Best colleges for Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies in Michigan
Ranked by graduate earnings
Oakland University, Michigan State University and University of Michigan-Ann Arbor are the top bachelor's Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies programs in Michigan by graduate earnings. Oakland University leads with median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $34,464, College Scorecard. University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, Grand Valley State University and Central Michigan University award the most Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies degrees in Michigan: 40, 37 and 31 graduates a year (IPEDS 2024–25). 23 Michigan colleges offer Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies and award 316 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…
Top 10 bachelor's programs, ranked by graduate earnings
Ranked by median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard. Programs with fewer than 20 graduates a year, a graduation rate under 30%, or online, degree-completion or graduate-only status rank after the rest.
| # | Institution | Starting salary (1 yr) | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oakland University Rochester Hills Public · Bachelor's degree | $34,464 | 27 | 58% | — | $25,500 |
| 2 | Michigan State University East Lansing Public · Bachelor's degree | $33,401 | 29 | 81% | — | $25,750 |
| 3 | University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Ann Arbor Public · Bachelor's degree | $31,239 | 40 | 93% | — | $13,999 |
| 4 | Grand Valley State University Allendale Public · Bachelor's degree | $31,016 | 37 | 67% | — | $25,000 |
| 5 | Ferris State University Big Rapids Public · Bachelor's degree | $23,508 | 25 | 47% | — | $21,500 |
| 6 | Western Michigan University Kalamazoo Public · Bachelor's degree | $21,468 | 26 | 58% | — | $27,000 |
| 7 | University of Michigan-Flint Flint Public · Bachelor's degree Small program | $24,195 | 9 | 40% | — | $27,875 |
| 8 | Saginaw Valley State University University Center Public · Bachelor's degree Small program | $23,298 | 18 | 48% | — | $30,432 |
| 9 | Northern Michigan University Marquette Public · Bachelor's degree Small program | $21,696 | 9 | 52% | — | $24,250 |
| 10 | Aquinas College Grand Rapids Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree Small program | $17,827 | 4 | 65% | $16,718 | $26,844 |
Colleges awarding the most Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies degrees in Michigan
Top 10 by graduates a year (IPEDS 2024–25 completions). Certificate and associate programs, online, degree-completion and graduate-only schools, and schools with a graduation rate under 30% are listed in full below.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Starting salary (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Ann Arbor Public | 40 | $31,239 |
| 2 | Grand Valley State University Allendale Public | 37 | $31,016 |
| 3 | Central Michigan University Mount Pleasant Public | 31 | Not reported |
| 4 | Michigan State University East Lansing Public | 29 | $33,401 |
| 5 | Oakland University Rochester Hills Public | 27 | $34,464 |
| 6 | Western Michigan University Kalamazoo Public | 26 | $21,468 |
| 7 | Ferris State University Big Rapids Public | 25 | $23,508 |
| 8 | Saginaw Valley State University University Center Public | 18 | $23,298 |
| 9 | Eastern Michigan University Ypsilanti Public | 10 | Not reported |
| 10 | Michigan Technological University Houghton Public | 10 | Not reported |
ShowHide the other 13 Michigan colleges offering Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
| Institution | City | Control | Graduates / yr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delta College | University Center | Public | 9 |
| University of Michigan-Flint | Flint | Public | 9 |
| Northern Michigan University | Marquette | Public | 9 |
| Lansing Community College | Lansing | Public | 7 |
| Albion College | Albion | Private not-for-profit | 6 |
| Cornerstone University | Grand Rapids | Private not-for-profit | 6 |
| Aquinas College | Grand Rapids | Private not-for-profit | 4 |
| Alma College | Alma | Private not-for-profit | 3 |
| Lake Superior State University | Sault Ste Marie | Public | 3 |
| University of Michigan-Dearborn | Dearborn | Public | 3 |
| Southwestern Michigan College | Dowagiac | Public | 2 |
| Siena Heights University | Adrian | Private not-for-profit | 1 |
| Spring Arbor University | Spring Arbor | Private not-for-profit | 1 |
Career outlook
What this program leads to: Editors (SOC 27-3041).
Top skills
What Editors earn in Michigan
Related careers
Common questions
Answers for students comparing Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies programs in Michigan.
Which Michigan colleges award the most Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies degrees?+
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor (40 graduates a year), Grand Valley State University (37 graduates a year) and Central Michigan University (31 graduates a year) award the most Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies degrees in Michigan, per IPEDS 2024–25 completions. In all, 23 Michigan colleges offer Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies.
What is the best college for Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies in Michigan?+
By graduate earnings, Oakland University leads among bachelor's Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies programs in Michigan, with median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $34,464, College Scorecard. Michigan State University and University of Michigan-Ann Arbor follow. By degrees awarded, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor is the largest, with 40 graduates a year (IPEDS 2024–25).
Which Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies program in Michigan has the highest-earning graduates?+
By median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, Oakland University tops the list at $34,464. Compare it against graduates a year, graduation rate, cost, and debt in the ranked table above.
How much do Editors earn in Michigan?+
The average annual wage for Editors in Michigan is $66,850 (median $63,090), across about 1,690 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).
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.
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