Cheapest Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies Colleges in Missouri

Truman State University delivers Missouri's most affordable Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies program at just $12,030 net cost, while Washington University charges nearly twice that amount despite both producing graduates for the same regional market. The $17,525 gap between these programs reflects Missouri's broader education market, where public universities offer substantial savings over private alternatives. Missouri's defense contractors like Boeing and healthcare giants such as BJC HealthCare increasingly value skilled writers for technical documentation, grant proposals, and strategic communications. Graduates from programs like Missouri State University-Springfield earn $41,193 annually, demonstrating strong returns on investment. The state's agricultural sector also creates demand for agricultural communications specialists. With acceptance rates ranging from Washington University's selective 11.76% to Central Methodist's open 97.86%, students can find programs matching their academic profiles. Graduation rates span from Park University's 30% to Washington University's 94.4%, making program selection important for completion success.

Programs

$12,030 – $29,555

Net Price Range

$31,536

Avg. Program Earnings

57.2%

Avg. Graduation Rate

16 Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Truman State University Kirksville, Missouri	$12,030	$9,470	68.4%	45.1%
2	Calvary University Kansas City, Missouri	$12,860	$13,692	52.6%	63.2%
3	Drury University-College of Continuing Professional Studies Springfield, Missouri	$13,375	$8,044	32.1%
4	Missouri University of Science and Technology Rolla, Missouri	$13,773	$14,278	63.6%	81.5%
5	Northwest Missouri State University Maryville, Missouri	$14,824	$10,181	57.5%	85.6%
6	Park University Parkville, Missouri	$15,529	$16,400	30.0%
7	William Jewell College Liberty, Missouri	$16,602	$19,890	61.6%	41.0%
8	Missouri State University-Springfield Springfield, Missouri	$17,502	$9,024	57.3%	92.6%
9	Fontbonne University Saint Louis, Missouri	$18,251	$28,976	56.8%	94.4%
10	Lindenwood University Saint Charles, Missouri	$18,516	$21,100	50.3%	74.0%
11	Drury University Springfield, Missouri	$21,523	$35,235	66.0%	63.4%
12	Washington University in St Louis Saint Louis, Missouri	$22,117	$62,982	94.4%	11.8%
13	Stephens College Columbia, Missouri	$23,277	$28,200	46.5%	64.2%
14	Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Fayette, Missouri	$25,477	$27,140	52.5%	97.9%
15	Webster University Saint Louis, Missouri	$26,196	$30,730	61.1%	55.1%
16	Kansas City Art Institute Kansas City, Missouri	$29,555	$43,550	64.9%	58.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $17,525 cost difference between Missouri's cheapest and most expensive writing programs?

Truman State University charges $12,030 net cost as a public institution, while Washington University costs $29,555 despite both offering writing degrees. Public universities receive state funding that reduces student costs, whereas private institutions rely on tuition revenue. Missouri's public universities also benefit from the A+ Scholarship program, which can further reduce expenses for qualifying students. This cost gap persists even though both types of institutions prepare students for similar career paths in Missouri's growing healthcare and defense sectors.

How do graduation rates vary among Missouri's affordable writing programs?

Graduation rates range dramatically from 30% at Park University to 94.4% at Washington University, with most affordable options falling between 50-70%. Truman State University maintains a solid 68.4% graduation rate despite being the cheapest option at $12,030. Missouri State University-Springfield achieves 57.3% graduation rates while offering strong earning potential of $41,193 annually. Students should weigh completion likelihood against cost, as a higher-priced program with better graduation rates may prove more economical long-term.

Does Missouri's job market support strong earnings for writing graduates?

Missouri State University graduates earn $41,193 annually, reflecting demand from major employers like Cerner, Monsanto, and BJC HealthCare who need skilled communicators. The state's defense industry requires technical writers for documentation and proposals, while healthcare systems need grant writers and patient communications specialists. Agricultural companies also seek communications professionals for marketing and regulatory documentation. However, Drury University graduates average only $29,685, showing that institutional reputation and program focus significantly impact earning potential within the same state market.

Where can students find the most accessible writing programs in Missouri?

Central Methodist University accepts 97.86% of applicants while maintaining reasonable costs at $25,477, making it highly accessible for most students. Missouri State University-Springfield accepts 92.56% of applicants with a lower $17,502 net cost and stronger earnings potential. Fontbonne University admits 94.43% of students but costs more at $18,251. These high acceptance rates contrast sharply with Washington University's selective 11.76% admission rate, giving students multiple pathways into Missouri's writing programs regardless of academic background.

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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.