Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies at Pacific Lutheran University
Bachelor's Degree
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 Washington
Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Washington (9 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pacific Lutheran University | — | $37,881 | — | — |
| Seattle University | $32,663 | — | $24,500 | 0.75 |
| University of Washington-Seattle Campus | $29,758 | $33,995 | $17,872 | 0.60 |
| University of Washington-Tacoma Campus | $29,758 | $33,995 | $17,872 | 0.60 |
| Central Washington University | $27,832 | — | $23,224 | 0.83 |
| Western Washington University | $27,116 | $30,090 | $18,064 | 0.67 |
| National Median | $28,418 | — | $25,000 | 0.88 |
Other Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies Programs in Washington
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Washington schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle University Seattle | $54,285 | $32,663 | $24,500 |
| University of Washington-Seattle Campus Seattle | $12,643 | $29,758 | $17,872 |
| University of Washington-Tacoma Campus Tacoma | $12,817 | $29,758 | $17,872 |
| Central Washington University Ellensburg | $9,192 | $27,832 | $23,224 |
| Western Washington University Bellingham | $9,286 | $27,116 | $18,064 |
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 Pacific Lutheran University, approximately 33% 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.