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Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies at Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania

Shippensburg, PA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
45 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
46
Optimistic
45
Base Case
38
Pessimistic
Earnings $37,446/yr (26% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (62% exposed)
Job Market Large (48,200 openings/yr)
ROI 11.4x earnings multiple (9.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #12 of 121 Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies programs Top 10%

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 $638K $617K $546K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 11.8x 11.4x 10.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 10.1x 9.8x 8.6x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 42% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 46 45 38

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$54,176
Out-of-state: $63,192 (9.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$94,212
-74% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,000
8.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$67,069
79% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $37,446 per year, Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies graduates from Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania significantly outpace the $29,653 national average for this major, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.

With a 11.4x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 14% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $26,000 against $37,446/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

At #12 of 121 programs, this Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies program outperforms the majority of its peers. The top 10% ranking reflects consistently above-average outcomes.

The $37,446-to-$67,069 earnings arc over five years reflects a 79% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania

With 86% of applicants admitted, Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania prioritizes broad access, with a smaller student body of 4,179 in Shippensburg, PA.

See all programs and financial aid at Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania →

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

Compare this program → View all 121 schools offering Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies →

Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies at Other Schools

Wabash College ($50,446) University of Utah ($47,950) Missouri State University-Springfield ($47,377) University of North Texas ($45,015) University of California-Berkeley ($44,553) Arizona State University Campus Immersion ($44,411) Arizona State University Digital Immersion ($44,411) Johns Hopkins University ($43,524)

Other Majors at Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania

Computer Engineering ($80,574) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($74,598) Accounting and Related Services ($58,049) Management Information Systems and Services ($51,195) Special Education and Teaching ($49,835) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($49,677) Mathematics ($48,772) Finance and Financial Management Services ($47,651)

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

Compare Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 45/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies at Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania?
At 45/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies at Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania?
The 62% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →