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Cheapest Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies Colleges

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

Public universities dominate the most affordable Rhetoric and Composition programs, with net costs spanning from $2,943 at CUNY Brooklyn College to $8,364 across the country. The CUNY system claims three of the top six spots, reflecting New York's commitment to accessible writing education in a city where communications professionals earn strong wages across media, publishing, and corporate sectors. California State University campuses also feature heavily in affordable options, with Cal State LA graduates earning $32,569 annually. However, graduation rates vary dramatically across these budget-friendly programs, from just 12.1% at Ohio University-Chillicothe to 69.2% at Cal State Fullerton. Regional campuses of larger university systems often provide the lowest net costs but may struggle with completion rates, while main campuses balance affordability with stronger academic outcomes. The writing skills developed through these programs align well with growing demand for content creators, technical writers, and communication specialists in major metropolitan areas.
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 makes CUNY schools so affordable for writing studies?

CUNY Brooklyn College offers the lowest net cost at $2,943, while CUNY City College costs just $3,486 annually. The system's public funding model keeps in-state tuition around $7,400 across campuses. Brooklyn College maintains a 56.6% graduation rate with graduates earning $25,967, making it an outstanding value for writing education.

How do California State University campuses compare for rhetoric programs?

Cal State LA stands out with graduates earning $32,569 annually despite a $4,113 net cost. Cal State Fullerton achieves the highest graduation rate among affordable options at 69.2% with a $5,646 net cost. Cal State Fresno accepts 95.4% of applicants with a $6,480 net cost, offering broad access to writing education.

Do Ohio University regional campuses offer good value despite low graduation rates?

Ohio regional campuses maintain consistent $6,178 in-state tuition but struggle with completion rates from 12.1% to 20%. Students graduate with $25,500 in debt across these campuses. The Eastern Campus performs best with a 20% graduation rate, while Lancaster manages only 13.7% completion.

What earning potential exists for graduates from these affordable programs?

Earnings range dramatically from $18,315 at Cal State San Bernardino to $32,569 at Cal State LA. CUNY York graduates earn $31,839 annually with a $4,734 net cost. These figures reflect regional job markets, with California and New York offering more opportunities for writing professionals than smaller metropolitan areas.

Is graduation rate connected to program cost in writing studies?

Lower-cost regional campuses often struggle with completion rates below 20%, while main campuses maintain rates above 50%. Cal State Fullerton achieves 69.2% graduation at $5,646 net cost. CUNY Brooklyn combines a 56.6% rate with the lowest cost at $2,943, proving affordable education can maintain academic standards.

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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.