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
Earnings Distribution
How Miami University-Oxford graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miami University-Oxford | $42,287 | $45,228 | +7% |
| Arizona State University Campus Immersion | $44,411 | $63,308 | +43% |
| Arizona State University Digital Immersion | $44,411 | $63,308 | +43% |
| Bowling Green State University-Main Campus | $31,218 | $43,991 | +41% |
| Youngstown State University | $31,763 | $38,515 | +21% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (30 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $17,809 | $42,287 | $45,228 | $23,750 | 0.56 | |
| $10,791 | $31,763 | $38,515 | $26,169 | 0.82 | |
| $14,081 | $31,218 | $43,991 | $27,000 | 0.86 | |
| $6,178 | $23,399 | — | $26,500 | 1.13 | |
| $6,178 | $23,399 | — | $26,500 | 1.13 | |
| $6,178 | $23,399 | — | $26,500 | 1.13 | |
| National Median | — | $28,418 | — | $25,000 | 0.88 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with rhetoric and composition/writing studies graduates
Technical Writers
English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary
Editors
Writers and Authors
Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers
Postsecondary Teachers, All Other
Proofreaders and Copy Markers
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.