Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $23,237 place Champlain College below the $29,653 national median for Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.
An earnings multiple of 2.7x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.
AI risk is moderate — 62% task exposure — and the 7% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
The $26,000 debt load exceeds a year of the $23,237 starting salary, suggesting a multi-year repayment window before graduates break even financially.
At #117 out of 121 programs, Champlain College's financial outcomes for Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.
Earnings growth from $23,237 to $42,016 over five years (81% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.