Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies at Bowling Green State University-Main Campus
Bachelor's Degree
bgsu.eduAnalysis
Bowling Green's writing program graduates see their earnings jump 41% between year one and year four—a growth trajectory that transforms an initially modest $31,218 into $43,991. Among Ohio's 30 writing programs, this ranks in the 80th percentile for earnings, outperforming the state median by nearly $9,000. That gap matters for in-state students: you're paying roughly the same debt load ($27,000 versus the Ohio median of $26,500) but positioning yourself for significantly stronger outcomes.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.86 means graduates owe less than one year's starting salary—manageable by most standards and far better than many humanities programs. With a robust sample size backing these numbers, the pattern appears reliable rather than statistical noise. While this program won't match the $42,287 that Miami University's writing grads earn, Bowling Green delivers meaningfully better results than most Ohio alternatives at an accessible state school price point.
For families weighing writing degrees in Ohio, Bowling Green offers a clear advantage: proven earnings growth and above-average outcomes within the state. The year-one salary requires patience, but the trajectory suggests graduates find their footing relatively quickly in what's often a challenging field for early-career writers.
Where Bowling Green State University-Main Campus Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all rhetoric and composition/writing studies bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Bowling Green State University-Main Campus graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bowling Green State University-Main Campus | $31,218 | $43,991 | +41% |
| Arizona State University Campus Immersion | $44,411 | $63,308 | +43% |
| Arizona State University Digital Immersion | $44,411 | $63,308 | +43% |
| Miami University-Oxford | $42,287 | $45,228 | +7% |
| Youngstown State University | $31,763 | $38,515 | +21% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (30 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $14,081 | $31,218 | $43,991 | $27,000 | 0.86 | |
| $17,809 | $42,287 | $45,228 | $23,750 | 0.56 | |
| $10,791 | $31,763 | $38,515 | $26,169 | 0.82 | |
| $6,178 | $23,399 | — | $26,500 | 1.13 | |
| $6,178 | $23,399 | — | $26,500 | 1.13 | |
| $6,178 | $23,399 | — | $26,500 | 1.13 | |
| National Median | — | $28,418 | — | $25,000 | 0.88 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with rhetoric and composition/writing studies graduates
Technical Writers
English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary
Editors
Writers and Authors
Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers
Postsecondary Teachers, All Other
Proofreaders and Copy Markers
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Bowling Green State University-Main Campus, approximately 23% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 170 graduates with reported earnings and 166 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.