Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies

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

CIP 23.13

$33,972Median earnings 1 year after graduating
$57,240Median earnings 4 years after
$57,399Median earnings 5 years after
$48,604Median federal debt
29Graduates per year

How this program compares

Graduates of the master's degree program in Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies at Columbia College Chicago earn a median of $33,972 one year after completing the program. Nationally, master's degree graduates in this field earn a median of $55,035 four years after graduating (middle half: $32,717–$77,712). Median debt is $48,604, about 143% of first-year earnings – more than a full year of pay.

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

CollegeEarnings (1 yr)Median debt
National Louis University
Chicago
$49,641—
DePaul University
Chicago
$49,334$34,166
School of the Art Institute of Chicago
Chicago
$37,157$62,718

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 $33,972 one year after graduation and $57,399 after five years.

How much student debt do graduates have?

Graduates who borrowed federal loans owe a median of $48,604.

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