Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies

Bachelor's degree · Columbia College Chicago · Chicago, IL

CIP 23.13

$25,060Median earnings 1 year after graduating
$39,751Median earnings 4 years after
$39,240Median earnings 5 years after
$27,000Median federal debt
46Graduates per year

How this program compares

Graduates of the bachelor's degree program in Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies at Columbia College Chicago earn a median of $25,060 one year after completing the program. Nationally, bachelor's degree graduates in this field earn a median of $48,471 four years after graduating (middle half: $32,167–$67,306). Median debt is $27,000, about 108% of first-year earnings – more than a full year of pay.

Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies (Bachelor's degree) at other Illinois schools

CollegeEarnings (1 yr)Median debt
Elmhurst University
Elmhurst
$33,556$21,500
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Champaign
$24,225$20,175
Augustana College
Rock Island
$19,775—
Knox College
Galesburg
$15,466$26,394

Highest-paying Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies programs nationwide →

Other programs at Columbia College Chicago

Frequently asked questions

How much do Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies graduates from Columbia College Chicago make?

The median salary is $25,060 one year after graduation and $39,240 after five years.

How much student debt do graduates have?

Graduates who borrowed federal loans owe a median of $27,000.

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, June 2026 release (Field of Study data). Earnings are for graduates who received federal financial aid.