Writing in the Disciplines

These colleges typically make the writing process a priority at all levels of instruction and across the curriculum. Students are encouraged to produce and refine various forms of writing for different audiences in different disciplines. In spring and summer 2024, we invited college presidents, chief academic officers, deans of students and deans of admissions from more than 1,500 schools to nominate up to 15 institutions with stellar examples of writing in the disciplines. Colleges and universities that received 10 or more nominations are ranked here. Read the methodology »

To unlock full rankings, SAT/ACT scores and more, sign up for the U.S. News College Compass !

  • Clear Filters

best creative writing programs united states

Brown University

Providence, RI

  • #1 in Writing in the Disciplines
  • #13 in National Universities  (tie)

At Brown University, undergraduate students are responsible for designing their own academic study with more than 80 concentration programs to choose from. Another unique offering at this private, Ivy League institution in Providence, Rhode Island, is the Program in Liberal Medical Education, which grants both a bachelor’s degree and medical degree in eight years.

(fall 2023)

SAT, GPA and More

best creative writing programs united states

Princeton University

Princeton, NJ

  • #2 in Writing in the Disciplines
  • #1 in National Universities

The ivy-covered campus of Princeton University, a private institution, is located in the quiet town of Princeton, New Jersey. Princeton was the first university to offer a "no loan" policy to financially needy students, giving grants instead of loans to accepted students who need help paying tuition.

best creative writing programs united states

Duke University

  • #3 in Writing in the Disciplines
  • #6 in National Universities  (tie)

Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke University is a private institution that has liberal arts and engineering programs for undergraduates. The Duke Blue Devils sports teams have a fierce rivalry with the University of North Carolina—Chapel Hill Tar Heels and are best known for their outstanding men's basketball program.

best creative writing programs united states

Swarthmore College

Swarthmore, PA

  • #4 in Writing in the Disciplines
  • #3 in National Liberal Arts Colleges

About 10 miles outside of Philadelphia is Swarthmore College, a private liberal arts institution that also offers a unique engineering degree program. Because Swarthmore is part of the Tri-College Consortium, students can also take courses at nearby Bryn Mawr College and Haverford College.

best creative writing programs united states

Cornell University

  • #5 in Writing in the Disciplines  (tie)
  • #11 in National Universities  (tie)

Cornell University, a private school in Ithaca, New York, has 14 colleges and schools. Each admits its own students, though every graduate receives a degree from Cornell University. The university has more than 1,000 student organizations on campus.

best creative writing programs united states

Yale University

New Haven, CT

  • #5 in National Universities

Yale University, located in New Haven, Connecticut, offers a small college life with the resources of a major research institution. Yale students are divided into 14 residential colleges that foster a supportive environment for living, learning and socializing.

best creative writing programs united states

Carleton College

Northfield, MN

  • #7 in Writing in the Disciplines
  • #8 in National Liberal Arts Colleges  (tie)

Carleton College is a private school in the historic river town of Northfield, Minnesota. Carls, as its students are known, have about 35 majors to choose from and more than 170 organizations to check out.

best creative writing programs united states

Elon University

  • #8 in Writing in the Disciplines
  • #121 in National Universities  (tie)

Elon University is located in Elon, N.C., between Greensboro and the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill triangle. With more than 240 clubs and organizations, there are many ways for students to get involved. Every Tuesday, the community hosts College Coffee, a weekly campus tradition during which faculty, staff and students gather for coffee and snacks at the Phi Beta Kappa Commons. Students can work off the extra calories participating in intramural, club or varsity sports. The Phoenix, Elon’s varsity athletic teams, compete in the NCAA Division I Colonial Athletic Association (CAA). Greek organizations are a significant part of social life on campus, representing about 35% of the student body. All first- and second-year students are required to live on campus in one of the residence halls.

best creative writing programs united states

University of Iowa

Iowa City, IA

  • #9 in Writing in the Disciplines
  • #98 in National Universities  (tie)

The University of Iowa offers top-notch academic programming in more than 100 areas. Students looking to hone their leadership skills have many options, too: They can enroll in the LeaderShape Institute, a six-day getaway workshop; or participate in one of the many programs offered through the Center for Student Involvement & Leadership, including arts and entertainment, and multicultural programs. Freshmen do not have to live on campus, but about 95 percent choose to do so. Campus life may pose a challenge to tobacco users, as Iowa is a smoke-free campus. Students have more than 500 clubs and organizations from which to choose, and close to 10 percent of students go Greek as members of the school's more than 50 fraternities and sororities. Sports are another big focus of campus life; even in the competitive NCAA Division I Big Ten Conference, the Iowa Hawkeyes are notorious players. Four blocks from campus is Iowa City, a Midwestern metropolis that has been recognized among the nation’s best for its scenery, greenery and sustainable energy efforts.

(out-of-state)

best creative writing programs united states

Amherst College

Amherst, MA

  • #10 in Writing in the Disciplines  (tie)
  • #2 in National Liberal Arts Colleges

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 at Smith College, Mount Holyoke College, Hampshire College and the University of Massachusetts—Amherst.

PrepScholar

Choose Your Test

  • Search Blogs By Category
  • College Admissions
  • AP and IB Exams
  • GPA and Coursework

The 12 Best Creative Writing Colleges and Programs

College Info

feature_diary

Finding a dedicated creative writing program at a school you're excited about can be a real challenge, and that's even before you start worrying about getting in. Nonetheless, there are some great options. In order to help you find the best school for you, this list rounds up some of the best colleges for creative writing in the United States .

The Best Creative Writing Programs: Ranking Criteria

You should never take college rankings as absolute truth —not even the very official-seeming US News ones. Instead, use these kinds of lists as a jumping-off place for your own exploration of colleges. Pay attention not just to what the rankings are but to how the rankings are determined.

To help with that, I'll explain how I came up with this highly unscientific list of great creative writing colleges. I started by narrowing my search down to schools that offered a specific creative writing major. (If you don't see a school you were expecting, it's likely because they only have a minor.)

In ranking the schools, I considered five major criteria:

  • #1: MFA Ranking —If a school has a great graduate creative writing program, it means you'll be taught by those same professors and the excellent graduate students they attract. Schools with strong MFA programs are also more likely to have solid alumni networks and internship opportunities. However, many schools with great undergrad programs do not offer MFAs, in which case I simply focused on the other four options.
  • #2: General School Reputation —The vast majority of your classes won't be in creative writing, so it's important that other parts of the school, especially the English department, are great as well.
  • #3: Extracurricular Opportunities —One of the key advantages of majoring in creative writing is that it can provide access to writing opportunities outside the classroom, so I took what kind of internship programs, author readings, and literary magazines the school offers into consideration.
  • #4: Diversity of Class Options —I gave extra points to schools with a variety of genre options and specific, interesting classes.
  • #5: Alumni/Prestige —This last criterion is a bit more subjective: is the school known for turning out good writers? Certainly it's less important than what kind of education you'll actually get, but having a brand-name degree (so to speak) can be helpful.

The Best Creative Writing Schools

Now, let's get to the good stuff: the list of schools! The exact numbering is always arguable, so look at it as a general trend from absolutely amazing to still super great, rather than fixating on why one school is ranked #3 and another is ranked #4.

#1: Northwestern University

Northwestern's undergrad creative writing program boasts acclaimed professors and an unparalleled track record of turning out successful writers (including Divergent author Veronica Roth and short-story writer Karen Russell).

Outside the classroom, you can work on the student-run literary journal, intern at a publication in nearby Chicago, or submit to the Department of English's yearly writing competition . The university is also home to a top journalism program , so if you want to try your hand at nonfiction as well, you'll have plenty of opportunities to do so.

#2: Columbia University

Like Northwestern, Columbia is home to both a world-class creative writing program and a top journalism school (plus one of the best English departments in the country), so you have a wide range of writing-related course options. Columbia also benefits from its location in New York City, which is bursting at the seams with publishing houses, literary journals, and talented authors.

body_columbia

#3: University of Iowa

The University of Iowa's big draw is the infrastructure of its graduate Writers' Workshop, which is often considered the best MFA program in the country.

As an English and Creative Writing major here, you'll take classes from great young writers and established professors alike, and get to choose from a wide range of topics. This major provides transferable skills important for a liberal arts major with a creative focus. You'll also have access to the university's impressive literary community, including frequent readings, writing prizes and scholarships, and the acclaimed literary journal The Iowa Review .

#4: Emory University

Emory is renowned for its dedicated undergrad creative writing program , which draws the very best visiting scholars and writers. Students here have the chance to attend intimate question-and-answer sessions with award-winning authors, study a range of genres, compete for writing awards and scholarships, and work closely with an adviser to complete an honors project.

#5: Oberlin College

A small liberal arts school in Ohio, Oberlin offers very different advantages than the schools above do. You'll have fewer opportunities to pursue writing in the surrounding city, but the quality of the teachers and the range of courses might make up for that. Moreover, it boasts just as impressive alumni, including actress and writer Lena Dunham.

#6: Hamilton College

Hamilton is another small college, located in upstate New York. It's known for giving students the freedom to pursue their interests and the support to help them explore topics in real depth, both inside and outside the classroom. Hamilton's creative writing program takes full advantage with small classes and lots of opportunities to intern and publish; it also has one of the best writing centers in the country.

#7: Brown University

Brown's Literary Arts program offers one of the top MFAs in the US as well as an undergraduate major . For the major, you must take four creative writing workshops and six reading-intensive courses, which span an array of departments and topics, from music and literature to Middle East studies and Egyptology.

body_brown-1

#8: Washington University in St. Louis

Washington University has an excellent creative writing MFA program, lots of super specific class options, and a number of scholarships specifically earmarked for creative writing students. This school’s undergraduate English program also offers a concentration in creative writing that allows students to specialize in a specific genre: poetry, fiction, or creative nonfiction. If you’re interested in exploring your potential in a specific writing genre, Washington University could be a great pick for you.

#9: Massachusetts Institute of Technology

MIT might not be a school you generally associate with writing, but it actually has an excellent program that offers courses in digital media and science writing, as well as creative writing, and provides plenty of guidance on how graduates can navigate the tricky job market.

Not to mention the school is located in Cambridge, a haven for book lovers and writers of all kinds. Though it probably isn’t a good fit for students who hate science, MIT is a great place for aspiring writers who want to build writing skills that are marketable in a wide range of industries.

#10: University of Michigan

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 portfolio and articulating their interest in creative writing to an audience who will evaluate their work. If you're looking to attend a big school with a great creative writing major, this is a fantastic choice.

#11: Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins is another school that's known more for engineering than it is for writing, but, like MIT, it has a dedicated writing program. As a major here, you must take not only courses in prose, poetry, and literature, but also classes on topics such as philosophy and history.

#12: Colorado College

Colorado College is a small liberal arts school known for its block plan , which allows students to focus on one class per three-and-a-half-week block. The creative writing track of the English major includes a sequence of four writing workshops and also requires students to attend every reading of the Visiting Writers Series.

Bonus School: New York University

I didn't include NYU in the main list because it doesn't have a dedicated creative writing major, but it's a great school for aspiring writers nonetheless, offering one of the most impressive creative writing faculties in the country and all the benefits of a Manhattan location.

body_nyu

How To Pick the Best Creative Writing School for You

Just because Northwestern is a great school for creative writing doesn't mean you should set your heart on going there. (The football fans are completely terrifying, for one thing.) So where should you go then?

Here are some questions to ask yourself when looking at creative writing programs to help you determine the best school for you:

Does It Have Courses You're Interested In?

Look at the course offerings and see whether they interest you. While you can't predict exactly what classes you'll love, you want to avoid a mismatch where what you want to study and what the program offers are completely different. For example, if you want to write sonnets but the school focuses more on teaching fiction, it probably won't be a great fit for you.

Also, don't forget to look at the English courses and creative writing workshops! In most programs, you'll be taking a lot of these, too.

What Opportunities Are There To Pursue Writing Outside of Class?

I touched on this idea in the criteria section, but it's important enough that I want to reiterate it here. Some of the best writing experience you can get is found outside the classroom, so see what kind of writing-related extracurriculars a school has before committing to it.

Great options include getting involved with the campus newspaper, working on the school's literary journal, or interning at the university press.

Who Will Be Teaching You?

Who are the professors? What kind of work have they published? Check teacher ratings on Rate My Professors (but make sure to read the actual reviews—and always take them with a grain of salt).

If you're looking at a big school, there's a good chance that a lot of your teachers will be graduate students. But that's not necessarily a bad thing: a lot of the best teachers I had in college were graduate students. Just take into consideration what kind of graduate program the school has. If there's a great creative writing MFA program, then the graduate students are likely to be better writers and more engaged teachers.

What Are the Alumni Doing Now?

If you have a sense of what you want to do after you graduate, see if any alumni of the program are pursuing that type of career. The stronger the alumni network is, the more connections you'll have when it comes time to get a job.

What About the Rest of the School?

Don't pick a school for which you like the creative writing program but dread everything else about it. Most of your time will be spent doing other things, whether hanging out in the dorms, exploring off campus, or fulfilling general education requirements.

Many schools require you to apply to the creative writing major, so make doubly sure you'll be happy with your choice even if you aren't accepted to the program.

What's Next?

Are you sure a creative writing major is the right fit for you? Read our post on the pros and cons of the major to help you decide what path to take in college.

For more general advice about choosing a college, check out our complete guide to finding the right school for you. Some major factors to consider include deciding whether you're interested in a small college or a big university , an in-state or out-of-state institution , and a public or private school .

Want to improve your SAT score by 160 points or your ACT score by 4 points?   We've written a guide for each test about the top 5 strategies you must be using to have a shot at improving your score. Download them for free now:

Trending Now

How to Get Into Harvard and the Ivy League

How to Get a Perfect 4.0 GPA

How to Write an Amazing College Essay

What Exactly Are Colleges Looking For?

ACT vs. SAT: Which Test Should You Take?

When should you take the SAT or ACT?

Get Your Free

PrepScholar

Find Your Target SAT Score

Free Complete Official SAT Practice Tests

How to Get a Perfect SAT Score, by an Expert Full Scorer

Score 800 on SAT Math

Score 800 on SAT Reading and Writing

How to Improve Your Low SAT Score

Score 600 on SAT Math

Score 600 on SAT Reading and Writing

Find Your Target ACT Score

Complete Official Free ACT Practice Tests

How to Get a Perfect ACT Score, by a 36 Full Scorer

Get a 36 on ACT English

Get a 36 on ACT Math

Get a 36 on ACT Reading

Get a 36 on ACT Science

How to Improve Your Low ACT Score

Get a 24 on ACT English

Get a 24 on ACT Math

Get a 24 on ACT Reading

Get a 24 on ACT Science

Stay Informed

Get the latest articles and test prep tips!

Follow us on Facebook (icon)

Alex is an experienced tutor and writer. Over the past five years, she has worked with almost a hundred students and written about pop culture for a wide range of publications. She graduated with honors from University of Chicago, receiving a BA in English and Anthropology, and then went on to earn an MA at NYU in Cultural Reporting and Criticism. In high school, she was a National Merit Scholar, took 12 AP tests and scored 99 percentile scores on the SAT and ACT.

Ask a Question Below

Have any questions about this article or other topics? Ask below and we'll reply!

Gravatar Icon

2025 Best Colleges with Creative Writing Degrees in America

  • Direct Admissions
  • College Quiz
  • Best student life
  • Top party schools
  • Best academics
  • Best colleges
  • Best professors
  • Hardest to get into

Best programs

  • Accounting/finance
  • Agricultural sciences
  • Anthropology
  • Architecture
  • Communications
  • Computer science
  • Criminal justice
  • Culinary arts
  • Engineering
  • Engineering technician
  • Environmental science
  • Film/photography
  • Global studies
  • Health care management
  • Information technology
  • International relations
  • Kinesiology/therapy
  • Performing arts
  • Political science
  • Public health
  • Public policy
  • Religious studies
  • Sports management
  • Most diverse
  • Most liberal
  • Most conservative

Social scene

  • Best greek life
  • Best campuses
  • Best college dorms
  • Best college food
  • Best locations
  • Safest campuses
  • College athletics
  • Best for student athletes

1-25 of 348 results

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

  • Cambridge, MA ·
  • · Rating 4.17 out of 5   669 reviews
  • grade  A+ Overall Niche Grade
  • Acceptance rate 4%
  • Net price $20,232
  • SAT range 1530-1580

#1 Best Colleges in America. 4 Year, CAMBRIDGE, MA. 669 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars. Featured Review: Other says As a student at MIT, I can confidently say that the experience is both challenging and rewarding. The academic rigor here is unmatched; classes are fast-paced and intellectually stimulating, pushing... Read 669 reviews. Overall Niche Grade: A+, Acceptance Rate: 4%, Net Price: $20,232, SAT Range: 1530-1580,

Dartmouth College

  • Hanover, NH ·
  • · Rating 3.88 out of 5   753 reviews
  • Acceptance rate 6%
  • Net price $19,208
  • SAT range 1500-1580

#5 Best Colleges in America. Blue checkmark. 4 Year, HANOVER, NH. 753 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars. Featured Review: Alum says At Dartmouth, undergraduates enjoy the best of both worlds: the supportive, tight-knit environment of a small liberal arts college AND the top-tier resources and opportunities of a larger research... Read 753 reviews. Overall Niche Grade: A+, Acceptance Rate: 6%, Net Price: $19,208, SAT Range: 1500-1580,

Columbia University

  • New York, NY ·
  • · Rating 3.83 out of 5   1,386 reviews
  • Net price $22,058
  • SAT range 1490-1580

#6 Best Colleges in America. Blue checkmark. 4 Year, NEW YORK, NY. 1386 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars. Featured Review: Sophomore says Columbia was the best decision I ever made. It is an elite institution at the top of the education system. These Niche rankings are so much better and more objective than U.S. News. This school is... Read 1386 reviews. Overall Niche Grade: A+, Acceptance Rate: 4%, Net Price: $22,058, SAT Range: 1490-1580,

Fairleigh Dickinson University - Florham Campus

  • MADISON, NJ
  • · Rating 3.54 out of 5   872

Capital University

  • COLUMBUS, OH
  • · Rating 3.67 out of 5   981

Millikin University

  • DECATUR, IL
  • · Rating 3.49 out of 5   645

Brown University

  • Providence, RI ·
  • · Rating 3.85 out of 5   1,091 reviews
  • Acceptance rate 5%
  • Net price $26,723

#7 Best Colleges in America. Blue checkmark. 4 Year, PROVIDENCE, RI. 1091 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars. Featured Review: Sophomore says I am on the Rugby team here at Brown and it has been an amazing experience. I have met so many driven, like-minded people on my team who are very relatable. Similar to my high school, Brown is super... Read 1091 reviews. Overall Niche Grade: A+, Acceptance Rate: 5%, Net Price: $26,723, SAT Range: 1490-1580,

University of Pennsylvania

  • Philadelphia, PA ·
  • · Rating 3.9 out of 5   1,376 reviews
  • Acceptance rate 7%
  • Net price $26,123
  • SAT range 1500-1570

#11 Best Colleges in America. Blue checkmark. 4 Year, PHILADELPHIA, PA. 1376 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars. Featured Review: Sophomore says Penn is a great place to be in college! There is something for every type (athlete to artist to stem lover to finance bro). The classes are intense yet professors are caring. Campus is in an area... Read 1376 reviews. Overall Niche Grade: A+, Acceptance Rate: 7%, Net Price: $26,123, SAT Range: 1500-1570,

Washington University in St. Louis

  • Saint Louis, MO ·
  • · Rating 4.11 out of 5   1,589 reviews
  • Acceptance rate 12%
  • Net price $23,432

#15 Best Colleges in America. Blue checkmark. 4 Year, SAINT LOUIS, MO. 1589 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars. Featured Review: Alum says I'm glad I went to WashU for my undergraduate education. Academically, it was tough, particularly for STEM majors. Many of the intro science courses were difficult and needed to be graded on a curve... Read 1589 reviews. Overall Niche Grade: A+, Acceptance Rate: 12%, Net Price: $23,432, SAT Range: 1500-1570,

  • Will you get in? Understand your chances of getting accepted into any college in the country, and it's completely free

Northwestern University

  • Evanston, IL ·
  • · Rating 3.71 out of 5   1,508 reviews
  • Net price $22,095
  • SAT range 1490-1570

#17 Best Colleges in America. Blue checkmark. 4 Year, EVANSTON, IL. 1508 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars. Featured Review: Alum says I'm nearing a decade out from my time at Northwestern, and my love for the school has only increased since graduation. The school's brand has proved its worth manifold over the course of my career,... Read 1508 reviews. Overall Niche Grade: A+, Acceptance Rate: 7%, Net Price: $22,095, SAT Range: 1490-1570,

Carnegie Mellon University

  • Pittsburgh, PA ·
  • · Rating 3.72 out of 5   1,492 reviews
  • Acceptance rate 11%
  • Net price $33,499

#18 Best Colleges in America. Blue checkmark. 4 Year, PITTSBURGH, PA. 1492 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars. Featured Review: Freshman says Starting as a freshman at Carnegie Mellon has been a whirlwind experience. Moving from the bustling, sunny streets of Dubai to the colder, more laid-back vibe of Pittsburgh was a big adjustment. I... Read 1492 reviews. Overall Niche Grade: A+, Acceptance Rate: 11%, Net Price: $33,499, SAT Range: 1490-1570,

Johns Hopkins University

  • Baltimore, MD ·
  • · Rating 3.68 out of 5   1,421 reviews
  • Net price $24,034
  • SAT range 1520-1570

#22 Best Colleges in America. Blue checkmark. 4 Year, BALTIMORE, MD. 1421 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars. Featured Review: Freshman says Absolutely fantastic experience. Better than all of the Ivy League schools combined. Professors are superb, students are excellent. Happiest place on Earth - like another Disney World, but better! Read 1421 reviews. Overall Niche Grade: A+, Acceptance Rate: 7%, Net Price: $24,034, SAT Range: 1520-1570,

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

  • Ann Arbor, MI ·
  • · Rating 3.97 out of 5   4,805 reviews
  • Acceptance rate 18%
  • Net price $19,318
  • SAT range 1350-1530

#23 Best Colleges in America. Blue checkmark. 4 Year, ANN ARBOR, MI. 4805 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars. Featured Review: Freshman says The University of Michigan - Ann Arbor offers such a welcoming space for new and returning students. There's a bunch of organizations for any type of interests you have as well as any new ones.... Read 4805 reviews. Overall Niche Grade: A+, Acceptance Rate: 18%, Net Price: $19,318, SAT Range: 1350-1530,

University of Chicago

  • Chicago, IL ·
  • · Rating 3.82 out of 5   1,311 reviews
  • Net price $36,991

#25 Best Colleges in America. Blue checkmark. 4 Year, CHICAGO, IL. 1311 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars. Featured Review: Freshman says So far as a first year I've been having a great time: the professors are really nice, everyone around me is very intelligent, and I only get a small amount of imposter syndrome (joke). What I've... Read 1311 reviews. Overall Niche Grade: A+, Acceptance Rate: 5%, Net Price: $36,991, SAT Range: 1500-1580,

University of Southern California

  • Los Angeles, CA ·
  • · Rating 3.99 out of 5   4,113 reviews
  • Net price $36,808
  • SAT range 1450-1550

#28 Best Colleges in America. Blue checkmark. 4 Year, LOS ANGELES, CA. 4113 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars. Featured Review: Other says Academically, USC offers a rigorous yet supportive environment. The faculty are not only experts in their fields but also genuinely invested in the success of their students. I appreciated the small... Read 4113 reviews. Overall Niche Grade: A+, Acceptance Rate: 12%, Net Price: $36,808, SAT Range: 1450-1550,

  • Sponsored Find Student Loan Options
  • 4 Ways to Pay for College
  • 2025 Best Colleges with Playwriting and Screenwriting Degrees

Emory University

  • Atlanta, GA ·
  • · Rating 3.84 out of 5   1,634 reviews
  • Net price $26,680
  • SAT range 1430-1550

#34 Best Colleges in America. Blue checkmark. 4 Year, ATLANTA, GA. 1634 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars. Featured Review: Senior says Emory University in general is a very prestigious school. The school is one of the best in the country and in Atlanta. In general, Emory's medical and related majors are the best, but the overall... Read 1634 reviews. Overall Niche Grade: A+, Acceptance Rate: 11%, Net Price: $26,680, SAT Range: 1430-1550,

Wellesley College

  • Wellesley, MA ·
  • · Rating 3.77 out of 5   639 reviews
  • Acceptance rate 14%
  • Net price $21,362

#44 Best Colleges in America. Blue checkmark. 4 Year, WELLESLEY, MA. 639 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars. Featured Review: Freshman says Wellesley College is a top 5 liberal arts college which means amazing professors with astounding credentials, successful alumnae who change the world, delicious ice cream every day, beautiful campus... Read 639 reviews. Overall Niche Grade: A+, Acceptance Rate: 14%, Net Price: $21,362, SAT Range: 1430-1550,

University of Texas - Austin

  • Austin, TX ·
  • · Rating 4.01 out of 5   6,862 reviews
  • Acceptance rate 31%
  • Net price $17,434
  • SAT range 1230-1500

#45 Best Colleges in America. Blue checkmark. 4 Year, AUSTIN, TX. 6862 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars. Featured Review: Freshman says I absolutely love UT Austin! It's the best university in the country, with incredible research opportunities and top programs in various fields. The campus is beautiful and easily accessible, nestled... Read 6862 reviews. Overall Niche Grade: A+, Acceptance Rate: 31%, Net Price: $17,434, SAT Range: 1230-1500,

University of Miami

  • Coral Gables, FL ·
  • · Rating 3.87 out of 5   3,115 reviews
  • Acceptance rate 19%
  • Net price $36,467
  • SAT range 1310-1480

#53 Best Colleges in America. Blue checkmark. 4 Year, CORAL GABLES, FL. 3115 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars. Featured Review: Works Here says I truly enjoy my experience at the University of Miami. The university has not only provided me with a beautiful campus environment but also access to incredibly knowledgeable professors who are... Read 3115 reviews. Overall Niche Grade: A+, Acceptance Rate: 19%, Net Price: $36,467, SAT Range: 1310-1480,

Hamilton College

  • Clinton, NY ·
  • · Rating 3.71 out of 5   494 reviews
  • Net price $24,503
  • SAT range 1420-1540

#54 Best Colleges in America. Blue checkmark. 4 Year, CLINTON, NY. 494 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars. Featured Review: Sophomore says Hamilton is a college that fosters a studious and tight-knit community. The small class sizes make it easy to reach out to and get to know the professors and your peers in each class, and professors... Read 494 reviews. Overall Niche Grade: A+, Acceptance Rate: 12%, Net Price: $24,503, SAT Range: 1420-1540,

Haverford College

  • Haverford, PA ·
  • · Rating 3.93 out of 5   276 reviews
  • Net price $23,476
  • SAT range 1430-1540

#60 Best Colleges in America. Blue checkmark. 4 Year, HAVERFORD, PA. 276 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars. Featured Review: Alum says An exceptional institution, grounded in open dialogue and compassion for fellow citizens at a time when both are under threat. Its clearly felt Quaker spirit pervades the campus culture in the best... Read 276 reviews. Overall Niche Grade: A+, Acceptance Rate: 14%, Net Price: $23,476, SAT Range: 1430-1540,

University of Washington

  • Seattle, WA ·
  • · Rating 3.8 out of 5   4,738 reviews
  • Acceptance rate 48%
  • Net price $10,603
  • SAT range —

#62 Best Colleges in America. 4 Year, SEATTLE, WA. 4738 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars. Featured Review: Freshman says Since I was very little, I wanted to attend the University of Washington. Now that I am here, it feels surreal--almost like a dream. I'm taking classes I've always wanted to take, and it's been... Read 4738 reviews. Overall Niche Grade: A+, Acceptance Rate: 48%, Net Price: $10,603,

Purdue University

  • West Lafayette, IN ·
  • · Rating 3.84 out of 5   5,218 reviews
  • Acceptance rate 53%
  • Net price $12,576
  • SAT range 1200-1470

#67 Best Colleges in America. 4 Year, WEST LAFAYETTE, IN. 5218 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars. Featured Review: Sophomore says I chose Purdue because it was easy to picture myself in its diversity of programs and students. I am thankful for the opportunity to be in this space. I appreciate how there is always something to... Read 5218 reviews. Overall Niche Grade: A+, Acceptance Rate: 53%, Net Price: $12,576, SAT Range: 1200-1470,

Macalester College

  • Saint Paul, MN ·
  • · Rating 3.81 out of 5   483 reviews
  • grade  A Overall Niche Grade
  • Acceptance rate 28%
  • Net price $36,095
  • SAT range 1340-1500

#82 Best Colleges in America. Blue checkmark. 4 Year, SAINT PAUL, MN. 483 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars. Featured Review: Senior says Overall, Macalester offers a great liberal arts education. Most notably, the quality of teaching stood out the most for me because (most) professors sought out unique methods of assessment that I... Read 483 reviews. Overall Niche Grade: A, Acceptance Rate: 28%, Net Price: $36,095, SAT Range: 1340-1500,

Southern Methodist University

  • Dallas, TX ·
  • · Rating 3.87 out of 5   1,595 reviews
  • Acceptance rate 52%
  • Net price $45,094
  • SAT range 1370-1510

#83 Best Colleges in America. Blue checkmark. 4 Year, DALLAS, TX. 1595 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars. Featured Review: Other says As an LLM student at SMU, I couldn’t be happier with my experience! The campus is beautiful, the faculty is incredibly supportive, and the academic environment is both challenging and rewarding. SMU... Read 1595 reviews. Overall Niche Grade: A, Acceptance Rate: 52%, Net Price: $45,094, SAT Range: 1370-1510,

Colby College

  • Waterville, ME ·
  • · Rating 3.9 out of 5   681 reviews
  • Acceptance rate 8%
  • Net price $16,951

#84 Best Colleges in America. Blue checkmark. 4 Year, WATERVILLE, ME. 681 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars. Featured Review: Freshman says The sterotype of this college is that we're crunchy, socially awkward, and wealthy. While there are quite a few people like this, there are all kinds of other people as well, and most people can... Read 681 reviews. Overall Niche Grade: A, Acceptance Rate: 8%, Net Price: $16,951, SAT Range: 1430-1540,

University of Pittsburgh

  • · Rating 3.76 out of 5   4,419 reviews
  • Acceptance rate 49%
  • Net price $24,286
  • SAT range 1280-1470

#92 Best Colleges in America. Blue checkmark. 4 Year, PITTSBURGH, PA. 4419 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars. Featured Review: Freshman says Pitt offers an amazing academic and social experience in a great city for a reasonable price. The academics at Pitt are top notch- the best professors and class options. The students are as diverse... Read 4419 reviews. Overall Niche Grade: A, Acceptance Rate: 49%, Net Price: $24,286, SAT Range: 1280-1470,

George Washington University

  • Washington, DC ·
  • · Rating 3.67 out of 5   2,276 reviews
  • Net price $42,723
  • SAT range 1330-1490

#100 Best Colleges in America. Blue checkmark. 4 Year, WASHINGTON, DC. 2276 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars. Featured Review: Freshman says I’m from Northern Virginia, so I’m quite familiar with the D.C. area. I really enjoy the comfortable feel of the Mount Vernon campus, where I currently live, and appreciate the city vibe of Foggy... Read 2276 reviews. Overall Niche Grade: A, Acceptance Rate: 49%, Net Price: $42,723, SAT Range: 1330-1490,

La Sierra University

  • RIVERSIDE, CA
  • · Rating 3.55 out of 5   772

Yeshiva University

  • NEW YORK, NY
  • · Rating 3.86 out of 5   296

Cleveland State University

  • CLEVELAND, OH
  • · Rating 3.66 out of 5   2,030

Showing results 1 through 25 of 348

  • Best Colleges
  • Application Advice

best creative writing programs united states

  • Hidden Gem Colleges

The 10 Best Creative Writing MFA Programs in the US

The talent is there. 

But the next generation of great American writers needs a collegial place to hone their craft. 

They need a place to explore the writer’s role in a wider community. 

They really need guidance about how and when to publish. 

All these things can be found in a solid Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing degree program. This degree offers access to mentors, to colleagues, and to a future in the writing world. 

A good MFA program gives new writers a precious few years to focus completely on their work, an ideal space away from the noise and pressure of the fast-paced modern world. 

We’ve found ten of the best ones, all of which provide the support, the creative stimulation, and the tranquility necessary to foster a mature writer.

We looked at graduate departments from all regions, public and private, all sizes, searching for the ten most inspiring Creative Writing MFA programs. 

Each of these ten institutions has assembled stellar faculties, developed student-focused paths of study, and provide robust support for writers accepted into their degree programs. 

To be considered for inclusion in this list, these MFA programs all must be fully-funded degrees, as recognized by Read The Workshop .

Creative Writing education has broadened and expanded over recent years, and no single method or plan fits for all students. 

Today, MFA programs across the country give budding short story writers and poets a variety of options for study. For future novelists, screenwriters – even viral bloggers – the search for the perfect setting for their next phase of development starts with these outstanding institutions, all of which have developed thoughtful and particular approaches to study.

So where will the next Salinger scribble his stories on the steps of the student center, or the next Angelou reading her poems in the local bookstore’s student-run poetry night? At one of these ten programs.

Here are 10 of the best creative writing MFA programs in the US.

University of Oregon (Eugene, OR)

University of Oregon

Starting off the list is one of the oldest and most venerated Creative Writing programs in the country, the MFA at the University of Oregon. 

Longtime mentor, teacher, and award-winning poet Garrett Hongo directs the program, modeling its studio-based approach to one-on-one instruction in the English college system. 

Oregon’s MFA embraces its reputation for rigor. Besides attending workshops and tutorials, students take classes in more formal poetics and literature.  

A classic college town, Eugene provides an ideal backdrop for the writers’ community within Oregon’s MFA students and faculty.  

Tsunami Books , a local bookseller with national caché, hosts student-run readings featuring writers from the program. 

Graduates garner an impressive range of critical acclaim; Yale Younger Poet winner Brigit Pegeen Kelly, Cave Canem Prize winner and Guggenheim fellow Major Jackson, and PEN-Hemingway Award winner Chang-Rae Lee are noteworthy alumni. 

With its appealing setting and impressive reputation, Oregon’s MFA program attracts top writers as visiting faculty, including recent guests Elizabeth McCracken, David Mura, and Li-young Lee.

The individual approach defines the Oregon MFA experience; a key feature of the program’s first year is the customized reading list each MFA student creates with their faculty guide. 

Weekly meetings focus not only on the student’s writing, but also on the extended discovery of voice through directed reading. 

Accepting only ten new students a year—five in poetry and five in fiction— the University of Oregon’s MFA ensures a close-knit community with plenty of individual coaching and guidance.

Cornell University (Ithaca, NY)

Cornell University

Cornell University’s MFA program takes the long view on life as a writer, incorporating practical editorial training and teaching experience into its two-year program.

Incoming MFA students choose their own faculty committee of at least two faculty members, providing consistent advice as they move through a mixture of workshop and literature classes. 

Students in the program’s first year benefit from editorial training as readers and editors for Epoch , the program’s prestigious literary journal.

Teaching experience grounds the Cornell program. MFA students design and teach writing-centered undergraduate seminars on a variety of topics, and they remain in Ithaca during the summer to teach in programs for undergraduates. 

Cornell even allows MFA graduates to stay on as lecturers at Cornell for a period of time while they are on the job search. Cornell also offers a joint MFA/Ph.D. program through the Creative Writing and English departments.

Endowments fund several acclaimed reading series, drawing internationally known authors to campus for workshops and work sessions with MFA students. 

Recent visiting readers include Salman Rushdie, Sandra Cisneros, Billy Collins, Margaret Atwood, Ada Limón, and others. 

Arizona State University (Tempe, AZ)

Arizona State University

Arizona State’s MFA in Creative Writing spans three years, giving students ample time to practice their craft, develop a voice, and begin to find a place in the post-graduation literary world. 

Coursework balances writing and literature classes equally, with courses in craft and one-on-one mentoring alongside courses in literature, theory, or even electives in topics like fine press printing, bookmaking, or publishing. 

While students follow a path in either poetry or fiction, they are encouraged to take courses across the genres.

Teaching is also a focus in Arizona State’s MFA program, with funding coming from teaching assistantships in the school’s English department. Other exciting teaching opportunities include teaching abroad in locations around the world, funded through grants and internships.

The Virginia C. Piper Center for Creative Writing, affiliated with the program, offers Arizona State MFA students professional development in formal and informal ways. 

The Distinguished Writers Series and Desert Nights, Rising Stars Conference bring world-class writers to campus, allowing students to interact with some of the greatest in the profession. Acclaimed writer and poet Alberto Ríos directs the Piper Center.

Arizona State transitions students to the world after graduation through internships with publishers like Four Way Books. 

Its commitment to the student experience and its history of producing acclaimed writers—recent examples include Tayari Jones (Oprah’s Book Club, 2018; Women’s Prize for Fiction, 2019), Venita Blackburn ( Prairie Schooner Book Prize, 2018), and Hugh Martin ( Iowa Review Jeff Sharlet Award for Veterans)—make Arizona State University’s MFA a consistent leader among degree programs.

University of Texas at Austin (Austin, TX)

University of Texas at Austin

The University of Texas at Austin’s MFA program, the Michener Center for Writers, maintains one of the most vibrant, exciting, active literary faculties of any MFA program.

Denis Johnson D.A. Powell, Geoff Dyer, Natasha Trethewey, Margot Livesey, Ben Fountain: the list of recent guest faculty boasts some of the biggest names in current literature.

This three-year program fully funds candidates without teaching fellowships or assistantships; the goal is for students to focus entirely on their writing. 

More genre tracks at the Michener Center mean students can choose two focus areas, a primary and secondary, from Fiction, Poetry, Screenwriting, and Playwriting.

The Michener Center for Writers plays a prominent role in contemporary writing of all kinds. 

The hip, student-edited Bat City Review accepts work of all genres, visual art, cross genres, collaborative, and experimental pieces.  

Recent events for illustrious alumni include New Yorker publications, an Oprah Book Club selection, a screenwriting prize, and a 2021 Pulitzer (for visiting faculty member Mitchell Jackson). 

In this program, students are right in the middle of all the action of contemporary American literature.

Washington University in St. Louis (St. Louis, MO)

Washington University in St. Louis

The MFA in Creative Writing at Washington University in St. Louis is a program on the move: applicants have almost doubled here in the last five years. 

Maybe this sudden growth of interest comes from recent rising star alumni on the literary scene, like Paul Tran, Miranda Popkey, and National Book Award winner Justin Phillip Reed.

Or maybe it’s the high profile Washington University’s MFA program commands, with its rotating faculty post through the Hurst Visiting Professor program and its active distinguished reader series. 

Superstar figures like Alison Bechdel and George Saunders have recently held visiting professorships, maintaining an energetic atmosphere program-wide.

Washington University’s MFA program sustains a reputation for the quality of the mentorship experience. 

With only five new students in each genre annually, MFA candidates form close cohorts among their peers and enjoy attentive support and mentorship from an engaged and vigorous faculty. 

Three genre tracks are available to students: fiction, poetry, and the increasingly relevant and popular creative nonfiction.

Another attractive feature of this program: first-year students are fully funded, but not expected to take on a teaching role until their second year. 

A generous stipend, coupled with St. Louis’s low cost of living, gives MFA candidates at Washington University the space to develop in a low-stress but stimulating creative environment.

Indiana University (Bloomington, IN)

Indiana University

It’s one of the first and biggest choices students face when choosing an MFA program: two-year or three-year? 

Indiana University makes a compelling case for its three-year program, in which the third year of support allows students an extended period of time to focus on the thesis, usually a novel or book-length collection.

One of the older programs on the list, Indiana’s MFA dates back to 1948. 

Its past instructors and alumni read like the index to an American Literature textbook. 

How many places can you take classes in the same place Robert Frost once taught, not to mention the program that granted its first creative writing Master’s degree to David Wagoner? Even today, the program’s integrity and reputation draw faculty like Ross Gay and Kevin Young.

Indiana’s Creative Writing program houses two more literary institutions, the Indiana Review, and the Indiana University Writers’ Conference. 

Students make up the editorial staff of this lauded literary magazine, in some cases for course credit or a stipend. An MFA candidate serves each year as assistant director of the much-celebrated and highly attended conference . 

These two facets of Indiana’s program give graduate students access to visiting writers, professional experience, and a taste of the writing life beyond academia.

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (Ann Arbor, MI)

University of Michigan College of Literature, Science, and the Arts

The University of Michigan’s Helen Zell Writers’ Program cultivates its students with a combination of workshop-driven course work and vigorous programming on and off-campus. Inventive new voices in fiction and poetry consistently emerge from this two-year program.

The campus hosts multiple readings, events, and contests, anchored by the Zell Visiting Writers Series. The Hopgood Awards offer annual prize money to Michigan creative writing students . 

The department cultivates relationships with organizations and events around Detroit, so whether it’s introducing writers at Literati bookstore or organizing writing retreats in conjunction with local arts organizations, MFA candidates find opportunities to cultivate a community role and public persona as a writer.

What happens after graduation tells the big story of this program. Michigan produces heavy hitters in the literary world, like Celeste Ng, Jesmyn Ward, Elizabeth Kostova, Nate Marshall, Paisley Rekdal, and Laura Kasischke. 

Their alumni place their works with venerable houses like Penguin and Harper Collins, longtime literary favorites Graywolf and Copper Canyon, and the new vanguard like McSweeney’s, Fence, and Ugly Duckling Presse.

University of Minnesota (Minneapolis, MN)

University of Minnesota

Structure combined with personal attention and mentorship characterizes the University of Minnesota’s Creative Writing MFA, starting with its unique program requirements. 

In addition to course work and a final thesis, Minnesota’s MFA candidates assemble a book list of personally significant works on literary craft, compose a long-form essay on their writing process, and defend their thesis works with reading in front of an audience.

Literary journal Great River Review and events like the First Book reading series and Mill City Reading series do their part to expand the student experience beyond the focus on the internal. 

The Edelstein-Keller Visiting Writer Series draws exceptional, culturally relevant writers like Chuck Klosterman and Claudia Rankine for readings and student conversations. 

Writer and retired University of Minnesota instructor Charles Baxter established the program’s Hunger Relief benefit , aiding Minnesota’s Second Harvest Heartland organization. 

Emblematic of the program’s vision of the writer in service to humanity, this annual contest and reading bring together distinguished writers, students, faculty, and community members in favor of a greater goal.

Brown University (Providence, RI)

Brown University

One of the top institutions on any list, Brown University features an elegantly-constructed Literary Arts Program, with students choosing one workshop and one elective per semester. 

The electives can be taken from any department at Brown; especially popular choices include Studio Art and other coursework through the affiliated Rhode Island School of Design. The final semester consists of thesis construction under the supervision of the candidate’s faculty advisor.

Brown is the only MFA program to feature, in addition to poetry and fiction tracks, the Digital/Cross Disciplinary track . 

This track attracts multidisciplinary writers who need the support offered by Brown’s collaboration among music, visual art, computer science, theater and performance studies, and other departments. 

The interaction with the Rhode Island School of Design also allows those artists interested in new forms of media to explore and develop their practice, inventing new forms of art and communication.

Brown’s Literary Arts Program focuses on creating an atmosphere where students can refine their artistic visions, supported by like-minded faculty who provide the time and materials necessary to innovate. 

Not only has the program produced trailblazing writers like Percival Everett and Otessa Moshfegh, but works composed by alumni incorporating dance, music, media, and theater have been performed around the world, from the stage at Kennedy Center to National Public Radio.

University of Iowa (Iowa City, IA)

University of Iowa

When most people hear “MFA in Creative Writing,” it’s the Iowa Writers’ Workshop they imagine. 

The informal name of the University of Iowa’s Program in Creative Writing, the Iowa Writers’ Workshop was the first to offer an MFA, back in 1936. 

One of the first diplomas went to renowned writer Wallace Stegner, who later founded the MFA program at Stanford.

 It’s hard to argue with seventeen Pulitzer Prize winners and six U.S. Poets Laureate. The Iowa Writers’ Workshop is the root system of the MFA tree.

The two-year program balances writing courses with coursework in other graduate departments at the university. In addition to the book-length thesis, a written exam is part of the student’s last semester.

Because the program represents the quintessential idea of a writing program, it attracts its faculty positions, reading series, events, and workshops the brightest lights of the literary world. 

The program’s flagship literary magazine, the Iowa Review , is a lofty goal for writers at all stages of their career. 

At the Writers’ Workshop, tracks include not only fiction, poetry, playwriting, and nonfiction, but also Spanish creative writing and literary translation. Their reading series in association with Prairie Lights bookstore streams online and is heard around the world.

Iowa’s program came into being in answer to the central question posed to each one of these schools: can writing be taught? 

The answer for a group of intrepid, creative souls in 1936 was, actually, “maybe not.” 

But they believed it could be cultivated; each one of these institutions proves it can be, in many ways, for those willing to commit the time and imagination.

Related Posts

UT Medicine San Antonio

Dental hygiene has become a popular profession for students wanting to enter the health profession.…

Nova Southeastern University

Ranked as the #1 healthcare job, physician assistants enjoy an exciting and fulfilling career. PAs…

Best Colleges for Phlebotomy

In 2019 there were over 130,000 phlebotomists nationwide. These medical professionals are responsible for drawing…

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

University of Manchester

The Best Universities in Europe

University of Tokyo

The 10 Best Universities in Japan

Syracuse University Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs

The Best Master’s in Public Administration Programs in the US

Stanford Graduate School of Education

The Best Master’s in Education Programs

Goucher College

10 Colleges With Amazing Study Abroad Programs

Vanderbilt Peabody College of Education and Human Development

The Best Early Childhood Education Colleges

best creative writing programs united states

POPULAR POSTS

UC Santa Barbara

The 10 Best Marine Biology Colleges in the US

Southern College of Optometry

Here Are the 10 Best Optometry Schools in the US

Harvard University School of Dental Medicine

Here Are the 10 Best Dental Schools in the US

Popular category.

  • Acceptance Rates 253
  • Hidden Gem Colleges 81
  • Medical Schools 76
  • Ivy League Schools 62
  • Law Schools 49
  • Performing Arts 45
  • Art Schools 42
  • Health Sciences 40
  • Summer Programs 39
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy

best creative writing programs united states

Best Creative Writing colleges in the U.S. 2024

Creative writing is about artistically sharing emotions, thoughts, and opinions on a subject; not just relaying information. Courses include American literature, editing and proofing, fundamentals of writing, world literature, Shakespeare, screenwriting fundamentals, fiction fundamentals, writing nonfiction, and poetry writing. Creative writing covers both nonfiction and fiction, but the predominant types of creative writing are poetry and fiction, which includes novels, short stories, novellas, and flash fiction. Playwriting, screenwriting, journaling, and memoirs are other typical forms.

Students will learn how to use written language to communicate more clearly in their professional and personal lives and move beyond proficient mechanics to writing craftily in an attempt to evoke emotions and express points of view. Careers for creative writers?outside of being a creative writer?include blogger, journalist, composition teacher, copywriter, scriptwriter, and novelist. Creative writers must understand the importance of deadlines and have well-researched writing samples in order to move up the career ladder. The median annual wage of writers and authors was more than $50,000 in May 2010. Religious, professional, and civic industries employed the most writers followed by newspapers and book industries. Creative writers may also be freelance writers. Freelance writers are self-employed individuals who make a living selling their content to publishers. They may simultaneously work on multiple assignments for numerous companies depending on individual financial goals.

Best Creative Writing colleges in the U.S. for 2024

best creative writing programs united states

Brown University offers 3 Creative Writing degree programs. It's a large, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a midsize city. In 2022, 48 Creative Writing students graduated with students earning 38 Bachelor's degrees, and 10 Master's degrees.

best creative writing programs united states

Northwestern University offers 3 Creative Writing degree programs. It's a very large, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a small city. In 2022, 11 Creative Writing students graduated with students earning 10 Master's degrees, and 1 Bachelor's degree.

best creative writing programs united states

Johns Hopkins University offers 4 Creative Writing degree programs. It's a very large, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large city. In 2022, 80 Creative Writing students graduated with students earning 47 Master's degrees, 29 Bachelor's degrees, and 4 Certificates.

best creative writing programs united states

University of Southern California offers 2 Creative Writing degree programs. It's a very large, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large city. In 2022, 37 Creative Writing students graduated with students earning 37 Bachelor's degrees.

best creative writing programs united states

University of Notre Dame offers 1 Creative Writing degree programs. It's a large, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large suburb. In 2022, 4 Creative Writing students graduated with students earning 4 Master's degrees.

best creative writing programs united states

University of Virginia-Main Campus offers 1 Creative Writing degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a small suburb. In 2022, 6 Creative Writing students graduated with students earning 6 Master's degrees.

best creative writing programs united states

Columbia University in the City of New York offers 2 Creative Writing degree programs. It's a very large, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large city. In 2022, 174 Creative Writing students graduated with students earning 124 Master's degrees, and 50 Bachelor's degrees.

best creative writing programs united states

The University of Texas at Austin offers 2 Creative Writing degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a large city. In 2022, 100 Creative Writing students graduated with students earning 81 Certificates, and 19 Master's degrees.

best creative writing programs united states

Cornell University offers 1 Creative Writing degree programs. It's a very large, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a small city. In 2022, 7 Creative Writing students graduated with students earning 7 Master's degrees.

best creative writing programs united states

Vanderbilt University offers 1 Creative Writing degree programs. It's a large, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large city. In 2022, 6 Creative Writing students graduated with students earning 6 Master's degrees.

Find local colleges with Creative Writing majors in the U.S.

List of all creative writing colleges in the u.s..

  • Link to facebook
  • Link to linkedin
  • Link to twitter
  • Link to youtube
  • Writing Tips

The 13 Best Colleges for Creative Writing Degrees

The 13 Best Colleges for Creative Writing Degrees

  • 16-minute read
  • 23rd February 2023

So, you want to pursue a creative writing degree program in the United States. Wonderful! If you are passionate about writing and you’re an avid reader, a career in fiction writing would be the way to go! When it comes to choosing the right MFA (Master of Fine Arts) program – in this case, creative writing – you might be wondering which schools have the best program. What career opportunities are there after graduation? What courses will I take in the program? What’s the admission process like?

A creative writing program will immerse you in your craft, help you develop writing discipline, and provide critical feedback on your writing. The program should also be highly reputable and produce top-quality writers.

You must decide whether you want to attend a public or a private college . This choice can be important because of student population size, tuition fees, and reputation. Private colleges will be considerably more expensive than public ones. Do you want to attend college in a small town or a big city? Is the school located somewhere that can provide ample writing inspiration? It’s important to know that some schools provide more student opportunities in their program, yet others have stronger networking connections. This distinction can be crucial once you’ve graduated from the program.

This post will highlight the benefits of a creative writing degree, including career opportunities after graduation. We’ll also discuss what you’ll need to apply. Finally, we’ll highlight our top list of creative writing schools in the United S tates. After you’ve read this post, you’ll better understand the opportunities these schools provide.

What Is a Creative Writing Degree?

A creative writing degree prepares you for a career as a writer of fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, or drama. It’s also suitable for those wishing to enter the field of editing or publishing. The program immerses students in writing and provides valuable writing opportunities and feedback.

Career Opportunities After Graduation

Graduates usually find jobs as authors, copywriters, journalists, editors, columnists, or screenwriters. Additionally, graduates find opportunities to become editors for big publishing agencies, which work with some of the most famous best-selling fiction authors.

What Subjects Are Typically Covered?

You can expect to take plenty of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry workshops. Almost all programs provide compulsory introduction to fiction and poetry classes. In addition, you’ll likely take courses in screenwriting, medieval literature, and traditions in fiction. Finally, some courses focus on writing prompts (a daddy for writing inspiration).

Factors to Consider in Choosing a College for a Creative Writing Degree

Although the following factors will vary from college to college, you should consider them carefully:

●  Location and campus culture

●  Faculty and resources available

●  Alumni network and professional connections

●  Internships and work opportunities (internships will provide valuable work experience)

Admission Process

You should know that many creative writing degree programs are very selective. For this reason, you’ll need to prove your passion for writing and reading. First, you’ll need to apply to the college of your choice. This will mean submitting an admission essay as well as the application form. Creative writing degree programs will also want a writing sample, such as a poem or a short story. However, these don’t have to be works you’ve published.

Additionally, you’ll need to submit the following to your chosen college:

●  Referee information (must not be a friend or a relative)

●  Official transcripts

●  TOEFL or IELTS test results (if English is not your native language)

●  GRE scores

Gathering all required documentation for admission will be time-consuming, so you’ll want to get started early. Ideally, you should start applying nine months before your program begins. For example, if the program starts in August, you should begin applying in November of the previous year.

1. Northwestern University

Established in 1851, Northwestern University is located in Evanston, Illinois (just outside Chicago). With approximately 22,000 students, it’s a private institution with a six-to-one student-to-faculty ratio. Professors in the creative writing program are award-winning authors. Northwestern is known for producing successful authors such as Karen Russell and Veronica Roth . It also features a top journalism program. Students in the creative writing program can get involved with the student-run literary journal, intern at a Chicago publication, or submit an entry to the yearly writing competition of the English Department.

Additionally, students can learn from talented writers at the Annual Writers’ Festival . Students can even submit their work to the school’s annual writing competition. So, if gaining professional writing experience is important, Northwestern might just be what you’re looking for! Plus, Chicago’s iconic landmarks and lakeside beaches provide robust inspiration for writers!

“My Northwestern creative workshops, where I honed my editorial skills, were instrumental in setting me down a career path in publishing.”

–  Laura Biagi, Class of 2009

2. Columbia University

Located in New York City (known colloquially as the Big Apple), Columbia was established in 1754. It’s the fifth-oldest American institution of higher learning. It has around 36,000 students, and people consider it one of the great elite private colleges in America. Like Northwestern, Columbia has a world-class creative writing program and a top journalism school. Great writers have attended Columbia, including J.D. Salinger and Federico Garcia Lorca. The creative writing curriculum includes rigorous writing workshops at all levels and seminars exclusively for creative writing students. In these workshops, students produce original works of writing and submit them to classmates and professors for critical analysis. To study at Columbia is to be part of a distinguished group of like-minded writers.

If that isn’t enough to convince you, many consider New York City America’s literary capital. It’s home to major publishing houses, literary journals, picturesque parks, iconic landmarks, and talented authors from around the globe. The Big Apple has no shortage of inspiration for prospective writers!

“Before being accepted into the program, I didn’t have the confidence to critique my work seriously.”

–  Mary Mann, Class of 2015

3. University of Iowa

If you prefer to study in a location away from the hustle and bustle of a big city, the University of Iowa might be your answer! Founded in 1847, this public institution has about 31,000 students. It’s located in Iowa City, and the nearest major city is Chicago. However, studying in Iowa can provide an opportunity to go off the beaten path.

Here are some highlights of the university and Iowa City:

●  Iowa City is a designated UNESCO City of Literature.

●  The city’s annual Book Festival attracts people from across the American Midwest.

●  The MFA of the university’s nonfiction writing program has been voted number one in creative nonfiction in the United States.

●  Students have access to the university’s literary community, which offers frequent readings, writing prizes and scholarships, and The Iowa Review , an acclaimed literary journal.

●  Tennessee Williams is an alumnus of the program.

●  Like Columbia, the University of Iowa strongly values the workshop method.

We recommend checking out this video for a deeper dive into the world of creative writing at Iowa.

4. Emory University

Emory, founded in 1836, is a private research university in Atlanta, Georgia. If you prefer a university in a warm climate, Atlanta is a good choice. Compared with cities in the northern states, Atlanta experiences mild winters, though you might get cold snaps and the odd snowfall. Emory has around 15,000 students and has an affiliation with the United Methodist Church.

Emory’s dedicated undergraduate creative writing program draws distinguished visiting scholars and writers. Other notable program highlights include:

●  Opportunities to attend intimate question-and-answer sessions with award-winning authors

●  Faculty who are professional practitioners in the writing field

Find this useful?

Subscribe to our newsletter and get writing tips from our editors straight to your inbox.

●  Studies in a range of genres, such as fiction, poetry, screenwriting, and playwriting

●  Annual writing contests

●  Writing awards and scholarships

●  The opportunity to work closely with an adviser to complete an honors project

Students will also find writing opportunities outside the classroom in the Atlanta area. The city has several writing organizations and clubs, such as the Atlanta Writers Club , the Georgia Writers Association , and Village Writers Group.

5. Oberlin College

Founded in 1833, Oberlin is a small liberal arts college in Oberlin, Ohio, 31 miles south of Cleveland. It has just under 3,000 students. If you’re seeking a really small school, Oberlin is worth pursuing! It’s known for the robust quality of teachers and the variety of courses in the creative writing program. Two of the courses are Plot and Structure and Race and Poetic Innovation. In addition, you’ll find a robust workshop culture at Oberlin. The downside is that the city lacks opportunities to pursue writing. However, great opportunities exist in other Ohio cities, such as Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati. Moreover, Ohio is the home of the late American novelist Toni Morrison.

It’s worth mentioning that Oberlin’s creative writing program has notable alumni, such as Lena Dunham , an actress and writer.

“I feel so consistently lucky to have such dedicated professors. Everyone I’ve worked with in the Creative Writing Program deeply cares about their students both as writers and as people. Classes are small, so you’re able to actually know and trust each other, which is important for productive workshopping.”

–  Fiona Warnick, Class of 2022

6. Hamilton College

Chartered as a college in 1812, Hamilton is in the upstate New York village of Clinton, between Syracuse and Albany. It has 2,000 students and 1,350 acres of campus space. Hamilton strongly believes in giving students the freedom to pursue their own interests, an ethos that explains why the college’s motto is “Know Thyself.”

Hamilton’s creative writing program is known for its small classes and plentiful opportunities to intern and publish. Hamilton also has one of the best writing centers in the nation. Students take courses that balance literary study with poetry and prose workshops. The program emphasizes learning to write with attentiveness to form and genre. Students write a creative project that demonstrates originality and attention to language.

If you like a creative writing school that’s “current with the times,” Hamilton has recently renovated List Hall, which houses the program. The hall features collaborative spaces for students and a new landscaped entrance.

7. Brown University

Founded in 1764, Brown is a leading research university in Providence, Rhode Island. Brown’s student-centered learning and deep sense of purpose make it distinct. In fact, many American high schoolers dream of studying at Brown! It has just under 10,000 students, and its literary arts program is one of the top MFAs in the United States. Students can choose one of three tracks: fiction, poetry, or digital/cross-disciplinary writing – a plus if your aim is fiction writing, for example! Although students must take certain classes, they can design much of their curriculum. Brown also provides financial aid to students in the program through a first-year fellowship. Additionally, students can teach undergraduate workshops during their second year. Brown is a special place for writers who envision new paths in fiction, poetry, and digital language arts.

8.  Washington University in St. Louis

It might surprise you that Washington University is in St. Louis, Missouri, rather than Washington, DC. Since 1853, Washington University has dared to challenge the unknown and taken great pride in its teaching, research, and service to society. The university has a renowned creative writing program with several scholarships. The undergraduate English program also offers a concentration, which allows students to specialize in a specific writing genre: fiction, poetry, or creative nonfiction. The program even has a special concentration in publishing! Students often find internships with companies such as Atlantic Media, Business Insider, and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.

Washington University should be on your list if you already have a specific writing genre in mind!

9.  Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

You might not associate writing with an institute of technology. However, MIT has a wonderful program that features courses in digital media, science writing, and creative writing. Since its incorporation in 1861, MIT has been educating future leaders with a three-to-one student-to-faculty ratio in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Apologies if you were expecting MIT to be in Boston. However, don’t let Cambridge put you off. The city is a haven for book lovers and writers from all walks of life, so you’ll find plenty of writing pursuits outside of class! And when it comes to finding work after graduation, the program provides lots of guidance for navigating the tricky job market.

10.  University of Michigan

If you’ve ever watched NCAA football, you’re probably familiar with the University of Michigan. Founded in Detroit in 1817, Michigan is ranked the third-best national undergraduate public university. The university’s main campus is in the small city of Ann Arbor, ranked the number one best small college town in America.

The University of Michigan has a top-notch MFA program. The undergrad creative writing sub-concentration requires students to submit applications for admittance to advanced creative writing courses. These applications provide crucial practice in building a writing portfolio and articulating an interest in creative writing. In addition, the university has two student-run literary journals: Xylem Magazine and Fortnight Literary Press . Both publish students’ best works – an excellent way to get your writing noticed!

Screenwriter Jennifer Freides graduated from the program. “I learned to read fast, manage my time, think critically, organize my thoughts, and speak with clarity at U-M.”

With nearly 50,000 students, the University of Michigan is a top choice for those looking for a big school with a great MFA program!

11.  Johns Hopkins University

This private research university was founded in 1876 in Baltimore, Maryland, and it takes its name from nineteenth-century Maryland philanthropist Johns Hopkins. With 24,000 students, Johns Hopkins (or JHU, its more common name) ranks consistently among the most prestigious universities in the United States. Novelists John Barth and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie graduated from here, as did the famous horror film director Wes Craven.

Although people know JHU more for its engineering program, it does have a reputable writing program. Students in the program take courses in philosophy and history in addition to classes in prose, poetry, and literature. The creative writing program has journalism, the arts, and publishing internship opportunities. Additionally, short story writers might be interested in the program’s Danielle Alyse Basford Writing Prize .

Baltimore is no stranger to the literary world, as the American writer Edgar Allan Poe spent several years here. His poem The Raven is the namesake of the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens. You can visit the Poe House and Museum to see the writing desk and chair where Poe created some of his famous work!

12.  Colorado College

Colorado College was founded in 1874 and is in Colorado Springs, Colorado. It’s a small liberal arts college with over 2,000 students. People know the college mainly for its Block Plan , which allows students to focus on one class per three-and-a-half-week block. Students will find that the creative writing track interweaves craft, imagination, and a lively literary framework. It includes a sequence of four writing workshops and mandatory attendance at the Visiting Writers Series. Attending readings at the Visiting Writers Series will deeply immerse students in the written word at Colorado College. In addition, students will find plenty of opportunities within the program, from AMC college writing contests to the student-led spoken word group, SpeakEasy. If you’re an outdoorsy writer, you’ll love Colorado Springs! It’s surrounded by picturesque hiking opportunities, including Garden of the Gods ! If you envision taking one class at a time at a small liberal arts school, you should consider Colorado College!

13.  New York University

New York University (NYU) is another prestigious university in New York City. It was established in 1831 and is currently the largest private university in the United States, with more than 11,000 students. It even has campuses in Abu Dhabi and Shanghai. As mentioned, New York is the American literary epicenter. Although NYU doesn’t offer a creative writing major, it’s an excellent school for aspiring writers. You’ll still find workshops in fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction. Classes are small, with a maximum of 15 students, and the school has a student-edited literary journal called West 10 th . The school also offers intensive summer writing programs in Florence and Paris, so students can develop their craft while living the writer’s life in Italy or France. The faculty consists of award-winning poets, short story writers, and novelists, and many of them have received Pulitzer Prizes and NEA Fellowships. So, although NYU lacks a creative writing major, it has a fine reputation, small classes, and ample opportunities to develop your writing craft!

So, there you have our list of top creative writing schools. Let’s recap key points from our post:

●  Creative writing programs are pretty selective, so you should be genuinely passionate about reading and writing.

●  Private schools have the best reputation and small classes. However, they can be really expensive.

●  You will need to submit at least one writing sample as part of your application.

●  Creative writing programs are heavy in workshop culture.

●  New York City is America’s literary capital.

●  Most programs have literary journals where you can submit your work.

●  A faculty of professional writers will be your teachers.

●  Graduates often go on to become authors, editors, and copywriters. Getting into publishing is also a possibility.

Whichever school you choose, it must be the right fit for you! While one might be great for some people, it might not resonate with you. Therefore, we strongly encourage you to visit the school if possible. Even a virtual tour will suffice. We also suggest reaching out to current professors for more information. You can even reach out to current or past students through LinkedIn. Finally, take your time when researching schools. Got more questions about creative writing? We recommend this video !

Thanks for reading!

1. How important is location when you are considering a creative writing program?

You’ll want to prioritize a location with a vibrant literary scene rather than one with a warm climate. There should be plenty of opportunities to engage with writing in the community outside the classroom. There should also be various career opportunities within the community after graduation.

2. What is the cost of attending a creative writing program in the United States?

The cost will depend on whether the school is public or private. Public school tuition will be roughly $17,000 to $20,000 US. On the other hand, private schools will be considerably more expensive, especially Columbia and Hamilton. You can expect tuition to be between $50,000 and $69,000 US.

 3. Where can I get feedback on my college application?

Great question! We recommend leaving this to our team of proofreading experts at Proofed! They can check for grammar and punctuation errors and ensure perfect spelling. They will also ensure that the application uses appropriate academic language. Consider submitting a 500-word document for free today!

Share this article:

Post A New Comment

Got content that needs a quick turnaround? Let us polish your work. Explore our editorial business services.

5-minute read

Free Email Newsletter Template

Promoting a brand means sharing valuable insights to connect more deeply with your audience, and...

6-minute read

How to Write a Nonprofit Grant Proposal

If you’re seeking funding to support your charitable endeavors as a nonprofit organization, you’ll need...

9-minute read

How to Use Infographics to Boost Your Presentation

Is your content getting noticed? Capturing and maintaining an audience’s attention is a challenge when...

8-minute read

Why Interactive PDFs Are Better for Engagement

Are you looking to enhance engagement and captivate your audience through your professional documents? Interactive...

7-minute read

Seven Key Strategies for Voice Search Optimization

Voice search optimization is rapidly shaping the digital landscape, requiring content professionals to adapt their...

4-minute read

Five Creative Ways to Showcase Your Digital Portfolio

Are you a creative freelancer looking to make a lasting impression on potential clients or...

Logo Harvard University

Make sure your writing is the best it can be with our expert English proofreading and editing.

Jump to navigation Skip to content

Search form

  • P&W on Facebook
  • P&W on Twitter
  • P&W on Instagram

Find details about every creative writing competition—including poetry contests, short story competitions, essay contests, awards for novels, grants for translators, and more—that we’ve published in the Grants & Awards section of Poets & Writers Magazine during the past year. We carefully review the practices and policies of each contest before including it in the Writing Contests database, the most trusted resource for legitimate writing contests available anywhere.

Find a home for your poems, stories, essays, and reviews by researching the publications vetted by our editorial staff. In the Literary Magazines database you’ll find editorial policies, submission guidelines, contact information—everything you need to know before submitting your work to the publications that share your vision for your work.

Whether you’re pursuing the publication of your first book or your fifth, use the Small Presses database to research potential publishers, including submission guidelines, tips from the editors, contact information, and more.

Research more than one hundred agents who represent poets, fiction writers, and creative nonfiction writers, plus details about the kinds of books they’re interested in representing, their clients, and the best way to contact them.

Every week a new publishing professional shares advice, anecdotes, insights, and new ways of thinking about writing and the business of books.

Find publishers ready to read your work now with our Open Reading Periods page, a continually updated resource listing all the literary magazines and small presses currently open for submissions.

Since our founding in 1970, Poets & Writers has served as an information clearinghouse of all matters related to writing. While the range of inquiries has been broad, common themes have emerged over time. Our Top Topics for Writers addresses the most popular and pressing issues, including literary agents, copyright, MFA programs, and self-publishing.

Our series of subject-based handbooks (PDF format; $4.99 each) provide information and advice from authors, literary agents, editors, and publishers. Now available: The Poets & Writers Guide to Publicity and Promotion, The Poets & Writers Guide to the Book Deal, The Poets & Writers Guide to Literary Agents, The Poets & Writers Guide to MFA Programs, and The Poets & Writers Guide to Writing Contests.

Find a home for your work by consulting our searchable databases of writing contests, literary magazines, small presses, literary agents, and more.

Subscribe to Poets & Writers Magazine for as little as $2.50 per issue

Poets & Writers lists readings, workshops, and other literary events held in cities across the country. Whether you are an author on book tour or the curator of a reading series, the Literary Events Calendar can help you find your audience.

Get the Word Out is a new publicity incubator for debut fiction writers and poets.

Research newspapers, magazines, websites, and other publications that consistently publish book reviews using the Review Outlets database, which includes information about publishing schedules, submission guidelines, fees, and more.

Well over ten thousand poets and writers maintain listings in this essential resource for writers interested in connecting with their peers, as well as editors, agents, and reading series coordinators looking for authors. Apply today to join the growing community of writers who stay in touch and informed using the Poets & Writers Directory.

Let the world know about your work by posting your events on our literary events calendar, apply to be included in our directory of writers, and more.

Subscribe to Poets & Writers Magazine for as little as $2.50 per issue

Find a writers group to join or create your own with Poets & Writers Groups. Everything you need to connect, communicate, and collaborate with other poets and writers—all in one place.

Find information about more than two hundred full- and low-residency programs in creative writing in our MFA Programs database, which includes details about deadlines, funding, class size, core faculty, and more. Also included is information about more than fifty MA and PhD programs.

Whether you are looking to meet up with fellow writers, agents, and editors, or trying to find the perfect environment to fuel your writing practice, the Conferences & Residencies is the essential resource for information about well over three hundred writing conferences, writers residencies, and literary festivals around the world.

Discover historical sites, independent bookstores, literary archives, writing centers, and writers spaces in cities across the country using the Literary Places database—the best starting point for any literary journey, whether it’s for research or inspiration.

Search for jobs in education, publishing, the arts, and more within our free, frequently updated job listings for writers and poets.

Establish new connections and enjoy the company of your peers using our searchable databases of MFA programs and writers retreats, apply to be included in our directory of writers, and more.

Subscribe to Poets & Writers Magazine for as little as $2.50 per issue

  • Register for Classes

Each year the Readings & Workshops program provides support to hundreds of writers participating in literary readings and conducting writing workshops. Learn more about this program, our special events, projects, and supporters, and how to contact us.

The Maureen Egen Writers Exchange Award introduces emerging writers to the New York City literary community, providing them with a network for professional advancement.

Find information about how Poets & Writers provides support to hundreds of writers participating in literary readings and conducting writing workshops.

Subscribe to Poets & Writers Magazine for as little as $2.50 per issue

Bring the literary world to your door—at half the newsstand price. Available in print and digital editions, Poets & Writers Magazine is a must-have for writers who are serious about their craft.

View the contents and read select essays, articles, interviews, and profiles from the current issue of the award-winning Poets & Writers Magazine .

Read essays, articles, interviews, profiles, and other select content from Poets & Writers Magazine as well as Online Exclusives.

View the covers and contents of every issue of Poets & Writers Magazine , from the current edition all the way back to the first black-and-white issue in 1987.

Every day the editors of Poets & Writers Magazine scan the headlines—publishing reports, literary dispatches, academic announcements, and more—for all the news that creative writers need to know.

In our weekly series of craft essays, some of the best and brightest minds in contemporary literature explore their craft in compact form, articulating their thoughts about creative obsessions and curiosities in a working notebook of lessons about the art of writing.

The Time Is Now offers weekly writing prompts in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction to help you stay committed to your writing practice throughout the year. Sign up to get The Time Is Now, as well as a weekly book recommendation for guidance and inspiration, delivered to your inbox.

Every week a new author shares books, art, music, writing prompts, films—anything and everything—that has inspired and shaped the creative process.

Listen to original audio recordings of authors featured in Poets & Writers Magazine . Browse the archive of more than 400 author readings.

Ads in Poets & Writers Magazine and on pw.org are the best ways to reach a readership of serious poets and literary prose writers. Our audience trusts our editorial content and looks to it, and to relevant advertising, for information and guidance.

Start, renew, or give a subscription to Poets & Writers Magazine ; change your address; check your account; pay your bill; report a missed issue; contact us.

Peruse paid listings of writing contests, conferences, workshops, editing services, calls for submissions, and more.

Poets & Writers is pleased to provide free subscriptions to Poets & Writers Magazine to award-winning young writers and to high school creative writing teachers for use in their classrooms.

Read select articles from the award-winning magazine and consult the most comprehensive listing of literary grants and awards, deadlines, and prizewinners available in print.

Subscribe to Poets & Writers Magazine for as little as $2.50 per issue

  • Subscribe Now

MFA Programs Contact Form

Help us keep this database current. If you have updated information on one of the programs listed in the MFA database, let us know.

MFA Programs Database

  • Help Keep This Database Current

Our MFA database includes essential information about low- and full-residency graduate creative writing programs in the United States and other English-speaking countries to help you decide where to apply.

Adelphi University

Poetry: Jan-Henry Gray, Maya Marshall Prose: Katherine Hill, René Steinke, Igor Webb

Albertus Magnus College

Poetry: Paul Robichaud Fiction: Sarah Harris Wallman Nonfiction: Eric Schoeck

Alma College

Poetry: Leslie Contreras Schwartz, Jim Daniels, Benjamin Garcia Fiction: Karen E. Bender, Shonda Buchanan, Dhonielle Clayton, S. Kirk Walsh Creative Nonfiction: Anna Clark, Matthew Gavin Frank, Donald Quist, Robert Vivian

American University

Poetry: Kyle Dargan, David Keplinger Fiction: Dolen Perkins-Valdez, Stephanie Grant, Patricia Park Nonfiction: Rachel Louise Snyder

Antioch University

Poetry: Cathy Linh Che Prose: Lisa Locascio Nighthawk

Arcadia University

Poetry: Genevieve Betts, Michelle Reale Fiction: Stephanie Feldman, Joshua Isard, Tracey Levine, Eric Smith Literature: Matthew Heitzman, Christopher Varlack, Elizabeth Vogel, Jo Ann Weiner

Poetry: Genevieve Betts, Michelle Reale Fiction: Stephanie Feldman, Joshua Isard, Tracey Levine, Eric Smith

Arizona State University

Poetry: Sally Ball, Natalie Diaz, Alberto Álvaro Ríos, Safiya Sinclair Fiction: Matt Bell, Jenny Irish, Tara Ison, Mitchell Jackson, T. M. McNally Creative Nonfiction: Sarah Viren

Ashland University

Poetry: Dexter Booth, Marcelo Hernandez Castillo, Adam Gellings, Tess Taylor, Vanessa Angélica Villareal Fiction: Kirstin Chen, Edan Lepucki, Sarah Monette, Nayomi Munaweera, Vi Khi Nao, Naomi J. Williams, Kyle Winkler Nonfiction: Cass Donish, Kate Hopper, Lauren Markham, Thomas Mira y Lopez, Lisa Nikolidakis, Terese Mailhot

Augsburg University

Poetry: Michael Kleber-Diggs Fiction: Stephan Eirik Clark, Lindsay Starck Nonfiction: Anika Fajardo  Playwriting: Carson Kreitzer, TyLie Shider, Sarah Myers Screenwriting: Stephan Eirik Clark, Andy Froemke

Ball State University

Poetry: Katy Didden, Mark Neely Fiction: Cathy Day, Sean Lovelace Nonfiction: Jill Christman, Silas Hansen Screenwriting: Rani Deighe Crowe, Matt Mullins

Bard College

Jess Arndt, Shiv Kotecha, Mirene Arsanios, Hannah Black, Trisha Low, Christoper Perez, Julian Talamantez Brolaski, Simone White

Bath Spa University

Poetry: Lucy English, Tim Liardet, John Strachan, Samantha Walton, Gerard Woodward Fiction: Gavin James Bower, Celia Brayfield, Alexia Casale, Anne-Marie Crowhurst, Lucy English, Nathan Filer, Aminatta Forna, Samantha Harvey, Philip Hensher, Steve Hollyman, Emma Hooper, Claire Kendal, Natasha Pulley, Kate Pullinger, C.J. Skuse, Gerard Woodward Nonfiction: Celia Brayfield, Lily Dunn, Richard Kerridge Scriptwriting: Robin Mukherjee

Poetry: Lucy English, Tim Liardet, Gerard Woodward Fiction: Gavin James Bower, Celia Brayfield, Anne-Marie Crowhurst, Nathan Filer, Aminatta Forna, Samantha Harvey, Philip Hensher, Claire Kendal, Natasha Pulley, Kate Pullinger, Gerard Woodward Nonfiction: Lily Dunn, Richard Kerridge

Bay Path University

Mel Allen, Leanna James Blackwell, Jennifer Baker, Melanie Brooks, María Luisa Arroyo Cruzado, Shahnaz Habib, Susan Ito, Karol Jackowski, Yi Shun Lai, Anna Mantzaris, Meredith O’Brien, Mick Powell, Suzanne Strempek Shea, Tommy Shea, Kate Whouley

Bennington Writing Seminars at Bennington College

Poetry: Jennifer Chang, Michael Dumanis, Randall Mann, Craig Morgan Teicher, Mark Wunderlich Fiction: Peter Cameron, Jai Chakrabarti, Stacey D’Erasmo, Monica Ferrell, Rebecca Makkai, Stuart Nadler, Téa Obreht, Moriel Rothman-Zecher, Katy Simpson Smith, Taymour Soomro Nonfiction: Garrard Conley, Sabrina Orah Mark, Spencer Reece, Lance Richardson, Shawna Kay Rodenberg, Hugh Ryan, Greg Wrenn

Binghamton University

Poetry: Tina Chang, Joseph Weil Fiction: Amir Ahmdi Arian, Thomas Glave, Leslie L. Heywood, Claire Luchette, Liz Rosenberg, Jaimee Wriston-Colbert, Alexi Zentner Nonfiction: Amir Ahmdi Arian, Leslie L. Heywood

Bluegrass Writers Studio at Eastern Kentucky University

Poetry: Julie Hensley, Young Smith Fiction: Julie Hensley, Robert Dean Johnson Nonfiction: Robert Dean Johnson, Evan J. Massey Playwriting: Young Smith

Boise State University

Poetry: Martin Corless-Smith, Sara Nicholson, Taryn Schwilling Fiction: Mitch Wieland (Director), Anna Caritj Creative Nonfiction: Chris Violet Eaton, Clyde Moneyhun

Boston University

Poetry: Andrea Cohen, Karl Kirchwey, Robert Pinsky Fiction: Leslie Epstein, Jennifer Haigh, Ha Jin

Boston University—MFA in Literary Translation

Odile Cazenave, Yuri Corrigan, Margaret Litvin, Christopher Maurer, Roberta Micaleff, Robert Pinsky (advising), Stephen Scully, Sassan Tabatabai, J. Keith Vincent, William Waters, Dennis Wuerthner, Cathy Yeh, Anna Zielinska-Elliott

Bowling Green State University

Poetry: Abigail Cloud, Amorak Huey, Sharona Muir, F. Dan Rzicznek, Larissa Szporluk, Jessica Zinz-Cheresnick Fiction: Joe Celizic, Lawrence Coates, Reema Rajbanshi, Michael Schulz

Brigham Young University

Poetry: Kimberly Johnson, Lance Larsen, Michael Lavers, John Talbot Fiction: Chris Crowe, Ann Dee Ellis, Spencer Hyde, Stephen Tuttle Nonfiction: Joey Franklin, Patrick Madden

Brooklyn College

Poetry: Julie Agoos, Ben Lerner Fiction: Joshua Henkin, Madeleine Thien Playwriting: Dennis A. Allen II, Elana Greenfield

Writers.com

Creative writing programs give writers the knowledge and confidence they need to write effectively. It used to be that the MFA was the primary avenue for career-oriented writers to develop their craft, but now, with the internet, there are so many programs for writing out there. What are the best writing programs for you?

This article guides you through the current state of creative writing programs. We’ll explore MFA creative writing programs, but we’ll also look at options and opportunities outside of academia.

The most important thing is to find the right writing program for your needs as a budding author. So, let’s dive in. What should you think about when deciding between different creative writing programs?

Creative Writing Programs: Contents

About Writers.com—Writing Program to Nurture the Writer in You

Creative writing programs: what are my options, creative writing programs: factors to consider, creative writing programs: measuring 10 factors to consider, unpacking mfa creative writing programs: are they right for you, pros of the mfa, the best u.s. mfa creative writing programs, the best non-degree-conferring schools based in the united states, the best online writing schools, more resources for learning creative writing.

Writers.com has been offering creative writing programs since 1995. Whether you’re a poet, storyteller, nonfiction writer, all of the above, or somewhere in between, our courses will help nurture the writing in you.

Take a look for yourself at our upcoming schedule of online writing courses , or spend some time reading our craft blog on the art of creative writing. Your voice is a gift. Share it!

To start: what are the different creative writing programs out there? Adult writers looking to learn from a school or institution can expect at least one of these options to suit their writing needs:

  • MFA creative writing programs : These are Masters-level programs at academic institutions. They are typically 2- or 3-year programs that combine a mix of intensive class in reading, writing, workshopping, and pedagogy.
  • Low-residency MFAs : These are writing programs similar to the above, except that most of the learning is done remotely. Students are only expected to be on campus for a limited number of times during the program. Low-residencies are ideal for writers with many obligations, such as writers with families or full-time jobs.
  • Extension schools: Many universities and community colleges offer creative writing classes to their local communities. You might even get college credit from taking those classes. Some of them even offer online classes nationwide, like UCLAx or ASU. These classes are usually priced similarly to other classes at local institutions, so we’ll describe both of them together moving forward.
  • Online writing schools : These are schools that meet entirely online, though some schools might also have a local footprint, depending on where and how they’re headquartered.

Thanks to the internet, most (if not all) of these programs for writing are available options to you. Let’s get into the weeds of each program and see which might be the best fit for your work.

The best creative writing programs will meet your needs as a writer. Here are some factors to consider when choosing between programs:

  • Community: MFA cohorts often go on to form friendships and community. This certainly happens in local and online programs, too, but not as frequently, since you won’t be spending 2+ years with the same students.
  • Cost: Typically, local and online classes will cost much, much less than an MFA program.
  • Exclusivity / Prestige: Creative writing is more accessible than ever to anyone who wants to write. But, the ivory tower is still a factor to consider, especially if you have lofty publishing goals. Having an MFA, especially from a reputable university, can be a game changer in helping writers get published (though, to be clear, they are not a necessity).
  • Flexibility: No two writing programs are alike, and each will provide different levels of flexibility to your schedule. MFA programs are typically the most rigid and inflexible.
  • Immersiveness: If you want to eat, drink, and sleep inside of creative writing, an MFA will make that much easier to accomplish than simply taking a local class.
  • Length: How much time do you want to set aside for a program?
  • Level of support: All of the above options provide support, feedback, and direction in your writing. However, if you want close attention from a writer who gels with your work, you’re more likely to get that from a thesis chair at an MFA program. (Your other option would be private writing coaching , though this can also be costly.)
  • Professional development: The literary industry can be difficult to navigate, but MFA creative writing programs are more likely to help you do so. You are also more likely to make relationships that benefit your career after your program ends.
  • Rigor: There are undoubtedly rigorous classes at local and online schools, but these schools also offer plenty of classes to writers who are new to creative writing. If you’re looking for rigor and intellectual challenge, you are more likely to find this at an MFA.
  • Scholarships: Different creative writing programs offer different forms of scholarships, fellowships, and financial accessibility. Even within that, no two MFA programs or local schools are alike.

The below chart provides some insight into how different writing mentorship programs vary. Be aware that, even within one category of program, there is plenty of variation. (For example, some MFAs offer tons of professional development, and some offer very little.)

Other than their cost, MFA creative writing programs seem to be the real deal. But, even if you’re a motivated, rigorous student with a few years to set aside, don’t automatically assume MFAs are right for you.

The MFA is a huge commitment of both time and money, and while many writers have graduated from their programs feeling positively about their experiences, some writers regret their MFAs, or wish they had enrolled at a different time.

Here are some pros and cautions to consider before you start applying to MFA programs.

MFA creative writing programs, whether in-person or low-residency, will undoubtedly improve your writing. Here’s what you can expect:

  • 2+ years immersing yourself in literature and the poetics of writing.
  • Classes designed to improve the quality of your writing and help you achieve your vision for your work.
  • Semesterly workshops that provide consistent feedback on the work you produce.
  • A thesis chair and advisors who help you achieve your vision for a writing project.
  • A group of writers you befriend and form community with.
  • Lasting connections to the writing and publishing world. These will come from the friends you make, the relationships you have with your professors, and the seminars and special events your university hosts.
  • Access to publishing opportunities you might otherwise have not known about.
  • Opportunities to take classes on how to teach creative writing . These are especially useful for writers who want to teach or stay in academia, which is a popular career choice for MFA graduates.

By the end of your MFA, you will likely have a working draft of a novel, memoir, essay collection, poetry collection, or some other long-term project that you spent your program working on.

There aren’t any universal “cons” to enrolling in an MFA. Except, maybe, the student loans, which can certainly be hefty. If you’re looking for a career as a professional writer, those loans might take a while to pay off. There aren’t nearly enough opportunities for work in the literary industry, and the work that does exist often doesn’t pay the best.

So, please do consider what makes sense for you financially. The author of this article knows so many MFA graduates struggling with their student loans and unable to find jobs that pay more than $40K or $50K a year. (Added to that, many literary jobs are in-person in New York City, where it is very difficult to live on $50K/yr.)

Outside of the financial commitment, MFA creative writing programs are typically great options. But you should also be aware of why students sometimes regret their MFAs. The most common reasons I’ve heard are:

  • The writer wasn’t ready yet.
  • The writer lost their voice or sense of self.
  • Focusing on craft did not help the writer learn how to write.
  • MFAs don’t always teach the history of literature.
  • The writing program did not provide the kind of support the writer needed.

Each caution merits a brief explanation.

The writer wasn’t ready

Some writers will immediately go from undergraduate to graduate school, especially if they studied creative writing in their undergrad. Some of the writers who do this simply aren’t ready for the rigor, discipline, and immersion of the MFA program. They might also not have enough life experience to write about anything meaningfully. (This can also be true for writers who went into their MFAs in their 30s or 40s.)

Every writer is on their journey; you can’t rush yours. Have an honest conversation with yourself about the work you’re doing and the support you need. MFAs are most helpful to students who have a creative writing project in mind and want to benefit from the support of an academic institution.

If you’re unsure, you might want to take a class at a local or online writing program and gauge the difficulty of that class before immersing yourself in an MFA.

The writer lost their voice

MFA programs have their pulse on the state of the literary world. As a result, these programs might encourage you to write in a way that gets published, not in a way that’s true to your voice as an author.

There’s no other way to say this: many MFA programs produce writers with similar styles and ethics. Those writers end up sounding like one another. (To dive deeper into this concept a little, check out Stephen Marche’s article on contemporary literary voices . It’s not about MFA programs, and I don’t agree with the article in its entirety, but it does an excellent job of describing the kinds of literary voices emerging from MFA programs.)

This homogeneity is not inherently a good or bad thing, but it does create an aesthetic echo chamber. Writers, especially young writers, come out of their programs having been told how to sound in their writing. The result is: you might write a poem or story that quickly gets published, but isn’t true to your voice and spirit as an artist.

Of course, this isn’t universally true. Older writers and writers with a strong sense of voice typically come out of their MFAs having their voices strengthened. But, if you’re fresh out of undergrad or have only been writing a few years, don’t be afraid to hone your voice before studying the craft of writing at an academic institution.

The writer didn’t learn how to write

MFAs teach craft. Most MFAs focus almost exclusively on craft. Craft helps you learn the tools of writing, how to hone an effective writing style , the difference between a metaphor, simile, and analogy , etc. But it might not help you write a story or poem.

Some writers exit their MFAs knowing how to employ a parallel plot or write a braided essay , but they haven’t learned, for example, how to tell a good story . Storytelling relies on the tools of craft, but it also requires an intuition about what makes stories good and how they resonate with readers. The same is true for writing moving poetry.

Despite the heavy reading load and immersion in stories, MFAs might not hone your ear for good storytelling or poetry. As a result, some MFA graduates can write stories and poems stylishly and cleverly, but the works themselves are lackluster at a structural or intuitive level.

MFAs have narrow pedagogies

I’ll let one of my favorite contemporary authors, Elif Batuman, explain this one in this insightful article about creative writing pedagogy .

Here’s the TL;DR: most MFA creative writing programs focus exclusively on craft and on contemporary publications. They do not teach enough literary history. So a group of students might think their experiments in language or structure are exciting, interesting, and new , when in fact those experiments had already been done 100 years ago.

This doesn’t mean the work MFA students produce is inherently bad, but it does mean those students might not be receiving the education they need to further innovate and experiment in literature. Writers write best when standing on the shoulders of giants .

MFAs don’t always provide the necessary support

The majority of MFA graduates felt supported in their work and by their professors / cohorts / institutions. But there are students who felt like they didn’t find the support they needed.

Before you apply to an MFA program, research two things:

  • The professors at the MFA. One of them will end up being your thesis chair. You should know before you apply which professor(s) you want to work with; otherwise, you might end up with a thesis chair who cannot or will not support your project.
  • The MFA’s alumni. See if you can find alumni to ask questions about their experiences in their programs. How did they feel about their classes and professors? How about the university as a whole?

The Best Writing Programs

So, what are the best creative writing programs?

In truth, there are so many programs out there, each with their own pedagogies, professors, and preoccupations. So the “best writing programs” out there might not be the best for you .

Nonetheless, if you’re looking for the best, the following institutions and schools have formidable reputations in the world of creative writing instruction.

These rankings are just as subjective as creative writing itself. And, it bears repeating: it matters much more who you work with than where you go.

Nonetheless, I looked at a few different ranking sites— Quad Education , U.S. News , and College Transitions . These are the universities that showed up at the tops at least 2 of the 3 ranking sites:

  • Brown University
  • Columbia University
  • Duke University
  • Princeton University
  • University of Iowa
  • Yale University
  • Cornell University
  • Carleton College
  • Swarthmore College
  • Amherst College
  • Emory University
  • Elon University
  • Harvard University

Some other universities with great reputations include New York University, Bennington College, Northwestern University, University of Wisconsin–Madison, and Stanford University.

Alternately, this ranking site rates MFAs not by their prestige or size, but by the success of each program’s recent cohorts. Again, all of this is pretty subjective, but hopefully gives you food for thought.

These non-academic institutions also provide great creative writing education. Most of these creative writing programs also offer online classes. This list is non-exhaustive—and if I’ve missed a writing school you admire, let me know, and I’ll add it to the list!

Hudson Valley, New York State

  • Hudson Valley Writers Center

New York City

  • Gotham Writers
  • Kundiman (for Asian American writers)
  • Poets House
  • Sackett Street Writers
  • The Writers Studio

Philadelphia

Washington, D.C.

  • The Writer’s Center
  • D.C. Writers’ Salon

South & Southeast

  • Writers League of Texas
  • Writing Barn
  • Inprint Houston

New Orleans

  • New Orleans Writers Workshop

Winston-Salem

  • NC Writers’ Network
  • StoryStudio Chicago

Indianapolis

  • Indiana Writers Center

Minneapolis

  • Loft Literary Center
  • Minneapolis Writers’ Workshop
  • Red Oak Writing

Mountain & Pacific West

  • Lighthouse Writers

Los Angeles

  • Writing Pad
  • UCLA Extension
  • Virginia G. Piper Center for Creative Writing

San Francisco

  • The Writing Salon

These creative writing programs are entirely online. If you’re looking for flexible writing instruction from anywhere in the world, we recommend the following schools:

  • Writers.com
  • Writing Workshops
  • Creative Nonfiction
  • The Novelry
  • Writer’s Digest University
  • Masterclass
  • Writing Co-Lab

Here are some guides to help you find the class or instruction that’s right for you.

  • What to Know Before Taking Online Poetry Classes
  • Things to Know Before Taking an Online Fiction Class
  • Things to Know Before Taking an Online Creative Nonfiction Class
  • How to Find a Writing Coach
  • How to Become a Writer

Take Your Next Class with Writers.com!

Want to get started taking online writing classes, but don’t know where to begin? We can’t recommend ourselves enough. Every year, our writing program nourishes thousands of writers who go on to get published, get MFAs, or even heal from personal experiences through their writing.

Writers.com has been teaching the craft of creative writing since 1995. Our writing programs in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction give you the tools and confidence to tell your story, your way. Take a look at our upcoming online writing courses , where you’ll receive expert instruction from one of our talented instructors.

' src=

Sean Glatch

Leave a comment cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

  • Find Schools
  • Twitter Facebook Pinterest
  • Highest Paid
  • Popular Online
  • Non-Traditional

2024 Best Creative Writing Bachelor's Degree Schools

College Factual reviewed 102 schools in the United States to determine which ones were the best for bachelor's degree seekers in the field of creative writing. When you put them all together, these colleges and universities awarded 3,331 bachelor's degrees in creative writing during the 2020-2021 academic year.

Jump to one of the following sections: * Our Methodology

  • Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools List

Choosing a Great Creative Writing School for Your Bachelor's Degree

Best Creative Writing Bachelor's Degree Schools

Quality Overall Is Important

A school that excels in educating for a particular major and degree level must be a great school overall as well. To make it into this list a school must rank well in our overall Best Colleges ranking. This ranking considered factors such as graduation rates, overall graduate earnings and other educational resources to identify great colleges and universities.

Other Factors We Consider

In addition to the above, you should consider some of the following factors:

  • Major Focus - How much a school focuses on creative writing students vs. other majors.
  • Major Demand - How many other creative writing students want to attend this school to pursue a bachelor's degree.
  • Educational Resources - The amount of money and other resources allocated to students while they are pursuing their degree. These resources include such things as number of students per instructor and education expenditures per student.
  • Accreditation - Whether a school is regionally accredited and/or accredited by a recognized creative writing related body.

Our full ranking methodology documents in more detail how we consider these factors to identify the best colleges for creative writing students working on their bachelor's degree.

One Size Does Not Fit All

Since the program you select can have a significant impact on your future, we've developed a number of rankings , including this Best Creative Writing Bachelor's Degree Schools list, to help you choose the best school for you.

In addition to College Factual's rankings, you may want to take a look at College Combat , our unique tool that lets you pit your favorite schools head-to-head and compare how they rate on factors that most interest you. When you have some time, check it out - you may want to bookmark the link so you don't forget it.

Best Schools for Bachelor’s Students to Study Creative Writing in the United States

Explore the top ranked colleges and universities for creative writing students seeking a a bachelor's degree. Only those schools that rank in the top 15% of all the schools we analyze get awarded with a place on this list.

16 Top Schools for a Bachelor's in Creative Writing

Pitt crest

Any student who is interested in a bachelor's degree in creative writing has to take a look at University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh Campus. Located in the city of Pittsburgh, Pitt is a public university with a fairly large student population. More information about a bachelor’s in creative writing from University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh Campus

Carnegie Mellon crest

Every student who is interested in a bachelor's degree in creative writing needs to check out Carnegie Mellon University. Located in the city of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon is a private not-for-profit university with a large student population. More information about a bachelor’s in creative writing from Carnegie Mellon University

UChicago crest

Any student who is interested in a bachelor's degree in creative writing needs to take a look at University of Chicago. Located in the city of Chicago, UChicago is a private not-for-profit university with a large student population. More information about a bachelor’s in creative writing from University of Chicago

Johns Hopkins crest

It is hard to beat Johns Hopkins University if you wish to pursue a bachelor's degree in creative writing. Johns Hopkins is a very large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Baltimore. More information about a bachelor’s in creative writing from Johns Hopkins University

Columbia crest

Located in the large city of New York, Columbia is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. More information about a bachelor’s in creative writing from Columbia University in the City of New York

Brown crest

Located in the midsize city of Providence, Brown is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. More information about a bachelor’s in creative writing from Brown University

Miami University - Oxford crest

Miami University - Oxford is a large public university located in the town of Oxford. More information about a bachelor’s in creative writing from Miami University - Oxford

USC crest

USC is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Los Angeles. More information about a bachelor’s in creative writing from University of Southern California

Emory crest

Located in the city of Atlanta, Emory is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. More information about a bachelor’s in creative writing from Emory University

Purdue crest

Purdue is a very large public university located in the city of West Lafayette. More information about a bachelor’s in creative writing from Purdue University - Main Campus

Northwestern crest

Northwestern is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the small city of Evanston. More information about a bachelor’s in creative writing from Northwestern University

UW Seattle crest

Located in the large city of Seattle, UW Seattle is a public university with a fairly large student population. More information about a bachelor’s in creative writing from University of Washington - Seattle Campus

WUSTL crest

Located in the large suburb of Saint Louis, WUSTL is a private not-for-profit university with a large student population. More information about a bachelor’s in creative writing from Washington University in St Louis

Wellesley crest

Located in the large suburb of Wellesley, Wellesley is a private not-for-profit college with a small student population. More information about a bachelor’s in creative writing from Wellesley College

University of Arizona crest

Located in the large city of Tucson, University of Arizona is a public university with a fairly large student population. More information about a bachelor’s in creative writing from University of Arizona

BGSU crest

BGSU is a large public university located in the fringe town of Bowling Green. More information about a bachelor’s in creative writing from Bowling Green State University - Main Campus

Additional Noteworthy Schools

Here are some additional great schools for Creative Writing students that almost earned our Best Creative Writing Bachelor's Degree Schools award.

Creative Writing by Region

View the Best Creative Writing Bachelor's Degree Schools for a specific region near you.

Other Rankings

Best associate degrees in creative writing, best doctorate degrees in creative writing, best master's degrees in creative writing, best overall in creative writing.

View All Rankings >

Creative Writing Related Rankings by Major

Creative Writing is one of 4 different types of Writing Studies programs to choose from.

Most Popular Related Majors

Notes and references.

  • The bars on the spread charts above show the distribution of the schools on this list +/- one standard deviation from the mean.
  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System ( IPEDS ) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of the rest of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s ( College Scorecard ).
  • Credit for the banner image above goes to KOKUYO . More about our data sources and methodologies .

Popular Reports

Compare your school options.

The Gradcafe

  • Majors & Careers
  • Online Grad School
  • Preparing For Grad School
  • Student Life

The 10 Best MFA Creative Writing Programs [2024]

Zoë

Many people have a talent for stories, but not everyone will become a successful author. In many cases, people simply need to hone their skills – and the best MFA creative writing programs are the key.

If you have an undergrad degree and are looking for the next step in your academic adventure, you’re in luck: We’ve scoured MFA creative writing rankings to find you the best programs.

Table of Contents

The 10 Best MFA Creative Writing Programs

1. johns hopkins university – krieger school of arts & sciences.

Johns Hopkins University

Master of Fine Arts in Fiction/ Poetry

Located in Baltimore, Maryland, Johns Hopkins is a world-renowned private research university. Their Master of Fine Arts in Fiction/Poetry is one of the best MFA creative writing programs anywhere. Students take courses and receive writing practice (in fiction or poetry) at the highest level. This MFA program also offers the opportunity to learn with an internationally renowned faculty.

  • Duration:  2 years
  • Financial aid:  Full tuition, teaching fellowship (for all students set at $33,000/year)
  • Acceptance rate: 11.1%
  • Location: Baltimore, Maryland
  • Founded: 1876

2. University of Michigan –  Helen Zell Writers’ Program

University of Michigan

Master of Fine Arts

The University of Michigan is a public research university – and the oldest in the state. Its Master of Fine Arts program is one of the best MFA creative writing programs in the country, exposing students to various approaches to the craft. While studying under award-winning poets and writers, students may specialize in either poetry or fiction.

  • Duration: 2 years
  • No. of hours: 36
  • Financial aid: Full funding
  • Acceptance rate:  26.1%
  • Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan
  • Founded: 1817

3. University of Texas at Austin – New Writers Project

University of Texas at Austin

Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing

The University of Texas at Austin is a well-known public research university with around 50,000 students at the graduate and undergraduate levels. It offers one of the best MFA programs for creative writing, aiming to enhance and develop its students’ artistic and intellectual abilities.

  • Duration:  3 years
  • Financial aid:  Full funding
  • Acceptance rate:  32%
  • Location:  Austin, Texas
  • Founded:  1883

4. University of Nebraska – Kearney

UNK logo

Master of Arts

The University of Nebraska strives to provide quality, affordable education, including its online MA English program. Students can focus on four areas, including Creative Writing (which provides experiential learning in either poetry or prose).

  • Credit hours: 36
  • Tuition : $315 per credit hour
  • Financial aid :  Grants, Work-study, Student loans, Scholarships, Parent loans
  • Acceptance rate: 88%
  • Location: Online
  • Founded: 1905

5. Bay Path University (Massachusetts)

Bay Path University

MFA in Creative Nonfiction Writing

Bay Path University is a private university with various programs at undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate levels (including women-only undergraduate programs). This creative non-fiction writing program is one of the first fully online programs in the country. No matter their location, students are able to develop their creative writing skills and knowledge – in a range of literary genres.

  • Credits:  39
  • Tuition: $775 per credit
  • Financial aid :  Federal Stafford loan, Student loans
  • Acceptance rate: 78%
  • Founded:  1897

6. Brown University (Rhode Island)

Brown logo

MFA in Literary Arts

Brown is a world-famous Ivy League university based in Providence, Rhode Island. Its two-year residency MFA in Literary Arts is designed for students looking to maximize their intellectual and creative exploration. The highly competitive program offers extensive financial support. In fact, over the past 20 years, all incoming MFA students were awarded full funding for their first year of study (and many for the second year).

  • Tuition:  $57,591  (but full funding available)
  • Financial aid :  Fellowship, teaching assistantships, and stipends.
  • Acceptance rate: 9%
  • Location: Providence, Rhode Island
  • Founded:  1764

7. University of Iowa (Iowa)

UoIowa

MFA in Creative Writing

The University of Iowa is a public university located in Iowa City. As one of the most celebrated public schools in the Midwest, students learn under established professors and promising writers during their two-year residency program.

  • Credits:  60
  • Tuition: $12,065 for in-state students, and $31,012 out-of-state
  • Financial aid :  Scholarships, teaching assistantships, federal aid, and student loans.
  • Acceptance rate: 84%
  • Location: Iowa City, Iowa

8. Cornell University (New York State)

Cornell University

Cornell is an Ivy League university located in Ithaca, New York. This highly competitive program accepts only eight students annually, and just two from each concentration. Not only do students enjoy a generous financial aid package, but they also have the opportunity to work closely with members of the school’s celebrated faculty.

  • Tuition:  $29,500
  • Financial aid :  All accepted students receive a fellowship covering full tuition, stipend, and insurance.
  • Acceptance rate: 14%
  • Location: Ithaca, New York
  • Founded:  1865

9. Columbia University ( NYC )

Columbia University logo

MFA in Fiction Writing

Founded in 1754, Columbia University is the oldest tertiary education institution in New York – and one of the oldest in the country. The school offers a Writing MFA in nonfiction, fiction, poetry, and literary translation. The fiction concentration promotes artistic and aesthetic diversity, with a diverse teaching staff and adjunct faculty from a wide range of diverse experience.

  • Credits:  60 points
  • Tuition:  $34,576
  • Financial aid :  Scholarships, fellowships, federal aid, work-study, and veterans’ grants.
  • Acceptance rate: 11%
  • Location: NYC, New York
  • Founded:  1754

10. New York University (NYC)

NYU logo

New York University (NYU) is known for delivering high-quality, innovative education in various fields. Located in the heart of NYC, the institution’s MFA in Creative Writing boasts celebrated faculty from poetry, fiction, and creative non-fiction backgrounds. This dynamic program fosters creativity and excellence through literary outreach programs, public reading series, a literary journal, and special seminars from visiting writers

  • Credits:  32
  • Tuition:  $53,229
  • Financial aid :  Fellowships, scholarships, and federal aid.
  • Location: NYC
  • Founded:  1886

Common Courses for MFAs in Creative Writing 

As part of your master’s in creative writing program, you’ll usually need to complete a number of compulsory courses, along with certain electives. Common courses you’ll need to take include:

  • Literary theory
  • History of storytelling
  • Genre conventions
  • Market trends
  • Marketing manuscripts to publishers
  • Thesis or dissertation

Typical Requirements for Applying to an MFA Creative Writing Program

Besides the application form and fee, most MFA in creative writing programs have standard requirements. While the following are the most typical requirements, always check with the specific program first:

Make sure your resume  includes all relevant information to showcase your interests, skills, and talent in writing.

2. Writing Sample(s)

MFA creative writing program selection committees look for applicants who are serious about writing. Therefore, they typically ask for at least one 10-20 page writing sample. The best samples showcase talent in your preferred area of writing (e.g., fiction, non-fiction). MFA poetry programs have varied sample requirements.

3. Transcripts

You’ll need to show your undergraduate degree (and possibly high school) transcript.

4. Statement of Purpose

A statement of purpose is usually 1-2 pages and shows your passion for writing and potential to succeed in the program.

5. Recommendation Letters

Most programs require letters of recommendation from academic or professional contacts who know you well.

Related reading: How to Ask a Professor for a Grad School Recommendation

6. GRE Scores

Some MFA programs require GRE scores (though this is not the case for all universities). If you happen to need some assistance while studying for your GRE or GMAT, be sure to check out Magoosh for easy test prep!

What Can Creative Writers Do After Graduation?

As a creative writer with an MFA, you’ll have a variety of career options where your skills are highly valued. Below are a few of the common jobs an MFA creative writing graduate can do, along with the average annual salary for each.

Creative Director ( $90,389 )

A creative director leads a team of creative writers, designers, or artists in various fields, such as media, advertising, or entertainment.

Editor ( $63,350)

An editor helps correct writing errors and improve the style and flow in media, broadcasting, films, advertising, marketing , and entertainment.

Academic Librarian ( $61,190)

An academic librarian manages educational information resources in an academic environment (such as a university).

Copywriter ( $53,800 )

Copywriters typically work to present an idea to a particular audience and capture their attention using as few words as possible.

Technical Writers ($78,060)

Technical writers are tasked with instruction manuals, guides, journal articles, and other documents. These convey complex details and technical information to a wider audience.

Writer ( $69,510 )

A writer usually provides written content for businesses through articles, marketing content, blogs, or product descriptions. They may also write fiction or non-fiction books.

Social Media Manager ( $52,856 )

A social media manager is responsible for creating and scheduling content on social media, and may also track analytics and develop social media strategies.

Journalist ($ 48,370 )

Journalists may work for newspapers, magazines, or online publications, researching and writing stories, as well as conducting interviews and investigations.

Public Relations Officer ( $62,800)

A public relations officer works to promote and improve the public image of a company, government agency, or organization. This is done through work such as: preparing media releases, online content, and dealing with the media.

Lexicographer ( $72,620 )

Lexicographers are the professionals who create dictionaries. They study words’ etymologies and meanings, compiling them into a dictionary.

Can You Get a Creative Writing Degree Online?

Yes, a number of institutions offer online master’s degrees , such as Bay Path University and the University of Nebraska. Online courses offer a high degree of flexibility, allowing you to study from anywhere – and often on your own schedule. Many students can earn their degrees while continuing with their current job or raising a family.

However, students won’t receive the full benefits of a residency program, such as building close connections with peers and working with the faculty in person. Some on-campus programs also offer full funding to cover tuition and education expenses.

Pros and Cons of an MFA in Creative Writing

Like anything, studying an MFA in Creative Writing and pursuing a related career can have its benefits as well as drawbacks.

  • It’ll motivate you to write.

Many people are talented but struggle sitting down to write. An MFA program will give you the motivation to meet your deadlines.

  • You’ll have a community.

Writing can be a solitary pursuit. It can be hard to connect with others who are just as passionate about writing. An MFA program provides students with a community of like-minded people.

  • Graduates have teaching prospects.

An MFA is one option that can help you find a teaching job at the university level. Unlike some majors that require a Ph.D. to enter academia, many post-secondary instructors hold an MFA.

  • Not always the most marketable job skills

Although an MFA in Creative Writing will provide several useful skills in the job market, these are not as marketable as some other forms of writing. For example, copywriting arguably has a wider range of job prospects.

  • It could limit your creativity.

There is a risk that your writing could become too technical or formulaic, due to the theories learned during your MFA. It’s important to know the theory, but you don’t want to let it limit your creativity.

How Long Does It Take to Get an MFA Degree in Creative Writing?

A master’s in creative writing typically takes between 2-3 years to complete. Unlike other master’s degrees’ accelerated options, creative writing program requirements require a greater number of workshops and dissertations.

Alternatives to Creative Writing Majors

There are plenty of similar majors that can set you on the path to a career in the creative writing field. Consider alternatives like an MA in English , literature, humanities, media studies, and library sciences.

Related Reading: Master’s in Fine Arts: The Ultimate Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

What can i do with an mfa in creative writing .

An MFA graduate could teach creative writing at a secondary or college level. They may pursue a career in advertising, publishing, media, or the entertainment industry. They could also become an author by publishing fiction, non-fiction, or poetry.

Are MFA Creative Writing Programs Worth It?

Having an MFA opens doors to a range of well-paid careers (more on that above). If you’re skilled in writing – and want to make a decent living with it – an MFA program might be an excellent choice.

How Do I Choose an MFA in Creative Writing?

First, consider whether an on-campus or online MFA program is best for you (depending on your lifestyle and commitments). Another key consideration is a university with renowned authors on their teaching staff who will give you the highest levels of training in creative writing. Also, consider your preferred focus area (e.g., fiction, poetry, nonfiction) .

What Are MFA Writing Programs?

An MFA in writing or creative writing is an advanced program that teaches students the art and practice of writing. During these programs, students hone their writing skills and equip themselves to publish their own work – or pursue a career in media, teaching, or advertising.

Can You Teach with an MFA? 

Yes! Teaching is one of the many career options an MFA provides . An MFA in creative writing can qualify you to be a teacher in creative writing (in schools or the higher education sector).

Is It Hard to Be Admitted to MFA Creative Writing Programs?

MFA creative writing programs are relatively competitive. Therefore, not all applicants will get into the program of their choice. However, if you are talented and ambitious that becomes more likely. Having said that, the most prestigious universities with the best MFA creative writing programs accept a small percentage of the applicants.

What Is the Best Creative Writing Program in the World? 

A number of creative writing programs are known for their famous faculty and excellent courses, like the Master of Fine Arts in Fiction/ Poetry from Johns Hopkins and the MFA in Literary Arts from Brown University . Outside the US, the most celebrated English program is likely the University of Cambridge’s MSt in Creative Writing.

How Hard Is It to Get an MFA in Creative Writing?

An MFA is an intensive, highly-involved degree that requires a certain amount of dedication. Anyone with a passion for creative writing should find it rewarding and satisfying.

Should I Get an MA or MFA in Creative Writing?

Whether you choose an MA or MFA in creative writing depends on your own interests and career ambitions. An MFA in creative writing is ideal for anyone passionate about pursuing a career in fiction, poetry, or creative non-fiction. An MA is a broader degree that equips students for a wider range of career choices (though it will qualify them for many of the same roles as an MFA).

Can I Get Published Without an MFA?

Absolutely. However, studying for an MFA will equip you with a range of skills and knowledge that are extremely helpful in getting your work published, from honing your craft to submitting your manuscript to working with publishers.

What Are the Highest-Paying Jobs with a Master’s in Creative Writing?

An MFA in creative writing can help you land a range of jobs in the creative and literary fields. The highest-paying jobs for graduates with a master’s in creative writing include creative directors ($90,000) and technical writers ($78,000).

Key Takeaways

An MFA in creative writing program will hone your talents and develop the skills you need to become a successful writer. The best MFA creative writing programs will give you incredible knowledge of the field while developing your practical skills in fiction, non-fiction, or poetry.

The acceptance rate for the best MFA writing programs is fairly low, so it’s crucial to understand the requirements well and prepare thoroughly. To help you with your application, check out our guide to applying to grad school .

  • Top 5 Easiest Master’s Degrees + 10 Easiest Grad Schools to Get Into
  • Top 10 Cheap Online Master’s Degrees in the US

Lisa Marlin

Lisa Marlin

Lisa is a full-time writer specializing in career advice, further education, and personal development. She works from all over the world, and when not writing you'll find her hiking, practicing yoga, or enjoying a glass of Malbec.

  • Lisa Marlin https://blog.thegradcafe.com/author/lisa-marlin/ 30+ Best Dorm Room Essentials for Guys in 2024
  • Lisa Marlin https://blog.thegradcafe.com/author/lisa-marlin/ 12 Best Laptops for Computer Science Students
  • Lisa Marlin https://blog.thegradcafe.com/author/lisa-marlin/ ACBSP Vs AACSB: Which Business Program Accreditations is Better?
  • Lisa Marlin https://blog.thegradcafe.com/author/lisa-marlin/ BA vs BS: What You Need to Know [2024 Guide]

Top 13 Highest-Paying MBA Jobs in 2024

Master’s in fine arts: the ultimate guide, related posts.

Here's how to find a job as a recent college graduate.

How New Grads Research Companies to Find Jobs

best creative writing programs united states

Experience Paradox: Entry-Level Jobs Demand Years in Field

Grad school application rates have more than doubled for artificial intelligence programs.

Grad Trends: Interest in Artificial Intelligence Surges

Here's how to earn consideration from the big tech players as a new grad.

Applying to Big Tech This Year? Here’s How to Ace It.

Fewer employers list education requirements in job postings.

73% of job seekers believe a degree is needed for a well-paying role–but is it?

There are more jobs than talent in these cities.

Tech Talent Crunch: Cities with More Jobs Than Workers

Master's in Fine Arts

Master's in Fine Arts: The Ultimate Guide

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Recent Posts

  • How Many Grad Schools Should I Apply To?
  • Last Mile Education Fund Paves the Way for Tech Students, Offers Lifeline Grants
  • When to Apply for Grad School: Easy Monthly Timeline [2025-2026]
  • 30+ Best Dorm Room Essentials for Guys in 2024
  • Best Laptop for Programming Students in 2024

The Gradcafe

© 2024 TheGradCafe.com All rights reserved

  • Partner With Us
  • Results Search
  • Submit Your Results
  • Write For Us

*** Enter the $2,000 College Transitions No Essay Scholarship Contest ***

35 Best Colleges for Creative Writing – 2024

April 12, 2024

Bookworms and aspiring writers can pursue an undergraduate degree in creative writing where they will tackle coursework covering the reading and writing fiction, nonfiction, and poetry as well as the theory and history of the craft. While becoming the next J.K Rowling, Stephen King, or Margaret Atwood may be the goal, holders of creative writing degrees end up on a variety of career paths. This can include: publishing, editing, journalism, web content management, advertising, or for those who “make it” as writers—the next generation of literary superstars. Our list of Best Colleges for Creative Writing goes beyond the most famous writer factories like the University of Iowa and Columbia University, providing you with 35 institutions known for their stellar programs in this field.

Finally, note that although some of the colleges featured below do not offer a formal major in creative writing, their undergraduate offerings in this subject area are so strong that they warrant inclusion on our list.

Methodology 

Click here to read our methodology for the Best Colleges for creative writing.

Best Creative Writing Colleges

Here’s a quick preview of the first ten creative writing institutions that made our list. Detailed profiles and stats can be found when you scroll below.

1) Columbia University

2) Brown University

3) Johns Hopkins University

4) University of Chicago

5) Washington University in St Louis

6) Emory University

7) Stanford University

8) Northwestern University

9) Duke University

10) Yale University

All of the schools profiled below have stellar reputations in the field of creative writing and commit substantial resources to undergraduate education. For each of the best colleges for creative writing, College Transitions will provide you with—when available—each school’s:

  • Cost of Attendance
  • Acceptance Rate
  • Median  SAT
  • Median  ACT
  • Retention Rate
  • Graduation Rate

We will also include a longer write-up of each college’s:

  • Academic Highlights – Includes facts like student-to-faculty ratio, average class size, number of majors offered, and most popular majors.
  • Professional Outcomes – Includes info on the rate of positive outcomes, companies employing alumni, and graduate school acceptances.

Columbia University

  • New York, NY

Academic Highlights: Columbia offers 100+ unique areas of undergraduate study as well as a number of pre-professional and accelerated graduate programs.  Class sizes at Columbia are reasonably small and the student-to-faculty ratio is favorable; however, in 2022, it was revealed that the university had been submitting faulty data in this area. It is presently believed that 58% of undergraduate courses enroll 19 or fewer students. The greatest number of degrees are conferred in the social sciences (22%), computer science (15%), engineering (14%), and biology (7%).

Professional Outcomes: Examining the most recent graduates from Columbia College and the Fu Foundation School of Engineering & Applied Science, 73% had found employment within six months, and 20% had entered graduate school. The median starting salary for graduates of Columbia College/Columbia Engineering is above $80,000. Many graduates get hired by the likes of Amazon, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, Google, Citi, McKinsey, and Microsoft.

  • Enrollment: 8,832
  • Cost of Attendance: $89,587
  • Median SAT: 1540
  • Median ACT: 35
  • Acceptance Rate: 4%
  • Retention Rate: 98%
  • Graduation Rate: 95%

Brown University

  • Providence, RI

Academic Highlights: Students must choose one of 80+ “concentration programs,” but there are no required courses. Class sizes tend to be small—68% have fewer than twenty students—and 35% are comprised of nine or fewer students. Biology, economics, computer science, mathematics, and engineering are among the most popular areas of concentration at Brown; however, it is hard to distinguish any one program, because Brown possesses outstanding offerings across so many disciplines.

Professional Outcomes: Soon after receiving their Brown diplomas, 69% of graduates enter the world of employment. Companies employing the greatest number of Brown alums include Google, Microsoft, Goldman Sachs, Amazon, Morgan Stanley, Apple, McKinsey & Company, and Bain & Company. The Class of 2022 saw 27% of graduates go directly into graduate/professional school. 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
  • Acceptance Rate: 5%
  • Retention Rate: 99%
  • Graduation Rate: 96%

Johns Hopkins University

  • Baltimore, MD

Academic Highlights: With 53 majors as well as 51 minors, JHU excels in everything from its bread-and-butter medical-related majors to international relations and dance. Boasting an enviable 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio and with 78% of course sections possessing an enrollment under 20, face time with professors is a reality. Many departments carry a high level of clout, including biomedical engineering, chemistry, English, and international studies. Biology, neuroscience, and computer science, which happen to be the three most popular majors, can also be found at the top of the national rankings.

Professional Outcomes: The Class of 2022 saw 94% of graduates successfully land at their next destination within six months of exiting the university; 66% of graduates entered the world of employment and a robust 19% went directly to graduate/professional school. The median starting salary across all majors was $80,000 for the Class of 2022. JHU itself is the most popular choice for graduate school. The next most frequently attended institutions included Columbia, Harvard, Yale, and MIT.

  • Enrollment: 6,044
  • Cost of Attendance: $86,065
  • Acceptance Rate: 7%
  • Retention Rate: 97%

University of Chicago

  • Chicago, IL

Academic Highlights: There are 53 majors at UChicago, but close to half of all degrees conferred are in four majors: economics, biology, mathematics, and political science, all of which have particularly sterling reputations. Economics alone is the selection of roughly one-fifth of the undergraduate population. Over 75% of undergrad sections have an enrollment of nineteen or fewer students, and undergraduate research opportunities are ubiquitous as 80% of students end up working in a research capacity alongside a faculty member.

Professional Outcomes: On commencement day, 99% of the Class of 2023 were employed or continuing their education. Business and financial services (30%) and STEM (12%) were the two sectors that scooped up the most graduates, but public policy and consulting were also well-represented. The most popular employers of recent grads include Google, JPMorgan, Goldman Sachs, McKinsey & Company, Bank of America, Citi, and Accenture. For those heading to grad school, the top seven destinations are Yale, Columbia, Penn, MIT, Stanford, UCLA, and Johns Hopkins.

  • Enrollment: 7,653 (undergraduate); 10,870 (graduate)
  • Cost of Attendance: $89,040

Washington University in St. Louis

  • St. Louis, MO

Academic Highlights : WashU admits students into five schools, many of which offer nationally recognized programs: Arts & Sciences, the Olin School of Business, the School of Engineering & Applied Sciences, and the Art of Architecture programs housed within the Sam Fox School of Design and Visual Arts. The most commonly conferred degrees are in engineering (13%), social sciences (13%), business (13%), biology (11%), and psychology (10%). 66% of classes have fewer than 20 students, and over one-quarter have single-digit enrollments. 65% double major or pursue a minor.

Professional Outcomes: The Class of 2022 sent 52% of grads into the workforce and 28% into graduate and professional schools. Companies employing the highest number of WashU grads feature sought-after employers such as Amazon, Bain, Boeing, Deloitte, Google, IBM, Goldman Sachs, and Microsoft. Of the employed members of the Class of 2022 who reported their starting salaries, 79% made more than $60k. The universities welcoming the largest number of Bears included the prestigious institutions of Caltech, Columbia, Harvard, Penn, Princeton, and Stanford.

  • Enrollment: 8,132 (undergraduate); 8,880 (graduate)
  • Cost of Attendance: $83,760
  • Median ACT: 34
  • Acceptance Rate: 11%
  • Retention Rate: 96%
  • Graduation Rate: 93%

Emory University

  • Atlanta, GA

Academic Highlights: This midsize university offers a diverse array of majors (80+) and minors (60+), and 30% of Emory students pursue more than one area of study. Over half of Emory’s student body works directly with a faculty member on academic research and 58% of courses have class sizes of under twenty students. Ultimately, the greatest number of students go on to earn degrees in the social sciences (15%), biology (14%), business (14%), health professions (12%), and mathematics (9%).

Professional Outcomes: Shortly after graduation, 66% of 2022 grads were already employed, and 96% had arrived at their next destination. The top employers of recent Emory grads include Deloitte, Epic, ScribeAmerica, Meta, Morgan Stanley, and Cloudmed. Graduates of the Goizueta Business School found strong starting salaries with an average of $81k.  In the last few years, multiple Emory grads/alums received acceptance letters from the following top law schools like Columbia, Berkeley, and Georgetown. Med school acceptances included Duke, Johns Hopkins, and Vanderbilt.

  • Enrollment: 7,101
  • Cost of Attendance: $83,702
  • Median SAT: 1500
  • Median ACT: 33
  • Retention Rate: 95%
  • Graduation Rate: 90%

Stanford University

  • Palo Alto, CA

Academic Highlights: Stanford has three undergraduate schools: the School of Humanities & Sciences, the School of Engineering, and the School of Earth, Energy, and Environmental Sciences. 69% of classes have fewer than twenty students, and 34% have a single-digit enrollment. Programs in engineering, computer science, physics, mathematics, international relations, and economics are arguably the best anywhere. In terms of sheer volume, the greatest number of degrees are conferred in the social sciences (17%), computer science (16%), engineering (15%), and interdisciplinary studies (13%).

Professional Outcomes: Stanford grads entering the working world flock to three major industries in equal distribution: business/finance/consulting/retail (19%); computer, IT (19%); and public policy and service, international affairs (19%). Among the companies employing the largest number of recent grads are Accenture, Apple, Bain, Cisco, Meta, Goldman Sachs, Google, McKinsey, Microsoft, and SpaceX. Other companies that employ hundreds of Cardinal alums include LinkedIn, Salesforce, and Airbnb. Starting salaries for Stanford grads are among the highest in the country.

  • Enrollment: 8,049 (undergraduate); 10,236 (graduate)
  • Cost of Attendance: $87,833

Northwestern University

  • Evanston, IL

Academic Highlights : Northwestern is home to six undergraduate schools, including Medill, which is widely regarded as one of the country’s best journalism schools. The McCormick School of Engineering also achieves top rankings, along with programs in economics, social policy, and theatre. The social sciences account for the greatest number of degrees conferred (19%), followed by communications/journalism (13%), and engineering (11%). 45% of classes have nine or fewer students enrolled; 78% have fewer than twenty enrollees. 57% of recent grads had the chance to conduct undergraduate research.

Professional Outcomes: Six months after graduating, 69% of the Class of 2022 had found employment and 27% were in graduate school. The four most popular professional fields were consulting (18%), engineering (18%), business/finance (16%), and communications/marketing/media (13%). Employers included the BBC, NBC News, The Washington Post , NPR, Boeing, Google, IBM, Deloitte, PepsiCo, Northrop Grumman, and Goldman Sachs. Across all majors, the average starting salary was $73k. Of those headed straight to graduate school, engineering, medicine, and business were the three most popular areas of concentration.

  • Enrollment: 8,659 (undergraduate); 14,073 (graduate)
  • Cost of Attendance: $91,290
  • Graduation Rate: 97%

Duke University

Academic Highlights: The academic offerings at Duke include 53 majors, 52 minors, and 23 interdisciplinary certificates. Class sizes are on the small side—71% are nineteen or fewer, and almost one-quarter are less than ten. A stellar 5:1 student-to-faculty ratio helps keep classes so reasonable even while catering to five figures worth of graduate students. Computer Science is the most popular area of concentration (11%), followed by economics (10%), public policy (9%), biology (8%), and computer engineering (7%).

Professional Outcomes: At graduation, approximately 70% of Duke diploma-earners enter the world of work, 20% continue into graduate schools, and 2% start their own businesses. The industries that attract the largest percentage of Blue Devils are tech (21%), finance (15%), business (15%), healthcare (9%), and science/research (6%). Of the 20% headed into graduate school, a hefty 22% are attending medical school, 18% are in PhD programs, and 12% are entering law school. The med school acceptance rate is 85%, more than twice the national average.

  • Enrollment: 6,640
  • Cost of Attendance: $85,238
  • SAT Range: 1490-1570
  • ACT Range: 34-35
  • Acceptance Rate: 6%

Yale University

  • New Haven, CT

Academic Highlights: Yale offers 80 majors, most of which require a one- to two-semester senior capstone experience. Undergraduate research is a staple, and over 70% of classes—of which there are over 2,000 to choose from—have an enrollment of fewer than 20 students, making Yale a perfect environment for teaching and learning. Among the top departments are biology, economics, global affairs, engineering, history, and computer science. The social sciences (26%), biology (11%), mathematics (8%), and computer science (8%) are the most popular areas of concentration.

Professional Outcomes: Shortly after graduating, 73% of the Yale Class of 2022 had entered the world of employment and 18% matriculated into graduate programs. Hundreds of Yale alums can be found at each of the world’s top companies including Google, Goldman Sachs, McKinsey & Company, Morgan Stanley, and Microsoft. The most common industries entered by the newly hired were finance (20%), research/education (16%), technology (14%), and consulting (12%). The mean starting salary for last year’s grads was $81,769 ($120k for CS majors). Nearly one-fifth of students immediately pursue graduate school.

  • Enrollment: 6,590 (undergraduate); 5,344 (graduate)
  • Cost of Attendance: $87,705
  • Graduation Rate: 98%

Hamilton College

  • Clinton, NY

Academic Highlights: The student-to-faculty ratio is 9:1, and without any pesky graduate students to get in the way, face time with professors is a regular occurrence. In fact, 28% of all classes have nine or fewer students; 72% have nineteen or fewer. Economics, government, and biology are among the strongest and most popular majors; other standout programs include public policy, mathematics, and environmental studies. Thirty percent of students earn social science degrees, with biology (13%), visual and performing arts (9%), physical science (7%), and foreign languages (7%) next in line.

Professional Outcomes: Examining the 491 graduates in Hamilton’s Class of 2022, an enviable 97% wasted no time landing jobs, graduate school acceptances, or fellowships. The most commonly entered industries were finance (17%), education (13%), business (12%), and science/tech (11%). Only 17% of 2022 graduates went directly into an advanced degree program. In one recent year, 33% of Hamilton grads were studying a STEM field, 22% were in the social sciences, 17% pursued a health care degree, and 5% went to law school.

  • Enrollment: 2,075
  • Cost of Attendance: $82,430
  • Median SAT: 1490
  • Acceptance Rate: 12%
  • Graduation Rate: 92%

Princeton University

  • Princeton, NJ

Academic Highlights: 39 majors are available at Princeton. Just under three-quarters of class sections have an enrollment of 19 or fewer students, and 31% have fewer than ten students. Princeton is known for its commitment to undergraduate teaching, and students consistently rate professors as accessible and helpful. The Engineering Department is widely recognized as one of the country’s best, as is the School of Public and International Affairs.

Professional Highlights: Over 95% of a typical Tiger class finds their next destination within six months of graduating. Large numbers of recent grads flock to the fields of business and engineering, health/science, & tech. Companies presently employing hundreds of Tiger alumni include Google, Goldman Sachs, Microsoft, McKinsey & Company, Morgan Stanley, IBM, and Meta. The average salary ranges from $40k (education, health care, or social services) to $100k (computer/mathematical positions). Between 15-20% of graduating Tigers head directly to graduate/professional school.

  • Enrollment: 5,604 (undergraduate); 3,238 (graduate)
  • Cost of Attendance: $86,700

Carnegie Mellon University

  • Pittsburgh, PA

Academic Highlights: There are a combined 80+ undergraduate majors and 90 minors available across the six schools. Impressively, particularly for a school with more graduate students than undergrads, CMU boasts a 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio and small class sizes, with 36% containing single digits. In a given school year, 800+ undergraduates conduct research through the University Research Office. The most commonly conferred degrees are in engineering (21%), computer science (16%), mathematics (12%), business (10%), and visual and performing arts (9%).

Professional Outcomes: By the end of the calendar year in which they received their diplomas, 66% of 2022 grads were employed, and 28% were continuing to graduate school. The companies that have routinely scooped up CMU grads include Google, Meta, Microsoft, Apple, Accenture, McKinsey, and Deloitte. With an average starting salary of $105,194, CMU grads outpace the average starting salary for a college grad nationally. Of those pursuing graduate education, around 20% typically enroll immediately in PhD programs.

  • Enrollment: 7,509
  • Cost of Attendance: $84,412

University of Iowa

  • Iowa City, IA

Academic Highlights: 200+ undergraduate majors, minors, and certificate programs are available across eight colleges, including the Tippie College of Business, which has a very strong reputation. The most commonly conferred degree is business (24%), with parks and recreation (10%), social sciences (8%), health professions (8%), engineering (7%), and communication & journalism (5%) next in popularity. Over half of its undergraduate sections enroll 19 or fewer students, and 30% of undergrads conduct or assist research.

Professional Outcomes: 96% of Class of 2022 grads found their first job or advanced degree program within six months of receiving their diploma. The most commonly entered industries were healthcare (23%), entertainment/the arts (14%), finance and insurance (11%), and marketing/PR (10%). Companies that employ hundreds of alumni include Wells Fargo, Collins Aerospace, Principal Financial Group, Amazon, Accenture, and Microsoft. The median salary for 2022 grads was $50,000. 28% of recent graduates went directly into graduate school; 76% remained at the University of Iowa.

  • Enrollment: 22,130 (undergraduate); 7,912 (graduate)
  • Cost of Attendance: $28,846-$32,259 (in-state); $50,809-$54,822 (out-of-state)
  • Median SAT: 1240
  • Median ACT: 25
  • Acceptance Rate: 85%
  • Retention Rate: 89%
  • Graduation Rate: 73%

Emerson College

Academic Highlights: All 26 majors offered by the school have some element of performance or artistry and include highly unique academic concentrations such as comedic arts, sports communication, and musical theater. Emerson has a 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio and 69% of courses seat fewer than 20 students. The Journalism and Communications Studies programs rank among the top in the country. By sheer popularity, the top majors are film/video production, journalism, marketing, theater arts, and creative writing.

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of leaving Emerson, 61% of recent grads were employed, 4% were enrolled in graduate school, and 35% were still seeking their next landing spot. Top employers include the Walt Disney Company, Warner Media, Sinclair Broadcast Group, and CNN. The average full-time salary for employed grads is $40,255. Of those entering a master’s program, the bulk stay put, pursuing a master’s at Emerson in an area like writing for film and television, creative writing, or journalism.

  • Enrollment: 4,149
  • Cost of Attendance: $73,000
  • Median SAT: 1360
  • Median ACT: 31
  • Acceptance Rate: 43%
  • Retention Rate: 86%
  • Graduation Rate: 77%

University of Southern California

  • Los Angeles, CA

Academic Highlights : There are 140 undergraduate majors and minors within the Dornsife College of Arts & Sciences alone, the university’s oldest and largest school. The Marshall School of Business, Viterbi School of Engineering, and programs in communication, the cinematic arts, and the performing arts are highly acclaimed. Popular areas of study are business (22%), social sciences (11%), visual and performing arts (11%), communications/journalism (9%), and engineering (8%). Most courses enroll 10-19 students, and USC does an excellent job facilitating undergraduate research opportunities.

Professional Outcomes: 96% of undergrads experience positive postgraduation outcomes within six months of earning their degree. The top five industries entered were finance, consulting, advertising, software development, and engineering; the median salary across all majors is an astounding $79k. Presently, between 300 and 1,500 alumni are employed at each of Google, Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, KPMG, Goldman Sachs, and Meta. Graduate/professional schools enrolling the greatest number of 2022 USC grads include NYU, Georgetown, Harvard, Stanford, Pepperdine, and UCLA.

  • Enrollment: 20,699 (undergraduate); 28,246 (graduate)
  • Cost of Attendance: $90,921
  • Median SAT: 1510

Cornell University

Academic Highlights: A diverse array of academic programs includes 80 majors and 120 minors spread across the university’s seven schools/colleges. Classes are a bit larger at Cornell than at many other elite institutions. Still, 55% of sections have fewer than 20 students. Most degrees conferred in 2022 were in computer science (17%), engineering (13%), business (13%), and biology (13%). The SC Johnson College of Business houses two undergraduate schools, both of which have phenomenal reputations.

Professional Outcomes: Breaking down the graduates of the College of Arts and Sciences, the largest school at Cornell, 68% entered the workforce, 28% entered graduate school, 1% pursued other endeavors such as travel or volunteer work, and the remaining 3% were still seeking employment six months after receiving their diplomas. The top sectors attracting campus-wide graduateswere financial services (18%), technology (17%), consulting (15%), and education (10%). Of the students from A&S going on to graduate school, 15% were pursuing JDs, 5% MDs, and 22% PhDs.

  • Enrollment: 15,735
  • Cost of Attendance: $88,150
  • Median SAT: 1520

Oberlin College

  • Oberlin, OH

Academic Highlights: Over 40 majors are available at Oberlin, which is an extremely strong provider of a liberal arts education. 79% of classes had 19 or fewer students enrolled. The greatest number of degrees conferred are typically in music, political science, biology, psychology, and history. The Conservatory of Music has a worldwide reputation, and programs in the natural sciences are similarly strong, leading to remarkable medical school acceptance rates and a high number of future PhD scientists and researchers.

Professional Outcomes: Within six months, 74% of recent grads found employment, 17% enrolled in graduate school, and just 5% were still seeking employment. Multiple recent grads were hired by Google, Netflix, and Sony Pictures. Over the last few years, multiple students have gone on to pursue advanced degrees at Harvard, Stanford, MIT, Brown, Columbia, Princeton, and the University of Michigan. Oberlin also has a reputation for churning out future PhDs and, is among the top 20 schools (per capita) across all disciplines in producing graduates who go on to earn their doctoral degrees.

  • Enrollment: 2,986
  • Cost of Attendance: $85,496
  • Median SAT: 1400-1540
  • Median ACT: 32-34
  • Acceptance Rate: 33%
  • Retention Rate: 87%
  • Graduation Rate: 83%

University of Pittsburgh

Academic Highlights: Pitt admits freshmen to the Dietrich School of Arts & Sciences, the College of Business Administration, the Swanson School of Engineering, and the School of Nursing. Pitt’s engineering and business schools are top-rated and among the most commonly chosen fields of study. Premed offerings are also top-notch, with majors in the health professions (12%), biology (11%), psychology (9%), and computer science (9%) rounding out the list of most popular majors. Pitt has a strong 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio; 42% of sections have an enrollment of under twenty students.

Professional Outcomes: Within a few months of graduating, 94% of 2022 grads entered full-time employment or full-time graduate or professional school. Engineering, nursing, business, and information sciences majors had 73-86% employment rates while other majors tended to flock to graduate school in large numbers. Employers scooping up the highest number of grads in one recent year included the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (170), PNC (57), BNY Mellon (36), and Deloitte (19). Median starting salaries fluctuated between $37k-65k depending on major.

  • Enrollment: 20,220 (undergraduate); 9,268 (graduate)
  • Cost of Attendance: $38,034-$43,254 (in-state); $56,400-$66,840 (out-of-state)
  • Acceptance Rate: 50%
  • Retention Rate: 92%
  • Graduation Rate: 84%

Swarthmore College

  • Swarthmore, PA

Academic Highlights: Swarthmore offers forty undergraduate programs and runs 600+ courses each academic year. Small, seminar-style courses are the norm—an outstanding 33% of sections enroll fewer than ten students, and 70% contain a maximum of nineteen students. Social science degrees are the most commonly conferred, accounting for 24% of all 2022 graduates. Future businessmen/women, engineers, and techies are also well-positioned, given Swat’s incredibly strong offerings in economics, engineering, and computer science.

Professional Outcomes: 68% of Class of 2022 grads entered the workforce shortly after graduation. Popular industries included education (17%), consulting (16%), and financial services (13%); the median starting salary was $60,000. Google is a leading employer of Swarthmore grads followed by Amazon, Goldman Sachs, IBM, and a number of the top universities.  18% of 2022 grads pursued advanced degrees, with 35% pursuing a PhD, 35% entering master’s programs, 10% heading to law school, and 7% matriculating into medical school.

  • Enrollment: 1,625
  • Cost of Attendance: $81,376
  • Graduation Rate: 94%

Bryn Mawr College

  • Bryn Mawr, PA

Academic Highlights: On the home campus, undergraduates can choose from 35 majors and 50 minors. Roughly 35% of the student body earns degrees in the natural sciences or mathematics, a figure four times the national average for women. By volume, the most popular majors are mathematics, psychology, biology, English, and computer science. An 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio leads to small class sizes with 74% of sections having fewer than twenty students, and 24% of sections enrolling nine students or fewer.

Professional Outcomes: One year after receiving their diplomas, 57% of Bryn Mawr graduates had found employment and a robust 28% had already entered graduate school. Most of the organizations employing the greatest number of alumni are universities and hospital systems, although Google, Accenture, JPMorgan Chase, and Vanguard do employ a fair number of Bryn Mawr graduates. Among recent grads pursuing further education, 63% were in master’s programs, 13% were already working on their PhD, and 10% were in medical school.

  • Enrollment: 1,409
  • Cost of Attendance: $79,880
  • Median SAT: 1400
  • Acceptance Rate: 31%
  • Retention Rate: 90%

Wellesley College

  • Wellesley, MA

Academic Highlights: There are 50+ departmental and interdisciplinary majors. Thirty-six percent of course sections have single-digit enrollments while 77% have 19 or fewer students. In addition, opportunities for participation in research with faculty members abound. Most programs possess sterling reputations, including chemistry, computer science, neuroscience, and political science, but the Department of Economics shines most brightly, leading many into PhD programs and high-profile careers. Economics, biology, and computer science are the most frequently conferred degrees.

Professional Outcomes : Six months after graduating, 97% of the Class of 2022 had achieved positive outcomes. Of the 76% of grads who were employed, 24% were working in the finance/consulting/business fields, 17% in education, 17% in internet and technology & engineering, and 15% in healthcare/life sciences. Top employers included JPMorgan Chase, Google, Boston Children’s Hospital, and Goldman Sachs. The average starting salary for one recent cohort was a solid $63k. Of the 20% of 2022 grads who directly entered an advanced degree program, common schools attended included Harvard, Columbia, Brown, Stanford, MIT, and Emory.

  • Enrollment: 2,447
  • Cost of Attendance: $84,240
  • Acceptance Rate: 14%

Colby College

  • Waterville, ME

Academic Highlights: Offering 56 majors and 35 minors, Colby provides a classic liberal arts education with a high degree of flexibility and room for independent intellectual pursuits. A 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio is put to good instructional use as roughly two-thirds of courses have fewer than 19 students. Being a true liberal arts school, Colby has strengths across many disciplines, but biology, economics, and global studies draw especially high praise. These programs along with government and environmental science attract the highest number of students.

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of graduation, 93% of the Class of 2022 had either obtained jobs or were enrolled full-time in a graduate program. Eighteen percent of graduates enter the financial industry and large numbers also start careers in education, with government/nonprofit, STEM, and healthcare next in popularity. The Medical school acceptance rate over the past five years is 68%, nearly double the national average.

  • Enrollment: 2,299
  • Cost of Attendance: $86,720
  • Average SAT: 1485
  • Average ACT: 33
  • Acceptance Rate: 8%
  • Retention Rate: 93%
  • Graduation Rate: 87%

University of Michigan

  • Ann Arbor, MI

Academic Highlights: There are 280+ undergraduate degree programs across fourteen schools and colleges, and the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA) enrolls the majority of students. The Ross School of Business offers highly rated programs in entrepreneurship, management, accounting, and finance. The College of Engineering is also one of the best in the country. By degrees conferred, engineering (15%), computer science (14%), and the social sciences (11%) are most popular. A solid 56% of classes have fewer than 20 students.

Professional Outcomes: Within three months of graduating, 89% of LSA grads are employed full-time or in graduate school, with healthcare, education, law, banking, research, nonprofit work, and consulting being the most popular sectors. Within three months, 99% of Ross grads are employed with a median salary of $90k. Top employers include Goldman Sachs, Deutsche Bank, EY, Morgan Stanley, PwC, Deloitte, and Amazon.  Within six months, 96% of engineering grads are employed (average salary of $84k) or in grad school. General Motors, Ford, Google, Microsoft, Apple, and Meta employ the greatest number of alumni.

  • Enrollment: 32,695 (undergraduate); 18,530 (graduate)
  • Cost of Attendance: $35,450 (in-state); $76,294 (out-of-state)
  • Median SAT: 1470
  • Acceptance Rate: 18%

Bucknell University

  • Lewisburg, PA

Academic Highlights: Over 60 majors and 70 minors are on tap across three undergraduate schools: the College of Arts & Sciences, Freeman College of Management, and the College of Engineering. Getting well-acquainted with your professors is easy with a 9:1 student-faculty ratio, and class sizes are reasonably small. The greatest number of degrees are conferred in the areas of the social sciences (26%), engineering (14%), business (14%), biology (11%), and psychology (9%).

Professional Outcomes: Nine months after graduation, 94% of the Class of 2022 had launched their careers or entered graduate school. Financial services is the most common sector for Bucknell grads to enter, attracting 24% of alumni. Across all disciplines, the average salary for a Class of 2022 grad was $69,540. Bucknell saw 18% of 2022 grads go directly into an advanced degree program. Bison alumni heading to graduate school predominantly pursue degrees in the medical field, social sciences, business, or engineering.

  • Enrollment: 3,747
  • Cost of Attendance: $80,890
  • Median SAT: 1380
  • Median ACT: 32
  • Retention Rate: 91%

Haverford College

  • Haverford, PA

Academic Highlights: Haverford offers 31 majors, 32 minors, 12 concentrations, and eleven consortium programs—areas of study that can be pursued at partner campuses. The school’s 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio and exclusive emphasis on undergraduate education lead to exceptionally intimate classes, 33% of which have fewer than 10 students, and 72% have fewer than 20. The most popular areas of study at Haverford include the social sciences (24%), biology (14%), psychology (11%), physical sciences (10%), computer science (9%), and mathematics (7%).

Professional Outcomes: Six months after leaving Haverford, 63% of the Class of 2022 had found employment, 19% had enrolled in graduate school, and 9% were still job hunting. Employers hiring multiple recent Haverford grads include Epic, JP Morgan Chase Bank, Boston Consulting Group, Goldman Sachs, the National Institutes of Health, and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Of the 19% of 2022 grads who elected to continue their education, the most commonly entered fields of study were STEM (51%) and medicine/health (15%).

  • Enrollment: 1,421
  • Cost of Attendance: $87,180
  • Graduation Rate: 91%

Colorado College

  • Colorado Springs, CO

Academic Highlights: Rather than the typical semester schedule, Colorado College operates on the “block plan,” a series of eight three-and-half-week periods during which students take only one course. You won’t find a more intimate liberal arts college than CC. Classes have a cap of 25 students, and no more than a handful of courses exceed that figure. The average class consists of 16 students. In terms of sheer volume, most degrees are conferred in the social sciences (28%), biology (17%), natural resources and conservation (8%), and physical science (6%).

Professional Outcomes: Among the Class of 2022, an impressive 99% arrived successfully at their next destination within six months of earning their diploma. The largest number of graduates who pursue employment end up in the fields of education, technology, health care, the arts, and government.  The bachelor’s degree earned at Colorado College is unlikely to be the last degree a graduate will earn. Five years after graduation, the typical cohort sees 70-90% of its members having either completed or finishing an advanced degree.

  • Enrollment: 2,180
  • Cost of Attendance: $87,128
  • Acceptance Rate: 16%
  • Graduation Rate: 86%

Brandeis University

  • Waltham, MA

Academic Highlights: Brandeis offers 43 majors, the most popular of which are in the social sciences (18%), biology (17%), business (10%), psychology (8%), public administration (8%), and computer science (7%). The student-faculty ratio is 11:1, and 60% of courses contain nineteen or fewer students. Departments with a particularly strong national reputation include economics, international studies, and sociology as well as all of the traditional premed pathways including biology, and chemistry.

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of graduation, 98% of the Class of 2022 had found their way to employment (59%), graduate school (35%), or another full-time activity like travel or volunteer work (4%). Members of the Class of 2022 were hired by Red Hat, Deloitte, Nasdaq, NPR, and McKinsey & Company. The average starting salary for recent grads is $61k. A large contingent of grads elects to continue at Brandeis for graduate school. Many others go to BU, Columbia, Duke, Harvard, and Yale.

  • Enrollment: 3,687
  • Cost of Attendance: $86,242
  • Median SAT: 1440
  • Acceptance Rate: 39%

Macalester College

  • St. Paul, MN

Academic Highlights: Students can choose from roughly 40 majors and over 800 courses that are offered each academic year . Being an undergraduate-only institution, Macalester students enjoy the full benefits of the school’s 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio. The average class size is only 17 students, and 14% of class sections have single-digit enrollments. Macalester possesses strong offerings across many different disciplines. Programs in economics, international studies, and mathematics are among the best anywhere.

Professional Outcomes: Six months after graduating, 95% of the Macalester Class of 2022 had found employment, graduate school, or a fellowship. Employers of recent grads include ABC News, Google, Goldman Sachs, Dow Chemical Company, McKinsey & Company, the ACLU, the National Cancer Institute, and National Geographic . Across all sectors, the average starting salary for recent grads was above $62k. Sixty percent of Mac grads pursue an advanced degree within six years of earning their bachelor’s.

  • Enrollment: 2,175
  • Cost of Attendance: $79,890
  • Median SAT: 1430
  • Acceptance Rate: 28%
  • Retention Rate: 88%

Barnard College

Academic Highlights: Barnard has a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, and a sensational 71% of courses are capped at nineteen or fewer students; 18% have fewer than ten. Many get the chance to engage in research alongside a professor as 240+ undergraduates are granted such an opportunity through the Summer Research Institute each year. Barnard’s most popular majors, by number of degrees conferred, include economics, English, political science, history, psychology, neuroscience, computer science, and art history.

Professional Outcomes: Six months after graduation, 91% of 2022 Barnard grads had found employment or were enrolled in a graduate program. JP Morgan, Goldman Sachs, Blackrock, Citibank, and Morgan Stanley all appear on the list of the top fifteen employers of Barnard alumni. Within ten years of graduation, over 80% of Barnard alums eventually enroll in graduate school. Those entering graduate school flock in large numbers to Columbia, with 112 heading there over the last three years.

  • Enrollment: 3,442
  • Cost of Attendance: $90,928
  • Acceptance Rate: 9%

Georgetown University

  • Washington, D.C.

Academic Highlights: The student-faculty ratio is 11:1, and 60% of classes enroll fewer than 20 students. While some classes are a bit larger, only 7% cross the 50-student threshold. Those desiring to join the world of politics or diplomacy are in the right place. The Government and International Affairs programs are among the best in the country. The greatest number of degrees are conferred in the social sciences (38%) followed by business (20%), interdisciplinary studies (8%), and biology (7%).

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of graduating, 75% of members of the Class of 2022 entered the workforce, 19% went directly into a graduate or professional program of study, and 3% were still seeking employment. The Class of 2022 sent massive numbers of graduates to a number of major corporations including JPMorgan Chase (22), Citi (21), BOA (18), Morgan Stanley (16), and EY (10). Those attending grad school stay at Georgetown or flock to other elite schools like Columbia and Harvard.

  • Enrollment: 7,900
  • Cost of Attendance: $85,000

Elon University

Academic Highlights: Students choose from 70 majors and can add a number of interesting minors like adventure-based learning, coaching, and multimedia authoring. Elon’s 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio leads to an average class size of 20 students; 51% of sections contain fewer than 20 students. The areas in which the greatest number of degrees are conferred are business (29%), journalism/communication (20%), social sciences (8%), the visual and performing arts (6%), and psychology (6%).

Professional Outcomes: Results of a survey administered nine months after graduation found that 96% of the Class of 2022 had found employment, a graduate school, or an internship. Top employers of recent Elon graduates include Bloomberg, Deloitte, EY, Google, Goldman Sachs, Red Ventures, and Wells Fargo. Recent business grads enjoyed a median salary of $61k while communications majors earned $47k. Just under one-quarter of recent grads gained acceptance into graduate/professional school and many remain at Elon.

  • Enrollment: 6,337
  • Cost of Attendance: $66,657
  • Median SAT: 1260
  • Median ACT: 28
  • Acceptance Rate: 78%

DePauw University

  • Greencastle, IN

Academic Highlights: No matter which of the 40+ majors you pursue at DePauw, you will enjoy the benefits of small class sizes and face time with faculty. A 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio and the fact that only four class sections in the whole university enroll more than 29 students assures that. The greatest number of DePauw undergrads earn degrees in the social sciences (17%), biology (10%), the visual/performing arts (9%), communication/journalism (8%), and computer science (6%).

Professional Outcomes: The university’s “Gold Commitment” guarantees that all grads will land at their next destination within six months, or they will be provided with an entry-level professional opportunity or an additional tuition-free semester. Top employers of DePauw grads include Eli Lilly and Company, IBM, Northern Trust Corporation, AT&T, and Procter & Gamble. Tigers applying to graduate and professional schools experience high levels of success. Of medical school applicants who earned a 3.6 GPA and scored in the 80th percentile on the MCAT, 90% are accepted to at least one institution.

  • Enrollment: 1,752
  • Cost of Attendance: $74,400
  • Acceptance Rate: 66%
  • Graduation Rate: 79%

University of Washington – Seattle

  • Seattle, WA

Academic Highlights: 180+ undergraduate majors are offered across thirteen colleges/schools. Personal connections with professors abound as 55% of grads complete a faculty-mentored research project. The College of Engineering, which includes the College of Computer Science & Engineering, is one of the best in the nation; UW also boasts strong programs in everything from business to social work to environmental science. The most popular degrees are the social sciences (13%), biology (12%), computer science (11%), and business (8%).

Professional Outcomes: Within months of graduation, 73% of Class of 2022 grads were employed and 17% were continuing their education. The most popular employers of the Class of 2022 included Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Boeing, and KPMG. Across all living alumni, 6,000+ work for Microsoft, and 4000+ work for each of Boeing and Amazon. Of those headed to graduate/professional school, just over half remain in state, mostly at UW itself. Large numbers of 2022 grads also headed to Columbia, Johns Hopkins, and USC.

  • Enrollment: 36,872 (undergraduate); 16,211 (graduate)
  • Cost of Attendance: $34,554 (in-state); $63,906 (out-of-state)
  • Median SAT: 1420
  • Acceptance Rate: 48%
  • Retention Rate: 94%

We hope you have found our list of the Best Colleges for Creative Writing to be useful and informative as you continue your college search process. We also invite you to check out some of our other resources and tools including:

  • AP Score Calculators 
  • SAT Score Calculator 
  • ACT Score Calculator
  • Best Summer Programs 
  • College List Building Tool
  • Best Colleges by Major

Andrew Belasco

A licensed counselor and published researcher, Andrew's experience in the field of college admissions and transition spans two decades. He has previously served as a high school counselor, consultant and author for Kaplan Test Prep, and advisor to U.S. Congress, reporting on issues related to college admissions and financial aid.

  • 2-Year Colleges
  • ADHD/LD/Autism/Executive Functioning
  • Application Strategies
  • Best Colleges by State
  • Big Picture
  • Career & Personality Assessment
  • College Essay
  • College Search/Knowledge
  • College Success
  • Costs & Financial Aid
  • Data Visualizations
  • Dental School Admissions
  • Extracurricular Activities
  • General Knowledge
  • Graduate School Admissions
  • High School Success
  • High Schools
  • Homeschool Resources
  • Law School Admissions
  • Medical School Admissions
  • Navigating the Admissions Process
  • Online Learning
  • Outdoor Adventure
  • Private High School Spotlight
  • Research Programs
  • Summer Program Spotlight
  • Summer Programs
  • Teacher Tools
  • Test Prep Provider Spotlight

“Innovative and invaluable…use this book as your college lifeline.”

— Lynn O'Shaughnessy

Nationally Recognized College Expert

$2,000 No Essay Scholarship

Presented by College Transitions

  • Win $2,000 for college • 1 minute or less to enter • No essay required • Open to students and parents in the U.S.

Create your account today and easily enter all future sweepstakes!

Enter to Win $2,000 Today!

  • Campus Life

Logo

Have you dreamed of starting a writing career since you were a kid? If your answer is yes, then listen up! 

You need more than just a natural talent for the written word to break into this industry. Choosing a robust writing or English program could be the best thing you do to kickstart your career. But with thousands of schools across the country, how do you know which one is the right pick? 

Don’t stress, we’ve done the research so you can focus on writing the next Great American Novel. 😉

Here are 25 of the best US colleges for aspiring writers!

1. Emory University

There’s a good reason why Emory seems to be part of every list of writing colleges — it has both a holistic and unique approach to developing great writers. The college’s program allows you to develop your technique through intimate reading sessions with notable authors and writing contests that could seriously beef up your portfolio. 

The university also has a beautiful, lush campus that’s perfect for anyone looking to meditate their way out of writer’s block. Have we mentioned that the state of Georgia is as vibrant and spirited as it gets? Whether it’s food, sports, or interesting traditions — your environment is bound to inspire you!

photo-of-african-american-student-at-writers-college-writing-in-book

2. Columbia University

You wouldn’t expect anything less than a top-tier creative writing program from an Ivy League school like Columbia — so it’s a good thing the New York-based college lives up to the expectation! 

Since this university has been home to big names like J.D. Salinger, Langston Hughes, Eudora Welty, Jack Kerouac, and Allen Ginsberg, be prepared for a rigorous curriculum . Columbia has intensive writing workshops, fellowships, and teaching opportunities to bring out the best in you. 

On top of that, the city is filled with publishing houses and has a buzzing community of talented authors, something that you can take advantage of when you graduate!

3. Northwestern University

A faculty roster filled with acclaimed authors has solidified Northwestern’s claim as one of the finest writing college programs in the US. When you have published writers such as Sheila Donohue, Rachel Jamison Webster, and Chris Abani dissecting different literary genres and helping you perfect your craft, it’s easy (and downright exciting) to show up to early morning classes. 

Getting into this undergraduate program will rely on the quality of your submitted manuscript. But once you’re in, there’s so much to look forward to, like the school’s Annual Writers’ Festival . This campus event allows students to interact with three guest writers and attend public readings, conferences, and writing classes.

4. Oberlin College

Collaboration and creativity are fostered at this small liberal arts college, where creative writing has become an independent academic discipline .

Oberlin features dozens of courses designed to help new writers flourish, no matter their backgrounds or competencies, such as race and poetic innovation , digital storytelling , and false documents . Whether you’ve loved writing all your life or found a passion for it more recently, no one will be left behind in this program. 

Another upside of choosing this writing college is its RISE opportunities , which offer students access to exciting research openings, internships, and part-time jobs around the world.  

5. Hamilton College

Who says small colleges won’t get you anywhere? Hamilton prides itself on being home to literary great Ezra Pound alone. But it’s the school’s emphasis on small-sized classes, where the exchange and development of ideas are heightened, that produces proficient writing majors. 

The arts are truly celebrated at this writing college, with comprehensive courses tackling social and institutional hierarchies, history, and intermedia. Visit the school’s performing arts series to witness your fellow artists do their thing, whether that’s dance, music, or theater. 

photo-of-college-student-creative-writing-at-laptop

6. Stanford University

When you think of Stanford, a degree in research or engineering is usually what comes to mind. But surprise! The college also has an incredible creative writing program, thanks to the efforts of 1972 Pulitzer Prize winner Wallace Stegner. 

Stanford’s Stegner Fellowship is a unique writing program offering 10 two-year fellowships (split between fiction and poetry) to fellows as they undergo intensive workshops to master their craft. While you won’t get a degree out of it, you will receive a stipend, and tuition is shouldered by the university.

This college’s undergraduate writing program also features three minor tracks in prose, poetry, and fiction into film, with courses like graphic novel writing, fiction into film, and young adult fiction offered each year. 

7. University of Iowa

If there’s one thing that will make the University of Iowa your top choice for writing colleges, it’ll be the Iowa Writers Workshop . 

This program was the first creative writing program on offer here in the US, with notable alumni like poets Dylan Thomas ( Do not go gentle into that good night ) and Robert Frost ( The Road Not Taken ). If you aren’t convinced yet, The Atlantic has called this two-year graduate degree “the best-known, most-established writing program in the country.” 

This university is also filled with impressive campus opportunities that can bring color to your academic journey, such as the Summer Writing Festival and the Patient Voice Project .

8. Dartmouth College

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. Brown University

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.

photo-of-three-college-writing students-in-discussion

10. Washington University in St. Louis

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.

11. Johns Hopkins University

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.

12. Massachusetts Institute of Technology

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.

13. Colorado College

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).

photo-of-college-student-writing-in-notebook-in-park

14. Brandeis University

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. 

15. University of Virginia

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). 

16. Colby College

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!

17. Kenyon College

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 . 

photo-of-writing-students-sitting-on-steps-outside-with-laptop

18. Beloit College

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. 

19. University of Texas-Austin

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! 

20. Goddard College

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.

21. Bucknell University

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.  

photo-of-young-female-student-writing-at-laptop-for-college

22. New York University

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. 

23. University of Michigan

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.

24. University of Miami

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.

smiling person sitting at a coffee shop and working in front of a laptop

25. Hamline University

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.

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!

Other Readers Loved:

The College Post is a digital media outlet focused on the American higher education sector.

Latest Posts

Breaking down the greek life stereotypes, 7 ways gap year programs prepare you well for college, everything you need to know about college orientation, most popular, 31 states with free community college to save you money, 73 top side hustles for college students to make fast cash in 2024, these are the cheapest colleges in the us, fast access, want to stay up to date.

Get the latest news about higher education in the US straight to your inbox.

© The College Post | All rights reserved

If you could change one thing about college, what would it be?

Graduate faster

Better quality online classes

Flexible schedule

Access to top-rated instructors

Front view of Duke University's chapel

College Success

12 Best Colleges for Creative Writing [2023]

02.03.2023 • 11 min read

Nick Griffin

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

The Best Creative Writing Programs

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.

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. 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.

2. Emory University

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:

3. Brown University

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

4. Colorado College

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.

5. Duke University

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.

6. Cornell University

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.

7. Northwestern University

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.

8. Oberlin College

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

9. Washington University in St. Louis

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.

10. Wichita State University

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

11. Southern New Hampshire University

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:

12. Boise State University

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.

What exactly are you looking for when comparing the finest literary colleges? Consider these ‌factors to help you select the right programs.

Transferable Credits

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.

School Reputation

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.

Course Variety

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.

Favorable Outcomes

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.

What can I do with a creative writing degree?

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.

What is the best degree for creative writing?

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

Is it worth it to major in creative writing?

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.

Degrees+: Discover Online College Unlike Anything You’ve Experienced

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:

Related Articles

a hand writing in a notebook representing how to write a scholarship essay

A Complete Guide on How To Write a Winning Scholarship Essay

Here’s how to write a scholarship essay. Learn what it is and why it is important in this step-by-step guide with tips and examples.

Bob Patterson

Former Stanford Director of Admissions

Male student with a hoodie and glasses on is researching scholarships on a laptop

10 Best Scholarships for Online Students [2023]

Lots of scholarships for online students are available. Here’s a list of the top 10 ones around. Also, learn the steps to apply for scholarships.

Jennifer Rivera

student in a library finding a part time job in college

Top 20 Part-Time Jobs For College Students

This article provides a list of the best part-time jobs for college students and how to combine a job with college responsibilities.

Further - best colleges for creative writing

21 of the highest paying online degrees [2023], 7 best self-paced online college programs [2023], diploma vs. degree: key differences, 15 highest paying jobs with an associate degree, 8 reasons why having a college degree is important, day in the life of a degrees+ student.

  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content

CollegeRank.net

Best College Rankings

25 Best Graduate Creative Writing Programs

college rank best graduate programs creative writing

Quick Highlights:

  • Our #1 ranked school for a graduate creative writing program is  Western Connecticut State University , followed by  University of Arkansas at Monticello .
  • Programs typically offer low-residency formats , ideal for balancing with professional commitments.
  • They cover various writing genres, providing flexibility and depth in learning and practice.
  • Graduates often pursue careers in writing, publishing, teaching , and other creative fields.

If you’re interested in a creative writing career, this might arguably be one of the best times in history. A glance on the Internet, especially on social media sites, shows a growing demand for content. This means a demand for advanced writing skills, and other creative skills.

​ Are you planning to enhance your creative writing skills? Consider taking one of the best creative writing graduate programs . To get you started on your degree search, we’ve put together this list of best graduate writing programs . In fact, most of these are no- or low-residency creative writing programs. This includes colleges offering an online master’s degree (or hybrid) in Creative Writing.

  • Top Communications PhD Programs
  • Best English PhD Programs

A Creative writer may find themselves with several different career opportunities. Creative writers may write content, go into advertising, be a screenwriter, or go into publishing, to name a few options in this field.

Best MFA Creative Writing Programs

Western connecticut state university, graduation rate:, acceptance rate:.

best creative writing programs united states

Western Connecticut State University (WCSU, est. 1903) has a MFA in Creative and Professional Writing. This best low-residency master’s in creative writing wins first place in our list of best writing masters programs online.

This hybrid creative writing degree requires approximately 60 credits for completion and includes:

  • an internship or teaching practicum
  • an enrichment project

Students must also complete four separate, week-long residencies comprising discussions, lectures, and workshops. Residencies are held twice a year on the WCSU campus in Danbury, Connecticut. (There is also an optional Dublin, Ireland, residency featuring workshops in Oscar Wilde’s home and events at the Bram Stoker Festival.) For their degree, students must select a primary and secondary genre specialization. One must be creative, such as:

  • Screenwriting

The other must be practical, for example:

  • Advertising Copywriting
  • Historical Biographies
  • Medical Writing
  • Public Relations
  • Technical Writing

WCSU’s low-residency MFA utilizes a student-driven mentorship model. For most courses, graduate students work with a faculty member to develop a personalized course plan. Then, there is WCSU’s practical education approach, which ensures students learn from successful creative writers across several genres and styles and apply what they’ve learned in real-world settings. This combination might be why WCSU has such a high success rate — 87 percent of graduates are full-time professional writers and/ or have published books. Key courses for this MFA program include:

  • Genre History, Criticism, and Theory
  • Reading for Writers
  • The Individual Aesthetic and Process
  • Type: Public
  • Location: Danbury, Connecticut
  • Cost: $11,344
  • Affiliation: Connecticut State University System
  • #students: 5,246
  • #grads: 606
  • Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
  • Has housing?: Yes
  • Programs: Associates through doctorate level degrees, plus certificates

University of Arkansas at Monticello

best creative writing programs united states

The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing at the University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM, est. 1910) is a fully online program. This program, which comes in second in our list of the best writing graduate programs , is the most affordable of the creative nonfiction MFA programs in this review article.

To graduate, students must complete 48 credits, including six for their thesis. The MFA offers three genres to choose from:

  • Creative Nonfiction

The core of the program features workshop courses that foster high-level skills in critical thinking and literary analysis while ensuring a mastery in creative writing. This focus is supplemented with multiple electives to allow students to tailor the program to best suit their interests and goals, including pursuing independent areas of study. To be eligible for admission to the MFA program, applicants must have an undergraduate degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA.

UAM’s online Creative Writing MFA is meant to be both flexible and affordable. It is designed for talented, self-motivated individuals who appreciate the freedom to follow their own pace and areas of study. To ensure each creative writing student has a fuller understanding of their own genre, they will work with a different faculty mentor each semester. Creative writing majors will also take workshops in the other two genres to help give their writing a broader perspective and more unique outlook and voice. Key courses and options for the MFA include:

  • Advanced Workshop – Form and Craft
  • Magazine Edit and Design
  • Memoirs of the Mind
  • Location: Monticello, Arkansas
  • Cost: $13,262.4
  • #students: 2,855
  • #grads: 293
  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
  • Programs: Associates through master’s level degrees, plus certificates

Tiffin University

Tiffin

Tiffin University (TU, est. 1888) offers a fully online Master of Humanities (MH) with a Creative Writing Concentration. It places third in our list of best online creative writing graduate programs.

This 30-credit degree allows students to understand and develop their abilities in several genres and compositional forms, including:

  • Creative Non-Fiction
  • Genre and Performance Writing
  • Screenplays
  • Short Stories

The program combines a humanities foundation with hands-on writing experience and an academic study of selected genres and forms. The culmination is a capstone project, which requires each student to research a chosen area of interest and produce either a creative project, a portfolio project, or a thesis. To be eligible for admission to the MH, applicants must have an undergraduate degree with a preferred GPA of 3.0.

Tiffin’s online Master’s in Creative Writing is designed as a flexible, affordable graduate program option. With multiple start dates and a mix of seven- and 15-week courses, students can enter the program when it suits them and finish their degree in just 18 months. The primary focus of the MH is preparing graduates to pursue a variety of creative writing careers. Creative writing majors can become:

  • content writer
  • freelance writer
  • screenwriter
  • technical writer
  • video game writer

Some graduates go on to teach at the high school or community college level. Others use the MH as the foundation to pursue advanced graduate degrees. Key courses and options for the MH include:

  • Creative Writing – The Novel
  • Creativity and Its Development
  • Critical Thinking and Reading
  • Type: Private, non-profit
  • Location: Tiffin, Ohio
  • Cost: $16,500
  • #students: 2,933
  • #grads: 739
  • Programs: Associates through doctorate level, plus certificates

University of Houston Victoria

UHV

The University of Houston-Victoria (UHV, est. 1973) offers a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing that can be taken entirely online or in a low-residency, hybrid format. The degree requires 36 credits for completion, including six for a thesis. Students can choose the regular Creative Writing path or a specialized Concentration in Applied Literary Translation. Students can study any genre for the regular path but must select one for their thesis:

The main focus of the MFA is on developing one’s writing skills and understanding the literary form. However, several electives are available to help tailor the degree towards a student’s interest in literature or publishing. Those applying for the MFA program will need an undergraduate degree and a minimum 3.0 GPA on their last 60 undergraduate credits. (GRE scores may be required for those with a lower GPA; check with UHV to confirm.)

UHV’s online Creative Writing MFA program can be an affordable option that provides graduates with several potential career opportunities. While the program was created to help students pursue their dreams of becoming published authors, it also prepares them for nearly every writing career option. That means graduates can also pursue more practical jobs, including in

  • literary translation

Additionally, since UHV is a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), students can integrate a Latino literature and cultural element into their studies and writing. Key courses and electives for the MFA include:

  • Form and Poetics
  • Graduate Poetry Writing Workshop
  • Publication Design

UHV’s online Creative Writing MFA can be an affordable option that provides graduates with several potential career opportunities. While the program was created to help students pursue their dreams of becoming published authors, it also prepares them for nearly every writing career option. That means graduates can also pursue more practical jobs, including in:

  • Location: Victoria, Texas
  • Cost: $16,840.08
  • Affiliation: University of Houston System
  • #students: 4,922
  • #grads: 1,409
  • Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
  • Programs: Bachelor’s and master’s degrees

Mississippi University for Women

Mississippi University for Women

The low-residency Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing from Mississippi University for Women (MUW, est. 1884) is a 48-credit hybrid program. Much of the degree can be completed online, including a thesis, form and literature courses, and writing workshops. Workshops are available in:

  • Playwriting
  • Translation
  • Writing for New Media

The MFA’s residency requirements comprise two Short Residencies and two Full Residencies. Short Residencies are five-day masterclasses that occur at different times of year but are often scheduled to coincide with major on- and off-campus events, such as the Eudora Welty Writers’ Symposium. Full Residencies occur in late May and are nine to 10 days of workshops, seminars, and readings. To be eligible for admission to the MFA program, students must have an undergraduate degree with a minimum 2.75 GPA.

MUW’s Creative Writing MFA program is designed for working adults. It is built to be both affordable and flexible. Students can customize their course of study, selecting classes in as many or few genres as they wish. (Residencies already ensure students gain a broader understanding and perspective by providing cross- and mixed-genre experiences.) Students can also tailor their selections to fit specific career goals, adding Residencies, Internships, and Literary Magazine Production experiences. The Full Residencies offer a strong career focus with professional topics that include:

  • publishing and self-publishing
  • writing for the web
  • working with an agent
  • creative writing pedagogy (teaching strategies for various environments)

Key course options for this MFA program include:

  • Early Women Writers
  • Medieval and Renaissance Narratives
  • The Professional Writer
  • Location: Columbus, Mississippi
  • Cost: $17,343.10
  • #students: 2,704
  • #grads: 286

Central Washington University

Central Washington

Central Washington University (CWU, est. 1891) offers a Master of Arts (MA) in Professional and Creative Writing that can be taken entirely online or in a multi-modal (hybrid) format. This MA requires 45 credits for completion. There is no thesis requirement, but students must complete an end-of-program Portfolio course. There are also no defined degree tracks, allowing students to customize their course of study based on their career goals and interests. Plus, with CWU’s 10-week quarter system, this well-ranked creative writing program can be completed in as little as four quarters. To qualify for admission, applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA (check with CWU about its current GRE requirements).

​CWU’s Professional and Creative Writing MA is designed to help graduates successfully navigate a new world economy that emphasizes learning and adapting over knowing. By combining creative and professional writing with critical thinking skills, the program can benefit students seeking several different career outcomes. This includes students who need upgraded writing skills to advance in their careers, professional and creative writers who want to make themselves more marketable and pursue expanded opportunities, and students who need advanced writing abilities to pursue additional graduate programs. Others choose this MA to satisfy a personal dream of becoming a creative writer while continuing their established careers. Key courses and electives include:

  • Advanced Poetry Writing
  • Professional Writing with New Media
  • Studies in Rhetoric
  • Location: Ellensburg, Washington
  • Cost: $17,469.15
  • #students: 11,174
  • #grads: 656
  • Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
  • Programs: Bachelor’s and master’s level degrees, plus certificates

Concordia University-Saint Paul

Concordia

Concordia University-Saint Paul (CSP, est. 1893) offers a fully online Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing through the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. This 36-credit program features 11 courses plus a thesis. CSP’s MFA program helps students hone their creative writing skills while also developing the ability to read and assess literature across three genres:

Students will develop their creative writing skills through craft and workshop courses while studying different literary forms, genres, and topics via literature and research courses. To qualify for admission, applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA.

CSP’s MFA in Creative Writing is well-suited to the needs of working adults. In addition to being fully online, year-round admission is possible. Classes are held once a week, and each course takes only seven weeks to complete. Students will have the chance to work with several published authors throughout their degree and gain the skills and perspectives needed to produce publishable work. This will allow them to pursue a career as a professional writer in a variety of different fields. As such, CSP’s Creative Writing MFA is suitable for those who want to become writers and those who are already writers but want to expand their career potential. Key courses in this MFA program include:

  • Studies in the Craft of Creative Writing
  • Researching and Writing About Literature
  • The Culture of Writing, Editing, and Publishing
  • Location: Saint Paul, Minnesota
  • Cost: $18,900
  • Affiliation: Concordia University System
  • Religious affiliation: Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod
  • #students: 5,585
  • #grads: 2,007
  • Programs: Bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificates

Saint Leo University

Saint Leo

The low-residency Master of Arts (MA) in Creative Writing at Saint Leo University (SLU, est. 1889) is a 36-credit, hybrid program. Students can choose from one of three degree tracks:

  • Non-Fiction

SLU is also said to have the only MA program that offers a track specialization in War Literature and Writing for Veterans — a uniquely relevant and poignant option in today’s world. Overall, the program combines creative writing and literary studies personalized to each student’s goals. The MA’s eight-day residency is held on-campus in St. Leo, Florida, each summer. Students must attend three of these. To be eligible for admission to the MA, applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.25 GPA.

SLU’s low-residency MA in Creative Writing is a flexible option for working adults who dream of writing memorable works of fiction or becoming notable essayists, memoirists, or poets. Other students use this MA to advance their professional careers or use it as a foundational step to pursuing terminal degrees in fields such as:

  • creative writing

Whatever one’s goals or dreams, SLU provides a dedicated faculty mentor (a published writer of national recognition) to help guide you. You will also have the regular feedback and community of your fellow writing students. Key courses and options for the MA include Foundations in Fiction and Theory and Practice of Creative Writing.

  • Location: Saint Leo, Florida
  • Cost: $23,400
  • Religious affiliation: Catholic Church (Order of Saint Benedict)
  • #students: 9,832
  • #grads: 2,887

University of Texas at El Paso

UTEP

The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP, est. 1914) offers a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing that can be taken entirely online. The MFA program requires 48 credits for graduation, including six for a thesis. While there are no residency requirements for this degree, adventurous students can select the low-residency option and travel to a different international city every summer. Past host cities have included London, Madrid, and Paris. The program itself is built around a mix of: writing workshops, literature courses, form and theory explorations covering various genres and forms. For their thesis, students will select either: Fiction or Poetry. To qualify for admission into the MFA program, applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree and ideally a minimum 3.0 GPA.

UTEP’s MFA program is one of the few fully online Creative Writing MFAs in the United States and the only bilingual one. While classes are taught in English, students have the option to submit assignments in Spanish. Career-wise, the main focus of this high-quality program is preparing graduates for careers as published writers and/ or teaching creative writing at colleges and universities. This MFA program has a strong literary focus and foundation. In addition to academic ability, it favors talented and driven writers with distinct, developing, or new voices, and those with cultural and social awareness. Key course options for the MFA program include:

  • Advanced Screenwriting
  • Forms and Techniques of Fiction
  • Storytelling – Film and Literature
  • Location: El Paso, Texas
  • Cost: $23,520
  • Affiliation: University of Texas System
  • #students: 24,879
  • #grads: 3,762

Wilkes University

Wilkes University

Wilkes University (WU, est. 1933) offers two connected, low-residency creative writing graduate degrees — the Master of Arts (MA) in Creative Writing and the Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing. The 30-credit MA offers seven tracks:

  • Documentary Film

Four, eight-day, on-campus residencies are required, including a capstone one. (WU also has a “weekender” option where each residency is broken down into four consecutive weekends during the semester.) The MFA is the continuation of WU’s MA program. It requires an additional 18 credits and one more residency. MFA students will revise their MA thesis for publication or production, or start a new project based on the thesis. They will also complete a full-term internship in teaching or publishing. Those applying for the MA should have a Bachelor’s degree, but it’s not essential. Those applying for the MFA must have completed the MA program and earned a 3.5 GPA in every course.

Wilkes’s low-residency Creative Writing MA and MFA programs focus on writing craft and the business of writing. That real-world integration is what makes it unique. Every MA thesis is read by an agent, editor, publisher, or producer who provides detailed feedback and a personal meeting. Meanwhile, MFA internships give students real-world experience and connections. Also, WU’s MA and MFA teach students how to:

  • live, think, and work as writers
  • connect with audiences
  • pitch ideas to editors, publishers, or producers

The proof? Hundreds of graduates have had their works published or produced. Countless others have become:

  • book reviewers
  • PR directors
  • video game scriptwriters

Key courses and options for the MA include:

  • Drafting Project in Fiction
  • Genre and Context in Publishing
  • Writing Plays

Key courses and options for the MFA program include:

  • Literary Analysis
  • Revision Term
  • Writing in Education/ Publishing Internship
  • Location: Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
  • Cost: $24,180
  • #students: 4,680
  • #grads: 2,329
  • Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
  • Programs: Bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees

Lindenwood University

Lindenwood University

Lindenwood University (LU, est. 1827) offers a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Writing that can be taken online, on-campus, or in a hybrid format. This 48-credit, creative writing MFA includes a thesis requirement and combines craft and literature classes with writing workshops to help students grow as writers and expand their literary knowledge and analytical abilities. With the fully online option, there are no residency requirements. Additionally, students can customize their degree outline, selecting courses across several genres and literary areas, or choosing an emphasis in:

To apply for admission, students must have a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA.

The University of Denver also offers a Ph.D. in English & Literary Arts with a concentration in Creative Writing.  Students will choose either a “poetry” or “prose” track.  Poets &Writers ranked the University of Denver as one of the best creative writing programs MFA in the country.

LU’s MFA in Writing is designed as a fully flexible option that fits the needs, interests, and schedules of all its students. Lindenwood aims to remove the barriers that may be stopping someone from pursuing their educational and career goals. Along with career resources, peer support, and networking connections, an additional benefit of this MFA is the chance to be an editorial assistant with the program’s annual literary journal. Graduates of LU’s MFA can pursue both employed and self-employed positions, achieving such job titles as:

  • marketing writer
  • staff writer

As this MFA is a terminal degree, graduates can also teach at the college and university level. Key course options for this MFA include Focused Scriptwriting Workshop and The Personal Essay and Memoir.

  • Location: Saint Charles, Missouri
  • Cost: $24,960
  • Affiliation: Lindenwood University System
  • #students: 7,382
  • #grads: 2,660

West Virginia Wesleyan College

West Virginia Wesleyan

The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing from West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC, est. 1890) is a low-residency program. This 49-credit, hybrid degree requires a thesis and a critical essay. Students must also complete five total residencies — comprising craft seminars, readings, and workshops — with the last one centered on their thesis interview and presentation. Summer residencies are on-campus in Buckhannon, West Virginia, with the winter ones in Blackwater Falls State Park. (An Ireland MFA Residency is also an option.) Students must choose from one of three genre tracks:

For those wanting to study a second track, a Cross-Genre Concentration is available. It adds 12 credits, a residency, and a semester to the creative writing program’s original completion requirements.

Wesleyan’s low-residency Creative Writing MFA follows a student-centered model that is designed to replicate the flow of a writer’s life. Program participants can maintain their regular lives while learning to become dedicated writers in balance with those commitments. Students work one-on-one with a variety of accomplished faculty mentors. At the same time, everyone is part of a welcoming, supportive writing community. Study and coursework are focused on mastering craft and technique, along with the development and furtherance of the writer’s mind.

  • Type: Private, nonprofit
  • Location: Buckhannon, West Virginia
  • Cost: $26,729
  • Religious affiliation: United Methodist Church
  • #students: 1,066
  • Programs: BMDC Bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificates

Eastern Oregon University

Eastern Oregon

Eastern Oregon University (EOU, est. 1929) offers a low-residency Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing. This 60-credit, hybrid degree has both a thesis and a practicum requirement. While students must select a primary genre for their thesis, they will study several genres, including:

  • Graphic Novels

Students who want to specialize in a second genre can stay an additional year to do another thesis. For the ecologically inclined, EOU’s MFA has a Wilderness, Ecology and Community concentration. Either way, every student will have a unique nature experience through the summer residencies, which split time between a Wallowa Lake retreat and EOU’s campus in La Grande, Oregon. Students must complete three separate two-week residencies comprised of:

  • craft seminars
  • panel presentations
  • writing workshops

The final residency features their thesis presentation.

EOU’s low-residency Creative Writing MFA follows a cohort model to help create a tight-knit, collaborative group of fellow writing students. At the same time, as the program is designed for working professionals, students will be able to study at their own pace to ensure they can balance their commitments. An additional benefit of EOU’s creative writing program is the hands-on experience provided through a variety of experiences during the practicum including:

  • administrative
  • service learning
  • teaching opportunities

Key course options for the creative writing program include:

  • Literary/ Film Themes
  • Special Topics in Writing
  • Themes in Writing/ Rhetoric
  • Location: La Grande, Oregon
  • Cost: $29,880
  • Affiliation: Oregon University System
  • #students: 2,853
  • #grads: 267

Converse University

Converse University (CU, est. 1889) — formerly Converse College — offers a low-residency Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing. This 48-credit hybrid degree comprises five separate nine-day residencies and four mentoring semesters. Residencies incorporate seminars, workshops, and lectures and are held twice a year on CU’s Spartanburg, South Carolina, campus. The Graduating Residency completes the program and features a thesis defense. Students can focus on one of three genres:

Those choosing Fiction can specialize in Young Adult Fiction. Alternatively, students in any genre can specialize in Environmental Writing. Those wanting to further broaden their career horizons can choose the Second Genre Emphasis. This adds 12 credits to their creative writing degree requirements, plus an additional residency and mentoring semester. To apply for admission into the MFA, students must have a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum 2.75 GPA.

The non-traditional format of CU’s Creative Writing MFA utilizes the mentor-apprentice relationship to help students develop advanced writing skills and a relevant understanding of contemporary literature and craft. This educational style also means students can personalize their course, project, and reading list selections. Additional program benefits include:

  • faculty mentors who are award-winning writers
  • free room and board during residencies for full-time students
  • publishing opportunities through the Clemson-Converse Literature Series

Recent graduates have won numerous writing awards and secured book deals with major and top independent publishers. Key course options in this MFA include:

  • Craft Topics in Environmental Writing
  • Craft Topics in Young Adult Fiction Writing
  • Poetry Writing

NOTE: According to the creative writing program site, room and board is provided included with tuition and fees to enrolled MFA students for both the summer and winter residencies. Summer accommodations are on-campus; winter accommodations are at local hotels.

  • Location: Spartanburg, South Carolina
  • Cost: $29,952
  • #students: 1,377
  • #grads: 640

Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU, est. 1932) has a fully online Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing. This 48-credit creative writing degree offers the choice of four genre fiction tracks:

  • Contemporary
  • Speculative
  • Young Adult

SNHU’s program culminates with a three-course thesis where students create a full-length novel or story collection of publishable quality. Prior to that, creative writing students study the craft of writing and incorporate what they learn into their own writing. They also explore the publishing process to better understand the practical side of being a successful author and marketing one’s work. To qualify for admission into the MFA, applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum 2.75 GPA.

SNHU’s Creative Writing MFA is one of the few fully online top creative writing MFA programs and even fewer focused on genre fiction. What gives it even better value is its unique and beneficial career-building components. Specifically, students can choose from one of two built-in certificates: Graduate Certificate in Online Teaching of Writing; or Graduate Certificate in Professional Writing. That means creative writing graduates will be better prepared to teach at the college and university level or be ready to pursue professional writing opportunities in today’s marketing-oriented, project-driven economy. Key courses for the creative writing program include:

  • Advanced Studies in Genre Literature
  • Finding and Reaching an Audience
  • The Business of Writing

Additional: SNHU also offers two other creative writing programs for graduate students. The low-residency Mountainview Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Fiction or Nonfiction is a 60-credit, hybrid degree. Meanwhile, the 36-credit Master of Arts (MA) in English and Creative Writing is a fully online program.

  • Location: Manchester, New Hampshire
  • Cost: $30,096
  • #students: 134,345
  • #grads: 22,746

Drexel University

Drexel University

The low-residency Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing at Drexel University (DU, est. 1891) is a 45-credit hybrid program. This MFA focuses on a Fiction concentration with opportunities to gain skills and understanding in other genres. (The program also previously offered a Screenwriting Track. Please check with DU about its availability.) Students must complete three separate five-day residencies. The first and third are at Drexel’s campus in Philadelphia, the second is in New York. Each residency has career development and writing mastery components. However, the second one helps set DU apart. In that Professional Residency, students form connections with:

Those applying for admission into the creative writing program must have a Bachelor’s degree (please check with DU for GPA requirements).

As one of the top MFA creative writing programs in the country, Drexel’s Creative Writing MFA was designed to develop writers who can create work worthy of being published and understand what it takes to be published. Students will be mentored by acclaimed authors, learn from award-winning writers, and get feedback from fellow students. Drexel also provides a rare opportunity to connect one’s creative writing to civic engagement activities. These experiences include:

  • studying how to create grassroots change while in Haiti
  • writing about the natural world while in Equatorial Guinea
  • creating entertainment for terminally ill children
  • telling the stories of hospice patients, incarcerated men and women, and military veterans.

Key courses in this creative writing program include:

  • Fiction Writing Packet Exchange
  • Fiction Writing Workshop
  • Reading as a Writer (Genre Authors)

Tuition is currently at a special rate and may increase in each new semester. We’ve estimated total cost based only this special 50% off per-credit rate, available at time of publication.

  • Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
  • Cost: $30,195
  • #students: 23,589
  • #grads: 8,973

Bay Path University

Bay Path

The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Nonfiction Writing from Bay Path University (BPU, est. 1897) is a fully online program. To graduate, students must complete 39 credits, including six for their thesis. In addition to their core courses, creative writing students must choose from one of three tracks:

  • Narrative Medicine

Each track provides for an internship or practicum opportunity. Also, while this MFA is a no-residency program, BPU does have the option for a week-long Summer Writing Seminar in Ireland, which currently features Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Paul Muldoon. New students can enter the MFA in January, May, or September. To qualify for admission, applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA in their English and Writing classes.

​Students in Bay Path’s online MFA will gain a deeper understanding of creative non-fiction as a unique genre and learn what it takes to write publishable work based on their own experiences or the personal stories of others. Other benefits include:

  • being mentored by award-winning writers
  • gaining real-world experience and connections
  • obtaining peer feedback in writing workshops

Creative writing program graduates can pursue careers in various fields, including:

  • advertising
  • public relations

Popular job titles include:

  • grant writer
  • scriptwriter

Key courses in BPU’s MFA include:

  • Reading and Writing about Culture, Race, and Identity
  • Travel and Food Writing for Publication
  • Writing Contemporary Women’s Stories
  • Location: Longmeadow, Massachusetts
  • Cost: $30,225
  • #students: 3,224
  • #grads: 1,429

University of Nebraska Omaha

University of Nebraska

The low-residency Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Writing from the University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO, est. 1908) is a 60-credit, hybrid program. Students can choose from one of six genres:

Those wanting to specialize in a second genre can apply for an additional semester of study. In addition to a thesis requirement, students must complete:

  • a craft paper
  • a series of critical essays
  • an internship

As for the residencies, students must complete five of them, including the final one where they will present their thesis and deliver a craft lecture. Held twice a year at a retreat in Nebraska City, Nebraska, each residency features:

  • craft discussions
  • an individual conference with one’s faculty mentor

UNO’s low-residency Creative Writing MFA is designed for writers seeking a literary career. The program allows for a personalized course of study under the guidance of a dedicated mentor, who is an accomplished (often award-winning) writer. That personalized plan will determine the critical development, reading, and writing a student will undertake each semester. During each residency, students form a supportive community with their single-genre workshop group. Then, through Special Topic Workshops and future residencies, they’ll also get to interact with all the other MFA students and study multiple genres. Key course options for the creative writing program include:

  • Fiction Seminar
  • Playwriting or Screenwriting Seminar
  • Poetry Seminar
  • Location: Omaha, Nebraska
  • Cost: $30,840
  • Affiliation: University of Nebraska System
  • #students: 15,892
  • #grads: 3,124

Arcadia University

Arcadia

The top-value Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing at Arcadia University (Arcadia, est. 1853) is a 39-credit, hybrid program. This creative writing program offers two genre choices: Fiction; or Poetry. Students must complete three separate week-long residencies involving:

  • community building
  • discussions with local or visiting writers
  • faculty advisor meetings
  • writing exercises

The first and third residencies are held on-campus in Glenside, Pennsylvania. The second is a study-abroad opportunity in Edinburgh, Scotland, which adds area tours to the activities list. For this MFA’s thesis requirement, students must produce a full-length manuscript in their chosen genre — and work with their advisor to create a plan to get that manuscript published.

Arcadia’s high-quality Creative Writing program is designed to prepare students for a career in:

Potential employment settings for creative writing graduates include:

  • advertising agencies
  • colleges/ universities
  • corporations
  • governments
  • healthcare organizations
  • media outlets
  • non-profits

Among the creative writing program highlights are:

  • award-winning faculty
  • large amounts of online content and connections
  • weekly workshops with asynchronous discussion and reviews from instructors and peers
  • regular, personal contact between students and faculty

Key course options for the MFA include:

  • Craft of Contemporary Fiction
  • Fiction Practicum
  • Poetry Workshops
  • Location: Glenside, Pennsylvania
  • Cost: $31,005
  • Religious Affiliation: Presbyterian Church (USA)
  • #students: 3,300
  • #grads: 1,286

Ashland University

Ashland University

Ashland University (AU, est. 1878) offers a low-residency Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing. This is a 45-credit, hybrid degree featuring nine credits of in-residence course work and 36 credits of online study (including a full-semester thesis). The in-residence courses take place during a two-week summer workshop (with seminars and readings) held at AU’s Ashland, Ohio, campus. Three separate workshops/ residencies must be completed. Students have the incredible option to do one of their residencies in Paris. The final residency will feature their thesis defense. Students can choose a degree track in one of three genres:

  • Fiction (literary and science fiction/ fantasy)

To qualify for admission, applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree with a GPA over 2.75.

Ashland’s approach to its Creative Writing Master’s program is one of mentored learning. No more than five students are assigned to a single faculty mentor, each of whom is a published author. During residencies, students can also build their own dynamic writing communities with fellow students. Other program benefits for a creative writer include creating a full-length manuscript in one’s chosen genre and having the chance to qualify for graduate assistantships in teaching or publishing. Key courses in this creative writing program include a:

  • Summer Residency

Those obtaining a graduate teaching assistantship will undergo a Pedagogy Track with two additional courses — Composition/ Rhetoric Pedagogy and Supervised Teaching — and teach as many as five online undergraduate composition courses.

  • Location: Ashland, Ohio
  • Cost: $35,415
  • Religious affiliation: Brethren Church
  • #students: 4,447
  • #grads: 1,299

Harvard University

Harvard University

Through its Harvard Extension School, Harvard University (Harvard, est. 1636) has one of the best Creative Writing masters programs. While Harvard’s is not an online MFA in creative writing, it is partly online and is called the Master of Liberal Arts (ALM) in Extension Studies in the field of Creative Writing and Literature. This 48-credit, low-residency, hybrid degree has the choice of a capstone or thesis track. Primarily taken online, the ALM has a single residency requirement comprising three weeks of study. It starts with a week-long masterclass on-campus and a weekend connecting with agents and editors. The additional two weeks of writing classes and final writing assignment can be done either online or on-campus. To qualify for admission into the ALM, students need a Bachelor’s degree and then must take two required graduate courses at Harvard, earning a minimum grade of B in each one.

Harvard’s Creative Writing and Literature ALM focuses on helping students gain a mastery in creative writing and literary analysis. Graduates will be able to write in multiple genres, including:

  • Dramatic Writing

Students gain advanced creative writing skills in:

  • characterization
  • description
  • point of view
  • story and plot structure

They will also be able to assess literature as both creative writers and scholars. In addition to the acknowledged quality of a Harvard education, the ALM provides students with connection, camaraderie, and support. Many graduates in creative writing go on to careers in:

  • fundraising

Key ALM courses and options include:

  • Advanced Fiction – Writing the Short Story
  • Global Environmental Literatures
  • Writing a Nonfiction Book
  • Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts
  • Cost: $35,760
  • #students: 30,391
  • #grads: 21,864

Queens University of Charlotte

Queens University Charlotte

Queens University of Charlotte (Queens, est. 1857) offers one of the best creative writing masters programs through the College of Arts and Sciences. This hybrid program requires 52 credits for completion and includes a thesis and a capstone project. While this is essentially a Master’s of creative writing focusing on publishing and editing, students can specialize in one of four genres:

  • Writing for Stage and Screen

They must take four weeks of residencies selected from two track options. On-Campus Residencies are seven-day sessions held in Charlotte, North Carolina, at the start of each semester. International Residences are annual, culturally rich, 14- or 15-day affairs in one of Buenos Aires, Argentina; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; or Santiago, Chile. A final, on-campus Graduating Residency is also required. To qualify for admission into the MFA, applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent creative writing experience. (Please check with Queens for GPA requirements.)

The Queens’ Creative Writing MFA is for:

  • published writers
  • those who want to be published
  • those who want to teach at colleges or universities

The creative writing program provides the:

  • inspiration and support of a writing community
  • the personalized attention of a dedicated instructor
  • the private time needed to write and think

Queens also has opportunities to help graduates achieve their career dreams. This includes an Annual Alumni Weekend with craft seminars, publishing panels, and, every other year, top agents and senior editors from major magazines and publishing houses. There’s also Queens’ Book Development Program. It pairs applicants with a senior editor from a major publisher. Key course options for this MFA include:

  • Dramatic Writing Workshop
  • Guided Reading in Creative Writing
  • Poetry Tutorial
  • Location: Charlotte, North Carolina
  • Cost: $38,480
  • Religious affiliation: Presbyterian Church (USA)
  • #students: 2,338
  • #grads: 668

Spalding University

best creative writing programs united states

Spalding University (SU, est. 1814) offers one of the best graduate creative writing programs in the country. Their low-residency Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Writing. This 65-credit hybrid degree provides the choice of six concentrations:

  • Writing for Children and Young Adults

Students must complete five 10-day residencies, which are comprised of:

The residencies in Louisville, Kentucky, take place in spring and fall. The international ones are held in the summer. After each residency, students undertake a semester of independent study that is primarily focused on honing one’s writing abilities and writing process but is supported by reading and critical analysis. A thesis and the Graduation Residency complete the program. To qualify for admission into this creative writing program, applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree (please check with SU for GPA requirements).

Spalding’s Writing MFA is a high-value program that offers an intriguing combination of:

  • academic rigor
  • affordability
  • flexibility

As the world’s first certified compassionate university, SU’s promise of a supportive, non-competitive community seems very real. Additionally, SU takes pride in teaching students how to be successful creative writers amidst the other responsibilities of their daily lives and continues to provide support for alumni after graduation. Key courses for the creative writing students include:

  • Advanced Independent Writing and Reading – Emphasizing the Research Project
  • Intermediate Independent Writing and Reading in Creative Writing
  • Introductory Independent Writing and Reading in Creative Writing

Additional: SU also offers a low-residency Master of Arts (MA) in Writing with tracks in: Creative Writing; and Professional Writing. This 35-credit hybrid degree can be completed in a year. Graduates can then pursue career goals or proceed directly into SU’s MFA.

  • Location: Louisville, Kentucky
  • Cost: $39,325
  • Religious affiliation: Roman Catholic (Sisters of Charity of Nazareth)
  • #students: 1,596
  • #grads: 741

Lesley University

Graduate rate:.

Lesley

Lesley University (LU, est. 1909) offers a unique, low-residency, hybrid MFA in Creative Writing that will be attractive to writers seeking to explore new boundaries in their craft. LU’s best masters in creative writing requires 49 credits for completion, including a thesis and graduating seminar presentation. Students must also complete five residencies — two per year plus an exit one — in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Each nine-day residency involves:

There is also an exciting opportunity for a 12-day residency in Wales at the Dylan Thomas International Summer School. To qualify for admission into the MFA, applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree (please check with LU for GPA requirements).

If you’re looking for one of the best poetry MFA or screenwriting MFA programs , this just might be it. Available genres for Lesley’s MFA in Creative Writing are:

  • Graphic Novels and Comics
  • Writing for Young People

While creative writers will select one genre, they will work with award-winning writers across several of these categories. This underlies the unique interdisciplinary aspect of the program. In addition to encouraging students to explore other genres, LU’s MFA allows them to incorporate other disciplines, as well. For example, students can work with faculty in Art and Design or Arts and Social Sciences to examine how their writing combines with such complementary fields as:

  • art therapy
  • visual arts

Graduates of LU’s low-residency Creative Writing program have pursued careers as:

  • playwrights
  • screenwriters

Several creative writers have become teachers in writing programs at prestigious universities. Key courses for this MFA include:

  • Craft and Reflection
  • Creative Writing
  • Interdisciplinary Studies
  • Cost: $40,230
  • #students: 4,200
  • #grads: 2,339

Western New England University

Graduation rate, acceptance rate.

Western New England University

One of the best creative writing MFA programs is offered by Western New England University (WNE, est. 1919) is a low-residency program (College of Arts and Sciences). This is a 48-credit, hybrid MFA in Fiction, but enables a comprehensive study of all aspects of fiction. Students at this top creative writing school will undertake a mix of:

  • craft classes
  • individual conferences
  • manuscript consultations
  • special topics courses
  • workshops in creative writing

For the residencies, these immersive, week-long gatherings are comprised of:

  • discussions

Four of these must be taken. The summer ones are held on-campus in Springfield, Massachusetts, with the winter ones either in the Berkshires or Dublin, Ireland. Those applying for the MFA program will need an undergraduate degree (please check with WNE for GPA requirements).

As one of the best creative writing MFAs , WNE’s Creative Writing MFA provides a mentored approach to education. To ensure students get the one-on-one attention they deserve, the program maintains the student-faculty ratio at 5:1. Faculty mentors and visiting writers are all published authors — many award-winning — covering several forms and genres, including:

  • Literary Criticism
  • Literary Fiction
  • Non-Fiction Essays
  • Young Adult and Middle-Grade Literature

The MFA is particularly well-suited to creative writers with a strong interest in craft and who want to master critical elements, such as:

  • sentence craft
  • story shaping
  • voice development

Key courses in the creative writing program include:

  • Fiction Workshop
  • Special Topics in Creative Writing
  • The Craft of Fiction
  • Location: Springfield, Massachusetts
  • Cost: $44,112
  • #students: 3,673
  • #grads: 1,121

Frequently Asked Questions

For the right student, it is! A Master’s in Creative Writing offers a foundation of theory and form through courses and workshops designed to develop your skills and improve your craft. If you’re looking to get published, an MFA or master’s degree can help you find your voice and become a strong writer.

With a Master’s in Creative Writing, you can pursue various career paths, such as becoming a novelist, poet, screenwriter, editor, or writing instructor. You can also find opportunities in content creation, copywriting, and marketing. The degree equips you with skills to excel in diverse writing-related fields.

It takes about two to three years of full-time study to get an MFA in Creative Writing. Part-time or low-residency programs can extend the timeline to three or four years. The length can also depend on specific program requirements and if you complete a thesis.

Pay varies by role. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, writers and authors make $73,150/year, on average. The highest 10% make over $161,260/year. A Master’s in Creative Writing (or MFA) can qualify you for teaching jobs at the college level. Postsecondary teachers make $80,840/year, on average.

Creative writing is a legitimate and respected field, offering opportunities in literature, media, and communication. Many successful authors, poets, and screenwriters contribute greatly to culture and society at large.  

Some students find creative writing challenging for different reasons. From the need to produce original work to workshop critiques, there are many challenges that creative writing students face. Success depends on your openness to feedback, dedication to your stories, and your passion for storytelling.

The choice between an MFA (Master of Fine Arts) and an MA (Master of Arts) in Creative Writing depends on your personal goals. An MFA focuses more on practical writing skills and is suitable for those pursuing careers in writing and publishing. An MFA is also a terminal degree and can qualify you for teaching jobs at the college level. An MA offers a broader academic approach, including literary analysis and critical theory. The “better” option depends on your career objectives and preferred learning style.

You can! Opportunities include authoring books, freelance writing, content creation, scriptwriting, and more. Success requires a combination of talent, skill development, networking, and persistence in a competitive industry. Diversifying income streams can contribute to sustained success.

Creative writing is both a skill and a talent. Skill involves learned techniques, grammar, and storytelling structures. Talent encompasses innate creativity, imagination, and a unique voice. Developing both through practice, study, and feedback is crucial for success in creative writing.

A degree in creative writing can improve your skills and understanding of the craft, but getting a book deal depends on factors such as the quality of your writing, market demand, and perseverance. Successful authors combine talent with networking, persistence, and a unique voice to attract publishers. So, the degree alone won’t get you a book deal, but it can be a launching pad.

100 Best colleges for Creative Writing in the United States

Updated: February 29, 2024

  • Art & Design
  • Computer Science
  • Engineering
  • Environmental Science
  • Liberal Arts & Social Sciences
  • Mathematics

Below is a list of best universities in the United States ranked based on their research performance in Creative Writing. A graph of 1.47M citations received by 121K academic papers made by 427 universities in the United States was used to calculate publications' ratings, which then were adjusted for release dates and added to final scores.

We don't distinguish between undergraduate and graduate programs nor do we adjust for current majors offered. You can find information about granted degrees on a university page but always double-check with the university website.

Please note that our approach to subject rankings is based on scientific outputs and heavily biased on art-related topics towards institutions with computer science research profiles.

1. Columbia University

For Creative Writing

Columbia University logo

2. University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor logo

3. University of Texas at Austin

University of Texas at Austin logo

4. Stanford University

Stanford University logo

5. University of California - Berkeley

University of California - Berkeley logo

6. Yale University

Yale University logo

7. Pennsylvania State University

Pennsylvania State University logo

8. Ohio State University

Ohio State University logo

9. University of Southern California

University of Southern California logo

10. New York University

New York University logo

11. University of Illinois at Urbana - Champaign

University of Illinois at Urbana - Champaign logo

12. University of Wisconsin - Madison

University of Wisconsin - Madison logo

13. University of Chicago

University of Chicago logo

14. University of California - Los Angeles

University of California - Los Angeles logo

15. Arizona State University - Tempe

Arizona State University - Tempe logo

16. Cornell University

Cornell University logo

17. Harvard University

Harvard University logo

18. University of Pennsylvania

University of Pennsylvania logo

19. University of Washington - Seattle

University of Washington - Seattle logo

20. University of Virginia

University of Virginia logo

21. Emory University

Emory University logo

22. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill logo

23. University of Maryland - College Park

University of Maryland - College Park logo

24. University of Arizona

University of Arizona logo

25. Princeton University

Princeton University logo

26. Michigan State University

Michigan State University logo

27. University of South Florida

University of South Florida logo

28. University of California - Santa Barbara

University of California - Santa Barbara logo

29. Rutgers University - New Brunswick

Rutgers University - New Brunswick logo

30. Boston College

Boston College logo

31. University of California - Irvine

University of California - Irvine logo

32. University of Illinois at Chicago

University of Illinois at Chicago logo

33. Florida State University

Florida State University logo

34. University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

University of Minnesota - Twin Cities logo

35. University of Pittsburgh

University of Pittsburgh logo

36. University of California - Santa Cruz

University of California - Santa Cruz logo

37. University of Notre Dame

University of Notre Dame logo

38. Temple University

Temple University logo

39. Northwestern University

Northwestern University logo

40. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University logo

41. University of Florida

University of Florida logo

42. Vanderbilt University

Vanderbilt University logo

43. Carnegie Mellon University

Carnegie Mellon University logo

44. Georgetown University

Georgetown University logo

45. Boston University

Boston University logo

46. University of California-San Diego

University of California-San Diego logo

47. University of Utah

University of Utah logo

48. Indiana University - Bloomington

Indiana University - Bloomington logo

49. University of Iowa

University of Iowa logo

50. Duke University

Duke University logo

51. University of Kansas

University of Kansas logo

52. Washington University in St Louis

Washington University in St Louis logo

53. University of Nebraska - Lincoln

University of Nebraska - Lincoln logo

54. North Carolina State University at Raleigh

North Carolina State University at Raleigh logo

55. University of Missouri - Columbia

University of Missouri - Columbia logo

56. Iowa State University

Iowa State University logo

57. California University of Pennsylvania

California University of Pennsylvania logo

58. University of California - Davis

University of California - Davis logo

59. Brigham Young University - Provo

Brigham Young University - Provo logo

60. University of Georgia

University of Georgia logo

61. Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins University logo

62. University of Colorado Boulder

University of Colorado Boulder logo

63. University of Connecticut

University of Connecticut logo

64. Texas A&M University - College Station

Texas A&M University - College Station logo

65. University of Massachusetts - Amherst

University of Massachusetts - Amherst logo

66. University of Tennessee - Knoxville

University of Tennessee - Knoxville logo

67. CUNY Graduate School and University Center

CUNY Graduate School and University Center logo

68. University of Houston

University of Houston logo

69. University at Buffalo

University at Buffalo logo

70. Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Massachusetts Institute of Technology logo

71. Georgia Institute of Technology

Georgia Institute of Technology logo

72. University of Kentucky

University of Kentucky logo

73. University of California - San Francisco

University of California - San Francisco logo

74. Case Western Reserve University

Case Western Reserve University logo

75. Georgia State University

Georgia State University logo

76. University of Oklahoma - Norman

University of Oklahoma - Norman logo

77. University of Central Florida

University of Central Florida logo

78. University of North Carolina at Charlotte

University of North Carolina at Charlotte logo

79. Syracuse University

Syracuse University logo

80. Bowling Green State University

Bowling Green State University logo

81. Miami University - Oxford

Miami University - Oxford logo

82. University of Alabama

University of Alabama logo

83. SUNY at Albany

SUNY at Albany logo

84. Tufts University

Tufts University logo

85. Kent State University at Kent

Kent State University at Kent logo

86. Stony Brook University

Stony Brook University logo

87. George Washington University

George Washington University logo

88. University of Rochester

University of Rochester logo

89. Texas Tech University

Texas Tech University logo

90. George Mason University

George Mason University logo

91. Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College

Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College logo

92. San Jose State University

San Jose State University logo

93. University of Memphis

University of Memphis logo

94. San Diego State University

San Diego State University logo

95. Loyola University Chicago

Loyola University Chicago logo

96. University of Oregon

University of Oregon logo

97. Providence College

Providence College logo

98. Wayne State University

Wayne State University logo

99. University of Cincinnati

University of Cincinnati logo

100. Purdue University

Purdue University logo

The best cities to study Creative Writing in the United States based on the number of universities and their ranks are New York , Ann Arbor , Austin , and Stanford .

Art & Design subfields in the United States

Design Dash

These are the Best Creative Writing MFA Programs in the U.S.

This article offers a comprehensive guide to the top Creative Writing Master of Fine Arts (MFA) programs in the U.S., tailored for aspiring writers aiming to refine their craft in poetry, fiction, or creative nonfiction. Highlighting the importance of faculty expertise, alumni success, curriculum diversity, financial support, and location, it delves into what makes each program stand out. Featured programs include the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, known for its prestigious alumni and faculty; the University of Michigan’s Helen Zell Writers’ Program, offering generous funding; and the Columbia University School of the Arts, with its unparalleled access to the New York literary scene. These programs are evaluated on their ability to provide a nurturing environment for writers to develop their voice and style, alongside offering practical advice on navigating the literary world.

Reflection Questions

  • Many MFA programs are intense and require a significant time commitment. How do you plan to balance writing, workshops, and any teaching responsibilities with your personal life and possibly other professional obligations?
  • Considering the diversity of faculty and the curriculum, how important is representation to you in an MFA program? How do you hope to see your own experiences and perspectives reflected in the program?
  • Receiving and giving feedback is a cornerstone of MFA programs. How do you approach critique, both in giving it to others and receiving it about your work? How do you plan to use critique to further your development as a writer?

Journal Prompt

Think about the stories of women that have influenced you the most. How do these narratives shape your own writing? Write about how you plan to contribute to the landscape of female narratives within the literary world through your work.

Creative Writing Master of Fine Arts (MFA) programs play an important part in shaping the careers of aspiring writers, offering them a structured environment to hone their craft. The evaluation of these programs hinges on several key factors: the expertise and reputation of the faculty, the success and influence of alumni, the rigor and diversity of the curriculum, the availability of financial support, and the geographical location which can influence literary connections and opportunities. In this article, we will provide an in-depth analysis of the leading Creative Writing MFA programs in the United States, scrutinizing each of these criteria to guide prospective students in making informed decisions about their educational and professional trajectories in the field of creative writing. Whether you seek a poetry MFA program or one in creative nonfiction, read on to learn about the best MFA programs for creative writing students below.

The Role of MFA Programs in Creative Writing

best mfa programs best mfa programs creative writing best mfa creative writing programs

MFA programs in Creative Writing fundamentally contribute to a writer’s development by providing a structured and rigorous academic environment. These programs are designed to immerse students in a world of literary critique and craft, offering dedicated time for writing, reflection, and improvement.

Through workshops, seminars, and individual mentoring, students gain critical feedback on their work, learn to refine their voice, and explore various genres and techniques. This intensive focus on writing, combined with exposure to a breadth of literary styles and theories, equips aspiring writers with the skills and knowledge necessary to advance their craft and develop a unique literary style.

Fuel your creative fire & be a part of a supportive community that values how you love to live.

subscribe to our newsletter

*please check your Spam folder for the latest DesignDash Magazine issue immediately after subscription

best creative writing programs united states

Community and Networking Opportunities in MFA Programs

MFA programs offer significant community and networking opportunities, serving as a nexus for like-minded individuals passionate about writing. These programs foster a sense of community through collaborative workshops, readings, and group discussions, creating an environment conducive to sharing ideas and experiences.

Networking opportunities with established writers, publishers, and literary agents are often facilitated by the program, providing students with valuable industry connections. Alumni networks further extend these opportunities, allowing graduates to remain connected to a supportive literary community that can play a crucial role in their professional development and success in the literary world.

What is the Coursework Like?

The coursework for a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing is designed to provide students with a comprehensive and immersive experience in writing, critical analysis, and literary theory. While specific course offerings and structures can vary by program, there are several common elements found across most MFA programs that graduate students can expect. These include the following.

Writing Workshops : These are the cornerstone of most MFA programs. Workshops focus on the student’s own writing, providing a space for peer review and critical feedback. Students typically submit their work—be it poetry, fiction, nonfiction, or another genre—and the class discusses each piece in detail, offering constructive critiques. These workshops are often led by experienced visiting writers and faculty members who can help guide the writing process as you pursue your graduate degree.

Literature Classes : Literature courses are a staple of many MFA programs. They offer a study of literary works from various genres, periods, and cultures. These courses are designed to give students a deeper understanding of literary traditions, styles, and techniques, which can then be applied to their own writing.

Craft Classes : Focusing on specific aspects of writing, such as narrative structure, character development, or dialogue, craft classes help students refine their skills in particular areas of writing. These might also include studies in genre-specific writing, like mystery, fantasy, or memoir.

Electives : Many programs offer elective courses that allow students to explore areas outside of their primary genre or delve into specialized topics like screenwriting, children’s literature, or digital storytelling.

best creative writing programs united states

are you a writer?

Submit your work to be featured. ↗

Thesis or Capstone Project : Most MFA programs culminate in a thesis or capstone project. This typically involves creating a substantial body of work, such as a novel, a collection of short stories or poems, or a nonfiction manuscript. The project is usually completed under the guidance of a faculty advisor.

Professional Development : Courses or workshops focused on the business side of writing, such as publishing, literary agent representation, and marketing, are also common. These are designed to prepare students for the practical aspects of a writing career.

Guest Lectures and Readings : Many programs bring in established writers, editors, and literary agents to speak with students, providing insights into the literary world and opportunities for networking.

Teaching Opportunities : Some programs offer teaching assistantships, where MFA students teach undergraduate writing courses. A graduate teaching assistantship provides valuable teaching experience and often helps with funding. Low residency programs in particular offer these opportunities.

Top Creative Writing MFA Programs in the U.S.

best creative writing programs united states

The United States boasts a range of top-tier Creative Writing MFA programs, each with its unique strengths and focus. Many are low-residency MFA programs with both incredible tenured professors and amazing visiting faculty. Let’s take a look at a few creative writing programs.

The Iowa Writers’ Workshop at the University of Iowa, a pioneer in the field, is known for its tradition of producing distinguished writers. Columbia University’s program in New York City stands out for its comprehensive approach and proximity to the publishing world.

The Helen Zell Writers’ Program at the University of Michigan offers an intimate setting with a strong emphasis on community and craft. The Michener Center for Writers at the University of Texas at Austin distinguishes itself with its interdisciplinary approach and generous funding.

Other notable programs include those at New York University, Brown University, the University of Virginia, and Johns Hopkins University, each offering a blend of rigorous coursework, accomplished faculty, and a supportive writing community. Let’s delve deeper into these and a few more of the top graduate creative writing programs below. Bear in mind that the following MFA creative writing programs are not listed in any particular order.

best creative writing programs united states

Iowa Writers’ Workshop, University of Iowa

Iowa City

The Iowa Writers’ Workshop at the University of Iowa stands as one of the most prestigious Creative Writing MFA programs in the United States. Renowned for its history of nurturing successful writers, the program has been a seminal influence in the literary world. Incoming MFA students will walk in the footsteps of incredible writers like John Irving and Flannery O’Connor.

The workshop model of teaching, which fosters peer review and close interaction with faculty, has been instrumental in shaping the skills of budding writers. The program’s alumni include numerous Pulitzer Prize winners and acclaimed authors, underlining its significant impact on the literary landscape.

Iowa Writers’ Workshop Alumni

The Iowa Writers’ Workshop at the University of Iowa is renowned for its impressive roster of alumni, many of whom have achieved significant acclaim in the literary world. Some well-known alumni include the following.

Flannery O’Connor: An American novelist and short story writer known for her sardonic, Southern Gothic style and often grotesque characters.

John Irving: A bestselling novelist and screenwriter, famous for works such as “The World According to Garp” and “A Prayer for Owen Meany.”

Jane Smiley: A Pulitzer Prize-winning author, recognized for her novel “A Thousand Acres,” which is a modernized retelling of Shakespeare’s “King Lear.”

Michael Cunningham: Known for his novel “The Hours,” which won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and the PEN/Faulkner Award.

T.C. Boyle: A prolific writer known for his novels and short stories that often reflect on contemporary society and the human condition.

Marilynne Robinson: Celebrated for her novel “Gilead,” which won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction; she is also known for her essays and teaching at the Workshop.

Columbia University School of the Arts

best creative writing programs united states

Columbia University’s School of the Arts offers a Creative Writing MFA program known for its rigorous approach and outstanding faculty. Located in the heart of New York City, the program provides students with an immersive experience in one of the world’s most dynamic literary communities.

The curriculum emphasizes not only creative writing skills but also a critical understanding of literary theory and history, supported by a faculty comprising some of the most distinguished writers and intellectuals in the field.

University of Michigan, Helen Zell Writers’ Program

best creative writing programs united states

The University of Michigan’s Helen Zell Writers’ Program is celebrated for its unique blend of academic rigor and creative flexibility. This program distinguishes itself by offering a supportive and collaborative environment where students can explore a wide range of writing styles and genres.

The faculty, composed of esteemed writers, provides personalized guidance, ensuring a rich learning experience that fosters both technical skill and artistic expression.

New York University

best creative writing programs united states

Located in the vibrant literary heart of New York, New York University’s creative writing program is notable for its distinguished faculty and diverse student body. The program offers unparalleled access to the city’s rich cultural life, including readings, workshops, and networking events with industry professionals.

This urban setting, combined with the program’s strong focus on mentorship and development, creates an ideal environment for MFA students to flourish.

The Michener Center for Writers, University of Texas at Austin

best creative writing programs united states

The Michener Center for Writers at the University of Texas at Austin is known for its interdisciplinary approach and generous funding opportunities for students. The program stands out for its emphasis on cross-genre exploration, allowing students to delve into various forms of writing. With its robust funding, the center attracts a diverse group of talented writers, creating a dynamic and supportive community.

Brown University

best creative writing programs united states

Brown University’s MFA program in Creative Writing is recognized for its innovative approach and strong emphasis on the literary arts. The program encourages experimental and boundary-pushing work, supported by a faculty renowned for their artistic contributions.

Brown’s emphasis on a wide range of literary styles and mediums provides students with a broad and enriching educational experience.

Join us for the focus & Flex challenge

University of virginia.

best creative writing programs united states

The University of Virginia’s MFA program in Creative Writing boasts a high-quality faculty and a strong alumni network. Known for its selective admissions and intimate class sizes, the program offers personalized attention and mentorship to each student. The alumni success stories speak to the program’s effectiveness in fostering literary talent and career development.

Johns Hopkins University

best creative writing programs united states

Johns Hopkins University offers a Creative Writing MFA program known for its tight-knit community and focus on craft and theory. The program emphasizes intensive writing workshops coupled with critical analysis, fostering a deep understanding of literary craft. This approach, along with the supportive environment of peers and faculty, makes it an ideal place for writers committed to honing their craft.

University of California, Irvine

The University of California, Irvine’s MFA program is distinguished by its strong emphasis on both critical skills and creative work. The program blends rigorous writing workshops with a theoretical understanding of the craft, offering a comprehensive approach to literary study. This balance ensures that graduate students are well-equipped both as writers and critical thinkers in the literary field.

Boston University

Boston University’s Creative Writing MFA program is renowned for its intensive one-year curriculum and close mentorship. The program offers a fast-paced, deeply immersive educational experience, with a strong emphasis on completing a substantial body of work. The faculty’s close guidance helps students rapidly develop their skills and prepare for a professional writing career.

accepting new mastermind applications

For fall ’24.

Get unstuck. Find fulfillment. Rediscover your passion for the design industry we all love! Be one of the first to join our next exclusive, curated cohort of creative women and find support like you’ve never had before.

best creative writing programs united states

Cornell University

Cornell University’s MFA program offers a diverse range of creative writing courses, supported by an experienced and accomplished faculty. The program is designed to cater to a wide array of interests and styles, allowing students to explore various aspects of creative writing. Cornell’s commitment to literary scholarship and creative excellence makes it a nurturing environment for aspiring writers.

University of Massachusetts, Amherst

The University of Massachusetts, Amherst, features a supportive Creative Writing MFA program that focuses on personal growth as a writer. The program is characterized by its welcoming community and emphasis on individual development. Students are encouraged to find their unique voice and explore their creative potential in a nurturing environment.

M. University of Wisconsin, Madison

The University of Wisconsin, Madison, offers a comprehensive Creative Writing MFA program with a vibrant writing community. The curriculum covers a wide range of genres and styles, providing students with a broad understanding of literary forms and practices. The program’s engaged community and comprehensive approach make it an ideal place for writers seeking both breadth and depth in their literary education.

Stanford University

best creative writing programs united states

Stanford University’s Creative Writing MFA program is notable for its unique fellowships and focus on creative innovation. The program offers significant financial support and resources, allowing writers to fully immerse themselves in their craft, whether that be fiction, poetry, or another form of creative writing. Stanford’s commitment to creative experimentation and innovation provides an ideal environment for writers looking to push the boundaries of their work.

University of Oregon

The University of Oregon’s MFA program is committed to teaching excellence and provides a supportive learning environment for aspiring writers. The program emphasizes both the artistic and professional aspects of writing, preparing students for a career in the literary world. With a focus on mentorship and development, the University of Oregon offers a nurturing space for writers to grow and succeed.

Other MFA Creative Writing Programs in the United States

best creative writing programs united states

Below is a selection of additional notable programs to give creative writing students a broader sense of the options available. Keep in mind this is not exhaustive but includes a range of well-regarded programs.

Syracuse University

Syracuse University’s MFA in Creative Writing is renowned for its rigorous, supportive atmosphere and a strong emphasis on teaching. The program is celebrated for its distinguished faculty and has produced a number of successful writers, such as George Saunders, a recipient of the MacArthur Fellowship and author of several acclaimed books, including “Lincoln in the Bardo.”

Vanderbilt University

Vanderbilt’s MFA program is known for its selective nature and intimate workshop environment, focusing primarily on literary fiction. Alumni include Beth Bachmann, a poet whose work has received significant recognition, including the Kate Tufts Discovery Award for her book “Temper.”

University of Pittsburgh

The MFA program at the University of Pittsburgh offers a balance of creative writing and academic study. Among its alumni is poet Terrance Hayes, a National Book Award winner and MacArthur Fellow, known for his innovative use of language and exploration of identity.

University of North Carolina at Greensboro

UNCG’s MFA program is notable for its strong faculty-student relationships and emphasis on personal growth. Notable alumni include Craig Nova, an award-winning author known for his novels, including “The Good Son.”

University of Florida

The University of Florida’s MFA program emphasizes a balance between creative writing and critical analysis. Alumni include Padgett Powell, known for his novel “Edisto,” which was nominated for the American Book Award.

Indiana University

Indiana University’s MFA program is celebrated for its nurturing environment and community of writers. Notable alumni include poet Ross Gay, whose book “Catalog of Unabashed Gratitude” won the National Book Critics Circle Award.

University of Maryland

The MFA program at the University of Maryland offers a diverse range of courses and workshops. Notably, it has produced alumni like Michael Collier, a poet and former director of the Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference.

University of Alabama

The University of Alabama’s MFA program is diverse in its genre offerings, from traditional literary forms to experimental writing. Its alumni include Alina Stefanescu, a Romanian-American poet and author noted for her unique prose style.

Temple University

Temple University’s MFA program is distinctive for its interdisciplinary opportunities, allowing students to engage with various forms of writing and media. A notable alumnus is Liz Moore, author of the acclaimed novel “Heft.”

University of Arizona

The University of Arizona’s MFA program is known for its strong faculty and commitment to student development. Alumni include Ander Monson, a versatile writer known for his essays, poetry, and fiction.

George Mason University

George Mason University’s MFA program offers a well-rounded approach with a diverse faculty. Notable alumni include Jennifer Atkinson, a poet whose work has been widely published and praised.

Louisiana State University

LSU’s MFA program places a strong focus on literary craft and theory. Among its alumni is Moira Crone, a novelist and short story writer recognized for her narrative craftsmanship.

University of Nevada, Las Vegas

UNLV’s MFA program stands out for its international emphasis, offering students a global perspective on literature. Notable alumni include Claire Vaye Watkins, author of “Battleborn,” which received critical acclaim.

Oregon State University

OSU’s MFA program is distinct for its emphasis on community outreach and engagement, preparing students for a career in writing and teaching. Alumni include Marjorie Sandor, an award-winning author known for her short stories and essays.

University of New Hampshire

UNH’s MFA program is recognized for its supportive faculty and commitment to student development. Notable alumni include Tom Barbash, known for his novel “The Last Good Chance.”

Tips for Financing Your Creative Writing Degree

best creative writing programs united states

The financial aspect of pursuing a Creative Writing MFA can be significant, with tuition costs varying widely among programs. Many students will require some form of financial aid. Top-tier programs often have higher tuition fees, reflecting their prestigious faculty and comprehensive resources.

However, many of these programs offer a range of scholarships and fellowships to alleviate the financial burden. Scholarships may be merit-based, recognizing exceptional writing talent, while fellowships often provide a stipend for living expenses in addition to tuition waivers.

Some programs, like the Michener Center for Writers at the University of Texas, are known for offering generous funding packages to all students. A few are fully-funded MFA programs. Prospective students should thoroughly research the funding opportunities available at each program to understand the financial commitment required.

Ways to Finance Creative Writing Degrees

Financing an MFA in Creative Writing requires careful planning and exploration of various funding sources. Applicants should start by seeking information on scholarships and fellowships directly from the programs they are interested in, as these can significantly reduce the cost. Additionally, teaching assistantships, where students teach undergraduate classes, can provide a salary and tuition remission.

External scholarships and grants, available through literary organizations and foundations, are also worth exploring. Students should also consider federal and private student loans, though these should be approached cautiously due to the long-term financial commitment they entail. Lastly, maintaining part-time employment or freelance writing during the program can offer financial support and practical experience in the field.

Career Prospects After Graduation

best creative writing programs united states

Graduates of Creative Writing MFA programs have a diverse array of career paths available to them, reflecting the versatile skills they acquire during their studies. Many pursue traditional literary careers as novelists, poets, or short story writers, often securing book deals and publishing contracts.

Others find success in related fields such as journalism, publishing, and editing, leveraging their strong writing and critical thinking skills. The digital age has expanded opportunities in content creation, copywriting, and writing for online platforms. Additionally, an MFA degree can lead to academic careers, with graduates taking up roles as educators and professors in universities and colleges.

The broad skill set developed in MFA programs also enables graduates to work in fields like public relations, advertising, and communications, where effective writing and storytelling are highly valued.

Success Stories of Alumni in Various Writing and Academic Fields

The success stories of MFA alumni highlight the potential for diverse and fulfilling careers in writing and academia. Numerous alumni have achieved critical and commercial success as authors, with their works published by prestigious publishing houses and translated into multiple languages.

For instance, alumni from programs like the Iowa Writers’ Workshop and Columbia University have gone on to win major literary awards, including the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award. In the academic realm, many MFA graduates hold faculty positions at universities, contributing to literary scholarship and nurturing the next generation of writers.

Success is also evident in the digital space, with graduates excelling as content creators, bloggers, and digital marketing professionals.

Admission Requirements and Tips

best creative writing programs united states

Admission to Creative Writing MFA programs typically involves several key components. Foremost are writing samples, which are the most critical part of the application. These samples, either in the form of poetry, fiction, or non-fiction, should showcase the applicant’s unique voice and skill. Letters of recommendation are also required, generally from individuals familiar with the applicant’s writing and academic abilities, like former professors or mentors.

A statement of purpose or personal essay is another crucial element, where applicants articulate their reasons for pursuing an MFA, their literary influences, and their career aspirations. Additionally, most programs require transcripts from previous academic institutions to assess the applicant’s academic background. Some programs may also request a resume or CV, highlighting relevant experiences and achievements.

If you are pursuing a terminal degree in creative writing, you might need to provide further information.

Advice on How to Prepare a Strong Application

To prepare a strong application for a Creative Writing MFA program, candidates should focus foremost on their writing samples. These should be carefully selected and refined to reflect the applicant’s best work, showcasing originality, technical skill, and a clear artistic vision.

Letters of recommendation should come from individuals who can speak to the candidate’s potential as a writer and commitment to the craft. The statement of purpose needs to be well-crafted and thoughtful, clearly conveying the applicant’s goals and reasons for choosing the specific program. It’s beneficial for candidates to familiarize themselves with the faculty and ethos of the program to tailor their application accordingly.

Lastly, applicants should ensure all components of their application, including transcripts and resumes, are complete, accurate, and presented professionally, adhering to each program’s specific requirements and deadlines.

The Future of MFA Programs

best creative writing programs united states

The landscape of creative writing education, particularly within MFA programs, is continually evolving with emerging trends that reflect broader cultural and technological shifts. A notable trend is the increasing emphasis on diverse voices and global perspectives in writing, encouraging inclusivity and representation in literary works.

Additionally, there is a growing focus on interdisciplinary approaches, where students explore the intersection of writing with other art forms like digital media, film, and visual arts. Environmental and social justice themes are also becoming more prevalent, as writers engage with pressing contemporary issues. Furthermore, the rise of genre fiction, such as fantasy and science fiction, marks a departure from traditional literary norms, expanding the scope of creative exploration within these programs.

Impact of Digital Media and Online Learning Platforms on MFA Programs

Digital media and online learning platforms are significantly impacting MFA programs, transforming how writing is taught, shared, and published. Online platforms have made MFA programs more accessible, allowing for a broader range of participants, including those who may not be able to attend in-person due to geographical or financial constraints.

These platforms facilitate a more collaborative and interactive learning environment where students can easily share work and receive feedback. The rise of digital media also encourages writers to explore new forms of storytelling, such as interactive fiction and digital narratives. However, this shift poses challenges, including the need to adapt teaching methods for the digital realm and ensuring that the depth and quality of mentorship and peer interaction are maintained in an online setting.

Final Thoughts on Attending Graduate School for Creative Writing

best creative writing programs united states

Pursuing an MFA in Creative Writing in the U.S. presents a unique opportunity for individuals to refine their writing craft, connect with a community of like-minded peers, and launch a successful career in the literary world. The value of these programs extends beyond technical skill development. They serve as incubators for creativity, thought leadership, and cultural contribution.

Design Dash

Join us in designing a life you love.

All About Agritourism and Why It’s Perfect for Fall

Interested in agritourism? Enjoy apple picking, pumpkin patches, and more while supporting local farms and creating lasting memories.

How to Create Last-Minute Halloween Costumes with What You Have at Home

These DIY Halloween costume ideas for kids and adults will make your Halloween stress-free, super fun, and incredibly memorable!

What is Tax-Loss Harvesting, Is It Legal, and Does It Build Wealth?

A legal and simple strategy, tax-loss harvesting helps you offset capital gains and grow your wealth by reducing your tax bill.

DesignDash Guide: Create the Ultimate Fall Capsule Wardrobe

Build a fall capsule wardrobe to streamline your style, save time, and support sustainability with versatile, high-quality pieces.

How to Support a Partner Who is Making a Major Career Change

Wondering how to be a supportive partner during periods of transition? Here’s how to care for your partner (and yourself) during this time.

How Dollar-Cost Averaging Can Help You Navigate Market Volatility

Learn how dollar-cost averaging (DCA) can help you grow your wealth with consistency and ease, even during market volatility.

'  data-srcset=

Dee Dee Vogt

I found this article timely and enlightening. I will be entering an MFA Creative Writing program at Belmont University in Nashville in 2024 and the article opened my mind about ways in which I might maximize the experience. Thank you for the inspiration!

'  data-srcset=

Elizabeth Burton

We are so happy to hear that you gained useful information from this article. Please keep us posted on your journey! Best of luck in your program.

Comments are closed.

Related Posts

a woman standing outside of a fancy building

15 Tips for Retaining Creative Employees in Today’s Market

We're all searching for tips and tricks to retaining employees who emb

networking tips

Our Networking Tips for Creative Entrepreneurs

Banish networking anxiety and make valuable connections no matter wher

Melissa Grove and Laura Umansky of Design Dash

Design Your Life with Intention: A Letter from Our Founders

Curiosity. Creativity. Connection. Beauty. Wonder. Growth.

imposter syndrome

Dealing with Imposter Syndrome as a Creative Woman

Never let self-doubt hold you back.

balance perspectives

How to Balance Perspectives and Personalities at Your Design Firm

Balance perspectives and personalities so your firm thrives and no one

self care for entrepreneurs self care for female entrepreneurs mental health resources for entrepreneurs self care for small business owners

Self-Care for Success: How to Support Your Mental Health as a Creative Entrepreneur

Being an entrepreneur is rewarding, but it comes with challenges. Lear

best creative writing programs united states

We believe that all creatives must pursue their curiosity, wherever it takes them. Satisfy your wanderlust with a curated journal of the beauty that surrounds us in art, travel, wellness, and design.

Sign up for Newsletter

Not a member? Register

Repeat Password

Already a member? Log In

Become a part of the DesignDash community.

Register with us to:.

Respond to Journal Prompts

Build Your DD Profile

Gain Exclusive Access to the Latest Articles

Your privacy is important to us. All entries in your private journal are securely stored and are never accessed, shared, or sold to any third parties. We are committed to ensuring your personal thoughts remain confidential and protected at all times.

IMAGES

  1. Best MFA Creative Writing Programs 2024

    best creative writing programs united states

  2. Best MFA Creative Writing Programs Online and On-Campus

    best creative writing programs united states

  3. The Best 15 Creative Writing MFA Programs in 2023

    best creative writing programs united states

  4. The 10 Best Creative Writing Programs

    best creative writing programs united states

  5. Best Colleges for Creative Writing & Programs

    best creative writing programs united states

  6. These are the Best Creative Writing MFA Programs in the U.S.

    best creative writing programs united states

VIDEO

  1. The Best Creative Writing Book for Improving Writing Skills

  2. HOW TO ACE english language creative writing

  3. Creative writing programs

  4. 10 Best Creative Writing Books to Read in 2022

  5. Best Creative Writing Colleges: Find Your Passion in Creative Writing

COMMENTS

  1. 2025 Colleges With Great Writing Programs

    Elon University is located in Elon, N.C., between Greensboro and the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill triangle. With more than 240 clubs and organizations, there are many ways for students to get involved.

  2. The 12 Best Creative Writing Colleges and Programs

    Nonetheless, there are some great options. In order to help you find the best school for you, this list rounds up some of the best colleges for creative writing in the United States. The Best Creative Writing Programs: Ranking Criteria. You should never take college rankings as absolute truth—not even the very official-seeming US News ones ...

  3. 2025 Best Colleges with Creative Writing Degrees

    A+. Overall Niche Grade. Acceptance rate 4%. Net price $20,232. SAT range 1530-1580. #1 Best Colleges in America. 4 Year, CAMBRIDGE, MA. 669 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars. Featured Review: Other says As a student at MIT, I can confidently say that the experience is both challenging and rewarding.

  4. The 10 Best Creative Writing MFA Programs in the US

    University of Oregon (Eugene, OR) Visitor7, Knight Library, CC BY-SA 3.0. Starting off the list is one of the oldest and most venerated Creative Writing programs in the country, the MFA at the University of Oregon. Longtime mentor, teacher, and award-winning poet Garrett Hongo directs the program, modeling its studio-based approach to one-on ...

  5. 2025 Best Creative Writing Schools

    Best Schools for Creative Writing in the United States. The schools below may not offer all types of creative writing degrees so you may want to filter by degree level first. However, they are great for the degree levels they do offer. Only those schools that rank in the top 20% of all the schools we analyze get awarded with a place on this list.

  6. 15 Best Creative Writing MFA Programs in 2024

    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.

  7. Best Creative Writing colleges in the U.S. 2024

    University of Virginia-Main Campus offers 1 Creative Writing degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a small suburb. In 2022, 6 Creative Writing students graduated with students earning 6 Master's degrees. Columbia University in the City of New York offers 2 Creative Writing degree programs.

  8. The 13 Best Colleges for Creative Writing Degrees

    The 13 Best Colleges for Creative Writing Degrees. So, you want to pursue a creative writing degree program in the United States. Wonderful! If you are passionate about writing and you're an avid reader, a career in fiction writing would be the way to go! When it comes to choosing the right MFA (Master of Fine Arts) program - in this case, creative writing - you might be wondering which ...

  9. MFA Programs Database: 255 Programs for Creative Writers

    Our list of 255 MFA programs for creative writers includes essential information about low-residency and full-residency graduate creative writing programs in the United States and other English-speaking countries to help you decide where to apply. It also includes MA programs and PhD programs.

  10. Creative Writing Programs: Finding the Right Fit for Your Learning

    The best creative writing programs will meet your needs as a writer. Here are some factors to consider when choosing between programs: ... The best non-degree-conferring schools based in the United States. These non-academic institutions also provide great creative writing education. Most of these creative writing programs also offer online ...

  11. 2024 Best Creative Writing Bachelor's Degree Schools

    College Factual reviewed 102 schools in the United States to determine which ones were the best for bachelor's degree seekers in the field of creative writing. When you put them all together, these colleges and universities awarded 3,331 bachelor's degrees in creative writing during the 2020-2021 academic year.

  12. The 10 Best MFA Creative Writing Programs [2024]

    Its Master of Fine Arts program is one of the best MFA creative writing programs in the country, exposing students to various approaches to the craft. While studying under award-winning poets and writers, students may specialize in either poetry or fiction. 3. University of Texas at Austin - New Writers Project.

  13. Best Online Creative Writing Degree Programs Of 2024

    78%. $179.19/credit (in-state) 93%. 78%. Editor's Take. Based in Orlando, the University of Central Florida, offers a fully online Bachelor of Arts in English with a concentration in creative ...

  14. 35 Best Colleges for Creative Writing

    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.

  15. Best Colleges for Creative Writing: What You Need to ...

    The University of Iowa, known as "The Writing University," is one of the best colleges for creative writing, offering one of the most prestigious creative writing programs in the world. Founded in 1847, it is home to the famous Iowa Writers' Workshop, the first creative writing degree program in the United States.

  16. 25 Best Colleges for Aspiring Creative Writers

    24. University of Miami. 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.

  17. 12 Best Colleges for Creative Writing [2023]

    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.

  18. 25 Best Graduate Creative Writing Programs

    The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing at the University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM, est. 1910) is a fully online program. This program, which comes in second in our list of the best writing graduate programs, is the most affordable of the creative nonfiction MFA programs in this review article.. To graduate, students must complete 48 credits, including six for their thesis.

  19. 100 Best colleges for Creative Writing in the United States

    Below is a list of best universities in the United States ranked based on their research performance in Creative Writing. A graph of 1.47M citations received by 121K academic papers made by 427 universities in the United States was used to calculate publications' ratings, which then were adjusted for release dates and added to final scores.

  20. These are the Best Creative Writing MFA Programs in the U.S

    Iowa Writers' Workshop, University of Iowa. The Iowa Writers' Workshop at the University of Iowa stands as one of the most prestigious Creative Writing MFA programs in the United States. Renowned for its history of nurturing successful writers, the program has been a seminal influence in the literary world.

  21. | The University of Arizona

    Undergraduate Majors Graduate Programs Colleges & Schools Academic Resources Health Sciences Class Registration Libraries International Engagement. Research. Research, Innovation & Impact Corporate Engagement Research Centers Resources for Researchers Research Opportunities for Students Environment & Sustainability.

  22. 2024 Best MBA Degree Programs Ranking in Fayetteville, NC

    The average cost of pursuing an MBA degree in Fayetteville, NC, can be significantly more manageable compared to many other regions in the United States. Public universities in the area offer a major cost advantage, with in-state tuition priced at around $230 per credit hour.