Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies at California Institute of the Arts
Master's Degree
Earnings Distribution
How California Institute of the Arts graduates compare to all programs nationally
California Institute of the Arts graduates earn $14k, placing them in the 5th percentile of all rhetoric and composition/writing studies masters programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies masters's programs at peer institutions in California (30 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California Institute of the Arts | $13,661 | $42,175 | — | — |
| Mount Saint Mary's University | $70,010 | — | — | — |
| University of San Francisco | $51,069 | — | — | — |
| National University | $43,910 | $45,258 | — | — |
| San Diego State University | $41,328 | — | — | — |
| Chapman University | $40,950 | $54,337 | — | — |
| National Median | $41,249 | — | — | — |
Other Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies Programs in California
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across California schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Saint Mary's University Los Angeles | $48,132 | $70,010 | — |
| University of San Francisco San Francisco | $58,222 | $51,069 | — |
| National University San Diego | $13,320 | $43,910 | — |
| San Diego State University San Diego | $8,290 | $41,328 | — |
| Chapman University Orange | $62,784 | $40,950 | — |
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 California Institute of the Arts, approximately 22% 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.