieves 81.9% graduation rates at $23,650 net cost. However, Texas Southern University shows only 19.9% graduation despite reasonable costs, while University of North Texas maintains 59.6% completion at just $14,352 net cost.

Where do Texas writing graduates find the strongest job markets?

Houston leads with opportunities in energy companies, the Texas Medical Center, and aerospace industries requiring technical writers and communications specialists. Austin's tech sector and state government create demand for digital content creators and policy writers. San Antonio's military presence and growing healthcare sector offer positions in documentation and training materials. Dallas-Fort Worth provides corporate communications roles across varied industries including telecommunications and logistics.

Is student debt manageable for Texas rhetoric and composition graduates?

Debt levels vary significantly, from $12,917 at UT Arlington to $26,000 at Saint Edward's University. Most public universities keep debt under $21,000, which appears manageable given earning potential. University of Houston-Downtown graduates with $49,683 earnings can reasonably handle typical debt loads. However, programs with lower earnings like University of Houston at $20,140 may present repayment challenges even with moderate debt levels.

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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.