Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies at Metropolitan State University

Saint Paul, MN · Public · Bachelor's Degree
42 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
43
Optimistic
42
Base Case
35
Pessimistic
Earnings $39,558/yr (33% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (62% exposed)
Job Market Large (48,200 openings/yr)
ROI 13.0x earnings multiple
Ranked #15 of 121 Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies programs Top 25%

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 $513K $510K $473K
Earnings Multiple 13.1x 13.0x 12.1x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 42% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 43 42 35

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$39,120
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$76,724
-96% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$13,095
4.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$50,935
29% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates of Metropolitan State University's Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies program earn $39,558/yr in their first year — 33% above the $29,653 national median, a strong market signal for this institution.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 13.0x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies programs nationally.

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 8% gap from the optimistic case.

At $13,095 in median debt against $39,558 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

At #15 of 121 nationally, this is a top-5% Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

Earnings grow from $39,558 to $50,935 over five years — a 29% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About Metropolitan State University

Metropolitan State University has a 96% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with a smaller student body of 4,998 in Saint Paul, MN. 44% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at Metropolitan 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

Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies at Other Schools

Other Majors at Metropolitan State University

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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies at Metropolitan State University?
A score of 42/100 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 $472,907 in decade earnings vs $513,310 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes Metropolitan State University's Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies program stand out?
Ranked #15 of 121 programs nationally, Metropolitan State University lands in the top 25%. 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 →