Program Analysis
California State University-Long Beach's Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies graduates start at $21,854/yr, trailing the $29,653 national average by 26%. The program's value hinges on affordability.
Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 18.2x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies programs nationally.
Some AI exposure exists in Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies's typical career paths, with 62% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 8% gap from the optimistic case.
Median debt of $15,000 represents roughly 8 months of the $21,854 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.
At #41 of 121 Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies programs, California State University-Long Beach scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.
Five-year earnings of $43,603 show a 100% jump from the $21,854 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.