District of Columbia · Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies

Best colleges for Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies in District of Columbia

Ranked by graduates a year

American University and George Washington University award the most Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies degrees and certificates in District of Columbia: 12 and 8 graduates a year (IPEDS 2024–25). 2 District of Columbia colleges offer Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies and award 20 degrees and certificates a year in all.

The Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies program focuses on the art and science of writing, particularly at the college level. It is designed for students interested in developing their writing skills, understanding the nuances of…

Institutions
2
offering CIP 23.13
States offered
50
with a program page
Degrees / yr
20
IPEDS completions 2024–25
Median starting salary
—
1 yr after graduation, College Scorecard
With earnings data
0
College Scorecard
Median net price
$30,225
IPEDS 2024–25
Avg graduation rate
80%
IPEDS 2024–25
State pay · Editors
$109,290
BLS OEWS May 2025

2 institutions offering Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies in District of Columbia

Graduate earnings are not yet reported for these institutions; ordered by graduates a year.

Starting salary (1 yr): median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard.
#InstitutionStarting salary (1 yr)Graduates / yrGrad rateNet priceMedian debt
1American University
Washington Private not-for-profit
—1275%$30,225—
2George Washington University
Washington Private not-for-profit
—884%$29,789—

Colleges awarding the most Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies degrees in District of Columbia

Top 2 by graduates a year (IPEDS 2024–25 completions). Online, degree-completion and graduate-only schools, and schools with a graduation rate under 30% are listed in full below.

Graduates / yr: degrees and certificates awarded in a year, IPEDS completions. Starting salary (1 yr): median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard.
#InstitutionGraduates / yrStarting salary (1 yr)
1American University
Washington Private not-for-profit
12Not reported
2George Washington University
Washington Private not-for-profit
8Not reported

Career outlook

What this program leads to: Editors (SOC 27-3041).

Projected growth (2024–2034)
+0.6%
Little or no change
Openings / yr (US)
~9,800
BLS Employment Projections
US median wage
$75,260
typically Bachelor's degree

Top skills

Reading ComprehensionWritingCritical ThinkingActive ListeningSpeakingActive Learning

What Editors earn in District of Columbia

Jobs in District of Columbia
3,310
BLS OEWS May 2025
State average pay
$109,290
median $83,920
Best-paying metro
$104,350
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV

Related careers

Editors
$109,290 avg · 3,310 jobs
Writers and Authors
$128,890 avg · 1,050 jobs
Technical Writers
$112,210 avg · 440 jobs
English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary
$95,530 avg · 410 jobs
Proofreaders and Copy Markers
$69,220 avg · 50 jobs

Common questions

Answers for students comparing Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies programs in District of Columbia.

Which District of Columbia colleges award the most Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies degrees?+

American University (12 graduates a year) and George Washington University (8 graduates a year) award the most Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies degrees and certificates in District of Columbia, per IPEDS 2024–25 completions. In all, 2 District of Columbia colleges offer Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies.

How much do Editors earn in District of Columbia?+

The average annual wage for Editors in District of Columbia is $109,290 (median $83,920), across about 3,310 jobs. Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025.

What is the focus of the Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies program?+

The Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies program focuses on the art and science of writing, particularly at the college level. It is designed for students interested in developing their writing skills, understanding the nuances of…

What skills will I develop in this program?+

You will develop reading comprehension, writing, critical thinking, active listening, and related professional skills.

What is the job outlook for Editors?+

The national job outlook is about +0.6% growth with around 9,800 annual openings (BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034).

What is the typical education requirement?+

A Bachelor's degree is the typical entry-level education for this field (BLS).

Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies in other statesUtahArizonaMarylandSouth CarolinaRhode IslandColoradoMinnesotaTexas

About the data on this page

Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.

IPEDSFall 2025–26 release, published July 28, 2026
Enrollment, completions, graduation rates, tuition, financial aid, staffing, and finance for every U.S. institution in federal student aid programs.
College ScorecardJune 10, 2026 release (merged 2025–26 files)
Institution and field-of-study costs, graduate earnings, debt, completion, and admissions outcomes compiled from federal aid records, tax data, and IPEDS.
PSEO graduate earnings2019–21 graduation cohorts (release V4.13.0)
Earnings and employment outcomes of graduates by institution, degree level, and field of study, measured from state wage records.
BLS wages & outlookOEWS May 2025 release
Occupational employment and wage estimates plus 10-year job outlook, used to connect programs to real-world earnings.
FVT/GE program performanceProvisional preview, May 18, 2026 release
Program-level debt-to-earnings and earnings-premium measures behind the FVT/GE and STATS accountability frameworks.

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