Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies at CUNY Brooklyn College

Brooklyn College's Writing Studies program starts graduates at just $20,242—the 5th percentile nationally and well below both the NY state median ($25,689) and national benchmark ($28,418). While the debt load is relatively modest at $19,500, you're still looking at nearly a year's worth of first-year earnings to pay it off. The 25th percentile ranking among New York programs puts this behind not just elite schools like Columbia but also SUNY Oswego and regional competitors.

The program does show impressive earnings momentum, with incomes jumping 73% to $35,045 by year four. That growth rate suggests graduates are finding their footing in careers that value strong writing skills—potentially in marketing, communications, or content strategy. By year four, they're outpacing the national median, which helps justify the initial financial struggle. Still, that trajectory requires patience and likely means living frugally in an expensive city during those crucial early years.

For a family considering this program, the question comes down to risk tolerance. Brooklyn College serves a largely Pell-eligible population (56%) and offers a CUNY price point, which helps explain the lower debt. But your child will likely need additional financial support or multiple jobs initially to make ends meet in New York City. If they're committed to a writing career and can weather the lean early years, the growth trajectory is promising. If they need immediate earning power, other paths—or other CUNY programs—warrant serious consideration.