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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 $29,027.

School choice matters significantly: University of Southern California graduates earn $39,909 while California State University-San Bernardino graduates earn $18,315 — a $21,594 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

12
Schools in CA
$28,398
CA Avg. Earnings
$29,027
National Avg.
150
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

#1
U

University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA · Private

$39,909
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $23,653
Graduates: 34
Acceptance: 10.0%
#2
U

University of California-Berkeley

Berkeley, CA · Public

$38,289
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $41,090
Graduates: 46
Acceptance: 11.7%
#3
C

California State University-Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA · Public

$32,569
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $29,809
Graduates: 262
Acceptance: 91.9%
#4
S

San Francisco State University

San Francisco, CA · Public

$30,988
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $30,994
Graduates: 83
Acceptance: 96.2%
#5
S

San Jose State University

San Jose, CA · Public

$30,173
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 80.2%
#6
P

Pepperdine University

Malibu, CA · Private

$29,685
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 49.9%
#7
C

California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt

Arcata, CA · Public

$28,309
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $25,299
Graduates: 67
Acceptance: 98.8%
#8
C

Chapman University

Orange, CA · Private

$25,774
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $23,858
Graduates: 23
Acceptance: 55.6%
#9
C

California State University-Long Beach

Long Beach, CA · Public

$24,112
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $22,522
Graduates: 106
Acceptance: 47.1%
#10
U

University of California-Riverside

Riverside, CA · Public

$22,055
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $19,198
Graduates: 73
Acceptance: 63.3%
#11
U

University of Redlands

Redlands, CA · Private

$20,596
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $21,959
Graduates: 17
Acceptance: 80.9%
#12
C

California State University-San Bernardino

San Bernardino, CA · Public

$18,315
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $18,107
Graduates: 36
Acceptance: 98.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies in California?
University of Southern California ranks #1 for Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies in California with median graduate earnings of $39,909 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 2% below the national average of $29,027 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 Engineering, General $76,184 Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions $75,984 Manufacturing Engineering $73,841 Engineering-Related Fields $73,096 Computer Science $72,889
All colleges in California →

Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies in Other States

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