Best Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies Schools in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has 13 colleges offering Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 1,484 recent graduates. Graduates in Pennsylvania earn $33,206 on average within two years — 14% above the national average of $29,027, making the state one of the stronger markets for this field.

School choice matters significantly: Carnegie Mellon University graduates earn $42,682 while Susquehanna University graduates earn $23,538 — a $19,144 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

13
Schools in PA
$33,206
PA Avg. Earnings
$29,027
National Avg.
150
Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies in Pennsylvania

Public Schools (7)
$35,708
avg. 2yr earnings
Private Schools (6)
$30,287
avg. 2yr earnings

Public schools in Pennsylvania produce comparable or higher early earnings for Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies graduates, often at lower cost — making them strong value options.

Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies Schools in Pennsylvania, Ranked by Earnings

#1
C

Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA · Private

$42,682
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $39,593
Graduates: 22
Acceptance: 11.4%
#2
B

Bucknell University

Lewisburg, PA · Private

$41,565
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 32.0%
#3
S

Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania

Shippensburg, PA · Public

$38,721
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $32,435
Graduates: 48
Acceptance: 85.5%
#4
W

West Chester University of Pennsylvania

West Chester, PA · Public

$38,072
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $35,949
Graduates: 112
Acceptance: 79.2%
#5
U

University of Pittsburgh-Bradford

Bradford, PA · Public

$34,793
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $33,776
Graduates: 303
Acceptance: 90.8%
#6
U

University of Pittsburgh-Greensburg

Greensburg, PA · Public

$34,793
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $33,776
Graduates: 303
Acceptance: 97.9%
#7
U

University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown

Johnstown, PA · Public

$34,793
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $33,776
Graduates: 303
Acceptance: 95.9%
#8
U

University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus

Pittsburgh, PA · Public

$34,793
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $33,776
Graduates: 303
Acceptance: 49.7%
#9
K

Kutztown University of Pennsylvania

Kutztown, PA · Public

$33,993
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $23,816
Graduates: 27
Acceptance: 94.8%
#10
F

Franklin and Marshall College

Lancaster, PA · Private

$25,053
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 31.8%
#11
E

Elizabethtown College

Elizabethtown, PA · Private

$24,615
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 76.8%
#12
Y

York College of Pennsylvania

York, PA · Private

$24,267
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $23,299
Graduates: 25
Acceptance: 94.2%
#13
S

Susquehanna University

Selinsgrove, PA · Private

$23,538
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $18,654
Graduates: 38
Acceptance: 78.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies in Pennsylvania?
Carnegie Mellon University ranks #1 for Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies in Pennsylvania with median graduate earnings of $42,682 within two years of graduation. There are 13 schools offering Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies programs in the state.
How much do Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies graduates earn in Pennsylvania?
Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies graduates in Pennsylvania earn an average of $33,206 within two years of graduation. This is 14% above the national average of $29,027 for this major.
What is the hardest Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies school to get into in Pennsylvania?
Carnegie Mellon University is the most selective Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies program in Pennsylvania with an acceptance rate of 11.4%. The average acceptance rate across Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies programs in the state is 70.7%.
Should I attend a public or private school for Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, private Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies programs produce average earnings of $30,287 vs $35,708 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 7 public and 6 private options in the state.

Other Popular Majors in Pennsylvania

All colleges in Pennsylvania →

Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies in Other States

Get Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies Career Insights

We're building major-specific salary reports with ROI analysis by school. Be the first to get yours.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Data updated June 2026. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.