Rhetoric & Writing at Temple University

Philadelphia, PA · Public · Certificate · Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies

Temple University accepts 83% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with 21,249 students enrolled in Philadelphia, PA.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $24,951 place Temple University below the $31,874 national median for Rhetoric & Writing — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

With a 17.9x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

Career paths for Rhetoric & Writing carry above-average AI exposure (62% of tasks). The 40% scenario spread means the difference between optimistic and pessimistic outcomes is substantial.

Rhetoric & Writing is offered at just 6 schools in our analysis. Temple University's #5 ranking should be read in that context.

The $24,951-to-$54,801 earnings arc over five years reflects a 120% gain — well above average career growth for trade school graduates.

33 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
25
Low End
33
Score
37
High End
Earnings $24,951/yr (-22% vs median)
AI-Proof Exposed (38% shielded)
Job Market Large (48,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$438K
12.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
19.8x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
6 of 6
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$22,082
Out-of-state: $37,462
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$54,801
120% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Rhetoric & Writing graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Technical writers $91,670 +0.9% 30%
Postsecondary teachers, all other $78,490 +1.8% 100%
English language and literature teachers, postsecondary $78,270 0.0% 47%
Technical writers
$91,670
+0.9% growth 30% AI-proof
Postsecondary teachers, all other
$78,490
+1.8% growth 100% AI-proof
English language and literature teachers, postsecondary
$78,270
0.0% growth 47% AI-proof

View all 6 career paths with full salary data →

Rhetoric & Writing Career Guide

What can you do with a Rhetoric & Writing credential from Temple University? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.

Read the full Rhetoric & Writing career guide →

Compare & Explore

Rhetoric & Writing Overview

Rhetoric & Writing at Other Schools

Other Majors at Temple University

Explore the Degree Alternative

Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Rhetoric & Writing at Temple University?
A score of 33/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Rhetoric & Writing. Earnings, ROI, or job market factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI affect Rhetoric & Writing careers?
AI exposure of 62% is a real factor. For Temple University specifically, the gap between optimistic ($437,859) and pessimistic ($261,044) decade earnings reflects that uncertainty.
Is Temple University a good choice for Rhetoric & Writing despite lower starting pay?
Lower starting pay at Temple University may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →