Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies at Drury University

A $24,127 starting salary falls nearly $4,300 below the national median for writing studies programs—yet among Missouri schools, this places Drury exactly at the state median. The debt load of $23,094 is slightly better than both state and national benchmarks, creating a nearly 1:1 debt-to-earnings ratio that graduates can manage, though they shouldn't expect rapid debt payoff on these earnings.

The small sample size here (under 30 graduates) makes it hard to draw firm conclusions, but the gulf between this program and Missouri State's writing graduates ($47,377) raises questions about what drives such different outcomes. With Drury's 59% admission rate and solid SAT scores, the school isn't a backup option—but its writing program appears to produce middle-of-the-road results in a state where another public university is delivering nearly double the earnings.

For parents comparing options, the manageable debt here is the bright spot, but the modest starting salary means your child will likely need additional credentials, a graduate degree, or strategic internships to reach higher-earning roles in writing, editing, or communications. At this price point and these outcomes, exploring what makes Missouri State's program so much more lucrative would be time well spent.