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Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies at Cornell College

Mount Vernon, IA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
20 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
21
Optimistic
20
Base Case
18
Pessimistic
Earnings $18,241/yr (-38% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (62% exposed)
Job Market Large (48,200 openings/yr)
ROI 1.8x earnings multiple
Ranked #87 of 121 Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies programs

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 $353K $372K $378K
Earnings Multiple 1.7x 1.8x 1.9x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 42% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 21 20 18

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$202,536
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$100,316
50% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,638
17.5 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $18,241 place Cornell College below the $29,653 national median for Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

At 1.8x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The -7% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At a 1.5x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #87 ranking among 121 Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies programs places Cornell College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About Cornell College

Cornell College accepts 81% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, a smaller institution with 1,074 students in Mount Vernon, IA. The average net cost of $100,316 over four years represents a 50% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Cornell College →

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

Compare this program → View all 121 schools offering Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies →

Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies at Other Schools

Wabash College ($50,446) University of Utah ($47,950) Missouri State University-Springfield ($47,377) University of North Texas ($45,015) University of California-Berkeley ($44,553) Arizona State University Campus Immersion ($44,411) Arizona State University Digital Immersion ($44,411) Johns Hopkins University ($43,524)

Other Majors at Cornell College

Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($42,756) Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods ($42,127) Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology ($39,164) Health and Physical Education/Fitness ($35,439)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 20/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies at Cornell College?
At 20/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the payoff timeline for a Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies degree from Cornell College?
At $26,638 in median debt, graduates carry 18 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Should I worry about AI if I study Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies at Cornell College?
The 62% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is Cornell College a good choice for Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Cornell College's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
What do students actually pay for Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies at Cornell College?
The 50% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $202,536. At a net cost of $100,316, the earnings multiple improves substantially.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →