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 $28,736.

School choice matters significantly: Southern Illinois University-Carbondale graduates earn $38,289 while Augustana College graduates earn $22,087 — a $16,202 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

Schools in IL

$30,276

IL Avg. Earnings

$28,736

National Avg.

179

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

Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

Carbondale, IL · Public

$38,289

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $35,472

Graduates: 37

Acceptance: 90.4%

Elmhurst University

Elmhurst, IL · Private

$33,993

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $30,891

Graduates: 37

Acceptance: 75.7%

Illinois College

Jacksonville, IL · Private

$38,289

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $21,386

Graduates: 23

Acceptance: 74.7%

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Champaign, IL · Public

$29,685

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $19,088

Graduates: 37

Acceptance: 43.7%

Columbia College Chicago

Chicago, IL · Private

$22,485

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $19,356

Graduates: 105

Acceptance: 91.2%

Knox College

Galesburg, IL · Private

$20,530

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $19,149

Graduates: 39

Acceptance: 71.1%

North Central College

Naperville, IL · Private

$36,848

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 58.3%

Augustana College

Rock Island, IL · Private

$22,087

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 67.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Southern Illinois University-Carbondale 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 5% above the national average of $28,736 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.

Other Popular Majors in Illinois

Chemical Engineering $69,173 Computer Science $66,656 Computer Engineering $65,978 Biomedical/Medical Engineering $64,764 Civil Engineering $61,502 Construction Management $60,021 Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering $58,932 Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other $57,318

All colleges in Illinois →

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.