Rhetoric & Writing
Quick Facts: Rhetoric & Writing Training
Where it's offered
Rhetoric & Writing programs are offered at 6 schools across 5 states. Most students attend a school within driving distance of home — use the state picker below to see programs near you.
Earnings expectations
Graduates earn approximately $31,874/year on average one year after completion, per the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard. Pay scales with experience, certifications, and regional cost-of-living.
Apprenticeship pathways
There are no Department of Labor registered apprenticeship pathways currently mapped to Rhetoric & Writing, but related trades may have programs — check apprenticeship.gov directly.
Program quality benchmark
Across the 6 schools we analyze, the average TradeSchoolOutlook Score is 31/100. Higher-scoring programs combine strong graduate earnings, manageable cost, and strong job-market demand — see the leaderboard further down for the highest-rated options.
What Rhetoric & Writing Graduates Do
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.
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As you build your portfolio, you can progress to a senior role, like a lead technical writer specializing in a high-demand industry or a content strategist shaping a brand's entire voice. This is where earnings grow substantially, with experienced specialists commanding top salaries. While the writer and author path shows the fastest growth, overall demand is steady across the board.
It’s true that AI is changing the landscape, handling tasks like basic proofreading and generating first drafts. However, the core of the job—conducting deep research, interviewing experts, understanding a specific audience, and exercising strategic judgment—remains a human skill. Successful professionals now use AI as a powerful assistant, freeing them up to focus on the complex work that employers value most.
Closely-related paths include Literature, English, and Communication & Journalism (Other), which share overlapping job markets and training components.
Find Rhetoric & Writing Programs in Your State
Trade and community college programs are local decisions — most students pick a school within driving distance. Rhetoric & Writing is offered at 6 schools across 5 states. Click your state to see all trade programs offered locally.
Top Rhetoric & Writing Programs Nationally
For context, here are the highest-scoring Rhetoric & Writing programs in the country. Most students attend a school within 60 miles of home, so your state list above is usually more actionable — but these are the benchmarks others compete against.
6 schools ranked by TradeSchoolOutlook Score. Click any row for full earnings projections and career analysis.
| # | School | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Austin Community College District Austin, TX |
54 47–58 |
| 2 | University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus Pittsburgh, PA |
49 41–53 |
| 3 | Boise State University Boise, ID |
43 39–46 |
| 4 | University of Iowa Iowa City, IA |
43 35–48 |
| 5 | Temple University Philadelphia, PA |
33 25–37 |
| 6 | Full Sail University Winter Park, FL |
32 26–36 |
Highest Earning Rhetoric & Writing Programs
Schools where Rhetoric & Writing graduates earn the most in their first year after graduation.
| School | 1-Year Earnings | Score |
|---|---|---|
| University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus | $43,896/yr | 49 |
| Austin Community College District | $33,514/yr | 54 |
| Boise State University | $31,148/yr | 43 |
| University of Iowa | $29,647/yr | 43 |
| Full Sail University | $28,090/yr | 32 |
| Temple University | $24,951/yr | 33 |
Best ROI for Rhetoric & Writing
Schools with the highest earnings-to-tuition ratio for Rhetoric & Writing.
| School | ROI Multiple | Earnings | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Austin Community College District | 82.1x | $33,514/yr | 54 |
| University of Iowa | 41.0x | $29,647/yr | 43 |
| Boise State University | 34.5x | $31,148/yr | 43 |
| University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus | 33.0x | $43,896/yr | 49 |
| Temple University | 23.8x | $24,951/yr | 33 |
| Full Sail University | 4.3x | $28,090/yr | 32 |
Related Majors
Explore similar fields of study.
Considering a 4-Year Degree?
Compare the trade route with a bachelor's degree. See how Rhetoric & Writing degree programs stack up on earnings and ROI.