Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $35,716 at Old Dominion University come in 20% above the national median of $29,653 for Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies programs.
Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 10.9x 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 10% gap from the optimistic case.
Median debt of $25,000 represents roughly 8 months of the $35,716 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.
At #24 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 $53,896 show a 51% jump from the $35,716 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.