Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies at University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus

Pittsburgh, PA · Public · Certificate

University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus accepts 50% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, one of the larger campuses at 20,189 students in Pittsburgh, PA.

Program Analysis

Graduates of University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus's Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies program earn $43,896/yr in their first year — 38% above the $31,874 national median, a strong market signal for this institution.

With a 32.2x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

Career paths for Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies carry above-average AI exposure (62% of tasks). The 40% scenario spread means the difference between optimistic and pessimistic outcomes is substantial.

At $26,697 against $43,896/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies is offered at just 6 schools in our analysis. University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus's #2 ranking should be read in that context.

The $43,896-to-$73,249 earnings arc over five years reflects a 67% gain — well above average career growth for trade school graduates.

49 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
41
Low End
49
Score
53
High End
Earnings $43,896/yr (38% vs median)
AI-Proof Exposed (38% shielded)
Job Market Large (48,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$770K
12.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
35.8x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
6 of 6
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$21,524
Out-of-state: $39,890
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,697
7.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$73,249
67% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Technical writers $91,670 +0.9% 30%
Postsecondary teachers, all other $78,490 +1.8% 100%
English language and literature teachers, postsecondary $78,270 0.0% 47%
Technical writers
$91,670
+0.9% growth 30% AI-proof
Postsecondary teachers, all other
$78,490
+1.8% growth 100% AI-proof
English language and literature teachers, postsecondary
$78,270
0.0% growth 47% AI-proof

View all 6 career paths with full salary data →

About Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies Careers

Your career could begin by interviewing engineers to document a new software feature, using specialized tools like MadCap Flare to build a user guide. Or you might find yourself as a staff writer, working in project management software like Asana, researching topics and drafting articles for a company’s website. These entry-level roles focus on execution under the guidance of an editor.

Read the full Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies career guide →

Compare & Explore

Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies Overview

Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies at Other Schools

Other Majors at University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus

Considering a 4-Year Degree Instead?

Compare how bachelor's degree graduates fare on earnings, ROI, and AI resilience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies at University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus?
A score of 49/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies. Earnings, ROI, or job market factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI affect 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 $459,247 in decade earnings vs $770,320 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →