Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies at Miami University-Oxford
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Miami University-Oxford turns what's typically a challenging major into a genuine success story. Graduates here earn $42,287 their first year—nearly 50% more than the typical writing studies graduate nationally and almost double what the average Ohio program delivers. Among the 30 Ohio schools offering this degree, Miami ranks at the very top alongside Youngstown State and Bowling Green, but with a slightly better debt profile.
The $23,750 in median debt sits just below national averages and translates to a manageable 0.56 ratio against first-year earnings—meaning graduates owe roughly half what they'll earn in year one. That's a workable position for a humanities degree, especially when paired with steady 7% earnings growth through year four. The combination suggests graduates are finding professional roles that value their writing and communication skills, not just entry-level positions.
For parents worried about the return on a writing degree, Miami's track record should ease concerns. The program's 95th percentile performance both nationally and statewide isn't accidental—it reflects the institution's strong reputation and the practical skills graduates gain. Your child would be entering a program with proven outcomes, not gambling on an uncertain liberal arts path.
Where Miami University-Oxford Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all rhetoric and composition/writing studies bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Miami University-Oxford graduates compare to all programs nationally
Miami University-Oxford graduates earn $42k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all rhetoric and composition/writing studies bachelors 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 Ohio
Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (30 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miami University-Oxford | $42,287 | $45,228 | $23,750 | 0.56 |
| Youngstown State University | $31,763 | $38,515 | $26,169 | 0.82 |
| Bowling Green State University-Main Campus | $31,218 | $43,991 | $27,000 | 0.86 |
| Ohio University-Eastern Campus | $23,399 | — | $26,500 | 1.13 |
| Ohio University-Chillicothe Campus | $23,399 | — | $26,500 | 1.13 |
| Ohio University-Southern Campus | $23,399 | — | $26,500 | 1.13 |
| National Median | $28,418 | — | $25,000 | 0.88 |
Other Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies Programs in Ohio
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Ohio schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Youngstown State University Youngstown | $10,791 | $31,763 | $26,169 |
| Bowling Green State University-Main Campus Bowling Green | $14,081 | $31,218 | $27,000 |
| Ohio University-Eastern Campus Saint Clairsville | $6,178 | $23,399 | $26,500 |
| Ohio University-Chillicothe Campus Chillicothe | $6,178 | $23,399 | $26,500 |
| Ohio University-Southern Campus Ironton | $6,178 | $23,399 | $26,500 |
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 Miami University-Oxford, approximately 11% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 93 graduates with reported earnings and 89 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.