Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies at University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus

University of Colorado Denver graduates with a writing studies degree start modestly at $34,339, but their earnings jump 28% by year four—a trajectory that outpaces the typical flatline pattern for this major nationally. While this places them in the 74th percentile nationwide, Colorado's writing market tells a different story: four other in-state programs produce higher early earnings, with Metropolitan State University graduates earning $5,000 more right out of the gate. For Colorado families, this middle-of-the-pack performance at the 40th state percentile deserves scrutiny.

The debt picture, however, is exceptionally strong. At $33,000—barely below first-year earnings—graduates face one of the lowest debt burdens in the country for this degree, landing in just the 5th percentile nationally. Compare that to the national norm of $25,000 for lower-earning programs, and UCD's combination of higher earnings with manageable debt creates reasonable financial footing. The four-year earnings climb to nearly $44,000 suggests graduates are successfully advancing beyond entry-level positions, a positive sign in a field where career stagnation is common.

For families weighing in-state options, this program offers solid fundamentals but not necessarily the fastest launch. If your student can secure admission to Metro State, that's worth exploring for the stronger initial salary. But UCD's momentum pattern and low debt load make it a defensible choice, particularly for students who value the university's urban location and institutional resources.