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Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Champaign, IL · Public · Bachelor's Degree
22 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
23
Optimistic
22
Base Case
19
Pessimistic
Earnings $24,225/yr (-18% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (62% exposed)
Job Market Large (48,200 openings/yr)
ROI 8.3x earnings multiple (3.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #75 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 $536K $530K $486K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 8.4x 8.3x 7.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.9x 3.8x 3.5x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 42% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 23 22 19

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$64,016
Out-of-state: $138,004 (3.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$60,804
5% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,175
10.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$47,544
96% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $24,225 per year, Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies graduates from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign earn below the $29,653 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

A 8.3x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 9% 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 $20,175 against $24,225/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #75 ranking among 121 Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies programs places University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $24,225-to-$47,544 earnings arc over five years reflects a 96% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign accepts 44% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, serving a student body of 34,623 in Champaign, IL.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign →

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 University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Computer Science ($124,530) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($113,503) Mathematics and Computer Science ($109,843) Computer Engineering ($103,123) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($86,483) Systems Engineering ($81,785) Nuclear Engineering ($81,134) Mechanical Engineering ($80,187)

Consider the Trade Route?

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

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 22/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign?
At 22/100, 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 University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign?
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.
Is University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign a good choice for Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →