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North Carolina A&T State University stands out among the state's 16 Rhetoric and Composition programs with a net cost of just $10,980, making it nearly $4,000 cheaper than the next closest option at UNC Charlotte ($14,745). This price gap reflects the broader divide between public and private institutions, where private colleges average over $25,000 annually compared to public schools under $17,000. Writing professionals find strong demand across North Carolina's Research Triangle tech corridor, where technical writing and content strategy roles support the region's software and biotech companies. The state's banking center in Charlotte also creates opportunities for corporate communications specialists. Graduation rates vary significantly, from Chowan University's 28.5% to UNC Wilmington's 70.7%, suggesting students should weigh affordability against completion outcomes when choosing their program.
16
Programs
$10,980 – $41,048
Net Price Range
$21,312
Avg. Program Earnings
54.4%
Avg. Graduation Rate

16 Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $10,980 $6,748 55.3% 56.4%
2 $14,745 $7,214 67.7% 79.6%
3 $16,189 $27,110 28.5% 86.7%
4 $16,514 $7,361 62.1% 92.3%
5 $18,210 $33,400 52.1% 67.1%
6 $18,835 $32,236 56.3% 87.5%
7 $19,472 $7,317 70.7% 68.8%
8 $21,200 $41,140 47.7% 83.5%
9 $21,728 $33,150 44.3% 63.2%
10 $23,719 $40,290 43.2% 84.0%
11 $23,991 $40,410 55.9% 88.6%
12 $24,978 $39,664 40.1% 75.7%
13 $27,786 $43,285 65.9% 71.3%
14 $33,756 $30,800 27.1% 64.8%
15 $40,721 $44,208 70.0% 78.9%
16 $41,048 $44,536 83.0% 74.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes North Carolina A&T State University the most affordable option for writing studies?

North Carolina A&T offers the lowest net cost at $10,980 annually, with in-state tuition of just $6,748. The university maintains a 55.3% graduation rate while accepting 56.4% of applicants. This combination of affordability and selectivity makes it an attractive choice for cost-conscious students seeking quality writing education.

How do public and private college costs compare for rhetoric programs in North Carolina?

Public universities average under $17,000 in net costs, while private colleges range from $16,189 at Chowan University to $40,721 at High Point University. The most expensive public option, UNC Wilmington at $19,472, still costs less than most private alternatives. Private schools often offset higher sticker prices through financial aid packages.

Does graduation rate correlate with program cost in North Carolina writing programs?

Not necessarily. UNC Wilmington combines a moderate $19,472 net cost with the highest graduation rate at 70.7%. Meanwhile, expensive High Point University matches this 70% rate but costs $40,721 annually. Chowan University offers low costs at $16,189 but graduates only 28.5% of students within six years.

Where do writing studies graduates typically find employment in North Carolina?

The Research Triangle area offers technical writing positions with tech companies and research institutions, while Charlotte's banking sector needs corporate communications specialists. UNC Wilmington graduates report median early-career earnings of $21,312. Government agencies in Raleigh and healthcare systems throughout the state also hire writing professionals for communications roles.

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