Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies at Grand Canyon University

Grand Canyon University's writing program trails significantly behind other Arizona options—ranking in just the 25th percentile statewide—despite its graduates actually earning slightly more than the national average for this major. With first-year earnings of $31,006, graduates make about $6,700 less than the state median and nearly $13,500 less than ASU's writing programs. That gap matters for students who could attend ASU for similar (or potentially lower) in-state tuition costs.

The debt load of $26,186 is reasonable relative to starting salary, creating a manageable 0.84 debt-to-earnings ratio. This puts graduates in better shape than many peers nationally. However, the real question is why choose this path when Arizona State offers the same degree with 43% higher starting earnings? Even University of Arizona, despite lower first-year numbers, provides a potentially stronger long-term trajectory with a more established alumni network.

For an Arizona family, this program makes sense only if there are compelling personal reasons to attend GCU specifically—perhaps religious affiliation, scholarship offers, or transfer credit advantages. Otherwise, the state's public universities deliver substantially better earnings outcomes for writing majors at competitive costs.