Best Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies Schools in Illinois

Illinois has 8 colleges offering Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 278 recent graduates. Graduates earn $30,276 on average within two years, roughly in line with the national average of $29,027.

School choice matters significantly: Illinois College graduates earn $38,289 while Knox College graduates earn $20,530 — a $17,759 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

8
Schools in IL
$30,276
IL Avg. Earnings
$29,027
National Avg.
150
Schools Nationally

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

Public Schools (2)
$33,987
avg. 2yr earnings
Private Schools (6)
$29,039
avg. 2yr earnings

Public schools in Illinois 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 Illinois, Ranked by Earnings

#1
I

Illinois College

Jacksonville, IL · Private

$38,289
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $21,386
Graduates: 23
Acceptance: 74.7%
#2
S

Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

Carbondale, IL · Public

$38,289
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $35,472
Graduates: 37
Acceptance: 90.4%
#3
N

North Central College

Naperville, IL · Private

$36,848
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 58.3%
#4
E

Elmhurst University

Elmhurst, IL · Private

$33,993
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $30,891
Graduates: 37
Acceptance: 75.7%
#5
U

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Champaign, IL · Public

$29,685
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $19,088
Graduates: 37
Acceptance: 43.7%
#6
C

Columbia College Chicago

Chicago, IL · Private

$22,485
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $19,356
Graduates: 105
Acceptance: 91.2%
#7
A

Augustana College

Rock Island, IL · Private

$22,087
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 67.7%
#8
K

Knox College

Galesburg, IL · Private

$20,530
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $19,149
Graduates: 39
Acceptance: 71.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies in Illinois?
Illinois College ranks #1 for Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies in Illinois with median graduate earnings of $38,289 within two years of graduation. There are 8 schools offering Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies programs in the state.
How much do Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies graduates earn in Illinois?
Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies graduates in Illinois earn an average of $30,276 within two years of graduation. This is 4% above the national average of $29,027 for this major.
What is the hardest Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies school to get into in Illinois?
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is the most selective Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies program in Illinois with an acceptance rate of 43.7%. The average acceptance rate across Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies programs in the state is 71.6%.
Should I attend a public or private school for Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies in Illinois?
In Illinois, private Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies programs produce average earnings of $29,039 vs $33,987 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 2 public and 6 private options in the state.

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