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 Michigan

Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (22 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Central Michigan University$32,286
Oakland University$34,464$32,405$25,5000.74
Michigan State University$33,401$55,081$25,7500.77
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor$31,239$40,555$13,9990.45
Grand Valley State University$31,016$35,370$25,0000.81
Calvin University$26,637
National Median$28,418$25,0000.88

Other Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies Programs in Michigan

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Michigan schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Oakland University
Rochester Hills
$14,694$34,464$25,500
Michigan State University
East Lansing
$15,988$33,401$25,750
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor
$17,228$31,239$13,999
Grand Valley State University
Allendale
$14,628$31,016$25,000
Calvin University
Grand Rapids
$38,670$26,637

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 Central Michigan University, approximately 31% 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.