Compare 12 Writing, General. programs in Pennsylvania. Average earnings: $41,231.
Writing, General programs produce graduates earning between $21,323 and $76,444—a $55K spread that demonstrates why program selection matters independently of school prestige. Across 12 ranked programs in Pennsylvania, outcomes vary dramatically based on program quality, not institutional reputation.
Carnegie Mellon University's Writing program leads with graduates earning $76,444, significantly outpacing the state average of $41,231. But regional publics compete strongly—Shippensburg University produces graduates earning $52,934 while maintaining an 86% acceptance rate, proving accessible programs can deliver solid outcomes.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Carnegie Mellon graduates borrow $21,750 and face just a 5.5% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. That means loan payments take a minimal bite out of their post-grad income, making the premium program surprisingly affordable.
Highest program earnings: $76,444
Strong outcomes ($52,934) with 86% acceptance
5.5% payment burden | Excellent
16.4% family burden | Manageable
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Carnegie Mellon UniversityPrivate | $76,444 | 29 | $21,750 | Excellent | $37,130 | Manageable |
| #2 | $52,934 | 30 | $25,000 | Good | $28,373 | High | |
| #3 | $52,134 | 176 | $23,500 | Good | $25,362 | Challenging | |
| #4 | $46,599 | 282 | $24,250 | Manageable | $35,031 | High | |
| #5 | Elizabethtown CollegePrivate | $44,998 | 11 | $27,000 | Manageable | $51,299 | High |
| #6 | $42,826 | 25 | $26,000 | Manageable | $26,389 | High | |
| #7 | Bucknell UniversityPrivate | $41,565 | 19 | $27,000 | Challenging | $62,750 | High |
| #8 | Susquehanna UniversityPrivate | $32,492 | 37 | $27,000 | High | $46,359 | High |
| #9 | York College Of PennsylvaniaPrivate | $31,017 | 6 | $26,000 | High | $33,999 | High |
| #10 | Arcadia UniversityPrivate | $27,390 | 18 | $27,000 | High | $29,652 | High |
| #11 | $25,053 | 17 | $19,000 | High | $51,114 | High | |
| #12 | $21,323 | 8 | $25,000 | High | $38,368 | High |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
