Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies at University of North Texas

UNT's writing program is a statistical standout that defies the stereotype of struggling English majors. With first-year earnings of $45,015—58% above the national median for this degree—graduates here are landing jobs that actually pay. The program ranks in the 95th percentile nationally, and while it sits at the 60th percentile within Texas, that's because the state has several strong programs clustered together. More importantly, UNT achieves this with just $19,424 in median debt, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.43 that most humanities programs can't match.

The 13% earnings growth to $50,652 by year four suggests graduates are building real career momentum, not just treading water in entry-level positions. This is particularly impressive given UNT's accessibility (72% admission rate, 36% Pell grant recipients)—the program delivers exceptional outcomes without requiring elite credentials for entry. The robust sample size means these aren't fluky numbers from a handful of graduates.

For parents worried about the "what will you do with a writing degree" question, this program provides a clear answer. Your child would graduate with manageable debt and earnings that exceed most humanities degrees from day one. At a fraction of the cost of private alternatives like Saint Edward's, UNT offers better economic outcomes and a proven track record.