Skip to main content

Cheapest Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies Colleges in Texas

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

University of Houston-Downtown graduates with Rhetoric and Composition degrees earn $49,683 annually, nearly double the $26,896 starting salary at Texas Southern University just across town. This earning gap reflects Houston's position as America's fourth-largest city, where corporate communications roles span energy giants like ExxonMobil to healthcare systems within the world's largest medical complex. Texas offers 15 programs with net costs ranging from $10,726 at UT El Paso to $19,734 at Texas Southern, making public universities the clear financial winners. Sul Ross State in Alpine posts just a 27.4% graduation rate despite charging $10,991 annually, while UT Austin achieves an 87.6% completion rate at $19,678. The state's massive healthcare workforce and energy sector create steady demand for skilled writers who can translate complex technical information into accessible content for varied audiences.
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 In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $10,726 $9,744 45.9% 99.9%
2 $10,991 $7,592 27.4% 97.1%
3 $11,268 $10,026 45.9% 86.5%
4 $13,853 $9,711 64.9% 66.2%
5 $13,931 $9,920 46.8% 93.9%
6 $14,352 $11,164 59.6% 79.1%
7 $14,623 $7,708 33.8% 88.4%
8 $15,152 $10,600 51.7% 89.5%
9 $15,235 $11,728 56.5% 80.8%
10 $16,438 $11,450 56.2% 87.7%
11 $17,760 $31,728 42.4%
12 $19,398 $37,934 32.4% 60.9%
13 $19,678 $11,678 87.6% 31.4%
14 $19,710 $38,100 49.8% 84.5%
15 $19,734 $9,173 19.9% 96.8%
16 $19,988 $31,372 38.6% 56.5%
17 $20,071 $11,852 67.5% 67.3%
18 $21,031 $31,686 49.6% 88.3%
19 $23,451 $46,500 69.5% 54.4%
20 $23,636 $51,384 64.2% 85.1%
21 $23,650 $51,352 81.9% 30.5%
22 $23,790 $30,050 48.0% 67.7%
23 $25,910 $27,298 48.7% 81.6%
24 $33,531 $57,220 85.6% 56.1%
25 $41,778 $64,460 83.3% 52.3%
26 $41,942 $54,844 80.2% 45.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $29,543 salary difference between Houston writing programs?

University of Houston-Downtown graduates earn $49,683 compared to $26,896 at Texas Southern University, reflecting different industry connections and program focus. Houston-Downtown emphasizes professional writing for business and healthcare sectors, while Texas Southern traditionally serves different student populations with varying career paths. The proximity to Fortune 500 companies and the Texas Medical Center gives Houston-Downtown graduates better access to high-paying corporate communications roles. Both schools charge similar net prices around $14,623 and $19,734 respectively.

How do public university costs compare to private options for writing majors?

Public universities dominate the affordable range, with 11 of the 15 cheapest programs charging between $10,726 and $19,734. Private schools like Texas Wesleyan cost $19,398 while charging $37,934 in published tuition, creating substantial sticker shock. Our Lady of the Lake offers the most affordable private option at $17,760 net cost but still exceeds most public alternatives. Texas public universities benefit from state funding that keeps resident tuition under $12,000 at most campuses.

Is UT Austin worth the higher cost for writing students?

UT Austin charges $19,678 annually but delivers an 87.6% graduation rate, the highest among Texas writing programs. Graduates earn $37,671 with $21,323 in debt, creating a strong return on investment despite higher upfront costs. The university's 31.35% acceptance rate ensures selective admission standards that often translate to better career outcomes. Students gain access to Austin's thriving tech scene and state government communications opportunities that justify the premium pricing.

Where can writing majors find the lowest graduation rates to avoid?

Sul Ross State University shows a concerning 27.4% graduation rate despite charging $10,991 annually, suggesting systemic completion challenges. Texas Southern University manages just 19.9% graduation rates while University of Houston-Downtown achieves only 33.8% completion. These low rates often indicate insufficient academic support, limited faculty resources, or student populations juggling work and family obligations. Students should weigh low costs against the risk of not finishing their degrees.

Does geographic location affect earning potential for Texas writing graduates?

Houston programs show the widest salary range, from $20,140 at University of Houston to $49,683 at Houston-Downtown, reflecting the city's varied economy. Arlington graduates earn $43,319, benefiting from proximity to Dallas-Fort Worth's corporate headquarters and marketing agencies. Austin provides steady $37,671 earnings through government, tech, and nonprofit writing positions. Rural programs like Sul Ross offer lower living costs but fewer high-paying career opportunities in specialized writing fields.

More Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies Rankings

Best Value Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies in Texas Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies Under $20,000 in Texas

Related

All Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies Programs Best Colleges in Texas Best Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies in Texas

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