Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies at University of Southern California

USC's highly selective Rhetoric and Composition program delivers uneven outcomes: graduates start at $26,636—below both California and national medians for this major—but see impressive 88% earnings growth by year four, reaching $50,044. That four-year figure finally surpasses Berkeley's and places graduates well above typical outcomes statewide. The relatively modest debt load of $19,500 is actually $3,000 below the California median, making the slow start more manageable than it might otherwise be.

The trajectory here is puzzling given USC's elite status and 10% admission rate. First-year earnings trail programs at Cal State LA and San Francisco State, suggesting many graduates initially take internships, creative positions, or pursue additional credentials rather than maximizing immediate income. However, the small sample size—fewer than 30 graduates—means these figures could shift significantly with different cohorts or career choices.

For families paying USC's tuition, this represents a genuine risk. You're betting on that year-four turnaround materializing, which it did for this cohort, but the path there involves lean early years. If your child is certain about leveraging USC's network and alumni connections in media, entertainment, or communications—industries where this program likely feeds—the investment could pay off. If they're exploring writing as one of several interests, in-state public options offer better value and comparable outcomes without the pressure to justify premium tuition.