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Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies at Saint Edward's University

Austin, TX · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $31,518/yr (6% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (62% exposed)

Job Market Large (48,200 openings/yr)

ROI 2.1x earnings multiple

Ranked #73 of 121 Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies programs

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	$428K	$437K	$423K
Earnings Multiple	2.1x	2.1x	2.1x
Probability of Field Employment	49%	42%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	23	23	17

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$205,536

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$94,544

54% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$26,000

9.9 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (4 Year)

$38,176

21% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Saint Edward's University's Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies graduates start at $31,518/yr — above the $29,653 national average, though not by a wide margin.

An earnings multiple of 2.1x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.

AI risk is moderate — 62% task exposure — and the 1% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $26,000 debt-to-$31,518 income ratio translates to about 10 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #73 out of 121 programs, Saint Edward's University's financial outcomes for Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About Saint Edward's University

A 84% acceptance rate means Saint Edward's University is accessible to most applicants, a compact campus enrolling 2,729 students in Austin, TX. The average net cost of $94,544 over four years represents a 54% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Saint Edward's 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 Saint Edward's University

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Saint Edward's University's Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies program score?

This program scores 23/100 — on the lower end for Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.

How vulnerable is Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies to AI automation?

AI won't 'replace' Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 62% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.

How affordable is Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies at Saint Edward's University after financial aid?

Sticker price is $205,536, but the average net cost is $94,544 — a 54% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →