Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies at Susquehanna University

Susquehanna's writing studies program posts earnings that should concern any parent considering the $27,000 investment. One year out, graduates earn just $19,753—ranking in the bottom 10% both nationally and among Pennsylvania's 34 similar programs. That's nearly $15,000 below what the typical Pennsylvania writing graduate earns and roughly half what peers at nearby Shippensburg University make.

The 65% earnings jump to $32,492 by year four offers some relief, though graduates are still playing catch-up to their counterparts at University of Pittsburgh campuses. With debt exceeding that first year's salary by $7,000, graduates face real financial strain during those critical early career years when building savings and financial independence matters most. The moderate sample size suggests this pattern is reasonably reliable, not a statistical fluke.

For families who can afford to subsidize those difficult first years post-graduation, the eventual earnings trajectory becomes more manageable. But if your student will depend on their immediate income to cover loan payments and living expenses, Pennsylvania's public universities deliver markedly stronger starting positions in this field—often $15,000-$18,000 more right out of the gate. That gap pays for a lot of peace of mind.