Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies at Grand Valley State University

Allendale, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree
24 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
24
Optimistic
24
Base Case
19
Pessimistic
Earnings $31,016/yr (5% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (62% exposed)
Job Market Large (48,200 openings/yr)
ROI 7.8x earnings multiple (5.5x out-of-state)
Ranked #63 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 $450K $456K $436K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 7.7x 7.8x 7.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.4x 5.5x 5.2x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 42% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 24 24 19

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$58,512
Out-of-state: $83,280 (5.5x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$68,384
-17% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,250
9.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$38,930
26% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $31,016/yr, Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies graduates from Grand Valley State University land near the $29,653 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

The earnings-to-cost ratio of 7.8x 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 3% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $24,250 represents roughly 9 months of the $31,016 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #63 of 121 Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies programs, Grand Valley State University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Earnings grow from $31,016 to $38,930 over five years — a 26% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About Grand Valley State University

With 95% of applicants admitted, Grand Valley State University prioritizes broad access, enrolling 19,073 students in Allendale, MI.

See all programs and financial aid at Grand Valley State 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 Grand Valley State University?
A score of 24/100 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 $435,578 in decade earnings vs $449,849 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →