Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies at Purdue University-Main Campus

West Lafayette, IN · Public · Bachelor's Degree
25 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
25
Optimistic
25
Base Case
22
Pessimistic
Earnings $25,084/yr (-15% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (62% exposed)
Job Market Large (48,200 openings/yr)
ROI 12.4x earnings multiple (4.3x out-of-state)
Ranked #58 of 121 Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies programs Top 50%

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 $495K $495K $462K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 12.4x 12.4x 11.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.3x 4.3x 4.0x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 42% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 25 25 22

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$39,968
Out-of-state: $115,176 (4.3x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$55,780
-40% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,875
9.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$43,184
72% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Purdue University-Main Campus's Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies graduates start at $25,084/yr, trailing the $29,653 national average by 15%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 12.4x 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.

Median debt of $18,875 represents roughly 9 months of the $25,084 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

At #58 of 121 Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies programs, Purdue University-Main Campus scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Five-year earnings of $43,184 show a 72% jump from the $25,084 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About Purdue University-Main Campus

Purdue University-Main Campus's 50% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, one of the larger campuses at 39,637 students in West Lafayette, IN.

See all programs and financial aid at Purdue University-Main Campus →

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 Purdue University-Main Campus?
A score of 25/100 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 $462,377 in decade earnings vs $495,407 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies from Purdue University-Main Campus?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →