Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies at Randolph-Macon College

Based on comparable Rhetoric and Composition programs in Virginia, graduates typically earn around $35,700 in their first year—a figure that puts this program slightly above the national median but reveals a challenging economic reality. With estimated debt of $26,000, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.73 means graduates face debt worth nearly nine months of their gross income. That's a heavier burden than many humanities programs, though not catastrophic if employment is steady.

What makes this picture particularly uncertain is that we're working entirely with estimates drawn from peer programs—Virginia has only 15 schools offering this degree, and the small graduate cohorts mean actual outcomes aren't public. The comparison schools that do report data show significant variation: George Mason's graduates average over $40,000, while Roanoke College's come in below $20,000. Where Randolph-Macon falls within that range matters enormously for repayment prospects, and we simply don't know.

For a private liberal arts college charging private tuition, these estimated returns suggest you need to think carefully about total borrowing. If your child is taking on significantly more than $26,000 in debt, or if they're uncertain about immediate employment plans after graduation, the financial picture becomes more precarious. Writing and rhetoric skills are valuable, but the early earning potential won't quickly erase substantial debt.