Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies at Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania

Shippensburg's writing program outperforms 86% of similar programs nationally with four-year earnings of $52,934, but the trajectory tells a more complex story. First-year graduates earn $37,446—substantially above the national median of $28,418 and Pennsylvania's $34,588. However, among Pennsylvania's 34 writing programs, this ranks only at the 60th percentile, trailing several University of Pittsburgh campuses. The $27,000 debt load is close to both state and national norms, creating a manageable 0.72 debt-to-earnings ratio that most graduates should be able to handle with standard repayment plans.

The 41% earnings jump from year one to year four suggests graduates are successfully transitioning into higher-paying roles, whether in corporate communications, technical writing, or related fields. This growth rate helps justify the initial investment and indicates the program's skills translate well beyond entry-level positions. Still, with nearly a third of students receiving Pell grants, that first year at $37,446 may feel tight for graduates from lower-income backgrounds, even with relatively modest debt.

For Pennsylvania families, this represents solid value—comfortably above national benchmarks but not commanding premium pricing like some in-state alternatives. If your child is considering this program at Shippensburg versus a University of Pittsburgh campus, the earnings appear comparable while Shippensburg's open admission makes it more accessible. The combination of low debt and strong four-year outcomes makes this a reasonable choice for students committed to writing careers.