Non-Residents: $31,569
What do Shonda Rhimes ( Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal ) and Mindy Kaling ( The Mindy Project, The Office ) have in common? Great writing careers — and the fact that they both studied at Dartmouth College.
The New Hampshire-based school created its comprehensive English and creative writing program with only one thing in mind: to help students become capable writers and build their confidence step by step.
Dartmouth has a nice selection of writing courses that differ each semester and creative writing awards , including the Sidney Cox Memorial Prize and the Academy of American Poets Prize, that undergraduates can compete for.
9.2 percent | |
Hanover, NH |
If you want to learn screenwriting, digital and cross-disciplinary writing, and much more, Brown is the way to go! But apart from having a stellar graduate and undergraduate curriculum , Brown also boasts a vibrant literary community that provides students with a continuous stream of readings, festivals, and performances.
Its strong liberal foundation exposes emerging writers to relevant voices and perspectives in the current literary landscape. On top of that, Brown also has courses tackling new media such as political drama, electronic writing, and innovative narrative.
7.7 percent | |
Providence, RI |
Another excellent option for aspiring writers is to earn a Certificate in Creative Writing or join the MFA program at Washington University. Why? Because you could be taught by National Book Award finalists, Guggenheim Fellows, and National Book Critics Circle Award winners!
Admissions to this college writing program can be pretty competitive since they only accept five students per track (fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry). But once you’re in, you’ll become part of a close-knit community that can still be felt even after you graduate.
The campus also has plenty to offer, including a well-known student newspaper and a prime location connecting you to Forest Park and local museums, perfect for when you need a little break from your studies.
15 percent | |
St. Louis, MO |
The writing program at Johns Hopkins is a hidden gem. Sure, the Maryland-based university is known for its STEM-related disciplines, but it also has a great and flexible curriculum for students looking to master storytelling through the written word.
While challenging, courses at Johns Hopkins are designed to squeeze the best out of you. This has been proven by the sea of prolific poets, novelists, and screenwriters produced by the school, namely A Nightmare on Elm Street ’s Wes Craven, Growing Up ’s Russell Baker, and Love Medicine ’s Louise Erdrich.
9 percent | |
Baltimore, MD |
Are you surprised that MIT has a solid writing program on top of its reputation for excellence in engineering and physical sciences? The top-tier school can also offer you the best of both worlds with its graduate program in science writing .
The curriculum introduces students to fundamental research and reporting skills as they learn how to make science accessible to the masses. This highly-selective program gives you a chance to publish science-related works, including documentaries, data visualization projects, radio shows, and long-form content.
What’s even better is that the lively Cambridge campus is a great place to arouse your creativity and quite simply write better. Plus, the 22 institutional libraries found in the city offer a good respite for literature lovers or hard-working science researchers.
4.1 percent | |
Cambridge, MA |
Get ready for an intensive, multi-level approach to writing with Colorado College. Thanks to its innovative block plan structure , where students only face one class for three-and-a-half weeks, you will quickly master each discipline that interests you.
Feeling low on creativity? Take a walk at one of the seven national parks nearby, where you can find secluded spaces perfect for reflection and discussion (even if you’re by yourself).
15 percent | |
Colorado, CO |
If you want to get a handle on creative writing, your work must go through the wringer so it can improve. At Brandeis, you’ll be exposed to a rigorous curriculum and a renowned writing center to help you get started.
As soon as you get into the college’s creative writing program , take advantage of one-on-one sessions with supportive graduate-student consultants. With this peer-to-peer appointment, you can get your work dissected and sort out any writing issues with your structure, style, punctuation, or syntax.
34 percent | |
Waltham, MA |
For writers hoping to concentrate their studies on poetry or prose, the University of Virginia is a great pick. Whether you’re a full-fledged English major or a Science freshman interested in poetry, its undergraduate program can certainly accommodate you.
The college also has a stellar MFA program that accepts five students for poetry and five for prose. Apart from this school having terrific professors, graduate students receive $20,000 in fellowships or income each academic year.
Students also learn from visiting lecturers who take residence in the school for one week and offer craft talks and one-on-one manuscript consultations (where an MFA student’s work is given to visiting writers one week ahead).
23.9 percent | |
Residents: Non-Residents: $48,036 | |
Charlottesville, VA |
At Colby, students are introduced to a strong culture of writing, teaching them to be skillful and effective in multiple genres. The college’s writing program provides students with expository writing workshops, writing labs , and word references forums to build their ability to communicate thoughtfully and skillfully.
Among the impressive resources available at Colby is Farnham’s Writing Center , where great writing is fostered through peer and faculty support. Working with peer writing tutors from the brainstorming phase to the final version is bound to make you a better writer!
13.1 percent | |
(including room and board) | |
Waterville, ME |
Kenyon’s mission is to nurture future poets and fiction writers, and it’s certainly achieved this with notable alumni like The Fault in Our Stars ’ John Green and Seabiscuit ’s Laura Hillenbrand.
This program’s main draw is the Kenyon Review , the college’s world-renowned literary magazine that offers highly coveted workshops and internships for student writers. Each year, a select number of faculty from Kenyon also teach workshops on poetry and prose for students in the English program .
35.8 percent | |
Gambier, OH |
No matter how much you love writing, mastering this craft can be challenging. That’s why Beloit’s writing program is designed to support students of all kinds in their writing journey.
At the college’s writing center , tutors approach their students’ learning with the understanding and consideration that everyone has different strengths and capabilities. With this hands-on mentorship comes a range of other great learning resources, like literary journals and student publications, that give you the chance to gain practical experience outside the classroom.
56.4 percent | |
Beloit, WI |
This university’s three-year MFA program steals the show when it comes to creative writing. Known as the New Writers Project, this graduate-level degree only accepts a dozen students (with full funding) and hosts symposiums to connect them with editors and agents.
The New Writers Project also invites guest writers like Bluets’ Maggie Nelson, Voyager’s Srikanth Reddy, and Notes from No Man’s Land’s Eula Biss to interact with graduate students.
But if you want to spend less time concentrating on fiction, poetry, and short stories? The University of Texas-Austin’s Certificate in Creative Writing or its Honors option is for you!
31.8 percent | |
(both Fall and Spring 2021-22) | Residents: Non-Residents: $56,686 |
Austin, TX |
Goddard College takes the gold when it comes to having a varied creative writing offering! This unconventional college writing program welcomes writers interested in screenplay writing, graphic novels, dramatic writing, libretto, speculative fiction, memoirs, and other hybrid genres.
Trusting its students’ capabilities, Goddard was the first college to offer low-residency BFA and MFA creative writing degrees. This means that students are only required to complete an eight-day residency, where they can attend one-on-one sessions with advisors or participate in literary events on campus, before being able to complete the rest of their education at home.
56 percent | |
Unranked | |
Plainfield, VT |
Although this college also boasts courses on comedy and satire, the human impact on the environment, and prose, Bucknell is renowned for its poetry offering. The Stadler Center for Poetry hosts the annual Bucknell Seminar for Younger Poets, which awards deserving students full-tuition scholarships.
It also has the Philip Roth Residence Program named after Bucknell’s famous alumnus himself. Authors writing their first (or second) book are allowed to lodge in the Poets’ Cottage with a hefty $5,000 stipend as they work, but the program only lasts for four months.
33 perccent | |
Lewisburg, PA |
The star-studded core faculty at NYU’s creative writing program should be enough to get you on board with this college! Imagine learning the fundamentals of writing from award-winning poets, novelists, short story writers, and memoirists such as Joyce Carol Oates, Zadie Smith, Darin Strauss, Edward Hirsch, and Katie Kitamura.
Plus, with this program, you also get a shot at Writers in New York, a prized summer program that takes place at a townhouse in Greenwich Village where the likes of E.E. Cummings, James Baldwin, Willa Cather, and Mark Twain lived and worked.
16.2 percent | |
New York, NY |
Tagged as the best public university in the US, Michigan’s fantastic Helen Zell MFA Program exposes graduate students to several top-notch writers through a series taught by critically-acclaimed authors (who wouldn’t want to hear from Kazuo Ishiguro, Alice McDermott, Angela Flournoy, and Edward Hirsch?).
Undergraduates can also apply for admission to a creative writing sub-concentration or a minor and partake in the prestigious Avery Hopwood Awards , one of the country’s most famous student writing prizes.
22.9 percent | |
Residents: Non-Residents: $53,232 – $56,962 | |
Ann Arbor, MI |
For aspiring writers interested in expressing themselves in a language other than English, the creative writing program at the University of Miami’s curriculum is uniquely inspired by nearby multilingual communities. Polyglot writers are encouraged to explore literature in their own languages.
This university also welcomes double majors so that students can pursue their love for the craft on top of their other interests. Miami’s also great because this campus is jam-packed with extracurriculars that students can jump on to hone their skills. Mangrove , the school’s literary magazine, allows students an opportunity to perform their original work through hosting contests and mic nights.
33 percent | |
Coral Gables, FL |
Minnesota residents with a passion for writing consider this small university in Saint Paul a haven for creatives. Why? Because this college is home to the only bachelor’s degree in this field in the entire Twin Cities region (and the only one in the state offered by a private institution).
Hamline has three fine arts degrees for aspiring authors: a BFA and MFA in Creative Writing, plus a low-residency MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults. These courses cover a range of literary genres that enable students to gain a diverse knowledge of the practice.
67.1 percent | |
Saint Paul, MN |
Writing requires dedication, passion, and a conducive environment where your talents can flourish. All the schools on this list have built outstanding creative writing programs but choosing what suits you best is important.
Make sure the school you pick can help you reach your full potential. Good luck!
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The Stanford Creative Writing Program, founded in 1946 by Wallace Stegner, has become one of the nation’s most distinguished creative writing institutions. After almost 80 years, the program continues to evolve while also respecting its original vision of recruiting and supporting talented writers, offering exceptional creative writing instruction and mentorship, and inspiring undergraduates to develop their own unique creative written expression.
In the 1940s, E. H. Jones generously created the Wallace Stegner Fellowship, now considered the most prestigious creative writing fellowship in the U.S. for emerging writers. Dr. Jones also made possible the Jones Lectureships, which are limited, fixed-year teaching appointments, allowing exceptional Stegner Fellows some time and support to prepare a manuscript for publication, hone their teaching skills, and transition to a longer-term teaching career elsewhere.
The original framework of term-limited appointments allowed for a consistent flow of selected Stegner Fellows into the Jones Lectureship. However, over time this framework of term-limited appointments was not followed.
In the past two years, the School of Humanities and Sciences leadership and the Creative Writing Academic Council faculty have been working to formulate necessary changes in the program and to identify additional resources to meet its growing needs. A Working Group of Creative Writing Academic Council faculty held listening sessions and discussions.
Now, after thoughtful deliberation, the Working Group has recommended restoring the original intent of the Jones Lectureships: one-year appointments with the possibility of renewal for a limited term, up to a total of five years. This change will again allow Stegner Fellows the opportunity to apply to be Jones Lecturers once they have completed their fellowships. In other words, the Jones Lectureships are not being eliminated; they are only being term limited, as was the original intent of the program, so that the Stegner Fellows have an opportunity to teach Creative Writing courses at Stanford. We plan for there to be as many lecturers in the Program in five years’ time as there are today, and we expect to offer more classes then than now.
The university, school, and numerous generous donors are committed to not only the excellence of the program but also its growth. This means increasing the number of Creative Writing classes to better meet high student demand as well as ensuring competitive compensation for both the lecturers and fellows. We will provide more updates in early fall quarter about the Creative Writing Program and how it will continue to be one of the preeminent programs in the nation.
We understand that these changes to the Jones Lectureships will be met with mixed reactions. However, we firmly believe that the changes advance the program’s pedagogical mission and provide promising writers with the resources to complete their books and obtain appointments at other colleges and universities.
Throughout the history of the program, the Jones Lecturers—both those who are here now and those who have been lecturers in the past—have helped make Stanford Creative Writing what it is today, and we are truly grateful to them for their significant contributions to the program’s mission.
Rapid growth in creative writing degrees awarded, best creative writing schools by degree, requirements for getting a degree in creative writing, creative writing degree program entry requirements, types of creative writing degrees.
Degree | Credit Requirements | Typical Program Length |
---|---|---|
Associate Degree | 60-70 credits | 2 years |
Bachelor’s Degree | 120 credits | 4 years |
Master’s Degree | 50-70 credits | 1-3 years |
Doctorate | Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation | At least 4 years |
Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
---|---|
Bachelor’s Degree | 36.2% |
Doctoral Degree | 26.1% |
Master’s Degree | 18.7% |
Less than a High School Diploma | 10.4% |
High School Diploma | 5.0% |
82.7% of creative writing workers have at least a associate. The chart below shows what degree level those who work in creative writing have obtained.
Growth projected for creative writing careers.
Occupation Name | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
---|---|---|
Professors | 258,700 | 9.4% |
Writers and Authors | 141,200 | 7.6% |
Editors | 125,600 | -1.4% |
English Language and Literature Professors | 92,900 | 9.8% |
Highest paid creative writing careers.
Occupation Name | Median Average Salary |
---|---|
English Language and Literature Professors | $78,150 |
Professors | $76,990 |
Writers and Authors | $73,090 |
Editors | $69,480 |
Top ranking lists for creative writing, best schools creative writing, best value colleges creative writing, creative writing related majors, majors similar to creative writing.
Related Major | Annual Graduates |
---|---|
2,441 | |
1,871 | |
856 | |
544 |
Compare your school options.
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College Success
02.03.2023 • 11 min read
Subject Matter Expert
Learn about the top colleges for creative writing, tips on what to consider when choosing a creative writing major, and answers to frequently asked questions.
In This Article
What to consider about college for creative writing majors, best literary colleges faqs.
Writing well is a tremendous asset in nearly every industry. In fact, one of the top skills employers look for in employees is the ability to communicate clearly and effectively through writing .
Completing a degree at one of the top colleges for creative writing can deliver more career opportunities than you may think. You could work in publishing, media, higher education, or marketing and advertising.
You can also use your storytelling and creative thinking skills to work as a freelancer. As an independent contractor, you can set your own rates and choose your work hours.
This introduction to 12 of the best colleges for creative writing majors will help you select the right program for your career goals. We’ll even tell you what to look for when comparing some of the leading literary colleges. Let’s get started!
Students who choose to enroll in a creative writing program are looking at factors like location, curriculum, and the quality of the instructors.
While many differences exist, all creative writing degree programs offer instruction in the primary literary forms:
Creative nonfiction
Some schools offer instruction in additional forms, including:
Screenwriting
Playwriting
Digital writing
When selecting a program you would enjoy, also make sure the instruction fits your learning needs.
Some schools offer seminars, resident writers, literary journals, and other perks beyond the standard workshops and courses.
The following 12 programs currently rank among the best writing programs offered in the U.S.
The Undergraduate Creative Writing Program at Columbia University boasts one of the most prestigious literary histories.
Well-known writers like J.D. Salinger, Federico Garcia Lorca, Eudora Welty, Langston Hughes, and Jack Kerouac have taken creative writing courses at the university. The roster of instructors in the undergraduate program is equally as impressive.
The program offers seminars designed for creative writers plus courses in the following writing forms:
Literary nonfiction
Dramatic writing
Students also have access to a thriving School of Arts and can move on to the prestigious MFA (Master of Fine Arts) in Creative Writing program.
Annual Tuition & Fees | Undergraduate Enrollment | Online or In Person |
$65,524 (without aid) | 8,148 | In Person |
The Undergraduate Creative Writing Program at Emory University started more than 30 years ago. It remains one of the most reputable colleges for aspiring writers ready to start professional careers.
The university requires an application and instructor permission to enter all creative writing courses. Students can major in creative writing or participate in creative writing workshops while completing other degree programs.
The school provides writing workshops and courses in the following disciplines:
Annual Tuition & Fees | Undergraduate Enrollment | Online or In Person |
$57,948 (without aid) | 7,130 | In Person |
Brown University is one of the leading universities for English literature and creative writing. They are also among the best colleges for writers interested in music, performance arts, and visual arts.
The Undergraduate Department of Literary Arts offers cross-disciplinary courses in all of those disciplines for students pursuing degrees in creative writing. Students can select from a diverse catalog of creative writing workshops, literature courses, independent study courses, and honors workshops.
Creative writing courses are available in the following disciplines:
Cross-disciplinary writing
Annual Tuition & Fees | Undergraduate Enrollment | Online or In Person |
$65,146 (without aid) | 7,349 | In Person |
Colorado College offers a creative writing track for English majors who wish to focus on creative writing. The program offers more than the typical writing workshops and seminars at some of the other best colleges for creative writing. In fact, many of the elective courses are taught by guest professors. These distinguished guests are writers themselves.
Students benefit from multiple literary resources exclusive to the college, including:
Hairstreak Butterfly Review and other magazines and publications
Visiting Writers Series
Writing contests
Literary publishing practicum
Student-led spoken word group (SpeakEasy)
Campus printing press studio
Fine Arts Center
Specialized library collections
These benefits make Colorado College one of the leading colleges for creative writing majors able to attend classes in Colorado Springs. The creative writing faculty includes some published authors, making it a top choice for authors as well.
Annual Tuition & Fees | Undergraduate Enrollment | Online or In Person |
$65,028 (without aid) | 2,266 | In Person |
Duke University may offer the best creative writing program for students with a shared interest in theater and performance arts. Students have access to courses in theater and documentary studies.
The school also has a collection of writing courses, workshops, and seminars in the following writing forms:
Travel writing
Documentary writing
Students at Duke have many opportunities to learn from other writers through the writers-in-residence program. The university also invests heavily in conferences, readings, and visiting speakers for the creative writing program.
Annual Tuition & Fees | Undergraduate Enrollment | Online or In Person |
$63,054 (without aid) | 6,883 | In Person |
Cornell University allows students to enroll as English majors with a concentration in creative writing. Students can also complete courses from the creative writing program as minors.
Writing workshops are available in the following literary forms:
Narrative writing
The university is home to a reputable reading series where multiple published authors visit for live readings and social receptions. This college is excellent for authors interested in networking with other authors.
Annual Tuition & Fees | Undergraduate Enrollment | Online or In Person |
$63,200 (without aid) | 25,582 | In Person |
Northwestern University was one of the first colleges in the U.S. to offer an undergraduate creative writing program. Today, the school has a highly competitive creative writing major . It serves as a concentration within the English department.
Students have access to workshops and courses in the following disciplines:
Cross-genres
This university ranks as one of the best literary colleges in part because the faculty includes award-winning authors. The school hosts a Festival of Writing every spring, and students have opportunities to network with and learn from visiting writers.
Annual Tuition & Fees | Undergraduate Enrollment | Online or In Person |
$63,468 (without aid) | 22,933 | In Person |
The creative writing program at Oberlin College offers a collaborative and immersive experience for writers who want the freedom to experiment.
The program focuses on workshops where students learn from one another while preparing for several literary careers. It’s a studio environment best suited to students who want to work closely with a small group of peers.
Oberlin also offers a wide variety of courses in the following disciplines:
Translation
Hybrid forms
Annual Tuition & Fees | Undergraduate Enrollment | Online or In Person |
$61,965 (without aid) | 2,942 | In Person |
Washington University is home to one of the most reputable graduate programs for writing. It only makes sense they also made the list of the top colleges for creative writing undergraduate programs.
The 16-credit creative writing certificate can be taken with any bachelor’s degree major and offers students a workshop model of instruction. Students in this program learn how to become better writers by writing alongside current professional writers.
The program focuses on courses within the 3 primary forms of writing:
All creative writing courses take the form of workshops. This format allows students to read and critique one another’s work in a professional and inclusive environment. Instructors are professional writers with qualifications well-suited to guiding new writers toward lucrative writing careers.
Annual Tuition & Fees | Undergraduate Enrollment | Online or In Person |
$60,590 (without aid) | 16,973 | In Person |
Wichita State University is an outstanding college for writers who want to complete undergraduate and graduate degrees from the same institution. The school offers a studio-academic Master of Fine Arts program for students studying fiction or poetry at the most advanced level.
The program allows undergraduate students to major or minor in creative writing. They have access to visiting writers, a school literary journal, and national press internships.
This program's course selection covers the 3 primary forms of writing
Annual Tuition & Fees | Undergraduate Enrollment | Online or In Person |
$8,860 (without aid) | 16,097 | In Person |
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is an excellent choice for writers interested in transferring credits from other institutions or online programs. The creative writing degree program allows students to transfer up to 90 credits and offers competitive pricing per credit hour for the remaining courses.
Unlike the other programs in this list, all courses at SNHU are virtual. SNHU is one of the best colleges for creative writing majors who value the flexibility of online classes.
Four concentration options are available for this program:
Annual Tuition & Fees | Undergraduate Enrollment | Online or In Person |
$15,380 (without aid) | 2,998 | Online |
The creative writing program at Boise State University is ideal for students who want to learn from acclaimed writers with bestselling novels and prize-winning poetry collections to their credit.
The program offers theory classes with a wide range of modern writing disciplines, including speculative fiction and graphic novels. Most courses focus on the following writing forms:
Boise State is also home to the literary journal The Idaho Review and the Free Poetry chapbook series. Students may have the opportunity to work with those publications to gain experience prior to graduation.
Annual Tuition & Fees | Undergraduate Enrollment | Online or In Person |
$8,364 (without aid) | 25,830 | In Person |
What exactly are you looking for when comparing the finest literary colleges? Consider these factors to help you select the right programs.
You can save money on your education by completing some courses online. But make sure the credits are transferable to the school offering your creative writing program.
For example, Golden Gate University’s Degrees+ powered by Outlier allows students to take courses online at a fraction of the price of traditional college. Students can earn their associate degree and transfer their credits into over 500 different institutions to pursue a bachelor’s degree.
The best creative writing programs have a reputation for high-quality education from prestigious and trustworthy instructors. Make sure you align with the values and vision of your chosen institution.
Keep in mind many quality schools out there to look into. Take the time to do some research, ask former students, and speak with an advisor.
The top colleges for writers will offer a wide selection of courses related to writing, literature, liberal arts, history, and more. They may also give writers the chance to earn certifications to enter into lucrative careers.
An exceptional creative writing program produces successful graduates. Look at the percentage of students who complete their degree and how many go on to graduate school or successful careers in writing, editing, research, or reporting.
Can you make it to on-campus classes without neglecting other responsibilities like managing a full-time job while going to school ? Are there options to attend some or all courses online for your convenience? Figure out what your needs are and make sure you can commit to your education.
Many high-quality college programs come with a high price tag. But you can cut your college costs. Fill out a FAFSA —Free Application for Federal Student Aid—and look into grant and scholarship opportunities to get free money to help pay for school.
A bachelor’s degree in creative writing can prepare you for a career in technical or creative writing, reporting, editing, or proofreading. You can build a career writing everything from novels and short stories to technical manuals and marketing materials for businesses.
Several editing and reporting jobs are available to writers with a solid command of grammar and a high level of writing ability. Almost any career you may go into in the future will value your writing skills.
Degrees in creative writing and literature are among the most popular for those interested in building careers in writing. Other excellent degree options include journalism, liberal arts, and even history.
College history programs are notorious for demanding written papers, and the knowledge gained may allow graduates to specialize in historical writing.
Studying the sciences is another lucrative career option, combining writing with specialized knowledge. As of December 2022, science writers earned an average of $63,331 per year.
Science writers may:
Edit a science journal
Research and write grant proposals
Write training material and research summaries in the medical field
Being able to articulate yourself and your ideas clearly is an in-demand skill in nearly any industry. No matter if you are considering going back to school in your 40s or pursuing writing right out of high school, a creative writing degree is a solid investment.
A creative writing degree is worth the investment if you’re serious about building a new career based on writing. You can also select a minor or earn a professional certificate to hone your skills and specialize in a field of interest.
By graduating college with such a sought-after skill, you’ll set yourself up for career success.
Outlier (winner of TIME Best Inventions 2020) and Golden Gate University (#1 school for working professionals) have redesigned the experience of earning a college degree to minimize cost and maximize outcomes. Explore a revolutionary way to earn your college degree:
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Former Stanford Director of Admissions
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Reviewed by:
Former Admissions Committee Member, Columbia University
Reviewed: 5/2/24
If you are interested in pursuing a career in writing, this guide will tell you the thirteen best colleges for creative writing.
Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon 'em. We’d like to update Shakespeare’s methods of achieving greatness by adding one more: attending the perfect college.
Picking the best creative writing program is crucial to help you gain the right experience and education to enhance your writing skills and excel. If you’re looking for good colleges for writing, read on to find the thirteen best creative writing colleges!
Although we are using the U.S. News rankings here, there are still many factors that contribute to how good a college’s creative writing program is. Here are some factors that we’re considering in the rankings.
School | Location | Acceptance Rate | Tuition Fees |
---|---|---|---|
Brown University | Providence, RI | ||
Columbia University | New York, NY | ||
Duke University | Durham, NC | ||
Princeton University | Princeton, NJ | ||
University of Iowa | Iowa City, IA | | |
Yale University | New Haven, CT |
School | Location | Acceptance Rate | Tuition Fees |
---|---|---|---|
Cornell University | Ithaca, NY | ||
Carleton College | Northfield, MN | ||
Swarthmore College | Swarthmore, PA | $65,058 per year | |
Amherst College | Amherst, MA | ||
Emory University | Atlanta, GA | ||
Elon University | Elon, NC | ||
Harvard University | Cambridge, MA |
To save you the worry of searching through all of the creative writing programs the country has to offer, here are the top thirteen best colleges for creative writing .
Acceptance rate : 5.16%
Tuition : $68,612 per year
If you’re wondering which school has the best creative writing program, Brown University is the top-ranked college to attend for students interested in creative writing.
Brown University’s English Department offers various courses for students to explore their interests and hone their writing skills. Students may choose to enroll in:
Once students have completed their B.A., they can join Brown’s Literary Arts Master of Fine Arts (MFA) program, where they can specialize in their desired form of writing: fiction, poetry, digital and cross-disciplinary writing, playwriting, screenwriting, and nonfiction.
In this program, students have the opportunity to conduct an independent study on their desired topic, which gives them excellent research and writing experience.
If you’re interested in applying to Brown , take a look at our complete guide on how to get into this excellent school.
Acceptance rate : 3.8%
Tuition : $32,670 per term
Columbia University is located in the Big Apple and ranks #2 in Writing in the Disciplines. They offer an English and Comparative Literature B.A. program with concentrations in Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, and Literary Translation.
For film and TV writers, Columbia is also one of the best film schools in the US with options to pursue screenwriting and directing.
The Poetry concentration , in particular, is considered one of the strongest and most rigorous in the country. Columbia also offers an MFA in Writing for graduates.
When considering tuition costs, note that Columbia is dedicated to reducing students’ tuition costs and states that students coming from families with annual incomes less than $150,000 are able to attend Columbia tuition-free ! According to their financial office, about 50% of all Columbia students receive grants of around $63,971.
So, if money is a major factor in your decision, rest assured you have a high chance of receiving significant grants if you attend Columbia University!
Acceptance rate : 5.1%
Tuition : $66,326 per year
Ranked third on our list is Duke University . Duke University offers a general B.A. in English and a creative writing minor . While it does not offer a major in creative writing, it offers various creative writing courses that English majors can take to gain more expertise in the subject.
Unlike the majority of undergraduate arts programs, Duke offers its students internships in New York. Gaining this type of experience is crucial for when you graduate and can help you land your dream job!
Tuition at Duke costs over $60K per year. However, select students can get full-ride scholarships , which can help you get your dream degree for free!
Acceptance rate : 4.5%
Tuition : $59,710 per year
Princeton University is one of the oldest colleges in the U.S. and consistently ranks as one of the best universities in the world. It ranks third in U.S. News’ Writing in the Disciplines list. Not only is Princeton a great college for writing, but it’s also ranked as the best university in the nation.
Princeton University offers an English B.A. and a creative writing program that these undergraduate students can join with their B.A. In this program, students work alongside actual practicing writers to gain the most authentic knowledge and experience.
Acceptance rate: 86%
Tuition : $10,964 (Iowa residents), $32,927 (non-residents)
Ranking fifth in Writing in the Disciplines, the University of Iowa is another great option to consider. This university is nationally recognized as a writing university and offers majors in English as well as English and Creative Writing.
Despite their high overall acceptance rate, admission to the English Honors program is selective. The University of Iowa produces high-quality writers with a 95% job/grad school placement rate!
Acceptance rate : 3.73%
Tuition : $67,250 per year
While Yale University ranked #5 in Writing in the Disciplines, it does not offer specific Creative Writing minors or majors. Instead, you can participate in an intensive Creative Writing concentration track for English majors as well as taking numerous related courses .
English students at Yale can also participate in various student initiatives , including events put on by the English Student Advisory Committee and informal conversations with English faculty at English Lunch tables.
Acceptance rate : 7.90%
Tuition : $68,380 per year
Cornell University is another one of the best colleges for creative writing majors. It ranked #7 in Writing in the Disciplines and allows English majors to concentrate in Creative Writing . Cornell also offers a creative writing minor .
Graduate students may also join the MFA in Creative Writing program, where they will gain hands-on experience editing and publishing fiction, poetry, essays, and more for EPOCH Magazine .
Acceptance rate: 17.85%
Tuition : $65,043 per year
No list of good writing schools would be complete without top-notch liberal arts schools . Ranking #8 in Writing in the Disciplines is the prestigious Carleton College, one of the best colleges for creative writing.
Carleton offers a B.A. in English where students can choose from a breadth of creative courses to enroll in, including a minor in creative writing . Like Brown University, it offers a specialized MFA in Creative Writing . This college also offers courses where students can build their professional portfolios for when they graduate.
Acceptance rate: 7.46%
Tuition : $65,058 per year
Right after Carleton, Swarthmore holds the title of ninth-best college for creative writing, and it was considered #4 among the Best National Liberal Arts Colleges and Best Value Schools.
This liberal arts college offers an English B.A . and a Writing Associate program . With this English B.A., students are eligible for paid internships to produce original creative writing projects to build their portfolios and gain valuable experience.
Acceptance rate : 9%
Tuition : $69,820 per year
Ranking #10 in Writing in the Disciplines, Amherst is another respectable school for writing majors. The college also ranks as the second school in National Liberal Arts Colleges.
Source: Amherst University
This rural university offers an excellent English B.A. program that teaches students how to think critically and write well. It also has its very own creative writing center that offers diverse creative writing courses for students.
Acceptance rate : 14.49%
Tuition : $63,400 per year
Ranked at #11, Emory University offers an English and Creative Writing major to encourage students to approach studying literature in a creative way. Students have the opportunity to experiment with many genres of writing, including poetry, fiction, playwriting, and more.
Emory offers plenty of creative writing engagement outside of the classroom. Interested students can submit their work to creative writing contests or student-run publications.
You can also take part in the Creative Writing Peer Mentorship Program, which matches an aspiring CW major with an upperclassman, to gain wisdom and tips about the program.
Acceptance rate : 67%
Tuition: $46,985 per year
If you choose to attend Elon University, you can add a Creative Writing minor to your academic profile. This minor allows you to take courses in nonfiction, poetry, and fiction in addition to other writing-based courses.
While Elon doesn’t offer a Creative Writing major, you may choose to major in Professional Writing and Rhetoric to help sharpen up your skills with the pen.
Acceptance rate : 3.59%
Tuition : $56,550 per year
Harvard University is a prestigious school that’s on many students’ radars when they consider attending university. Coming in with the 13th spot in Writing in the Disciplines, Harvard’s prestige extends into the realm of the arts.
Source: Harvard University
Harvard offers an extensive English B.A. program where students can enroll in various comprehensive creative writing courses .
In fact, there are usually no more than twelve students in each of these classes, ensuring students receive personalized teaching to really refine their writing skills and get the most out of their education.
College applications can be stressful especially if you don’t know what schools to apply to. Below, we’ll cover some tips on how to choose the right college for you.
Consider what's important to you when picking a college. Think about location, campus size, and the programs they offer. Do you want to be close to home, or are you excited about exploring a new city? Do you prefer a big campus with many activities or a smaller one with a close community?
Also, consider your academic interests and career goals. Make sure the college you choose has the programs and resources to support your studies and help you achieve your future plans.
When picking a college, think about your future job prospects. Check out each school's career center. Ask about job fairs, on-campus interviews, and how many counselors they have for students.
Make sure they have enough resources to support you. Career centers offer services like helping you with skills employers want, sharing job and salary info, finding internships, practicing interviews, explaining how hiring works, and connecting you with alumni.
Many parents fondly remember their college days and hope their kids will have the same experience. But what worked for them might not be right for you. Talk openly with your parents about your college choices. Explain why you're interested in certain schools, like if they have a program you're excited about or offer cool opportunities like studying abroad.
Do you need help finding the right university for you? Check out our What College Should I Go to? quiz . This quiz will help you find the best college for you based on our academic profile and preferences.
If you’re still wondering which program is best for you, these frequently asked questions on the best colleges for creative writing majors can help you to find your answers.
According to its ranking and reputation, Brown University has the best writing programs and creative writing courses.
Emory University and the University of Iowa are some of the only schools offering majors in creative writing rather than just minors or courses. For those wishing to focus solely on learning how to write creatively, these universities are the best option.
Duke University and Swarthmore College offer paid internship programs for their English students. Carleton College requires students to create original writing projects to build their professional portfolios, and Cornell University requires Creative Writing MFA students to edit and publish creative writing for the EPOCH Magazine.
The University of Iowa is significantly cheaper to attend than the other best colleges for creative writing, costing only $10,964 for in-state students and $32,927 for out-of-state students. However, Columbia University offers the most extensive scholarships, as 50% of all of its students receive grants of around $63,971.
In general, they are relatively small compared to classes in other disciplines. For instance, each of Harvard’s creative writing courses only has about twelve students.
These small classes are great because students get to forge meaningful connections with professors (and we all know how important networking is!).
These schools are all good colleges for writing. However, the main factor you want to consider is what you wish to gain from your program! If you want to gain a lot of hands-on experience and build your portfolio, choose a school like Duke University, Swarthmore College, or Cornell.
If you’d like to save the most money while attending university, choose a low-tuition school like The University of Iowa.
Yes! Taking a creative writing program can provide you with many skills for a future career, such as critical thinking, communication, and storytelling.
Hopefully, this guide has provided you with helpful insight into the best colleges for creative writing. No matter which school you choose to attend, these thirteen schools are the very best and will truly help you kickstart your career as a writer!
As Shakespeare said, parting is such sweet sorrow. But now that you have all the information you need on the experience, education, and cost of the best creative writing programs the nation has to offer, you can pick the perfect college and program to help you achieve greatness!
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The Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Creative Writing offers a comprehensive learning experience for aspiring writers.
Creative Writing majors develops skills in fiction, poetry and creative nonfiction. Students have opportunities to study with talented writers on Marshall’s faculty and share their own writing in workshops with other writers.
This degree helps strengthen skills in communication, analysis and critical thinking. These are skills that are valuable for a career in writing—and important to professional work across a wide range of fields.
The Marshall University Writing Center, where students can work with specially trained writing tutors, is a tremendous resource for Creative Writing majors to sharpen their writing skills. Advanced Creative Writing students can apply to tutor at the Writing Center, gaining solid professional experience.
Our curriculum allows you to tailor your studies to align with specific interests and career goals—whether it’s creative writing, editing, publishing, screenwriting or other writing-intensive fields.
Junior and senior level writing workshops help students develop their writing in a collaborative workshop setting.
Through the Creative Writing bachelor’s degree program, students develop skills in critical thinking and analysis, communicating clearly, writing effectively and more, all of which serve as excellent preparation for work in a variety of fields. A Creative Writing major can lead to much more than writing books, although Marshall graduates certainly do this, too.
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Liberty’s online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Creative Writing degrees offer a comprehensive education in the English language and the tools you need to further develop your writing skills. There are several exciting specializations to choose from, allowing you to tailor your degree to your interests.
Study principles and practices in creative writing. Learn to craft different works such as poems, memoirs, and novellas. Develop skills in editing for publishing; print and digital publishing; writing for cultural engagement, theater, and film; and researching for writing. Partner with us here at Liberty University to build your portfolio and broaden your writing abilities.
Creative writing is a broad area of writing that requires the author to think imaginatively and typically falls outside of normal professional or academic writing. It is not bound by genre or solely utilized in fiction or non-fiction. Often, creative writing is employed to communicate a theme.
In Liberty’s Bachelor of Science in Creative Writing online degree program, you can learn the fundamentals of creative writing, including fiction, nonfiction, memoirs, novellas, poetry, and screenwriting. The program emphasizes the importance of strong writing skills and provides opportunities for you to develop your craft through workshops and peer review.
You will also study editing for publishing; methods and materials of research; writing for theater and film; and writing for cultural engagement. The different specialization options give you a unique opportunity to tailor your studies to your interests with your future career goals in mind. Upon completion of the program, you can be equipped with the critical thinking, research, and communication skills necessary for a successful career in creative writing or related fields.
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No matter which specialization you choose, you will receive a quality education that can help equip you with a unique set of skills and help you prepare for a rewarding career where you can put your writing skills to use.
The Bachelor of Science in Creative Writing – Christian Literature specialization focuses on exploring the intersection of faith and literature. You can learn to analyze and interpret literary works from a Christian perspective. This includes studying the Bible as literature and exploring how the Christian worldview influences literature. You can also learn how to write literature that reflects your Christian beliefs, including creative writing that incorporates Christian themes and messages.
View the Degree Completion Plan .
The Bachelor of Science in Creative Writing – English specialization offers a broad and comprehensive study of the English language, including literature, grammar, composition, and rhetoric. Your courses can help you develop skills in writing, critical thinking, communication, and analysis.
The Bachelor of Science in Creative Writing – Journalism specialization is designed for students who want to pursue careers in journalism, media, public relations, or communications. This degree helps provide a thorough understanding of the principles and practices of journalism, including research, reporting, and writing. Your courses can help you develop skills in multimedia storytelling, investigative journalism, and digital media. In addition to studying the traditional forms of journalism, you can also learn how to adapt to the changing media landscape, including social media and online journalism.
Speak to one of our admissions specialists to help you choose the program that best fits your needs.
Your success is our success, which is why we are committed to providing quality academics at an affordable tuition rate. While other colleges are increasing their tuition, we have frozen tuition rates for the majority of our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs for the past 9 years – and counting.
To continue our mission of providing affordable education, electronic textbooks are provided for all undergraduate courses at no cost to you. As a full-time student, this could save you an estimated $800-2,000 per year on textbooks!
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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, best colleges for creative writing.
I'm really passionate about creative writing and I've been looking for colleges that offer strong programs in the subject. Can anyone help recommend some colleges known for their exceptional creative writing programs? Thanks in advance!
Sure, I'd be glad to help list out some colleges known for their reputable creative writing programs!
First off, across the coasts, you have many Ivy League institutions like Yale University, Brown University, and Columbia University that have Creative Writing undergraduate concentrations with faculty who are highly regarded authors.
The University of Iowa's Writer's Workshop program is one of the most respected creative writing programs in the country. The school has a rich tradition of producing successful authors who have won top awards like the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award.
Kenyon College, a liberal arts college in Ohio, has a strong tradition of nurturing talented poets and authors, with an emphasis on individual instruction in small workshop settings.
Johns Hopkins University offers a Writing Seminars Department that is top-rated, giving students the opportunity not only to focus on creative writing but also to explore related fields such as journalism and multimedia storytelling.
Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, is another great choice. They offer a Creative Writing Major or a joint Major in English and Creative Writing. They also frequently have distinguished visiting faculty, and a great library collection featuring modern and contemporary literature.
Lastly, Oberlin College has one of the oldest creative writing programs in the country. Students in this program can pursue a general writing degree or specialize in genres like poetry, fiction, or creative nonfiction.
All these programs provide extensive opportunities for students to refine their skills through rigorous coursework, diverse reading requirements, and supportive workshop environments. Be sure to research these opportunities further to see which would be the best fit for your individual interests and goals.
Finally, if you're looking for ways to pursue your passion for creative writing while still in high school, check out this blog post from CollegeVine, which lists a range of writing-related summer programs for high schoolers: https://blog.collegevine.com/high-school-summer-writing-programs/. Many of them will allow you to focus on creative writing specifically, and participating in one could even give you a boost during the college process, as admissions officers love to see that you're taking initiative and exploring your interests outside of the classroom!
Good luck, and happy writing!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.
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May 15, 2024
Whether you studied at a top creative writing university or are a high school dropout who will one day become a bestselling author , you may be considering an MFA in Creative Writing. But is a writing MFA genuinely worth the time and potential costs? How do you know which program will best nurture your writing? If you’re considering an MFA, this article walks you through the best full-time, low residency, and online Creative Writing MFA programs in the United States.
Before we get into the meat and potatoes of this article, let’s start with the basics. What is an MFA, anyway?
A Master of Fine Arts (MFA) is a graduate degree that usually takes from two to three years to complete. Applications typically require a sample portfolio, usually 10-20 pages (and sometimes up to 30-40) of your best writing. Moreover, you can receive an MFA in a particular genre, such as Fiction or Poetry, or more broadly in Creative Writing. However, if you take the latter approach, you often have the opportunity to specialize in a single genre.
Wondering what actually goes on in a creative writing MFA beyond inspiring award-winning books and internet memes ? You enroll in workshops where you get feedback on your creative writing from your peers and a faculty member. You enroll in seminars where you get a foundation of theory and techniques. Then, you finish the degree with a thesis project. Thesis projects are typically a body of polished, publishable-quality creative work in your genre—fiction, nonfiction, or poetry.
You don’t need an MFA to be a writer. Just look at Nobel Prize winner Toni Morrison or bestselling novelist Emily St. John Mandel.
Nonetheless, there are plenty of reasons you might still want to get a creative writing MFA. The first is, unfortunately, prestige. An MFA from a top program can help you stand out in a notoriously competitive industry to be published.
The second reason: time. Many MFA programs give you protected writing time, deadlines, and maybe even a (dainty) salary.
Third, an MFA in Creative Writing is a terminal degree. This means that this degree allows you to teach writing at the university level, especially after you publish a book.
Fourth: resources. MFA programs are often staffed by brilliant, award-winning writers; offer lecture series, volunteer opportunities, and teaching positions; and run their own (usually prestigious) literary magazines. Such resources provide you with the knowledge and insight you’ll need to navigate the literary and publishing world on your own post-graduation.
But above all, the biggest reason to pursue an MFA is the community it brings you. You get to meet other writers—and share feedback, advice, and moral support—in relationships that can last for decades.
Here are the different types of programs to consider, depending on your needs:
These programs offer full-tuition scholarships and sweeten the deal by actually paying you to attend them.
These programs include attending in-person classes and paying tuition (though many offer need-based and merit scholarships).
Low-residency programs usually meet biannually for short sessions. They also offer one-on-one support throughout the year. These MFAs are more independent, preparing you for what the writing life is actually like.
Held 100% online. These programs have high acceptance rates and no residency requirement. That means zero travel or moving expenses.
The following programs are selected for their balance of high funding, impressive return on investment, stellar faculty, major journal publications , and impressive alums.
1) johns hopkins university , mfa in fiction/poetry.
This two-year program offers an incredibly generous funding package: $39,000 teaching fellowships each year. Not to mention, it offers that sweet, sweet health insurance, mind-boggling faculty, and the option to apply for a lecture position after graduation. Many grads publish their first book within three years (nice). No nonfiction MFA (boo).
The only MFA that offers full and equal funding for every writer. It’s three years long, offers a generous yearly stipend of $30k, and provides full tuition plus a health insurance stipend. Fiction, poetry, playwriting, and screenwriting concentrations are available. The Michener Center is also unique because you study a primary genre and a secondary genre, and also get $4,000 for the summer.
The Iowa Writers’ Workshop is a 2-year program on a residency model for fiction and poetry. This means there are low requirements, and lots of time to write groundbreaking novels or play pool at the local bar. All students receive full funding, including tuition, a living stipend, and subsidized health insurance. The Translation MFA , co-founded by Gayatri Chakravorti Spivak, is also two years long but with more intensive coursework. The Nonfiction Writing Program is a prestigious three-year MFA program and is also intensive.
4) university of michigan.
Anne Carson famously lives in Ann Arbor, as do the MFA students in UMichigan’s Helen Zell Writers’ Program. This is a big university town, which is less damaging to your social life. Plus, there’s lots to do when you have a $25,000 stipend, summer funding, and health care.
This is a 2-3-year program in either fiction or poetry, with an impressive reputation. They also have a demonstrated commitment to “ push back against the darkness of intolerance and injustice ” and have outreach programs in the community.
Brown offers an edgy, well-funded program in a place that only occasionally dips into arctic temperatures. All students are fully funded for 2 years, which includes tuition remission and a $32k yearly stipend. Students also get summer funding and—you guessed it—that sweet, sweet health insurance.
In the Brown Literary Arts MFA, students take only one workshop and one elective per semester. It’s also the only program in the country to feature a Digital/Cross Disciplinary Track. Fiction and Poetry Tracks are offered as well.
This 3-year program with fiction, poetry, and nonfiction tracks has many attractive qualities. It’s in “ the lushest desert in the world, ” and was recently ranked #4 in creative writing programs, and #2 in Nonfiction. You can take classes in multiple genres, and in fact, are encouraged to do so. Plus, Arizona’s dry heat is good for arthritis.
This notoriously supportive program is fully funded. Moreover, teaching assistantships that provide a salary, health insurance, and tuition waiver are offered to all students. Tucson is home to a hopping literary scene, so it’s also possible to volunteer at multiple literary organizations and even do supported research at the US-Mexico Border.
With concentrations in fiction and poetry, Arizona State is a three-year funded program in arthritis-friendly dry heat. It offers small class sizes, individual mentorships, and one of the most impressive faculty rosters in the game. Moreover, it encourages cross-genre study.
Funding-wise, everyone has the option to take on a teaching assistantship position, which provides a tuition waiver, health insurance, and a yearly stipend of $25k. Other opportunities for financial support exist as well.
8) new york university.
This two-year program is in New York City, meaning it comes with close access to literary opportunities and hot dogs. NYU also has one of the most accomplished faculty lists anywhere. Students have large cohorts (more potential friends!) and have a penchant for winning top literary prizes. Concentrations in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction are available.
Another 2-3 year private MFA program with drool-worthy permanent and visiting faculty. Columbia offers courses in fiction, poetry, translation, and nonfiction. Beyond the Ivy League education, Columbia offers close access to agents, and its students have a high record of bestsellers. Finally, teaching positions and fellowships are available to help offset the high tuition.
Sarah Lawrence offers a concentration in speculative fiction in addition to the average fiction, poetry, and nonfiction choices. Moreover, they encourage cross-genre exploration. With intimate class sizes, this program is unique because it offers biweekly one-on-one conferences with its stunning faculty. It also has a notoriously supportive atmosphere, and many teaching and funding opportunities are available.
11) bennington college.
This two-year program boasts truly stellar faculty, and meets twice a year for ten days in January and June. It’s like a biannual vacation in beautiful Vermont, plus mentorship by a famous writer. The rest of the time, you’ll be spending approximately 25 hours per week on reading and writing assignments. Students have the option to concentrate in fiction, nonfiction, or poetry. Uniquely, they can also opt for a dual-genre focus.
The tuition is $23,468 per year, with scholarships available. Additionally, Bennington offers full-immersion teaching fellowships to MFA students, which are extremely rare in low-residency programs.
This two-year program emphasizes Native American and First Nations writing. With truly amazing faculty and visiting writers, they offer a wide range of genres, including screenwriting, poetry, fiction, and nonfiction. In addition, each student is matched with a faculty mentor who works with them one-on-one throughout the semester.
Students attend two eight-day residencies each year, in January and July, in Santa Fe, New Mexico. At $12,000 in tuition a year, it boasts being “ one of the most affordable MFA programs in the country .”
VCFA is the only graduate school on this list that focuses exclusively on the fine arts. Their MFA in Writing offers concentrations in fiction, poetry, and nonfiction; they also offer an MFA in Literary Translation and one of the few MFAs in Writing for Children and Young Adults . Students meet twice a year for nine days, in January and July, either in-person or online. Here, they receive one-on-one mentorship that continues for the rest of the semester. You can also do many travel residencies in exciting (and warm) places like Cozumel.
VCFA boasts amazing faculty and visiting writers, with individualized study options and plenty of one-on-one time. Tuition for the full two-year program is approximately $54k.
14) university of texas at el paso.
UTEP is considered the best online MFA program, and features award-winning faculty from across the globe. Accordingly, this program is geared toward serious writers who want to pursue teaching and/or publishing. Intensive workshops allow submissions in Spanish and/or English, and genres include poetry and fiction.
No residencies are required, but an optional opportunity to connect in person is available every year. This three-year program costs about $25-30k total, depending on whether you are an in-state or out-of-state resident.
This 2-year online, no-residency program is dedicated entirely to nonfiction. Featuring a supportive, diverse community, Bay Path offers small class sizes, close mentorship, and an optional yearly field trip to Ireland.
There are many tracks, including publishing, narrative medicine, and teaching creative writing. Moreover, core courses include memoir, narrative journalism, food/travel writing, and the personal essay. Tuition is approximately $31,000 for the entire program, with scholarships available.
Whether you’re aiming for a fully funded, low residency, or completely online MFA program, there are plenty of incredible options available—all of which will sharpen your craft while immersing you in the vibrant literary arts community.
Hoping to prepare for your MFA in advance? You might consider checking out the following:
Inspired to start writing? Get your pencil ready:
Best MFA Creative Writing Programs – References:
With a Bachelor of Arts in English and Italian from Wesleyan University as well as MFAs in both Nonfiction Writing and Literary Translation from the University of Iowa, Julia is an experienced writer, editor, educator, and a former Fulbright Fellow. Julia’s work has been featured in The Millions , Asymptote , and The Massachusetts Review , among other publications. To read more of her work, visit www.juliaconrad.net
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The Department of English offers creative writing instruction in multiple formats and offers several degrees and qualifications.
At the undergraduate level, students who are enrolled in a B.A. program at UT Austin can pursue the Creative Writing Certificate .
We offer two MFA programs in creative writing:
and
COMMENTS
Find out which schools offer creative writing as a major and what to look for in a program. Learn about the benefits, genres, and opportunities of studying creative writing in college.
A+. Overall Niche Grade. Acceptance rate 7%. Net price $26,123. SAT range 1500-1570. Overall, I enjoy being at the University of Pennsylvania. The campus is beautiful and relatively safe. The staff is friendly, intellectual, and encourages creative thinking. In regard to academic....
Amherst College, a private school in Amherst, Massachusetts, is known for its rigorous academic climate. Because Amherst is a member of the Five Colleges consortium, students can also take courses ...
Find out the best colleges and universities that offer creative writing degrees in the U.S. for 2024. Compare tuition, student-teacher ratio, enrollment, and reviews of various creative writing programs across the country.
The cost of earning an online creative writing degree can vary significantly by school. The semester-based schools on our list range from $180 to $494 per credit. Over a 120-credit degree, this ...
Right out of undergrad, Brown students boasted an exceptional 81% admission rate to med school and an 81% admission rate to law school. Enrollment: 7,639. Cost of Attendance: $84,828. Median SAT: 1530. Median ACT: 35. Acceptance Rate: 5%. Retention Rate: 99%. Graduation Rate: 96%. #3 College for Creative Writing.
A Best Colleges rank of #9 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Carnegie Mellon is a great university overall. There were about 12 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at Carnegie Mellon in the most recent data year. More information about a degree in creative writing from Carnegie Mellon University.
Basic Certificate Highest Degree Type. 88 Annual Graduates. Any student pursuing a degree in a bachelor's degree in creative writing has to check out University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh Campus. Located in the city of Pittsburgh, Pitt is a public university with a fairly large student population.
University of Michigan is one of the best state universities in the country and has a top-notch MFA program. This school's undergrad creative writing sub-concentration requires students to submit applications for admittance to advanced creative writing courses. These applications give students crucial practice in both building a writing ...
Learn about the benefits, subjects, and admission process of a creative writing degree program in the United States. Explore the top 13 colleges for creative writing, including Northwestern, Columbia, and Iowa, and their features and alumni.
Yes. 2. Columbia University. Columbia is another university that offers a world-class creative writing program and a wide range of course options. Its location in New York City is ideal for internship and job opportunities with major publishers, literary journals, and award-winning authors.
This unconventional college writing program welcomes writers interested in screenplay writing, graphic novels, dramatic writing, libretto, speculative fiction, memoirs, and other hybrid genres. Trusting its students' capabilities, Goddard was the first college to offer low-residency BFA and MFA creative writing degrees.
The Stanford Creative Writing Program, founded in 1946 by Wallace Stegner, has become one of the nation's most distinguished creative writing institutions. After almost 80 years, the program continues to evolve while also respecting its original vision of recruiting and supporting talented writers, offering exceptional creative writing instruction and mentorship, and inspiring undergraduates ...
These are the top ranked colleges offering majors in creative writing based on the CollegeSimply ranking methodology. The average net price to attend these colleges is $22,738 per year. Austin Community College District offers the cheapest creative writing degree with an average net price of $4,470 annually. Map Colleges.
Master's Degree. 50-70 credits. 1-3 years. Doctorate. Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation. At least 4 years. A bachelor's degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to creative writing, with approximately 42.2% of workers getting one.
1. Columbia University. The Undergraduate Creative Writing Program at Columbia University boasts one of the most prestigious literary histories. Well-known writers like J.D. Salinger, Federico Garcia Lorca, Eudora Welty, Langston Hughes, and Jack Kerouac have taken creative writing courses at the university.
Read 1,372 reviews. A+. Overall Niche Grade. Acceptance rate 7%. Net price $26,123. SAT range 1500-1570. Overall, I enjoy being at the University of Pennsylvania. The campus is beautiful and relatively safe. The staff is friendly, intellectual, and encourages creative thinking.
Creative writing program professors and alumni say creative writing programs cultivate a variety of in-demand skills, including the ability to communicate effectively. "While yes, many creative ...
A+. Overall Niche Grade. Acceptance rate 7%. Net price $26,123. SAT range 1500-1570. Overall, I enjoy being at the University of Pennsylvania. The campus is beautiful and relatively safe. The staff is friendly, intellectual, and encourages creative thinking. In regard to academic....
67%. $46,985 per year. Harvard University. Cambridge, MA. 3.59%. $56,550 per year. To save you the worry of searching through all of the creative writing programs the country has to offer, here are the top thirteen best colleges for creative writing. 1. Brown University.
The Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Creative Writing offers a comprehensive learning experience for aspiring writers. Creative Writing majors develops skills in fiction, poetry and creative nonfiction. Students have opportunities to study with talented writers on Marshall's faculty and share their own writing in workshops with other writers.
Certainly! There are several colleges in the US with strong creative writing programs. I've compiled a list of some top schools that offer creative writing as a major or have exceptional creative writing concentrations or offerings within their English or Comparative Literature departments: 1. Iowa Writers' Workshop, University of Iowa: The two-year graduate-level program offers an MFA in ...
Liberty's online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Creative Writing degrees offer a comprehensive education in the English language and the tools you need to further develop your writing skills. There ...
Sure, I'd be glad to help list out some colleges known for their reputable creative writing programs! First off, across the coasts, you have many Ivy League institutions like Yale University, Brown University, and Columbia University that have Creative Writing undergraduate concentrations with faculty who are highly regarded authors. The University of Iowa's Writer's Workshop program is one of ...
1) Johns Hopkins University, MFA in Fiction/Poetry. This two-year program offers an incredibly generous funding package: $39,000 teaching fellowships each year. Not to mention, it offers that sweet, sweet health insurance, mind-boggling faculty, and the option to apply for a lecture position after graduation.
The Department of English offers creative writing instruction in multiple formats and offers several degrees and qualifications. Undergraduate. At the undergraduate level, students who are enrolled in a B.A. program at UT Austin can pursue the Creative Writing Certificate. Graduate. We offer two MFA programs in creative writing: the New Writers ...