Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies at Clemson University

Clemson, SC · Public · Bachelor's Degree
49 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
50
Optimistic
49
Base Case
41
Pessimistic
Earnings $43,505/yr (47% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (62% exposed)
Job Market Large (48,200 openings/yr)
ROI 10.0x earnings multiple (3.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #3 of 121 Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies programs Top 5%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $645K $624K $550K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.4x 10.0x 8.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.1x 3.9x 3.5x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 42% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 50 49 41

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$62,216
Out-of-state: $157,992 (3.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$88,448
-42% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,250
5.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$70,941
63% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Clemson University Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies graduates command $43,505/yr out of the gate, well above the $29,653 national median. That 47% premium suggests the program's reputation carries real labor-market weight.

The earnings-to-cost ratio of 10.0x signals a solid financial return — projected decade earnings comfortably exceed the tuition investment.

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 15% gap from the optimistic case.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $20,250 in median debt clears quickly against $43,505 in annual earnings.

At #3 of 121 nationally, this is a top-5% Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

Five-year earnings of $70,941 show a 63% jump from the $43,505 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About Clemson University

Admission to Clemson University is competitive, with 38% of applicants accepted, with 22,778 students enrolled in Clemson, SC.

See all programs and financial aid at Clemson University →

Top Career Paths

Technical writers $91,670/yr
Postsecondary teachers, all other $78,490/yr
English language and literature teachers, postsecondary $78,270/yr
View all 6 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies at Clemson University?
A score of 49/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies careers?
With 62% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $550,468 in decade earnings vs $645,165 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes Clemson University's Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies program stand out?
Ranked #3 of 121 programs nationally, Clemson University lands in the top 5%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →