Best Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies Schools in California

California has 12 colleges offering Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 747 recent graduates. Graduates earn $28,398 on average within two years, roughly in line with the national average of $28,736.

School choice matters significantly: University of California-Berkeley graduates earn $38,289 while University of Redlands graduates earn $20,596 — a $17,693 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

Schools in CA

$28,398

CA Avg. Earnings

$28,736

National Avg.

179

Schools Nationally

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

Public Schools (8)

$28,101

avg. 2yr earnings

Private Schools (4)

$28,991

avg. 2yr earnings

Private schools produce $890 more in early earnings on average, but typically cost more. Compare net price to determine which offers better ROI.

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

University of California-Berkeley

Berkeley, CA · Public

$38,289

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $41,090

Graduates: 46

Acceptance: 11.7%

San Francisco State University

San Francisco, CA · Public

$30,988

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $30,994

Graduates: 83

Acceptance: 96.2%

California State University-Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA · Public

$32,569

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $29,809

Graduates: 262

Acceptance: 91.9%

Chapman University

Orange, CA · Private

$25,774

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $23,858

Graduates: 23

Acceptance: 55.6%

California State University-San Bernardino

San Bernardino, CA · Public

$18,315

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $18,107

Graduates: 36

Acceptance: 98.3%

University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA · Private

$39,909

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $23,653

Graduates: 34

Acceptance: 10.0%

California State University-Long Beach

Long Beach, CA · Public

$24,112

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $22,522

Graduates: 106

Acceptance: 47.1%

California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt

Arcata, CA · Public

$28,309

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $25,299

Graduates: 67

Acceptance: 98.8%

University of California-Riverside

Riverside, CA · Public

$22,055

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $19,198

Graduates: 73

Acceptance: 63.3%

#10

San Jose State University

San Jose, CA · Public

Pepperdine University

Malibu, CA · Private

University of Redlands

Redlands, CA · Private

$20,596

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $21,959

Graduates: 17

Acceptance: 80.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies in California?

University of California-Berkeley ranks #1 for Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies in California with median graduate earnings of $38,289 within two years of graduation. There are 12 schools offering Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies programs in the state.

How much do Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies graduates earn in California?

Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies graduates in California earn an average of $28,398 within two years of graduation. This is 1% below the national average of $28,736 for this major.

What is the hardest Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies school to get into in California?

University of Southern California is the most selective Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies program in California with an acceptance rate of 10.0%. The average acceptance rate across Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies programs in the state is 65.3%.

Should I attend a public or private school for Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies in California?

In California, private Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies programs produce average earnings of $28,991 vs $28,101 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 8 public and 4 private options in the state.

Other Popular Majors in California

Construction Management $81,700 Construction Engineering $81,610 Construction Engineering Technologies $76,343 Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions $75,984 Computer Science $72,889 Computer Engineering $72,447 Dental Support Services and Allied Professions $71,074 Computer and Information Sciences, General $68,388

All colleges in California →

Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies in Other States

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Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study file last updated June 2026. Institution-level figures elsewhere on the site come from the June 2026 release.