Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies at University of Rhode Island

Kingston, RI · Public · Bachelor's Degree
39 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
40
Optimistic
39
Base Case
32
Pessimistic
Earnings $43,267/yr (46% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (62% exposed)
Job Market Large (48,200 openings/yr)
ROI 7.8x earnings multiple (3.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #22 of 121 Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies programs Top 25%

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 $514K $511K $473K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 7.8x 7.8x 7.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.6x 3.6x 3.3x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 42% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 40 39 32

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$65,632
Out-of-state: $143,216 (3.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$79,596
-21% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,500
5.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$51,925
20% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

University of Rhode Island Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies graduates command $43,267/yr out of the gate, well above the $29,653 national median. That 46% premium suggests the program's reputation carries real labor-market weight.

A 7.8x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 8% 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.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $20,500 in median debt clears quickly against $43,267 in annual earnings.

University of Rhode Island ranks #22 among 121 Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 20% earnings increase from $43,267 to $51,925 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About University of Rhode Island

A 77% acceptance rate means University of Rhode Island is accessible to most applicants, enrolling 13,822 students in Kingston, RI.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Rhode Island →

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 University of Rhode Island

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

What does a 39/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies at University of Rhode Island?
At 39/100, 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 Rhode Island?
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 Rhode Island one of the best schools for Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies?
Among 121 Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies programs, University of Rhode Island's #22 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →