Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies at Missouri State University-Springfield

Springfield, MO · Public · Bachelor's Degree
47 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
49
Optimistic
47
Base Case
39
Pessimistic
Earnings $47,377/yr (60% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (62% exposed)
Job Market Large (48,200 openings/yr)
ROI 13.8x earnings multiple (6.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #4 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 $498K $498K $464K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 13.8x 13.8x 12.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.9x 6.9x 6.5x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 42% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 49 47 39

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$36,096
Out-of-state: $71,712 (6.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$70,008
-94% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,793
5.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$50,032
6% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates of Missouri State University-Springfield's Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies program earn $47,377/yr in their first year — 60% above the $29,653 national median, a strong market signal for this institution.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 13.8x 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 7% gap from the optimistic case.

At $21,793 in median debt against $47,377 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

At #4 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 $50,032 are relatively flat compared to the $47,377 starting salary — typical of fields with stable but capped salary bands.

About Missouri State University-Springfield

Missouri State University-Springfield has a 91% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with a mid-sized student body of 13,407 in Springfield, MO.

See all programs and financial aid at Missouri State University-Springfield →

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 Missouri State University-Springfield

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies at Missouri State University-Springfield?
A score of 47/100 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 $464,115 in decade earnings vs $498,360 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes Missouri State University-Springfield's Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies program stand out?
Ranked #4 of 121 programs nationally, Missouri State University-Springfield 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 →