Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies at Columbia University in the City of New York
Master's Degree
Earnings Distribution
How Columbia University in the City of New York graduates compare to all programs nationally
Columbia University in the City of New York graduates earn $38k, placing them in the 35th 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 New York
Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies masters's programs at peer institutions in New York (21 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia University in the City of New York | $37,674 | $46,668 | — | — |
| University at Albany | $50,934 | — | — | — |
| New York University | $46,292 | $47,627 | — | — |
| CUNY Queens College | $38,729 | — | — | — |
| The New School | $37,792 | $44,550 | — | — |
| Stony Brook University | $34,855 | — | — | — |
| National Median | $41,249 | — | — | — |
Other Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies Programs in New York
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across New York schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University at Albany Albany | $10,408 | $50,934 | — |
| New York University New York | $60,438 | $46,292 | — |
| CUNY Queens College Queens | $7,538 | $38,729 | — |
| The New School New York | $56,386 | $37,792 | — |
| Stony Brook University Stony Brook | $10,560 | $34,855 | — |
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 Columbia University in the City of New York, 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.