Median Earnings (1yr)
$42,287
95th percentile (95th in OH)
Median Debt
$23,750
5% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.56
Manageable
Sample Size
93
Adequate data

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

Miami University-OxfordOther rhetoric and composition/writing studies programs

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)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Miami University-Oxford$42,287$45,228$23,7500.56
Youngstown State University$31,763$38,515$26,1690.82
Bowling Green State University-Main Campus$31,218$43,991$27,0000.86
Ohio University-Eastern Campus$23,399—$26,5001.13
Ohio University-Chillicothe Campus$23,399—$26,5001.13
Ohio University-Southern Campus$23,399—$26,5001.13
National Median$28,418—$25,0000.88

Other Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies Programs in Ohio

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Ohio schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (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.