Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies at Metropolitan State University of Denver

Denver, CO · Public · Bachelor's Degree
45 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
46
Optimistic
45
Base Case
37
Pessimistic
Earnings $39,526/yr (33% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (62% exposed)
Job Market Large (48,200 openings/yr)
ROI 12.6x earnings multiple (4.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #10 of 121 Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies programs Top 10%

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 $553K $545K $497K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 12.8x 12.6x 11.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.7x 4.6x 4.2x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 42% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 46 45 37

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$43,120
Out-of-state: $118,012 (4.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$57,176
-33% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$17,813
5.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$56,872
44% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Metropolitan State University of Denver Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies graduates command $39,526/yr out of the gate, well above the $29,653 national median. That 33% premium suggests the program's reputation carries real labor-market weight.

With a 12.6x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 10% 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.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $17,813 in median debt clears quickly against $39,526 in annual earnings.

At #10 of 121 programs, this Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies program outperforms the majority of its peers. The top 10% ranking reflects consistently above-average outcomes.

A 44% earnings increase from $39,526 to $56,872 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Metropolitan State University of Denver

A 99% acceptance rate means Metropolitan State University of Denver is accessible to most applicants, serving 14,932 students in Denver, CO.

See all programs and financial aid at Metropolitan State University of Denver →

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

Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies at Other Schools

Other Majors at Metropolitan State University of Denver

Consider the Trade Route?

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 45/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies at Metropolitan State University of Denver?
At 45/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies at Metropolitan State University of Denver?
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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →