This is an attempt at creating an objective ranking of graduate creative writing programs.
For further and more detailed information on how the scores are generated see the methodology page.
Program | Overall score | Fiction score | Poetry score | CNF score | Genres | Degrees | State |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
11475 | 10600 | 9350 | 0 | Fiction, Poetry | MFA | MD | |
9225 | 10350 | 8100 | 0 | Fiction, Poetry | MFA | IN | |
8484 | 7900 | 7100 | 12100 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF | MFA | OH | |
8400 | 9100 | 7700 | 0 | Fiction, Poetry | MFA | VA | |
8300 | 10580 | 4350 | 0 | Fiction, Poetry | MFA | IA | |
7183 | 8350 | 2600 | 10350 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF | MFA | AZ | |
7016 | 5850 | 1933 | 183 | Fiction, Poetry, Drama, Screenwriting | MFA | TX | |
6988 | 9850 | 4350 | 6100 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF | PhD | OH | |
6850 | 2600 | 3350 | 1100 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF, Drama | MFA, PhD | FL | |
5600 | 100 | 100 | 5600 | CNF | MFA, PhD | IA | |
5475 | 3100 | 1850 | 1412 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF | MFA, PhD | TX | |
5350 | 3850 | 1475 | 225 | Fiction, Poetry | MFA | IN | |
5266 | 5600 | 3350 | 6850 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF | MFA | MN | |
5183 | 6766 | 2100 | 0 | Fiction, Poetry | MFA | NY | |
5100 | 6100 | 4100 | 0 | Fiction, Poetry | MFA | NC | |
4600 | 3475 | 1225 | 475 | Fiction, Poetry | MFA | AZ | |
4544 | 5100 | 3350 | 0 | Fiction, Poetry, Drama | MFA | MA | |
4500 | 3100 | 2100 | 9100 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF | MFA | PA | |
4366 | 3877 | 5100 | 0 | Fiction, Poetry | MFA | NC | |
4266 | 6100 | 2433 | 0 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF | PhD | CA | |
4266 | 3600 | 766 | 100 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF, Drama | MFA | WI | |
4145 | 2781 | 1372 | 190 | Fiction, Poetry | MFA | MI | |
4100 | 1766 | 4433 | 6100 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF | MFA | ID | |
3975 | 1433 | 5100 | 5766 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF | MA, PhD | OH | |
3933 | 2683 | 1433 | 183 | Fiction, Poetry | MFA | CA | |
3645 | 6300 | 1433 | 0 | Fiction, Poetry | MFA | FL | |
3266 | 4433 | 2100 | 0 | Fiction, Poetry | MFA | TN | |
3100 | 1946 | 946 | 407 | Fiction, Poetry, Drama, Multimedia | MFA | RI | |
2933 | 1711 | 988 | 433 | Fiction, Poetry | MFA, PhD | NY | |
2918 | 3814 | 1350 | 0 | Fiction, Poetry | MA, PhD | MS | |
2900 | 4100 | 1700 | 0 | Fiction, Poetry | MFA | OH | |
2850 | 850 | 850 | 1350 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF | MFA | NM | |
2833 | 2242 | 2300 | 5100 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF | MFA | MT | |
2725 | 475 | 2100 | 100 | Fiction, Poetry | MFA | MD | |
2655 | 3350 | 1766 | 2600 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF | MFA | FL | |
2600 | 1400 | 1300 | 100 | Fiction, Poetry | MFA | OR | |
2500 | 2544 | 2200 | 4100 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF | MFA | MA | |
2475 | 1600 | 600 | 725 | MA, PhD | NE | ||
2475 | 100 | 4600 | 0 | Fiction, Poetry | MFA | MS | |
2447 | 3946 | 300 | 0 | Fiction, Poetry, Drama | MFA | NY | |
2350 | 2100 | 2350 | 0 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF | MFA | IN | |
2300 | 1300 | 1100 | 100 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF | MFA | MO | |
2266 | 5100 | 3100 | 4600 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF | MFA | MI | |
2225 | 1350 | 3100 | 0 | Fiction, Poetry | MFA | IL | |
2225 | 2500 | 100 | 0 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF | MFA | CO | |
2166 | 616 | 333 | 1500 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF, CYA | MFA | VT | |
2100 | 766 | 4766 | 100 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF | MFA | VA | |
2080 | 1000 | 320 | 960 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF | MFA | VT | |
2016 | 1600 | 350 | 350 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF | MFA | VA | |
2016 | 1016 | 916 | 316 | Fiction, Poetry | MA, MFA | NY | |
2000 | 1200 | 600 | 1400 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF, Drama | MFA | IA | |
1975 | 558 | 1058 | 975 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF | MFA, PhD | UT | |
1850 | 800 | 650 | 750 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF | MFA | AL | |
1766 | 1600 | 266 | 100 | Fiction, Poetry | MFA | FL | |
1766 | 100 | 1300 | 0 | Fiction, Poetry | MFA | VA | |
1766 | 2600 | 850 | 2433 | Fiction, Poetry, Drama, Screenwriting | MFA | LA | |
1683 | 1100 | 183 | 600 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF | MA, MFA | CO | |
1600 | 700 | 900 | 400 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF | MFA | WA | |
1600 | 1475 | 225 | 100 | Fiction, Poetry | MFA | LA | |
1600 | 3100 | 100 | 0 | Fiction, Poetry | MFA | SC | |
1544 | 1544 | 100 | 100 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF | MFA | WY | |
1529 | 744 | 529 | 462 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF | MFA | NY | |
1463 | 1766 | 1350 | 100 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF | MFA, PhD | NV | |
1433 | 2766 | 100 | 0 | Fiction, Poetry | MFA | ID | |
1385 | 385 | 528 | 671 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF | MFA | AK | |
1385 | 1242 | 242 | 171 | Fiction, Poetry, Translation | MFA | AR | |
1372 | 100 | 100 | 3600 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF | MFA | CA | |
1360 | 885 | 850 | 3100 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF, CYA, Drama, Screenwriting | MA, MFA | KY | |
1350 | 766 | 516 | 266 | Fiction, Poetry | MFA, PhD | MI | |
1340 | 1016 | 725 | 2500 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF | MFA | VA | |
1330 | 510 | 612 | 356 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF | MA, PhD | MO | |
1300 | 544 | 100 | 855 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF, Drama, Screenwriting | MFA | MA | |
1300 | 1200 | 200 | 100 | Fiction, Poetry | MFA | TX | |
1266 | 1266 | 100 | 100 | Fiction, Poetry | MFA | IL | |
1262 | 748 | 370 | 289 | Fiction, Poetry | MA, MFA | CA | |
1260 | 1683 | 600 | 1100 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF, Drama, Screenwriting | MFA | LA | |
1242 | 671 | 671 | 100 | Fiction, Poetry | MFA | TX | |
1242 | 600 | 100 | 742 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF | MFA | OR | |
1233 | 1385 | 766 | 1300 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF | MFA | NH | |
1211 | 1475 | 957 | 1100 | Fiction, Poetry | MFA | WA | |
1100 | 433 | 683 | 266 | Fiction, Poetry, Screenwriting | MFA | DC | |
1100 | 513 | 341 | 651 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF | MA, PhD | TX | |
1100 | 516 | 683 | 100 | Fiction, Poetry | MA | CA | |
1100 | 1100 | 100 | 1100 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF, Screenwriting | MFA | KY | |
1100 | 100 | 1100 | 2100 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF | MFA | WV | |
1100 | 350 | 1600 | 1766 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF | MFA | WA | |
1044 | 988 | 100 | 155 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF | MFA | NY | |
1016 | 100 | 1766 | 3100 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF | MFA | IN | |
1000 | 1900 | 100 | 0 | Fiction, Poetry | MFA | MO | |
1000 | 1000 | 100 | 100 | Fiction, Poetry | MA, MFA | NM | |
1000 | 100 | 600 | 500 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF | MFA | UT | |
988 | 433 | 488 | 266 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF, Drama, Screenwriting | MFA | CA | |
975 | 2433 | 100 | 100 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF | MFA | OH | |
957 | 1300 | 100 | 100 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF | MFA | FL | |
933 | 100 | 100 | 272 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF, Drama | MA | ON | |
933 | 933 | 100 | 1766 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF | MFA | NJ | |
900 | 546 | 376 | 176 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF | MFA | NY | |
900 | 500 | 100 | 500 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF | MA, MFA | IL | |
877 | 2433 | 100 | 100 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF, Graphic Novel | MFA | FL | |
839 | 100 | 1100 | 3433 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF, Popular Fiction | MFA | ME | |
833 | 633 | 100 | 300 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF, Drama, Screenwriting | MFA | NC | |
827 | 100 | 100 | 827 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF | MFA | NC | |
822 | 488 | 100 | 433 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF | MFA | MN | |
787 | 725 | 162 | 100 | Fiction, Poetry | MFA | NJ | |
725 | 725 | 100 | 100 | Fiction, Poetry | MFA | CA | |
700 | 100 | 100 | 500 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF | MFA | OH | |
700 | 1350 | 100 | 433 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF | MFA | GA | |
671 | 1100 | 100 | 0 | Fiction, Poetry | MFA | PA | |
671 | 457 | 314 | 100 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF | MFA | FL | |
671 | 528 | 814 | 0 | Fiction, Poetry | MFA | NC | |
651 | 444 | 272 | 134 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF | PhD | CO | |
633 | 633 | 100 | 366 | Fiction, Poetry | MFA, PhD | GA | |
625 | 175 | 200 | 450 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF | MFA | WA | |
600 | 600 | 100 | 100 | Fiction, Poetry, Drama | MFA, PhD | KS | |
600 | 100 | 600 | 100 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF | MFA | TX | |
566 | 366 | 300 | 100 | Fiction, Poetry | MFA, PhD | TN | |
548 | 548 | 100 | 203 | Fiction, CNF | MFA, PhD | GA | |
544 | 1100 | 100 | 0 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF, Translation | MFA | NY | |
533 | 333 | 100 | 300 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF, Screenwriting | MFA | NM | |
520 | 300 | 180 | 240 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF | MFA | OR | |
520 | 273 | 372 | 975 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF, CYA | MFA | CA | |
500 | 100 | 100 | 500 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF | MFA | NV | |
500 | 100 | 100 | 500 | CNF | MFA | MD | |
479 | 203 | 410 | 134 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF, CYA | MA, PhD | NY | |
477 | 233 | 166 | 366 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF | MA, PhD | TX | |
475 | 100 | 100 | 475 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF | MFA | SC | |
461 | 127 | 100 | 350 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF | MFA | IL | |
433 | 100 | 100 | 433 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF | MFA | WA | |
433 | 700 | 1600 | 100 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF | MFA | VA | |
433 | 133 | 166 | 266 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF, CYA, Drama, Screenwriting, Graphic Novel | MFA | VT | |
400 | 100 | 100 | 400 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF | MFA | IL | |
400 | 400 | 100 | 100 | Fiction, Poetry | MFA | NY | |
400 | 220 | 220 | 160 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF | MA, PhD | WI | |
400 | 150 | 250 | 200 | Fiction, Poetry, Drama, Multimedia | MFA | CA | |
400 | 233 | 200 | 166 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF | MA, PhD | IL | |
390 | 172 | 100 | 318 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF, CYA, Drama, Screenwriting, Translation, Lyric and libretto, Radio drama, Graphic Novel | MFA | BC | |
375 | 100 | 375 | 100 | CA | |||
341 | 237 | 168 | 134 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF | MFA | PA | |
340 | 100 | 220 | 220 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF, CYA | MFA | MN | |
340 | 180 | 180 | 340 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF, CYA, Translation | MFA | NJ | |
340 | 340 | 100 | 100 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF | MFA | OR | |
330 | 100 | 100 | 1100 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF | MA | AZ | |
306 | 100 | 100 | 306 | MA, PhD | LA | ||
306 | 100 | 306 | 100 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF | MA, MFA | CO | |
300 | 300 | 100 | 100 | Fiction, Poetry | MFA | KS | |
300 | 100 | 100 | 300 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF | MFA | OH | |
300 | 100 | 300 | 100 | Fiction, Poetry | MFA | NH | |
276 | 100 | 100 | 276 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF | MFA | CA | |
273 | 100 | 100 | 600 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF, Drama, Screenwriting | MFA | CT | |
272 | 272 | 100 | 100 | ||||
272 | 272 | 100 | 100 | Fiction, Poetry, Drama | MA | Québec | |
272 | 272 | 100 | 272 | MA | MO | ||
272 | 100 | 272 | 100 | Fiction, Poetry, Multimedia | MFA | NY | |
272 | 100 | 100 | 272 | ||||
260 | 260 | 100 | 100 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF | MFA | NY | |
242 | 100 | 100 | 242 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF | MFA | SK | |
242 | 242 | 100 | 100 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF | MFA | CA | |
240 | 450 | 100 | 100 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF | MFA, PhD | OK | |
237 | 237 | 100 | 100 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF, Drama | MFA | Ontario | |
237 | 100 | 134 | 100 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF, Drama | MFA | CA | |
237 | 100 | 237 | 100 | ||||
237 | 100 | 237 | 100 | Fiction, Poetry | MA | MS | |
227 | 188 | 139 | 100 | Fiction, Poetry | MFA | NY | |
203 | 203 | 100 | 100 | MN | |||
203 | 203 | 100 | 203 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF | MA | RI | |
203 | 203 | 100 | 100 | Fiction, Poetry, Drama | MA, PhD | New Brunswick | |
200 | 150 | 150 | 100 | Fiction, Poetry | MFA | CA | |
180 | 140 | 100 | 140 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF | MFA | IL | |
168 | 168 | 100 | 100 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF | MA | TX | |
168 | 168 | 100 | 168 | ||||
166 | 100 | 100 | 166 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF | MA | OK | |
166 | 166 | 100 | 100 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF | MFA | CA | |
134 | 134 | 100 | 100 | MA | Ontario | ||
134 | 100 | 100 | 134 | CT | |||
112 | 100 | 100 | 112 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF | MA, MFA | PA | |
100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF, Drama, Screenwriting | MFA | CA | |
100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF | MFA | TN | |
100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF | MFA | SC | |
100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | MA, PhD | HI | ||
100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | MA | CA | ||
100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF | MA | MI | |
100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF | MFA | KY | |
100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | MA, PhD | NY | ||
100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | ||||
100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | ||||
100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | ||||
100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF, CYA, Drama, Screenwriting | MFA | MA | |
100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF | MA | NY | |
100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | MFA | MO | ||
100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | ||||
100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF, Screenwriting | MFA | MO | |
100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF, Drama, Screenwriting | MFA | LA | |
100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF, Drama, Screenwriting | MA, PhD | CT | |
100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF, CYA, Graphic Novel | MFA | MA | |
100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF | MA | NE | |
100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | CNF | MFA | GA | |
100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | Fiction, Poetry, CNF, Translation | MFA | CO | |
100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | Poetry | MFA | NJ | |
100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | TX | |||
100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | Fiction, Poetry | MFA | MA |
Lists of authors without graduate creative writing degrees or whose degree status is unknown are available. Send questions, comments and corrections to [email protected] .
Disclaimer: No endorsement of these ratings should be implied by the writers and writing programs listed on this site, or by the editors and publishers of Best American Short Stories , Best American Essays , Best American Poetry , The O. Henry Prize Stories and The Pushcart Prize Anthology .
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15 Best Creative Writing MFA Programs in 2024
May 15, 2024
Whether you studied at a top creative writing university or are a high school dropout who will one day become a bestselling author , you may be considering an MFA in Creative Writing. But is a writing MFA genuinely worth the time and potential costs? How do you know which program will best nurture your writing? If you’re considering an MFA, this article walks you through the best full-time, low residency, and online Creative Writing MFA programs in the United States.
What are the best Creative Writing MFA programs?
Before we get into the meat and potatoes of this article, let’s start with the basics. What is an MFA, anyway?
A Master of Fine Arts (MFA) is a graduate degree that usually takes from two to three years to complete. Applications typically require a sample portfolio, usually 10-20 pages (and sometimes up to 30-40) of your best writing. Moreover, you can receive an MFA in a particular genre, such as Fiction or Poetry, or more broadly in Creative Writing. However, if you take the latter approach, you often have the opportunity to specialize in a single genre.
Wondering what actually goes on in a creative writing MFA beyond inspiring award-winning books and internet memes ? You enroll in workshops where you get feedback on your creative writing from your peers and a faculty member. You enroll in seminars where you get a foundation of theory and techniques. Then, you finish the degree with a thesis project. Thesis projects are typically a body of polished, publishable-quality creative work in your genre—fiction, nonfiction, or poetry.
Why should I get an MFA in Creative Writing?
You don’t need an MFA to be a writer. Just look at Nobel Prize winner Toni Morrison or bestselling novelist Emily St. John Mandel.
Nonetheless, there are plenty of reasons you might still want to get a creative writing MFA. The first is, unfortunately, prestige. An MFA from a top program can help you stand out in a notoriously competitive industry to be published.
The second reason: time. Many MFA programs give you protected writing time, deadlines, and maybe even a (dainty) salary.
Third, an MFA in Creative Writing is a terminal degree. This means that this degree allows you to teach writing at the university level, especially after you publish a book.
Fourth: resources. MFA programs are often staffed by brilliant, award-winning writers; offer lecture series, volunteer opportunities, and teaching positions; and run their own (usually prestigious) literary magazines. Such resources provide you with the knowledge and insight you’ll need to navigate the literary and publishing world on your own post-graduation.
But above all, the biggest reason to pursue an MFA is the community it brings you. You get to meet other writers—and share feedback, advice, and moral support—in relationships that can last for decades.
Types of Creative Writing MFA Programs
Here are the different types of programs to consider, depending on your needs:
Fully-Funded Full-Time Programs
These programs offer full-tuition scholarships and sweeten the deal by actually paying you to attend them.
- Pros: You’re paid to write (and teach).
- Cons: Uprooting your entire life to move somewhere possibly very cold.
Full-Time MFA Programs
These programs include attending in-person classes and paying tuition (though many offer need-based and merit scholarships).
- Pros: Lots of top-notch non-funded programs have more assets to attract world-class faculty and guests.
- Cons: It’s an investment that might not pay itself back.
Low-Residency MFA Programs
Low-residency programs usually meet biannually for short sessions. They also offer one-on-one support throughout the year. These MFAs are more independent, preparing you for what the writing life is actually like.
- Pros: No major life changes required. Cons: Less time dedicated to writing and less time to build relationships.
Online MFA Programs
Held 100% online. These programs have high acceptance rates and no residency requirement. That means zero travel or moving expenses.
- Pros: No major life changes required.
- Cons: These MFAs have less name recognition.
The Top 15 Creative Writing MFA Programs Ranked by Category
The following programs are selected for their balance of high funding, impressive return on investment, stellar faculty, major journal publications , and impressive alums.
FULLY FUNDED MFA PROGRAMS
1) johns hopkins university , mfa in fiction/poetry.
This two-year program offers an incredibly generous funding package: $39,000 teaching fellowships each year. Not to mention, it offers that sweet, sweet health insurance, mind-boggling faculty, and the option to apply for a lecture position after graduation. Many grads publish their first book within three years (nice). No nonfiction MFA (boo).
- Location: Baltimore, MD
- Incoming class size: 8 students (4 per genre)
- Admissions rate: 4-8%
- Alumni: Chimamanda Adichie, Jeffrey Blitz, Wes Craven, Louise Erdrich, Porochista Khakpour, Phillis Levin, ZZ Packer, Tom Sleigh, Elizabeth Spires, Rosanna Warren
2) University of Texas, James Michener Center
The only MFA that offers full and equal funding for every writer. It’s three years long, offers a generous yearly stipend of $30k, and provides full tuition plus a health insurance stipend. Fiction, poetry, playwriting, and screenwriting concentrations are available. The Michener Center is also unique because you study a primary genre and a secondary genre, and also get $4,000 for the summer.
- Location : Austin, TX
- Incoming class size : 12 students
- Acceptance rate: a bone-chilling less-than-1% in fiction; 2-3% in other genres
- Alumni: Fiona McFarlane, Brian McGreevy, Karan Mahajan, Alix Ohlin, Kevin Powers, Lara Prescott, Roger Reeves, Maria Reva, Domenica Ruta, Sam Sax, Joseph Skibell, Dominic Smith
3) University of Iowa
The Iowa Writers’ Workshop is a 2-year program on a residency model for fiction and poetry. This means there are low requirements, and lots of time to write groundbreaking novels or play pool at the local bar. All students receive full funding, including tuition, a living stipend, and subsidized health insurance. The Translation MFA , co-founded by Gayatri Chakravorti Spivak, is also two years long but with more intensive coursework. The Nonfiction Writing Program is a prestigious three-year MFA program and is also intensive.
- Incoming class size: 25 each for poetry and fiction; 10-12 for nonfiction and translation.
- Acceptance rate: 2.7-3.7%
- Fantastic Alumni: Raymond Carver, Flannery O’Connor, Sandra Cisneros, Joy Harjo, Garth Greenwell, Kiley Reid, Brandon Taylor, Eula Biss, Yiyun Li, Jennifer Croft
Best MFA Creative Writing Programs (Continued)
4) university of michigan.
Anne Carson famously lives in Ann Arbor, as do the MFA students in UMichigan’s Helen Zell Writers’ Program. This is a big university town, which is less damaging to your social life. Plus, there’s lots to do when you have a $25,000 stipend, summer funding, and health care.
This is a 2-3-year program in either fiction or poetry, with an impressive reputation. They also have a demonstrated commitment to “ push back against the darkness of intolerance and injustice ” and have outreach programs in the community.
- Location: Ann Arbor, MI
- Incoming class size: 18 (9 in each genre)
- Acceptance rate: 2%
- Alumni: Brit Bennett, Vievee Francis, Airea D. Matthews, Celeste Ng, Chigozie Obioma, Jia Tolentino, Jesmyn Ward
5) Brown University
Brown offers an edgy, well-funded program in a place that only occasionally dips into arctic temperatures. All students are fully funded for 2 years, which includes tuition remission and a $32k yearly stipend. Students also get summer funding and—you guessed it—that sweet, sweet health insurance.
In the Brown Literary Arts MFA, students take only one workshop and one elective per semester. It’s also the only program in the country to feature a Digital/Cross Disciplinary Track. Fiction and Poetry Tracks are offered as well.
- Location: Providence, RI
- Incoming class size: 12-13
- Acceptance rate: “highly selective”
- Alumni: Edwidge Danticat, Jaimy Gordon, Gayl Jones, Ben Lerner, Joanna Scott, Kevin Young, Ottessa Moshfegh
6) University of Arizona
This 3-year program with fiction, poetry, and nonfiction tracks has many attractive qualities. It’s in “ the lushest desert in the world, ” and was recently ranked #4 in creative writing programs, and #2 in Nonfiction. You can take classes in multiple genres, and in fact, are encouraged to do so. Plus, Arizona’s dry heat is good for arthritis.
This notoriously supportive program is fully funded. Moreover, teaching assistantships that provide a salary, health insurance, and tuition waiver are offered to all students. Tucson is home to a hopping literary scene, so it’s also possible to volunteer at multiple literary organizations and even do supported research at the US-Mexico Border.
- Location: Tucson, AZ
- Incoming class size: usually 6
- Acceptance rate: 1.2% (a refreshingly specific number after Brown’s evasiveness)
- Alumni: Francisco Cantú, Jos Charles, Tony Hoagland, Nancy Mairs, Richard Russo, Richard Siken, Aisha Sabatini Sloan, David Foster Wallace
7) Arizona State University
With concentrations in fiction and poetry, Arizona State is a three-year funded program in arthritis-friendly dry heat. It offers small class sizes, individual mentorships, and one of the most impressive faculty rosters in the game. Moreover, it encourages cross-genre study.
Funding-wise, everyone has the option to take on a teaching assistantship position, which provides a tuition waiver, health insurance, and a yearly stipend of $25k. Other opportunities for financial support exist as well.
- Location: Tempe, AZ
- Incoming class size: 8-10
- Acceptance rate: 3% (sigh)
- Alumni: Tayari Jones, Venita Blackburn, Dorothy Chan, Adrienne Celt, Dana Diehl, Matthew Gavin Frank, Caitlin Horrocks, Allegra Hyde, Hugh Martin, Bonnie Nadzam
FULL-RESIDENCY MFAS (UNFUNDED)
8) new york university.
This two-year program is in New York City, meaning it comes with close access to literary opportunities and hot dogs. NYU also has one of the most accomplished faculty lists anywhere. Students have large cohorts (more potential friends!) and have a penchant for winning top literary prizes. Concentrations in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction are available.
- Location: New York, NY
- Incoming class size: ~60; 20-30 students accepted for each genre
- Acceptance rate: 6-9%
- Alumni: Nick Flynn, Nell Freudenberger, Aracelis Girmay, Mitchell S. Jackson, Tyehimba Jess, John Keene, Raven Leilani, Robin Coste Lewis, Ada Limón, Ocean Vuong
9) Columbia University
Another 2-3 year private MFA program with drool-worthy permanent and visiting faculty. Columbia offers courses in fiction, poetry, translation, and nonfiction. Beyond the Ivy League education, Columbia offers close access to agents, and its students have a high record of bestsellers. Finally, teaching positions and fellowships are available to help offset the high tuition.
- Incoming class size: 110
- Acceptance rate: not publicized (boo)
- Alumni: Alexandra Kleeman, Rachel Kushner, Claudia Rankine, Rick Moody, Sigrid Nunez, Tracy K. Smith, Emma Cline, Adam Wilson, Marie Howe, Mary Jo Bang
10) Sarah Lawrence
Sarah Lawrence offers a concentration in speculative fiction in addition to the average fiction, poetry, and nonfiction choices. Moreover, they encourage cross-genre exploration. With intimate class sizes, this program is unique because it offers biweekly one-on-one conferences with its stunning faculty. It also has a notoriously supportive atmosphere, and many teaching and funding opportunities are available.
- Location: Bronxville, NY
- Incoming class size: 30-40
- Acceptance rate: not publicized
- Alumni: Cynthia Cruz, Melissa Febos, T Kira Madden, Alex Dimitrov, Moncho Alvarado
LOW RESIDENCY
11) bennington college.
This two-year program boasts truly stellar faculty, and meets twice a year for ten days in January and June. It’s like a biannual vacation in beautiful Vermont, plus mentorship by a famous writer. The rest of the time, you’ll be spending approximately 25 hours per week on reading and writing assignments. Students have the option to concentrate in fiction, nonfiction, or poetry. Uniquely, they can also opt for a dual-genre focus.
The tuition is $23,468 per year, with scholarships available. Additionally, Bennington offers full-immersion teaching fellowships to MFA students, which are extremely rare in low-residency programs.
- Location: Bennington, VT
- Acceptance rate: 53%
- Incoming class: 25-35
- Alumni: Larissa Pham, Andrew Reiner, Lisa Johnson Mitchell, and others
12) Institute for American Indian Arts
This two-year program emphasizes Native American and First Nations writing. With truly amazing faculty and visiting writers, they offer a wide range of genres, including screenwriting, poetry, fiction, and nonfiction. In addition, each student is matched with a faculty mentor who works with them one-on-one throughout the semester.
Students attend two eight-day residencies each year, in January and July, in Santa Fe, New Mexico. At $12,000 in tuition a year, it boasts being “ one of the most affordable MFA programs in the country .”
- Location: Santa Fe, NM
- Incoming class size : 21
- Alumni: Tommy Orange, Dara Yen Elerath, Kathryn Wilder
13) Vermont College of Fine Arts
VCFA is the only graduate school on this list that focuses exclusively on the fine arts. Their MFA in Writing offers concentrations in fiction, poetry, and nonfiction; they also offer an MFA in Literary Translation and one of the few MFAs in Writing for Children and Young Adults . Students meet twice a year for nine days, in January and July, either in-person or online. Here, they receive one-on-one mentorship that continues for the rest of the semester. You can also do many travel residencies in exciting (and warm) places like Cozumel.
VCFA boasts amazing faculty and visiting writers, with individualized study options and plenty of one-on-one time. Tuition for the full two-year program is approximately $54k.
- Location : Various; 2024/25 residencies are in Colorado and California
- Incoming class size: 18-25
- Acceptance rate: 63%
- Alumnx: Lauren Markham, Mary-Kim Arnold, Cassie Beasley, Kate Beasley, Julie Berry, Bridget Birdsall, Gwenda Bond, Pablo Cartaya
ONLINE MFAS
14) university of texas at el paso.
UTEP is considered the best online MFA program, and features award-winning faculty from across the globe. Accordingly, this program is geared toward serious writers who want to pursue teaching and/or publishing. Intensive workshops allow submissions in Spanish and/or English, and genres include poetry and fiction.
No residencies are required, but an optional opportunity to connect in person is available every year. This three-year program costs about $25-30k total, depending on whether you are an in-state or out-of-state resident.
- Location: El Paso, TX
- Acceptance rate: “highly competitive”
- Alumni: Watch alumni testimonies here
15) Bay Path University
This 2-year online, no-residency program is dedicated entirely to nonfiction. Featuring a supportive, diverse community, Bay Path offers small class sizes, close mentorship, and an optional yearly field trip to Ireland.
There are many tracks, including publishing, narrative medicine, and teaching creative writing. Moreover, core courses include memoir, narrative journalism, food/travel writing, and the personal essay. Tuition is approximately $31,000 for the entire program, with scholarships available.
- Location: Longmeadow, MA
- Incoming class size: 20
- Alumni: Read alumni testimonies here
Best MFA Creative Writing Programs — Final Thoughts
Whether you’re aiming for a fully funded, low residency, or completely online MFA program, there are plenty of incredible options available—all of which will sharpen your craft while immersing you in the vibrant literary arts community.
Hoping to prepare for your MFA in advance? You might consider checking out the following:
- Best English Programs
- Best Colleges for Creative Writing
- Writing Summer Programs
- Best Writing Competitions for High School Students
Inspired to start writing? Get your pencil ready:
- 100 Creative Writing Prompts
- 1 00 Tone Words to Express Mood in Your Writing
- 60 Senior Project Ideas
- Common App Essay Prompts
Best MFA Creative Writing Programs – References:
- https://www.pw.org/mfa
- The Creative Writing MFA Handbook: A Guide for Prospective Graduate Students , by Tom Kealey (A&C Black 2005)
- Graduate School Admissions
Julia Conrad
With a Bachelor of Arts in English and Italian from Wesleyan University as well as MFAs in both Nonfiction Writing and Literary Translation from the University of Iowa, Julia is an experienced writer, editor, educator, and a former Fulbright Fellow. Julia’s work has been featured in The Millions , Asymptote , and The Massachusetts Review , among other publications. To read more of her work, visit www.juliaconrad.net
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The 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)
![u.s. news mfa creative writing rankings University of Oregon](https://collegegazette.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/University-of-Oregon.jpg)
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)
![u.s. news mfa creative writing rankings Cornell University](https://collegegazette.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Cornell-University.jpg)
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)
![u.s. news mfa creative writing rankings Arizona State University](https://collegegazette.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Arizona-State-University.jpg)
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)
![u.s. news mfa creative writing rankings University of Texas at Austin](https://collegegazette.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/University-of-Texas-at-Austin.jpg)
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)
![u.s. news mfa creative writing rankings Washington University in St. Louis](https://collegegazette.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Washington-University-in-St.-Louis.jpg)
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)
![u.s. news mfa creative writing rankings Indiana University](https://collegegazette.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Indiana-University.jpg)
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)
![u.s. news mfa creative writing rankings University of Michigan College of Literature, Science, and the Arts](https://collegegazette.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/University-of-Michigan-College-of-Literature-Science-and-the-Arts.jpg)
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)
![u.s. news mfa creative writing rankings University of Minnesota](https://collegegazette.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/University-of-Minnesota.jpg)
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)
![u.s. news mfa creative writing rankings Brown University](https://collegegazette.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Brown-University.jpg)
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)
![u.s. news mfa creative writing rankings University of Iowa](https://collegegazette.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/University-of-Iowa.jpg)
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.
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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
![u.s. news mfa creative writing rankings best mfa programs best mfa programs creative writing best mfa creative writing programs](https://designdash.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/featured-8.png)
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.
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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.
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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.
![u.s. news mfa creative writing rankings](https://images.surferseo.art/22e32333-147c-47d1-9e9e-5f8245e7e76b.png)
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.
Iowa Writers’ Workshop, University of Iowa
![u.s. news mfa creative writing rankings Iowa City](https://images.surferseo.art/f2ab3959-06dc-481a-80ba-5a41b741bb98.png)
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
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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
![u.s. news mfa creative writing rankings](https://images.surferseo.art/45e74f99-1251-4d44-b38e-81305ecc2faf.png)
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
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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
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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
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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.
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University of virginia.
![u.s. news mfa creative writing rankings](https://images.surferseo.art/b0dbd324-808a-4c97-ac88-5b5a76a6706f.png)
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
![u.s. news mfa creative writing rankings](https://images.surferseo.art/bfd808c4-5114-4483-a589-6a3a8451e6c7.png)
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.
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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
![u.s. news mfa creative writing rankings](https://images.surferseo.art/4805a5ad-0b09-4b23-b5d5-aeb31f22cb66.png)
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
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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
![u.s. news mfa creative writing rankings](https://images.surferseo.art/180bb5bd-fe1c-4e17-9006-0064106b64ea.png)
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
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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
![u.s. news mfa creative writing rankings](https://images.surferseo.art/2df8aaba-aaa7-4bc8-bd63-607352925f64.png)
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
![u.s. news mfa creative writing rankings](https://images.surferseo.art/b044a80c-5cc6-4944-8c56-012972ebf3da.png)
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
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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.
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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!
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.
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The 10 Best MFA Creative Writing Programs [2024]
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.
![u.s. news mfa creative writing rankings Johns Hopkins University](https://blog.thegradcafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/pasted-image-0-46-1.png)
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
![u.s. news mfa creative writing rankings University of Michigan](https://blog.thegradcafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/pasted-image-0-49-1.png)
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
![u.s. news mfa creative writing rankings University of Texas at Austin](https://blog.thegradcafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/pasted-image-0-45-1.png)
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
![u.s. news mfa creative writing rankings UNK logo](https://blog.thegradcafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/pasted-image-0-144.png)
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)
![u.s. news mfa creative writing rankings Bay Path University](https://blog.thegradcafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/pasted-image-0-140.png)
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)
![u.s. news mfa creative writing rankings Brown logo](https://blog.thegradcafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/pasted-image-0-146.png)
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)
![u.s. news mfa creative writing rankings UoIowa](https://blog.thegradcafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/pasted-image-0-141.png)
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)
![u.s. news mfa creative writing rankings Cornell University](https://blog.thegradcafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/pasted-image-0-145.png)
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 )
![u.s. news mfa creative writing rankings Columbia University logo](https://blog.thegradcafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/pasted-image-0-142.png)
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)
![u.s. news mfa creative writing rankings NYU logo](https://blog.thegradcafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/pasted-image-0-143.png)
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 .
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Editor’s Top Selections – Best Creative Writing MFA Programs
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Once few and far between, master’s degrees aimed specifically at teaching creative writing have ballooned to meet demand in recent years. As of 2022, there were more than 300 of them.
Each MFA offers a distinctive experience and comes with its own theories and techniques for fanning the creative spark in students.
- Some come with exquisite and carefully curated libraries exhibiting the finest selection of literature for study.
- Others offer a fully-funded education , covering tuition and offering a stipend to give you the free time you need to write to your fullest potential.
- Many have well-known authors serving as guest lecturers or even permanent presenters, offering a kind of access to genius you can’t find anywhere else.
It’s nice to have choices, but having choices also means making hard decisions. We’re here to help take some of the pain out of that process by presenting our own select choices for the very best universities offering MFA Creative Writing programs today.
How We Made Our Selections for the Finest Creative Writing MFA Programs
Schools that only teach creative writing at the master’s level have made a conscious choice to focus on a high level of training in the craft of writing. It’s completely appropriate to hold them to high standards.
It’s notoriously difficult to weigh any kind of artistic education program against another, however. Every writer is different. The process and program that you will get the most out of may be completely different from what the next author would benefit from.
So we look at the kinds of factors these degrees deliver that don’t revolve around process. Regardless of how an advanced level of creative writing is being taught, there are just some things that offer a better education no matter how they are applied. In our view, those include:
Top-notch Instructors With Genuine Writing and Publication Expertise
There’s no substitute for professors who have been there and done that in creative writing. Competition for top writers to teach at creative writing MFA programs is intense, and for good reason: when you are trying to master the muse, you want to hear about it from someone who already has.
But literary success is no guarantor of teaching ability. You wouldn’t want to be in a class taught by brilliant sci-fi author Harlan Ellison, for example, who has a whole section on his Wikipedia entry titled “Temperament.” Mentoring and the gentle art of delivering critical feedback to boost and not hinder students are key skills.
So, the best MFA in creative writing degrees employ professors with the rare combination of literary and academic talent—which is what you will find at each of the schools on this list.
The Resources To Support Your Writing Vision
Writers only float in a sea of ideas. The top MFA programs in creative writing have the resources to fill that ocean:
- Expansive libraries for conducting research
- Endowments to help fund student fellowships
- Visiting writer and other lecture and reading series to develop broad visions and connections
- School-run or affiliated literary journals or publishers to open up publication opportunities
- International or other off-campus programs to broaden your literary experiences
- Calm and inspiring writing residency options to put you in the right frame of mind to write
- Small class sizes and workshops to foster intimacy and feedback
Although not all these programs will check every one of those boxes, each of them has a wealth of different resources to offer to help get students off the ground in both their creative exercises and their publishing careers.
A Track Record of Educational Success in Creative Writing
Most MFA programs are quick to acknowledge that you can’t teach talent—but you can foster and hone it.
That leads to demonstrable results in the form of graduates who have attracted top-dollar publishing deals, industry awards and recognition, and who have gone on to critical acclaim or even become instructors themselves.
This kind of reputation is golden in the literary world and all of these schools will have people sitting up and taking note when their name pops up in your author bio.
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Strong Publishing Industry and Literary Community Connections
When you produce successful writers and hire well-known authors to instruct classes, important industry connections are an asset included in the deal. Those industry ties prove to be among the most important characteristics of the best creative writing MFA programs.
Each of these programs has developed connections to major publishers, agencies, and trade groups that help lay the groundwork for you to launch your writing career. There is fierce competition to land book deals in the publishing industry today. Every editor receives stacks and stacks of submissions and query letters; even the best authors have trouble making it out of the slush piles without a recommendation or introduction.
These schools have the kind of connections that will help get you introduced to decision-makers in big agencies and book publishers. Who you know still isn’t as important as how good your writing is, but with these programs, you’ll get the best of both worlds.
Diverse and Original Coursework in Foundational and Advanced Writing Skills
A Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing puts a clear stamp on your work. It’s designed to get the best out of your native skill and polish it to the finest shine.
That means both ironing out the fundamentals of the writing craft and developing new and advanced skills. All of these degrees have a wide range of courses and workshops that offer a deep background in the knowledge and skills required for solid plotting, character development, and essential technical expertise as a writer. But they also go far beyond those to help you seek new sources of inspiration and experience. Exploring the poetry of science fiction; diving into post-apocalyptic writing; focusing on the art of telling a joke; comparing Western and Eastern literary forms and storytelling… all these kinds of classes and more offer you an edge in taking your writing to the next level with a degree from these schools.
Helping You Choose From Among the Finest Creative Writing MFA Programs in the Nation
All those features are what make these programs the best. But the real question you need to answer is which one will actually be the best for you ?
We can help you figure that out, too. Although each of these schools comes in on top of the pack of master’s-level creative writing programs in the country in general, each also has unique features that will determine how they fit in with your personal goals and style.
So for each listing, we give you plenty of additional information to help you make your decision. That includes data on:
You’ll also get a thumbnail sketch of what makes the school a great one, outlining many of the supporting facts behind the criteria we evaluated them on. But you’ll also get some of the highlights, the things that really make them stand out, such as:
- Whether the school also offers undergraduate and doctoral degrees
- Which concentration or specializations are offered
- The formats in which the program is available
- Whether the school is public or private
- Rankings by respected third-party evaluators like The Princeton Review
- Exemplary student-published literary magazines
- Super low student-to-faculty ratios
- Unique workshops or internship opportunities offered
- Generous fellowship opportunities
It’s easy access to the kind of information that will help make your decision easy… all in one place.
State-By-State: Top Selections for the Best Creative Writing Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Programs in the U.S.
Competition to get into these elite MFA creative writing programs can be stiff. But if you are determined to get the finest graduate education in creative writing available today, then choosing from among these schools offers your best chances.
Find the Best MFA Creative Writing Programs in Your State
Connecticut.
District of Columbia
Massachusetts
Mississippi, new hampshire, north carolina, pennsylvania, rhode island, south carolina, university of arizona (public).
COLLEGE OF SOCIAL AND BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES
![u.s. news mfa creative writing rankings university of arizona](https://www.creativewritingedu.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/university-arizona.jpg)
MFA in Creative Writing (on-campus)
Fully funded through graduate teaching assistantships
Also offers: BA in Creative Writing (on-campus)
- Both programs allow students to focus on fiction, nonfiction, or poetry
- MFA program is ranked among the top programs in the nation
- Fully funded MFA offered through graduate teaching assistantships
- MFA features unparalleled opportunities to write and research at the US-Mexico border through the Southwest Field Studies on Writing Program
The University of Arizona offers a BA and MFA in Creative Writing, both of which are part of one the top-ranked creative writing programs in the nation! Choose the BA in Creative Writing and you’ll learn from award-winning writers as you refine your skillset in writing, research, critical thinking, and literary analysis and explore the genres of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry (you’ll choose one genre as a focus after your first year of study). You’ll also be encouraged to take a variety of courses in professional and technical writing, the study of literature, writing and publishing, writing and community, and language, making this a truly well-rounded course of undergraduate study. The University of Arizona’s MFA in Creative Writing has been producing award-winning writers for 50 years and is regarded as one of the top programs of its kind in the nation. This fully funded, three-year program features your choice of fiction, poetry, or nonfiction concentration and a dynamic classroom experience that includes a world-class faculty and small, workshop-style courses.
University of Arkansas (Public)
FULBRIGHT COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES
Fayetteville, AR
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MFA in Creative Writing & Translation (poetry, fiction, literary translation) (on-campus)
Fully funded MFA with absolutely no tuition costs for students accepted into the program
- Highly selective program admits up to five students each year in each genre (poetry, prose, and literary translation)
- Outstanding opportunities to learn from established writers through the Walton Reading Series
- Consistently ranked among the top MFA programs in the country by Poets & Writers
- Named among the “Top Five Most Innovative” programs of its kind by Atlantic Monthly
The University of Arkansas’ MFA in Creative Writing & Translation is a unique course of graduate study that’s personalized with your choice of concentration in poetry, fiction, or literary translation. This program is among the nation’s oldest MFA programs, yet never fails to impress with its dynamic, forward-thinking curriculum. In fact, it was named among the “Top Five Most Innovative” programs of its kind by Atlantic Monthly ! For more than 50 years, the university’s MFA in Creative Writing & Translation has produced some of the country’s top writers – and it’s little wonder why. The robust curriculum of this program is built on a solid foundation of coursework in craft and literary studies and complemented with a superb, student-centered learning environment that boasts small class sizes and a dedicated faculty.
University of California-Davis (Public)
COLLEGE OF LETTERS AND SCIENCES
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Also offers: BA in English-Creative Writing emphasis (on-campus)
- Full funding guaranteed in the second year of the MFA program in exchange for undergrad teaching positions
- Ranked among the top five public universities in the nation by the Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education
- MFA students choose a single genre – fiction, nonfiction, or poetry, or a multi-genre focus
The University of California – Davis offers both an undergraduate and graduate program in creative writing that are designed to inspire the emerging or established writer! Focused on the mastery of craft with a solid foundation in literary traditions, the BA in English with a Creative Writing emphasis is designed to expand your knowledge and refine your writing skills in preparation for a variety of careers in areas like publishing, marketing, journalism, advertising, and more. The innovative Creative Writing MFA program features a nice blend of studio and literature courses in your choice of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, or multi-genre. In the second year, you’ll teach creative writing courses to undergrad students as you prepare to become a successful practitioner in your own right. All students of the MFA are guaranteed full funding in their second year!
University of California-Irvine (Public)
SCHOOL OF HUMANITIES
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MFA in English-Creative Writing (Fiction, Poetry) (on-campus)
Full funding available through graduate teaching assistantships
- UCI named a Fulbright Hispanic-Serving Institution (HIS) Leader
- Your choice of poetry or fiction concentration/emphasis
- Superb student engagement and feedback through the Graduate Writers’ Workshop
The University of California – Irvine is home to the esteemed MFA in English with a Creative Writing emphasis, an exciting course of graduate study that allows students to explore poetry or fiction through dynamic workshops and seminars. Designed to bring together a talented group of writers with plans on a writing-intensive career, the MFA program is rich in close mentorship from accomplished visiting writers. This highly selective program admits just 12 new students each year to ensure one-on-one guidance and support from the program’s faculty. This program is built on the Graduate Writers’ Workshop, a group that meets each quarter to share and critique one another’s writing. Throughout the course of the program, students participate in the Graduate Writers’ Workshop and attend graduate-level seminars.
San Diego State University (Public)
COLLEGE OF ARTS AND LETTERS
San Diego, CA
![u.s. news mfa creative writing rankings san diego state university](https://www.creativewritingedu.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/san-diego-state-u.jpg)
- Competitive graduate teaching associate positions available
- Exciting Fulbright Fellowships available to study in places like Austria, Brazil, and Poland.
- Your choice of focus in fiction, poetry, or cross-genre
San Diego State University’s MFA in Creative Writing offers is innovative, personalized, and designed to arouse your creative skillset. As one of the oldest MFA Creative Writing programs in the nation, this course of graduate study enjoys a long history of producing skilled, inspired writers. But don’t expect a stale, rote curriculum. Instead, you’ll immerse yourself in a dynamic program that includes your choice of concentration in fiction, poetry, or cross-genre as you work toward producing a manuscript of your original work. Students of this program also enjoy studying under internationally acclaimed visiting writers from around the world, and many students receive Fulbright Fellowships to study in places like Austria, Brazil, and Poland.
California College of the Arts (Private)
San Francisco, CA
![u.s. news mfa creative writing rankings california college of the arts](https://www.creativewritingedu.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/california-college-arts.jpg)
MFA in Writing (on-campus)
Also offers: BA in Writing and Literature (on-campus)
- Superb faculty of accomplished scholars, writers, poets, and playwrights
- Outstanding internship opportunities with Bay Area literary organizations available
For aspiring and emerging writers, the California College of the Arts offers a BA in Writing and Literature and an MFA in Writing! The BA offers a foundation in literature and critical inquiry and dynamic workshops in prose, poetry, drama, screenwriting, graphic novels, improvisation, and more. You’ll refine your skills in literary journalism, hybrid narratives, lyric essays, and much more as you conduct close readings and analyses of writing across time. BA students learn from acclaimed authors through the HearSay Reading Series… they contribute their talents to Humble Pie , the undergraduate journal… and they enjoy outstanding internship experiences with Bay Area literary organizations. The MFA program is offered at the Writers’ Studio, where students participate in workshops, readings, and craft talks and learn from accomplished authors through the famed Tuesdays Talk series. Here students explore nonfiction, fiction, and poetry in a close, supportive atmosphere that naturally elicits creativity and inspiration.
Saint Mary’s College of California (Private)
SCHOOL OF LIBERAL ARTS
![u.s. news mfa creative writing rankings saint mary's college california](https://www.creativewritingedu.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/saint-marys-college-california.jpg)
MFA in Creative Writing (Creative Non-Fiction, Fiction, Poetry, Book Manuscript) (on-campus)
Also offers: BA in English – Creative Writing (on-campus)
- Ranked among the top five regional universities in the West by U.S. News & World Report
- All MFA students receive partial funding and opportunities to apply for teaching fellowships, assistantships, and paid internships
- Exciting selection of undergraduate internship opportunities available
- Two-year MFA also includes the option of completing a third year in an additional genre or taking a fifth semester Book Manuscript Intensive course
Saint Mary’s College offers both undergraduate and graduate programs for the creative writer in a supportive private school setting that’s heralded for its academic rigor and plentiful hands-on learning experiences. The BA in English with a Creative Writing emphasis offers a foundation in the creative writing process and options to focus on a specific genre of creative writing like poetry, fiction, nonfiction, dramatic writing, or screenwriting. All students of this program also participate in the Creative Writing Reading Series, which includes attending events and meeting with visiting writers. On-campus internship opportunities include working with the Office of Marketing and Communications or the Center for Writing Across the Curriculum and contributing to riverrun , the undergraduate literary journal, while off-campus internship opportunities include organizations and publications like Counterpoint Press, Diablo Magazine , No Starch Press, Sierra Magazine , and more! The MFA in Creative Writing is a two-year course of study that features an award-winning faculty (including visiting writers in residence); opportunities to contribute to the MFA journal, MARY: A Journal of New Writing ; and your choice concentration in creative nonfiction, fiction, or poetry. Students may also complete a third year in an additional genre or take a fifth semester Book Manuscript Intensive course.
Western Colorado University (Public)
COMMUNICATION ARTS, LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE (CALL) DEPARTMENT
Gunnison, CO
![u.s. news mfa creative writing rankings western colorado university](https://www.creativewritingedu.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/western-colorado-university.jpg)
MA/MFA in Creative Writing (low-residency)
- Supportive, student-centered learning environment features an average class size of just 16
- BA students gain valuable experience by editing a book published by Western Press Books and preparing their own work for submission
- MFA offers convenient and flexible online study complemented with one-week on-campus residencies
- MFA offers your choice of one of five genre concentrations: nature writing, genre fiction, poetry, publishing, or screenwriting
Western Colorado University is home to not one, but two creative writing programs that are designed to meet you wherever you are in your career. The BA in English with a Creative Writing emphasis is ideally designed for emerging writers who seek a comprehensive course of study delivered within a supportive community. Students of this program enjoy a strong foundation in English literature traditions, theory, and criticism with advanced courses in poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, and scripts. You’ll also enjoy flexing your creative skills by contributing to WordHorde, the Creative Writing student organization, and lending help to other students through the Writing Center. Before you graduate, you’ll edit a book published by Western Press Books and prepare your own work for submission. The MFA Creative Writing program here provides an advanced course of study in one of five genres: nature writing, genre fiction, poetry, publishing, or screenwriting. This program comes complete with a dedicated faculty of award-winning writers and a low-residency model that delivers outstanding convenience and flexibility.
Western Connecticut State University (Public)
MACRICOSTAS SCHOOL OF ARTS AND SCIENCES
Danbury, CT
![u.s. news mfa creative writing rankings western connecticut university](https://www.creativewritingedu.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/western-connecticut-state-university.jpg)
MFA in Creative and Professional Writing (low-residency)
- Outstanding record of graduate success: 87% of all graduates go on to publish books and/or work full-time as professional writers
- Convenient and flexible program features a low-residency model that combines online study with dynamic residencies, either on-campus or abroad
- Competitive graduate assistantships available
Western Connecticut State University offers the MFA in Creative and Professional Writing, which comes complete with a dynamic curriculum that’s delivered in a low-residency model for outstanding convenience and flexibility. We love this program because it offers a comprehensive graduate course of study in multiple genres (students here take workshops and course in all genres and styles), thereby preparing students as well-rounded, versatile writers who find success in both creative and professional writing fields. We also love this program’s exciting residency opportunities that now include options to study in Dublin, Ireland (during the Bram Stoker Festival) and at the Highlights Foundation Retreat Center in the Poconos!
Fairfield University (Private)
COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES
Fairfield, CT
![u.s. news mfa creative writing rankings fairfield university](https://www.creativewritingedu.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/fairfield-university.jpg)
MFA in Creative Writing (poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, screenwriting) (low-residency)
Also offers: Major in English-Creative Writing concentration (on-campus)
- Options to focus the MFA on poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, or screenwriting
- Ranked among the top national universities by U.S. News & World Report
- Low-residency model features dynamic, engaging residencies on Ender Island in Mystic, CT
Fairfield University’s MFA in Creative Writing offers your choice of focus in poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, or screenwriting and a low-residency model that’s sure to fit well into your busy schedule. The program’s flexible and challenging curriculum is ideally designed to allow students to design a course of study that best aligns with their professional goals and personal interests. It’s also home to the CT Writing Project, which is home to outstanding opportunities to learn from visiting writers; attend writers’ retreats; and more. Choose Fairfield for your creative writing master’s program and you’ll enjoy opportunities to complete an internship in journalism, public relations, business writing, publishing, and more.
District of Columbia - DC
American university (private).
Washington, DC
![u.s. news mfa creative writing rankings american university washington dc](https://www.creativewritingedu.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/american-university-dc.jpg)
- Competitive Merit Awards (tuition and stipends) available
- Exciting opportunities to study in an intimate learning environment that encourages constructive feedback and support
- Your choice of focus on a single genre or multiple genres
American University’s MFA in Creative Writing has been producing the next generation of creative writers for more than 30 years! The only program of its kind in our nation’s capital, the MFA in Creative Writing is your opportunity to explore the art and craft of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. The flexible design of this program allows students to pursue a single genre or multiple genres, and the tightknit, supportive learning environment encourages superb guidance and feedback from peers and faculty. Students of this program contribute to Folio , the College of Arts and Sciences’ nationally recognized literary journal and Café MFA , the online journal of the Creative Writing program.
Florida State University (Public)
Tallahassee, FL
![u.s. news mfa creative writing rankings florida state university](https://www.creativewritingedu.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/florida-state-university.jpg)
Also offers: Major in Creative Writing (on-campus)
- Ranked among the top national public universities by U.S. News & World Report
- Home to a nationally and internationally renowned, award-winning faculty
- Superb internship opportunities available
Florida State University offers both undergraduate and graduate programs in creative writing within one of the top writing programs in the country! Just some of the reasons why emerging creative writers flock to FSU include an award-winning faculty (many are recipients of the Pulitzer Prize, the National Book Award, the Guggenheim Foundation Fellowship and more)… opportunities to complete a teaching apprenticeship program through graduate teaching assistantships… and an Editing Internship, your chance to gain valuable, hands-on experiences with a magazine, newspaper, publishing house, television station, marketing firm, nonprofit organization, and more. FSU’s English Department is also home to the Southeast Review , a national literary magazine, and The Kudzu Review , the undergraduate literary magazine, both of which are great sources of hands-on learning experiences.
Florida International University (Public)
ARTS, SCIENCES, AND EDUATION
North Miami, FL
![u.s. news mfa creative writing rankings florida international university](https://www.creativewritingedu.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/florida-international-university.jpg)
- Program graduates have published 200+ books
- Ranked among the Best Colleges in the nation for social mobility and innovation by U.S. News & World Report
- Home to a dedicated faculty of award-winning, working writers
Florida International University’s MFA in Creative Writing is where you’ll advance your understanding of professional standards and expectations as you hone your creative skillset in your chosen genre. Ideal for future endeavors in teaching, editing, publishing, the arts, and more, this illustrious program of study comes complete with an intimate learning environment; a curriculum of seminar-style courses, workshops, and form and theory courses; outstanding, one-on-one mentoring; and a dedicated faculty of award-winning, working writers. As you progress throughout the program, you’ll work toward the completion of a publishable, book-length creative thesis.
Stetson University (Private)
![u.s. news mfa creative writing rankings stetson university](https://www.creativewritingedu.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/stetson-university.jpg)
MFA in Creative Writing (low-residency)
- Program features a concentration in poetry and prose in the expanded field
- Outstanding guidance and mentorship found here – residency workshops include a low, 5:1 student-to-faculty ratio
- Exciting, low-residency model features online study combined with two residencies annually
- Named among the nation’s Best Colleges by U.S. News & World Report
Stetson University’s MFA in Creative Writing offers an outstanding course of graduate study that’s delivered in a low-residency format to accommodate your busy schedule. Choose this program and you’ll enjoy intensive, dynamic mentorship and engagement marked by small workshop groups, individual mentoring sessions, craft lectures, translation workshops, and more. This program is innovative and dynamic, allowing students to explore the many political, social, aesthetic, and cultural factors that are reflective of your work. The low-residency model features online courses that are complemented with two, ten-day residencies where students gather to learn from accomplished writers and exchange their work with faculty mentors. Residencies are held at the Atlantic Center for the Arts in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, and at various international locations! Past residencies were held in Buenos Aires, Argentina and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil!
Georgia State University (Public)
Atlanta, GA
![u.s. news mfa creative writing rankings georgia state university](https://www.creativewritingedu.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/georgia-state-university.jpg)
MA/MFA in English-Creative Writing concentration (on-campus)
Also offers: BA in English-Creative Writing (on-campus)
- Ranked among the top innovative universities in the nation by U.S. News & World Report
- Also offers: PhD in English, Concentration in Creative Writing, which is ranked among the top programs of its kind in the nation by Poets & Writers
- Exciting international exchange and study abroad programs available to places like England, France, Italy, Germany, and China
Two creative writing programs, one world-class university—Georgia State University is where emerging writers head for outstanding instruction and inspiration! Choose the BA in English with a Creative Writing concentration and you’ll complete undergraduate study in British and American literature and culture alongside courses focused on the craft and art of creative writing and the poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction genres. The MA/MFA in English with a Creative Writing concentration features your choice of focus on poetry or fiction and a superb curriculum that prepares students for further study at the PhD level or for careers in a variety of writing-intensive fields. We love the English Department’s award-winning faculty of poets, and authors and the exciting opportunities to hone your craft by contributing to the award-winning Five Points: A Journal of Literature and Art and the student-edited literary magazine, New South .
University of Idaho (Public)
DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH
![u.s. news mfa creative writing rankings university of idaho](https://www.creativewritingedu.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/university-idaho.jpg)
- Fully funded MFA for all students through graduate teaching assistantships
- Ranked among the top 8% best colleges in the nation by the Princeton Review
- Ranked among the top 15% of American National Universities by U.S. News & World Report
- Three MFA students are awarded fellowships to write in residence at the Taylor Ranch Research Station in the Frank Church Wilderness Area of the Selway-Bitterroot Mountains
The University of Idaho’s creative writing programs are part of the Department of English’s vibrant community where you can always find inspiration in the form of literary readings, scholarly lectures, conferences, student gatherings, and more. The BA in English with a Creative Writing emphasis boasts engaging courses in fiction, creative fiction, and poetry; esteemed professors who offer one-on-one mentorship; and outstanding opportunities to flex your creative writing skillset and gain valuable, hands-on experiences. The MFA offers a fully funded, three-year course of graduate study in nonfiction, poetry, and fiction. We love the mix of genre workshops, technique studios, and traditional seminars that provide students with an outstanding blend of study in the craft. And the practicum in literary magazine and editing production provides students with an expanded skillset upon graduation.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (Public)
COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES
![u.s. news mfa creative writing rankings university illinois urbana champaign](https://www.creativewritingedu.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/university-illinois-urbana-champaign.jpg)
MFA in Creative Writing (Fiction, Poetry) (on-campus)
Fully funded program
Also offers: BA in Liberal Arts and Sciences-Creative Writing (on-campus)
- Also offers a PhD in Writing Studies
- Fully funded MFA offered through full tuition waivers, guaranteed teaching assistantships, and fellowships
- MFA features your choice of focus on fiction or poetry and extensive study in literary publishing and editing
Two creative writing programs at one nationally renowned university – the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is where you want to be! The undergraduate creative writing major, which is one of the oldest programs of its kind in the country, is built on small, workshop-style courses in poetry, fiction, and nonfiction that are ideally designed to prepare students for exciting careers in a number of fields or for future graduate study. Students of this program edit and publish the Montage Arts Journal , the university’s undergraduate literary arts journal, which offers outstanding, hands-on learning experiences. The MFA Creative Writing program is a three-year, rigorous course of study in creative writing and literature that offers students the option of specializing in fiction or poetry. You’ll study under the program’s distinguished and dedicated graduate faculty as you take four workshops in your chosen genre and work toward producing a book-length, publishable manuscript. You’ll also receive extensive, hands-on experience in literary editing and publishing in this fully funded graduate program!
Northwestern University (Private)
WEINBERG COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES
Evanston, IL
![u.s. news mfa creative writing rankings northwestern university](https://www.creativewritingedu.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/northwestern-university.jpg)
MFA in Creative Writing (program is combined with a simultaneous MA in English) (low-residency)
Fully funded through fellowships and graduate assistantships
- MFA is fully funded through fellowships and graduate assistantships
- MFA allows students to work in one genre (poetry, fiction, or creative nonfiction) and also explore a second genre
Northwestern University’s creative writing programs are home to an accomplished faculty of award-winning authors and offered in a supportive, creative community where inspiration naturally flourishes. The Creative Writing major enjoys an outstanding record of graduate success and a reputation as one of the finest undergraduate programs of its kind in the nation. Through this program, you’ll explore poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction, as well as other courses that explore hybrid genres. Students of this program enjoy a lively curriculum that includes learning from guest writers-in-residence through the Annual Writers’ Festival; participating in the Undergraduate English Association; and contributing their talents to the award-winning student literary magazines, Helicon and Prompt. The MFA + MA in Creative Writing and English program is a unique dual graduate program that provides students with the opportunity to pursue both creative and critical writing. This program boasts intimate classes; close mentorship from a renowned faculty of writers; and a variety of writing workshops in poetry, fiction, or creative nonfiction. And while students of this program are admitted in one genre, they enjoy opportunities to explore a second genre. This program is fully funded through fellowships and graduate assistantships. During the program’s two funded summers, students serve as part-time editorial assistantships for the prestigious online literary journal, TriQuarterly !
School of the Art Institute of Chicago (Private)
Chicago, IL
![u.s. news mfa creative writing rankings school of the art institute of chicago](https://www.creativewritingedu.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/saic.jpg)
MFA in Writing (low-residency)
Also offers: BFA in Writing (on-campus)
- Named as “the most influential art college in the United States” by a Columbia University’s National Arts Journalism survey
- Consistently ranked among the top graduate fine arts programs in the nation by U.S. News and World Report
- BA program emphasizes writing across genres, including interdisciplinary and hybrid genres
- Low-residency MFA combines online study with engaging, on-campus summer residencies
Whether the BFA or MFA is what you seek, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago has what you need! The BFA features a dynamic course of study that emphasizes writing across genres, including interdisciplinary and hybrid genres, and producing a creative project of your choice. Students also enjoy the many immersive, hands-on learning experiences available here that include contributing to Mouth , the student-run literary journal and F newsmagazine , the award-winning student newspaper; attending readings and workshops through the Visiting Writer and Artist Lectures; and attending Publishing Panel presentations. The low-residency MFA is a three-year program that’s designed for 21 st century artists and writers. This flexible program engages students and prepares them across various teaching platforms, with much of the curriculum focused on writing and studying other artists’ writings. The low-residency model features online study complemented with three, consecutive summer residencies where you’ll connect with your peers on campus to create and critique work.
Indiana University-Bloomington (Public)
Bloomington, IN
![u.s. news mfa creative writing rankings indiana university bloomington](https://www.creativewritingedu.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/indiana-university-bloomington.jpg)
Fully funded program through fellowships and teaching assistantships
- Highly selective MFA enrolls just eight students each year (four in fiction, four in poetry)
- Outstanding reputation for its focus on a diverse student body
- Fully funded program offered through fellowships and assistantships
Indiana University – Bloomington’s MFA in Creative Writing features three years of fully funded graduate study at IU’s flagship campus! This dynamic program is focused on honing craft concepts and workshopping original student poetry and fiction under an award-winning faculty as you work toward the completion a book-length manuscript in the genre of your choice. This highly selective program enrolls just eight new students each year (four in fiction, four in poetry) to ensure an intimate learning environment of top emerging writers.
University of Notre Dame (Private)
Notre Dame, IN
![u.s. news mfa creative writing rankings university of notre dame](https://www.creativewritingedu.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/university-notre-dame.jpg)
Fully funded through tuition scholarships and fellowships
- Consistently ranked among the top 25 institutions of higher learning in the nation by esteemed publications like U.S. News & World Report, Forbes , and Niche
- Exciting study abroad experiences available to the University College Dublin, Oxford, Cambridge, the University of East Anglia, Trinity College (Dublin), St. Andrews (Scotland), and Galway, Ireland
- All students of the fully funded MFA program gain teaching, editorial, and publication experience
The University of Notre Dame offers both an undergraduate and graduate program in creative writing – your opportunity to explore and refine your craft within a world-renowned university. The Major in English with a Creative Writing concentration allows students to study the many ways in which literature shapes the human experience. Through small class sizes (just 15-17 students), students here connect with one another and engage with the distinguished faculty while honing their critical thinking, public speaking, and writing skills. The creative writing faculty, which is ranked among the best in the nation, teaches 15-20 creative writing classes ranging from fiction to poetry to nonfiction prose to playwriting/screenwriting. Students here often round out their undergraduate experience by engaging in internship, service learning, and study abroad experiences and by contributing to the university’s student-run publications. Notre Dame’s MFA in Creative Writing boasts a two-year, fully funded course of study that’s marked by a rigorous, self-directed learning experience and a diverse, international body of students. All students of this program gain teaching, editorial, and publication experience; participate in outreach programs with community partners; engage with visiting writers and artists; and conduct their own reading series.
University of Kansas (Public)
COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS
Overland Parks, KS
![u.s. news mfa creative writing rankings university of kansas](https://www.creativewritingedu.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/university-kansas.jpg)
MFA – Tracks in Fiction, Poetry, Playwriting (on-campus)
Also offers: BA, BGS (Bachelor of General Studies) Literature, Language and Writing-option to earn a Creative and Analytical Writing certificate (on-campus)
- Also offers: PhD in Creative Writing
- Competitive graduate teaching assistantships available for MFA students
- Home to an esteemed faculty of published authors
- BA/BGS in Literature, Language and Writing offers a nice selection of afternoon, evening, online, and hybrid courses
- MFA offers concentrations in fiction, poetry, or playwriting
The University of Kansas boasts both undergraduate and graduate programs for the creative writer! The innovative BA/BGS in Literature, Language and Writing provides students with a versatile foundation in technical writing, editing, marketing, writing, and authoring, while the Creative and Analytical Writing certificate provides a deep dive into the craft of creative writing. Just some of the highlights of the BA/BGS in Literature, Language and Writing include an outstanding selection of afternoon, evening, online, and hybrid courses… an experienced, published faculty… and unmatched student engagement and mentorship. The MFA program features a three-year course of study and options to focus on fiction, poetry, or playwriting. You’re sure to love learning from the widely published faculty here that have been recipients of distinctions like the Hugo Award, the Gertrude Stein Award, the Nebula Award, and more. The MFA is ideally positioned within a university that’s home to esteemed centers like the J. Wayne & Elsie M. Gunn Center for the Study of Science Fiction (dedicated to research and education in science fiction) and the Project on the History of Black Writing (research unit focused on literary recovery work in black studies).
Western Kentucky University (Public)
POTTER COLLEGE OF ARTS AND LETTERS
Bowling Green, KY
![u.s. news mfa creative writing rankings western kentucky university](https://www.creativewritingedu.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/western-kentucky-u.jpg)
- Ranked among the top public universities in the nation by U.S. News & World Report
- Competitive MFA teaching assistantships available
- MFA tracks include fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, or scriptwriting; secondary concentration in literature, composition & rhetoric, or teaching English as a second language
- Exciting undergraduate experiential learning opportunities available
Western Kentucky University offers both undergraduate and graduate programs in creative writing to meet students wherever they are in their academic and professional journey! The undergraduate Creative Writing program features a curriculum that’s grounded in the study of literature and marked by an exciting blend of courses in creative nonfiction, fiction, play/screenwriting, and poetry. Learning outside of the classroom is also standard fare here. You’ll find students learning from esteemed, visiting writers through the Readers Series; contributing to Zephyrus , the school’s literary publication; connecting with their peers through the English Club, the annual Senior Reading, and through the many open-mic nights and coffeehouse gatherings; and attending the annual Undergraduate Conference on Literature, Language, and Culture. The MFA in Creative Writing features a three-year course of study; tracks in fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, and scriptwriting; and secondary areas in literature, composition & rhetoric, or teaching English as a second language.
Eastern Kentucky University (Public)
COLLEGE OF LETTERS, ARTS, AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
Richmond, KY
![u.s. news mfa creative writing rankings eastern kentucky university](https://www.creativewritingedu.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/eastern-kentucky-university-new.jpg)
- Low-residency model offers optimal convenience and flexibility for working adults
- Superb summer residency offered in Lisbon, Portugal
- Real-time online workshops ensure superb engagement and communication with faculty and peers
Eastern Kentucky University’s MFA in Creative Writing – Bluegrass Writers Studio features a low-residency model that’s designed with flexibility and convenience in mind. Students of this program study in a close-knit, supportive community alongside other emerging writers in both literary and genre-writing. The Bluegrass Writers Studio is an innovative program that offers students an optimal blend of online courses and workshops complemented with intensive residency workshops and unparalleled international literary and cultural experiences. The program’s Domestic Summer Residencies, which are held in Richmond and in Lisbon, Portugal, are rich in intensive workshops, lectures, and readings and focused on individual writing.
McNeese State University (Public)
Lake Charles, LA
![u.s. news mfa creative writing rankings mcneese state university](https://www.creativewritingedu.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/mcneese-state-university.jpg)
Also offers: BA in English-Writing (on-campus)
- All MFA students are offered teaching assistantships that include a partial tuition waiver and stipend
- Ranked as one of the top regional universities in the South by U.S. News & World Report
- MFA in Creative Writing is the oldest program of its kind in Louisiana and one of the oldest in the southeast
- Option to add an MA in English to the MFA in Creative Writing without adding any additional hours or costs
McNeese State University offers both undergraduate and graduate programs in creative writing, making it a sure bet for emerging writers like you! The BA in English with a Writing concentration offers a firm foundation in classic and contemporary literature alongside courses and hands-on learning experiences designed to hone your creative writing skills and elevate your knowledge and skills in the areas of editing, rhetorical writing, and technical writing . Students of this program enjoy small class sizes and a highly engaging learning environment that’s marked by high-quality instruction from a widely published, dedicated faculty. The MFA in Creative Writing is the oldest programs of its kind in Louisiana and among the oldest in the southeast! Offering outstanding, hands-on instruction through a host of creative writing programs, this program is where poetry and fiction writers flock to elevate their creative writing skills and produce a book-length manuscript. McNeese’s MFA is one of the only programs in the country to offer students the opportunity to concurrently earn an MA in English without adding any additional hours or costs!
University of Baltimore (Public)
YALE GORDON COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES
Baltimore, MD
![u.s. news mfa creative writing rankings u.s. news mfa creative writing rankings](https://www.creativewritingedu.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/university-baltimore.jpg)
- Named as one of the most distinctive programs of its kind in the nation by Poets & Writers Magazine
- Competitive graduate fellowships and teaching assistantships available
- Your choice of focus in fiction, nonfiction, or poetry
- Exciting internship and study teaching opportunities available
The University of Baltimore’s MFA in Creative Writing is one of the top programs of its kind in the nation and a dynamic, inspiring hub for emerging writers in the genres of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. Students of this program hone their creative voice and elevate their skillset in writing , editing, and publishing as they gain valuable, hands-on experience through internships and student teaching opportunities. Just some of the places where students here intern include the Baltimore City Paper , Baltimore Magazine , Baltimore Jewish Times , and Baltimore Style Magazine !
Johns Hopkins University (Private)
KRIEGER SCHOOL OF ARTS AND SCIENCES
![u.s. news mfa creative writing rankings johns hopkins](https://www.creativewritingedu.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/johns-hopkins-krieger.jpg)
MFA in Writing Seminars-Creative Writing (on-campus)
Fully funded through teaching fellowships
Also offers: Major in Writing Seminars-Creative Writing concentration (on-campus)
- Fully funded MFA features a generous teaching fellowship
- The Writing Seminars program is the second-oldest creative writing program in the country
- BA program features a focus on fiction and poetry
- Home to a nationally and internationally renowned faculty and acclaimed visiting writers
John Hopkins University offers both an undergraduate and graduate program in their famed Writing Seminars program! Undergraduate students here enjoy a solid liberal arts framework that’s complemented with courses in fiction and poetry and seminars on literature and the history and technique of poetry and prose. The Writing Seminar’s MFA program offers an advanced exploration of fiction and poetry. This program boasts a nationally and internationally renowned faculty; acclaimed visiting writers; and a curriculum that’s rich in intensive literary seminars and small workshops. Students complete a first-year portfolio and then round out their graduate course of study with a second-year thesis. This highly selective, fully funded program includes a generous teaching fellowship!
Hampshire College (Private)
Amherst, MA
![u.s. news mfa creative writing rankings u.s. news mfa creative writing rankings](https://www.creativewritingedu.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/hampshire-college.jpg)
MFA in Writing for Film and Television (low-residency)
- Student-designed learning environment features personalized, independent work, close collaboration with faculty, and exciting hands-on experiences
- MFA in Creative Writing features your choice of focus on poetry, fiction, or nonfiction
- MFA Writing for Film and Television combines online study with weeklong residencies at the college’s Boston or Los Angeles campus
- Hampshire is part of the Five College Consortium that allows students to explore academic offerings at Amherst College, Mount Holyoke College, Smith College, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst
Hampshire College offers no less than three, outstanding creative writing programs for emerging and practicing writers alike! The Major in Creative Writing offers a well-rounded exploration of fiction, literary journalism, and poetry through dynamic, workshop-style courses that feature intensive writing, active reading, and constructive feedback. Students of this program enjoy engaging with their peers and sharing ideas through writers’ coffeehouses; learning from acclaimed visiting writers; and flexing their creative skillset through one of the school’s publications. The low-residency MFA in Writing for Film and Television offers a convenient and flexible blend of online courses with week-long residencies at the Boston or Los Angeles campus at the beginning of each semester. This program features an esteemed faculty of filmmakers, producers, and screenwriters and the opportunity to produce a professional-caliber portfolio of original feature, pilot, and short screenplay samples. The Creative Writing MFA program is one of the longest-running programs of its kind in the nation. Some of the highlights of this program include an esteemed, published faculty; two award-winning literary journals; and close ties with the Boston publishing community.
Boston University (Private)
![u.s. news mfa creative writing rankings u.s. news mfa creative writing rankings](https://www.creativewritingedu.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/boston-university.jpg)
- Ranked among the top 5% of all creative writing programs in the nation by The Atlantic for the distinction of its faculty and alumni
- Superb opportunity to study and travel abroad through the Global Fellowship
- Small cohorts ensure an outstanding, student-centered learning environment
Boston University’s MFA in Creative Writing is built on the university’s legacy of academic excellence and the Creative Writing Program’s reputation as one of most prestigious programs of its kind in the country! This program features your choice of fiction or poetry and a one-year course of study that’s highlighted by creative writing workshops and literature courses. It’s designed in small cohorts that accept just ten fiction writers and eight poets annually, and it’s fully funded, covering all tuition costs and offering a stipend for all students. All students of this program teach at least one course and fulfill a foreign language requirement during their MFA. Students are also eligible to receive a Global Fellowship for travel and study anywhere outside of the U.S. upon successful completion of their coursework and submission of their thesis.
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor (Public)
RESIDENTIAL COLLEGE
Ann Arbor, MI
![u.s. news mfa creative writing rankings university of michigan](https://www.creativewritingedu.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/university-michigan.jpg)
Also offers: Major in Creative Writing and Literature (on-campus)
- Outstanding study abroad opportunities available (University of Michigan has the most students studying abroad among the Big Ten universities)
- Ranked among the top public national universities by U.S. News & World Report
- Highly selective, fully funded MFA program accepts just nine poets and nine fiction writers annually
- Undergraduate major in Creative Writing and Literature includes your choice of focus on fiction/creative nonfiction, poetry, or digital storytelling
Whether you’re interested in pursuing undergraduate or graduate study in creative writing, the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor has what you’re looking for! Undergraduate students in the Creative Writing and Literature program study fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction (and choose a focus on fiction/creative nonfiction, poetry, or digital storytelling) in a student-centered learning environment that features dedicated faculty mentors and small, engaging writing seminars. Whether your plans include graduate study or a career in an area like education, editing, journalism, publishing, or beyond, this program is designed with you in mind! The fully funded Creative Writing MFA program features two years of study and options to focus on fiction or poetry. We love the program’s esteemed faculty of published poets and fiction writers and the many opportunities to learn from acclaimed writers through the Zell Visiting Writers Series. This highly selective program accepts just nine poets and nine fiction writers annually.
Western Michigan University (Public)
Kalamazoo, MI
![u.s. news mfa creative writing rankings western michigan](https://www.creativewritingedu.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/western-michigan-u.jpg)
MFA in Creative Writing
Also offers: BA in English-Creative Writing option (on-campus)
- Superb record of student success: 9 out of 10 students are employed and working quickly in their fields upon graduation
- Outstanding study abroad opportunities – more than 100 programs in 40 countries available
- Engaging workshop-style courses ensure outstanding opportunities to hone your creative skillset
Western Michigan University is home to both BA and MFA programs in creative writing for the emerging writer! The BA in English with a Creative Writing option is built on a foundation in British and American literature and the English language and complemented with dynamic, creative writing workshops that vary from introductory to advanced. Students of this program explore writing poetry, plays, fiction, and creative nonfiction alongside focused study in news, feature, and professional writing. The MFA in Creative Writing program offers a streamlined path to writing-intensive careers in poetry, fiction, or drama or future PhD study within prestigious programs.
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities (Public)
Minneapolis, MN
![u.s. news mfa creative writing rankings university of minnesota twin cities](https://www.creativewritingedu.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/university-minnesota-twin-cities.jpg)
- Fully funded program through teaching assistantships and/or fellowships
- Exciting program features an exploration of poetry, fiction, and nonfiction
- Consistently ranked among the top graduate creative writing programs in the country
The University of Minnesota – Twin Cities offers an esteemed MFA in Creative Writing – a three-year course of graduate study that features a dynamic deep dive into writing, language, and literature, along with study in a related field. This exciting program, which has long been ranked among the top ten graduate creative writing programs nationally, offers a well-rounded exploration of poetry, fiction, and nonfiction. In fact, students of this program are encouraged to experiment and write across genres as they work toward honing their own creative voice. Housed within the flagship institution of the University of Minnesota System, which enjoys a reputation as being among the most prestigious public research universities in the nation, this program comes with full funding for all MFA students and exciting opportunities to conduct research, intern with major corporations and organizations, and study abroad.
Hamline University (Private)
Saint Paul, MN
![u.s. news mfa creative writing rankings hamline university](https://www.creativewritingedu.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/hamline-university.jpg)
MFA in Creative Writing (on-campus)
Also offers: BFA in Creative Writing (on-campus)
- BA in English-Creative Writing concentration (on-campus)
- Exciting, undergraduate faculty-led research opportunities available
- Home to a nice variety of internship experiences
- Superb faculty of accomplished writers
- MFA features your choice of focus on poetry, fiction, or creative nonfiction
Hamline University is home to three different creative writing programs that are designed to meet you wherever you are in your career! Offering two undergraduate creative writing programs – one in creative writing and the other in English with a creative writing concentration, Hamline offers students the opportunity to hone their creative writing skillset and prepare for exciting careers in publishing, journalism, marketing, business, education, and beyond! The BFA in Creative Writing provides students with a well-rounded exploration of poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, literary traditions, textual analysis, and the opportunity to refine your skillset in any number of genres. The BA in English with a Creative Writing concentration offers a journey in literature as you explore the process of writing a novel, script, or other creative work. We love their undergraduate creative writing programs here because they come complete with exciting opportunities to participate in faculty-led research; contribute to one of the many student-led publications like Runestone , the award-winning undergraduate online literary magazine; and complete internships with major names like Graywolf Press, the Minnesota Historical Society, and the Loft Literary Center. The MFA in Creative Writing boasts an in-depth course of study that’s marked by your choice of focus in poetry, fiction, or creative nonfiction; an esteemed faculty of accomplished writers; and a curriculum that prepares you for in-demand teaching and publishing careers.
Augsburg University (Private)
DIVISION OF ARTS AND SCIENCES
![u.s. news mfa creative writing rankings augsburg university](https://www.creativewritingedu.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/augsburg-university.jpg)
MFA in Creative Writing (Teaching, Translation, Publishing) ( low-residency )
- MFA program features a low-residency model that combines convenient, flexible online study with summer residencies
- Exciting study abroad opportunities to Denmark and Iceland for undergraduate students
- Undergraduate creative writing students may qualify for the MFA Masterclass option – an opportunity to participate in a single summer residency that includes a creative writing workshop
Augsburg University’s undergraduate and graduate programs in creative writing are exactly what emerging and practicing writers are looking for! The BA in English with a Creative Writing concentration offers a nice blend of both English literature and the creative writing process. Through this course of study, students explore the craft under the guidance of a dedicated faculty of working writers. Students also enjoy plenty of opportunities to flex their creative skillset outside of the classroom, with opportunities to participate in the Many Voice Project – a series that brings together students, professors, and staff to explore successful communication among diverse readers and writers; contribute to Thó Win Magazine , the campus literary, visual, and musical arts publication; and study abroad to Denmark and Iceland. The low-residency Creative Writing MFA program offers students a deep dive into writing in multiple genres and features a convenient and flexible format that blends online study with summer residencies. Students of this program hone their skillset in fiction, nonfiction, poetry, screenwriting, and playwriting over the course of three years to prepare for exciting careers in fields like teaching, publishing, and translation. Are you an undergraduate creative writing student with future graduate study in your sights? You may qualify for the MFA Masterclass option, which allows undergrad students to enroll in a single summer residency that includes a creative writing workshop.
University of Mississippi (Public)
University, MS
![u.s. news mfa creative writing rankings the university of mississippi](https://www.creativewritingedu.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/university-mississippi.jpg)
MFA in English (on-campus)
- Also offers: Ph.D. in English with Creative Writing Concentration
- Outstanding visiting scholars and creative writers - past visitors have included filmmaker, Spike Lee, Pulitzer Prize winner Jeffery Eugenides, and National Book Award winner Mark Doty
- MFA in English named among The Atlantic Monthly’s “Top Five Up and Coming Programs”
Creative writing is part of the fabric of the University of Mississippi, and it shows! The BA in English with a Creative Writing emphasis boasts a curriculum that brings together study in literature from all time periods and through diverse perspectives, along with a close examination and exploration of the craft of creative writing. The MFA in English, which has been consistently ranked among the top programs of its kind in the nation, offers your choice of concentration in poetry & fiction or creative nonfiction. This highly selective program (accepting between 6-8 students each year) is supportive, engaging, and fully funded!
Washington University in Saint Louis (Private)
St. Louis, MO
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Fully funded program available through fellowships
Also offers: BA in English-Creative Writing concentration (on-campus)
- Small, student-centered learning environment boasts first-year seminars of 15 or fewer students
- Highly competitive program accepts just 15 students (five each in fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction)
- Fully funded MFA program is offered through fellowships
Regardless of where you are in your academic journey or your career, Washington University in St. Louis has the creative writing program for you! The BA in English with a Creative Writing concentration brings together emerging writers in a small, student-centered learning environment that boasts engaging poetry and fiction writing workshops. Small, first-year seminars of 15 students or less transition nicely to second semester workshops that take students to the next level in their writing journey and guide them to become outstanding readers and critics of literature. Interested in adding an international dimension to your undergraduate creative writing program? Many students study abroad at some of the top universities like Oxford, Edinburg, Trinity College in Dublin, the King’s College in London, and the University of Sydney. The Creative Writing MFA is a two-year program that allows students to refine their craft in fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction. A distinguished, world-renowned faculty oversees dynamic and engaging workshops and craft courses, while the school’s reading series brings some of the most acclaimed authors and poets to the department for unmatched learning opportunities.
New England College (Private)
Manchester, NH
![u.s. news mfa creative writing rankings new england college](https://www.creativewritingedu.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/new-england-college.jpg)
- Low-residency MFA features a studio/research academic model that combines online study with on-campus residencies at the beginning of each semester
- MFA features your choice of track in poetry, fiction, nonfiction, writing for stage and screen, or dual genre
- MFA students may also pursue specialized study in areas like translation, editing & publishing, new media, performance, or cross-genre/hybrid forms
- Competitive MFA teaching assistantships and scholarships available
New England College offers both a BA and MFA in Creative Writing to meet students wherever they are in their academic journey and career path! The BA in Creative Writing is supported by a dedicated faculty of published writers who are committed to providing students with close mentorship and support, while the program’s focus on individual transformation encourages students to explore many areas and genres. Through this program, students complete genre workshops in fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction and courses focused on literary movements for a well-rounded course of study. The Creative Writing MFA is offered in a low-residency model that combines convenient and flexible online study with lively residencies at the beginning of each semester. Students here pursue a highly individualized program that features close mentorship by an award-winning faculty of writers and their choice of track in poetry, fiction, nonfiction, writing for stage and screen, or dual genre. Students may also pursue additional study in areas like translation, editing & publishing, new media, performance, or cross-genre/hybrid forms.
Rutgers University-Camden (Public)
GRADUATE SCHOOL OF ARTS AND SCIENCES
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- Competitive teaching assistantships available
- Multi-genre approach to learning includes workshops in your choice of genre (fiction, poetry, or nonfiction) and at least one other genre
- Exciting opportunities to complete a writing residency at the Rutgers University Pinelands Field Station
- Exciting study abroad opportunities available
Rutgers University – Camden offers an MFA in Creative Writing that features an in-depth exploration of the theory and practice of writing for poets, fiction writers, and nonfiction writers. This dynamic course of graduate study allows students to focus their work on a single genre yet still explore other genres. An outstanding faculty of esteemed writers and poets guides this esteemed program. Students here enjoy superb inspiration from a host of visiting writers and poets; they contribute to the university’s award-winning literary magazine, StoryQuarterly ; and they participate in inspiring writing residencies at the Rutgers University Pinelands Field Station. And if your academic goals include an international experience, you’ll be pleased to know that students here often study abroad in Europe, Asia, and South America.
Rutgers University-Newark (Public)
SCHOOL OF ARTS AND SCIENCES
![u.s. news mfa creative writing rankings rutgers university](https://www.creativewritingedu.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/rutgers.jpg)
- Home to an outstanding, award-winning faculty of writers
- Program enjoys exciting connections to big regional names for superb learning experiences
- Fully funded, highly selective program accepts 14-16 full-time students per year—half in Fiction and half in Poetry
Rutgers University – Newark offers an established, dynamic, and nationally ranked MFA in Creative Writing that features your choice of fiction or poetry writing track. We love the many connections this program has to big names like the Newark Museum, the New Jersey Historical Society, and the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, all of which offer students unique opportunities for hands-on learning experiences. This fully funded course of study provides students with an unmatched opportunity to explore their craft, while the esteemed, award-winning faculty (many of whom are the recipients of awards like the Guggenheim, the National Endowment of the Arts, National Book Awards, and more) ensure outstanding support and mentorship.
Monmouth University (Private)
THE WAYNE D. MCMURRAY SCHOOL OF HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
West Long Branch, NJ
![u.s. news mfa creative writing rankings monmouth university](https://www.creativewritingedu.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/monmouth-university.jpg)
MA/MFA in Creative Writing Dual Degree (on-campus)
- Ranked among the best regional universities in the North by U.S. News & World Report
- Exciting undergraduate internship experiences available
- Exciting MFA course options include opportunities to study themes like thrillers, romance, and fantasy
Whether you’re seeking an undergraduate or graduate creative writing program, Monmouth University has what you need! The BA in English with a concentration in Creative Writing features a well-rounded liberal arts core alongside an in-depth exploration of creative writing, including fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. Students of this program enjoy studying under esteemed visiting writers; contributing to The Monmouth Review ; and completing exciting internship opportunities with big names like Penguin, Random House, and St. Martin’s Press, and with organizations like the National Geographic Society and the Monmouth County SPCA. The MA/MFA is an innovative and unique dual degree in Creative Writing that boasts a published, award-winning faculty; outstanding course options in fiction, nonfiction, and poetry; and exciting options to explore themes like thrillers, romance, and fantasy. Students of this program begin by completing the 30-credit MA in English with a Creative Writing concentration and then complete an additional 18 credits of intensive creative writing study that culminate in a book-length creative thesis.
Columbia University in the City of New York (Private)
SCHOOL OF THE ARTS
New York, NY
![u.s. news mfa creative writing rankings columbia university city of new york](https://www.creativewritingedu.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/columbia-university-city-new-york.jpg)
MFA in Writing (Nonfiction, Fiction, Poetry, Literary Translation) (on-campus)
- Home to an outstanding, internationally acclaimed faculty of writers and editors
- Major in Creative Writing offers your choice of poetry, fiction, nonfiction, or multi-genre concentration
- MFA offers your choice of fiction, poetry, or creative nonfiction concentration
Columbia University in the City of New York is where you’ll find both undergraduate and graduate programs in creative writing! These outstanding courses of study are housed in the famed School of the Arts, which enjoys a legacy of unmatched literary creation. Did you know that J.D. Salinger enrolled in a short story course here in 1939? Choose the Major in Creative Writing and you’ll study under an acclaimed, world-class faculty as you elevate your creative skillset in poetry, fiction, nonfiction, or multi-genre (combination of two genres). This program comes complete with writing workshops at all levels and exciting seminars that are sure to inspire and excite. The esteemed MFA Writing program is renowned for its faculty of acclaimed writers and editors; its focus on literary instruction; and its artistic and literary diversity. Students of this program choose a concentration in fiction, poetry, or creative nonfiction. They study in intimate workshops (just 7 to 12 students) and regularly present their work, receive constructive feedback from their peers, and meet with faculty for one-on-one conferences.
Sarah Lawrence College (Private)
Bronxville, NY
![u.s. news mfa creative writing rankings sarah lawrence college](https://www.creativewritingedu.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/sarah-lawrence-college.jpg)
Also offers: Major in Writing (on-campus)
- Home to one of the largest writing faculties in the country
- Workshop-style courses offer unmatched support, guidance, and constructive feedback
- Exciting research and teaching opportunities available to MFA students
- MFA concentrations in poetry, creative nonfiction, or speculative fiction
Whether you’re interested in an undergraduate or graduate degree in creative writing, Sarah Lawrence College has what you need to prepare for an exciting career or future graduate school! One of the first things you’ll notice is the vibrant artistic and writing community at Sarah Lawrence. It’s home to one of the largest writing faculties in the country; an outstanding selection of courses in fiction, nonfiction, and poetry; and engaging workshop-style courses that offer unmatched support and guidance. Thanks to a prime location near NYC, creative writing students enjoy access to opportunities in a vibrant, second-to-none arts and culture scene. The MFA program here boasts a dedicated faculty of distinguished writers; concentrations in fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, or speculative fiction; and a versatile curriculum that allows students to explore writing that transcends genres. Some of the features of the MFA we’re particularly fond of include frequent meetings with faculty; small, intimate classes; and exciting graduate teaching and research opportunities.
Syracuse University (Private)
Syracuse, NY
![u.s. news mfa creative writing rankings syracuse university](https://www.creativewritingedu.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/syracuse-university.jpg)
- Highly selective MFA program admits just six poets and six fiction writers annually
- Outstanding record of student success – 94% of graduates are employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation
- Ranked among the best national universities by U.S. News & World Report
Syracuse University offers a BA and MFA in Creative Writing and a storied legacy of producing acclaimed writers. From Stephen Crane to Joyce Carol Oates, Syracuse has long been where emerging and practicing writers flock for intensive study and unmatched inspiration! The BA program offers a balanced blend of literary study, workshop-style writing courses, and craft classes in creative nonfiction, fiction, and poetry. The renowned MFA in Creative Writing program is a three-year, highly selective course of graduate study that admits just six poets and six fiction writers each year.
Pratt University-Main (Private)
SCHOOL OF LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES
Brooklyn, NY
![u.s. news mfa creative writing rankings pratt university](https://www.creativewritingedu.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/pratt-university.jpg)
- BFA features your choice of specialization in fiction, poetry, or nonfiction
- MFA boasts exciting opportunities to participate in guided fieldwork residencies with an outside community organization, nonprofit, or activist group
- MFA offers superb faculty mentoring
Pratt University boasts a BFA and MFA in Writing – your pathway to outstanding careers in publishing, editing, journalism, marketing, business, education, and beyond! Undergraduate creative writing students here study in a studio-based learning environment that includes specializing in fiction, poetry, or nonfiction and exploring contemporary genres like playwriting, screenwriting, children’s book writing, and young adult writing. The MFA in Writing program offers a highly rigorous, engaging program of study that’s built to address the needs of today’s contemporary writer in changing times. Some of the features of this program that you’re sure to love include The Writing Studio, a weekly critiquing forum; outstanding, one-on-one faculty mentoring; and guided fieldwork residencies with an outside community organization, nonprofit, or activist group.
North Carolina State University at Raleigh (Public)
COLLEGE OF HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
Raleigh, NC
![u.s. news mfa creative writing rankings nc state university](https://www.creativewritingedu.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/nc-state-university.jpg)
- Outstanding, student-centered learning environment features a low, student-to-faculty ratio of just 15:1
- Named the top public university in North Carolina by Money Magazine
- MFA in Creative Writing is the only one of its kind in the Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill region
- MFA is fully funded through graduate teaching assistantships
North Carolina State University at Raleigh is home to both an undergraduate and graduate degree in creative writing! The BA in English with a Creative Writing concentration features a solid English foundation alongside courses in several genres, including fiction, poetry, nonfiction, and screenwriting. Intensive writing workshops here are designed to create an engaging, tightknit learning environment where students are encouraged to hone their creative voice. The MFA in Creative Writing boasts a two-year intensive course of graduate study that’s rich in workshops and interdisciplinary coursework and culminates in a final thesis of your original work. Students of this graduate course of study apprentice under master writers and learn from an experienced faculty of working writers and poets.
Warren Wilson College (Private)
THE MFA PROGRAM FOR WRITERS AT WARREN WILSON COLLEGE
Asheville, NC
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- Home to the first and one of the most prestigious low-residency MFA programs in the nation
- Originally founded in 1976 by Ellen Bryant Voigt, and in residence at Warren Wilson College since 1981
- Superb faculty of award-winning authors and poets (many of whom are recipients of the Pulitzer Prize, Guggenheim and MacArthur Fellowships, National Book Awards, and more)
- Low-residency MFA effortlessly combines individualized mentorship with on-campus residencies for maximum convenience and flexibility
- MFA features a superb standard student-to-faculty ratio of just 3:1
The MFA Program for Writers at Warren Wilson College enjoys a national reputation as a top-ranked MFA program and features a prime learning environment that’s marked by extensive one-one-one exchanges between faculty mentor and student as well as on-campus residencies every six months. Well regarded for its craft-based rigor as well as its fostering of a supportive and noncompetitive environment, the MFA Program for Writers at Warren Wilson College prepares its graduates for a lifetime of writing.
Warren Wilson College’s undergraduate program in Creative Writing is designed to allow students to focus their undergraduate course of study on two genres (choose from fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry). It’s also home to the Writing Studio, a place where students hone their creative voice and explore new ideas and techniques. Outstanding student and faculty feedback and exciting opportunities to engage in hands-on learning round out this comprehensive course of study.
The undergraduate program benefits from presence of Warren Wilson’s highly-regarded MFA program through twice-yearly visits by MFA Writers in Residence: faculty members who provide a class and reading. They also have the opportunity to attend January residency lectures and readings and work with MFA Mentors as part of an undergraduate “Residency Class.”
Miami University-Oxford (Public)
![u.s. news mfa creative writing rankings miami university oxford](https://www.creativewritingedu.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/miami-university-oxford.jpg)
- Outstanding record of student success – 96% of all graduates are employed or continuing their education
- Ranked among the top 50 public universities in the nation by U.S. News & World Report
- Fully funded MFA provides graduate teaching assistantships to all MFA students; non-teaching assistantships may also be available
Miami University – Oxford is home to both a BA and MFA in Creative Writing – your opportunity to refine your creative skillset and become a successful writer in any number of fields! The BA program boasts a full-time creative faculty of eight award-winning writers who provide unmatched learning opportunities for a select group of students (usually between 20-25) in fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, and screenwriting. Intensive, engaging workshop-style courses ensure outstanding collaboration, communication, and constructive feedback, while visiting authors offer readings and craft talks that are guaranteed to inspire. The MFA brings some of the most talented, emerging writers from across the country to participate in a close-knit, rigorous course of study in creative nonfiction, poetry, fiction, multimedia, and performance writing. Some of the highlights of this program include four, practice-oriented workshops and seminars in literature; close mentorship from faculty; and the opportunity to create a publishable, full-length work of fiction, poetry, or creative nonfiction by the end of the program. This fully funded program provides graduate teaching assistantships to all MFA students; non-teaching assistantships may also be available. And each year, two MFA students are awarded creative writing internships in China!
Kent State University at Kent (Public)
![u.s. news mfa creative writing rankings kent state university](https://www.creativewritingedu.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/kent-state-u.jpg)
Northeast Ohio MFA in Creative Writing (on-campus)
- Program is a superb consortium of four universities - Kent State University, Cleveland State University, the University of Akron, and Youngstown State University
- The program is marked by outstanding faculty guidance and mentorship
- Students enjoy exciting opportunities to participate in regional and national events and programs
- Full and partial funding opportunities available
Kent State University’s Northern Ohio MFA in Creative Writing (NEOMFA) offers a superb course of graduate study for the emerging creative writer! This program is a consortium program between Kent State, the University of Akron, Cleveland State University, and Youngstown State University. It boasts an award-winning faculty of fifteen and unmatched opportunities to hone your craft in plays, poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction. This program brings together a diverse group of students for superb instruction, hands-on learning, faculty mentorship, and individual attention. Students here enjoy access to exciting programs and events like the Juniper Institute of Massachusetts, the Imagination Writers Conference in Cleveland, and the annual Association of Writers and Writing Programs Conference.
University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus (Public)
DODGE FAMILY COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES
![u.s. news mfa creative writing rankings university of oklahoma](https://www.creativewritingedu.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/university-oklahoma.jpg)
MA in English-Creative Writing (on-campus)
- Competitive graduate teaching assistantships available
- Versatile and flexible programs give students the freedom to choose courses and create a personalized course of study that best reflects their personal interests and career goals
- Option to round out your program by creating a thesis of your original work in fiction, poetry, or creative nonfiction
The University of Oklahoma Norman is home to the esteemed MA in English with a Creative Writing emphasis – a superb graduate course of study for those with a love of creating the written word! We love the flexible and versatile design of this program that gives students the freedom to choose courses that best reflect their personal interests and professional goals. As a student of this program, you’ll work alongside a departmental advisor to design a personalized program of study. You’re also sure to appreciate the tightknit, engaging academic environment here that features small, seminar and pro-seminar courses and close mentorship from an internationally recognized faculty. You’ll also enjoy the option of rounding out your creative writing graduate program by creating a thesis of your original work in fiction, poetry, or creative nonfiction.
Eastern Oregon University (Public)
COLLEGE OF ARTS, HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
La Grande, OR
![u.s. news mfa creative writing rankings eastern oregon university](https://www.creativewritingedu.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/eastern-oregon-university.jpg)
MFA in Creative and Environmental Writing (low-residency)
Also offers: BA/BS in English-Writing (on-campus, online)
- Outstanding, student-centered learning environment features small class sizes and a low, student-to-faculty undergraduate ratio of just 17:1
- Flexible BA/BS degree offers your choice of on-campus or online study
- Low-residency MFA blends convenient, online study with on-campus summer residencies
- Specialty, one-of-a-kind Wilderness, Ecology, and Community MFA program, which connects students to the Pacific Northwest’s rich tradition of writers
Eastern Oregon University is where emerging creative writers flock for unmatched academic opportunities at the undergraduate and graduate level! The BA/BS in English – Creative Writing program boasts small class sizes; superb support from a dedicated faculty; and an opportunity to complete your degree 100% online! The online program features a fully online course delivery and options to study on a part- or full-time basis for outstanding convenience and flexibility. The MFA in Creative and Environmental Writing offers an in-depth exploration of the craft; a low-residency curriculum model that ensures superb convenience for working adults; genre focus options in fiction, poetry, or young adult literature; and a superb opportunity to specialize your program through the one-of-a-kind Wilderness, Ecology, and Community program, which connects students to the Pacific Northwest’s rich tradition of writers such as Gary Snyder, William O. Douglas, Kathleen Dean Moore, Annie Dillard, Robert Michael Pyle, and more.
University of Oregon (Public)
DIVISION OF GRADUATE STUDIES
![u.s. news mfa creative writing rankings university of oregon](https://www.creativewritingedu.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/university-oregon.jpg)
Each MFA student is offered a teaching appointment in return for a full tuition waiver and stipend.
- Opportunity to fully fund your MFA through a teaching appointment
- Ranked a top-tier public research university and the top public university in Oregon by U.S. News & World Report
- Highly selective program accepts just 10 students annually – five in poetry, and five in fiction
The University of Oregon’s MFA in Creative Writing features two years of study; your choice of focus in poetry or fiction; and a rich curriculum that’s highlighted by engaging, workshop-style courses and craft seminars. This rigorous course of study, which is one of the oldest and most distinguished programs of its kind in the nation, boasts unmatched opportunities to hone your craft and enjoy career success in a variety of fields. This highly selective program admits just 10 applicants each year (five in fiction and five in poetry) to ensure an intimate, highly engaging graduate experience.
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus (Public)
KENNETH P. DIETRICH SCHOOL OF ARTS AND SCIENCES
Pittsburgh, PA
![u.s. news mfa creative writing rankings university of pittsburgh](https://www.creativewritingedu.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/university-pittsburgh.jpg)
Also offers: BA in Writing (Fiction, Poetry, Nonfiction) (on-campus)
- Ranked as the top university in the Northeast U.S. by the Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education
- Outstanding opportunities to learn from esteemed, visiting writers through the Pittsburgh Contemporary Writers Series
- MFA features your choice of focus in fiction, nonfiction, or poetry
The University of Pittsburgh is home to a BA in Writing and an MFA in Writing, both of which are housed in the university’s famed Writing Program – a large and diverse community of artists who explore both traditional and emerging media. It’s where you’ll find students lending their talents to esteemed literary journals and digital publications and where visiting writers come to educate and inspire through the Pittsburgh Contemporary Writers Series. At the graduate level, the Writing Program admits nine students across the genres each year for a fully funded course of study in fiction, nonfiction, or poetry. We love the many exciting opportunities to expand your college experience through internships and study abroad experiences to places like London, Sydney, Berlin, Dublin, Paris, and Madrid.
Cedar Crest College (Private)
DEPARTMENT OF HISTORY, LANGUAGES AND LITERATURE
Allentown, PA
![u.s. news mfa creative writing rankings cedar crest college](https://www.creativewritingedu.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/cedar-crest-college.jpg)
Pan-European Creative Writing MFA (low-residency)
- Options to focus on poetry, fiction, nonfiction, or travel writing
- Home to the first pan-European graduate-level writer’s program offered by an American university
- MFA boasts an award-winning internationally acclaimed faculty of writers
- Exciting European residencies are complemented with online study for a flexible, versatile course of study
Cedar Crest is where you’ll find a superb course of graduate study in creative writing that comes complete with your choice of poetry, fiction, nonfiction, or travel writing focus… a low-residency model that delivers outstanding flexibility and convenience… and an unmatched opportunity to be inspired as you travel across Europe! The MFA in Creative Writing features an in-depth exploration of the craft of creative writing that culminates in the creation of your own original work of literature. Choose a focus (or two) and learn to refine your skillset under the guidance of an award-winning faculty of writers. This truly unique course of study brings together talented writers from around the world for three, 15-day intensive workshops held in superb European locations that are sure to spark your creativity. Residencies here are held in July and rotate between Dublin, Ireland; Barcelona, Spain; and Vienna, Australia. You’ll complete the rest of your program requirements through convenient online study.
Brown University (Private)
THE COLLEGE
Providence, RI
![u.s. news mfa creative writing rankings brown university](https://www.creativewritingedu.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/brown-university.jpg)
MFA in Literary Arts (on-campus)
Also offers: BA in Literary Arts (on-campus)
- Outstanding, student-centered learning environment features a low, 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio
- Superb record of student success – 96% of all graduates are employed or in grad school within six months of graduation
- Home to exciting, dynamic creative writing workshops for outstanding, hands-on learning
Brown University’s undergraduate and graduate programs in Literary Arts offer a deep dive into the craft of writing. Choose the undergraduate program and you’ll develop your skills in one or more genres through four creative writing workshops and six, reading-intensive courses. This unique course of undergraduate study (it’s one of just a few in the nation) is where emerging writers in fiction, poetry, electronic writing (hypertext), and mixed media gather to elevate and refine their creative skillset. The MFA program welcomes just 12 graduate student writers annually for an in-depth exploration of creative writing and a choice of focus in fiction, poetry, or digital-cross-disciplinary. This innovative program is focused on student-centered learning and features a rigorous curriculum that’s delivered by a faculty of internationally acclaimed writers.
University of South Carolina-Columbia (Public)
Columbia, SC
![u.s. news mfa creative writing rankings university of south carolina columbia](https://www.creativewritingedu.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/university-south-carolina-new.jpg)
Also offers: BA in English-Writing concentration (on-campus)
- Fully funded, highly selective MFA program accepts just eight students annually – four poets and four fiction writers
- Ranked among the nation’s institutions with the best first-year experience by U.S. News & World Report
- Highly versatile BA allows students to create a personalized program through their choice of writing courses
The University of South Carolina – Columbia’s BA and MFA programs are designed to inspire the emerging writer for an exciting pathway to careers in publishing, journalism, editing, marketing, business, and beyond! The BA in English with a Creative Writing concentration features a core of literature courses that are complemented with creative writing courses. Under the guidance of a faculty advisor, you’ll create a personalized course of study that best matches your personal interests and professional goals. We love the small class sizes and the superb faculty that’s dedicated to your success. The fully funded MFA program here is chocked full of features that are sure to align with your career goals. You’ll appreciate the intimate learning environment that comes complete with an award-winning faculty of writers, world-class visiting writers, and plenty of exciting opportunities to flex your creative skillset through hands-on experiences. The highly selective Creative Writing MFA accepts just four poets and four fiction writers each year and caps workshops at just 12 students for a truly engaging, dynamic program of study. Interested in pursuing education after you graduate? You’ll love the MFA program’s signature writing outreach program, Split P, which allows MFA students to hone their teaching skills in local public elementary schools.
Vanderbilt University (Private)
Nashville, TN
![u.s. news mfa creative writing rankings vanderbilt university](https://www.creativewritingedu.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/vanderbilt-university.jpg)
- Ranked among the top 15 MFA programs in the country by Poets and Writers magazine
- All MFA students receive a three-year, 12-month funding package
- Highly selective MFA accepts students in poetry and prose
Vanderbilt University offers emerging and practicing writers their choice of an undergraduate or graduate-focused course of study in creative writing, both of which are built on the university’s longstanding reputation as a world-renowned institution. Both programs are delivered in small, seminar-style classes that encourage creativity, collaboration, and outstanding constructive feedback. The Creative Writing MFA program, which has been part of Vanderbilt’s fabric for nearly a century, features a three-year, fully funded course of graduate study that brings together emerging writers of fiction and poetry. This highly selective program is home to just 18 students at any time (nine in poetry and nine in prose), which ensures a truly tightknit, supportive learning environment. Just some of the unique opportunities available to students of the MFA include serving on the editorial board of the Nashville Review ; studying under distinguished, visiting writers-in-residence; and teaching introductory creative writing workshops.
University of Texas at Austin (Public)
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New Writer’s Project – MFA in Creative Writing (on-campus)
Michener center for writers – mfa in writing (on-campus).
*Both MFA options are fully funded with absolutely no tuition costs for students accepted into the programs
- Home to the Oxford Summer Program – an exciting exploration of life and literature at Oxford University in England
- Features two, world-class MFA programs – one in creative writing and one in writing – both offer fully funded programs of study
- Outstanding opportunities to learn from esteemed, working authors, attend events, and become immersed in the writing community, both on-campus and throughout Austin
The University of Texas at Austin plays host to both undergraduate and graduate programs in creative writing that are expertly designed to inspire and prepare emerging writers for a host of outstanding professional opportunities in fields like marketing, publishing, business, editing, education, and beyond! The Major in English with a Creative Writing concentration features a solid foundation in British, American, and world literature alongside focused courses in the art and craft of creative writing. The New Writer’s Project – MFA in Creative Writing and the Michener Center for Writers – MFA in Writing boast fully funded programs of study that are delivered in tightknit learning environments under close faculty mentorship. The three-year studio MFA in Creative Writing program features opportunities to study and practice fiction and poetry and connect with students and faculty of its partner MFA program, the Michener Center for Writers. This MFA in Writing program features a three-year program of study that admits writers in a primary genre (fiction, poetry, playwriting, or screenwriting) yet also provides them with ample opportunities to study a second genre. While the MFA in Creative Writing offers teaching experiences, the MFA in Writing funds students through fellowships alone, thereby requiring no teaching requirements.
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Public)
COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS AND HUMAN SCIENCES
Blacksburg, VA
![u.s. news mfa creative writing rankings virginia tech](https://www.creativewritingedu.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/virginia-tech.jpg)
- Exciting, study abroad opportunities include a faculty-led trip to London (offered through an exchange program with Loughborough University)
- Fully funded MFA provides equal funding to all students
- MFA program has been consistently ranked among the top 30 programs in the nation by Poets & Writers magazine
- Highly selective MFA program admits just 4-5 students annually in each genre (fiction and poetry)
Virginia Tech is home to both a BA and MFA in Creative Writing and a rich learning environment that opens the door to a superb exploration of your creative interests. The BA program features an examination of major writers and literary traditions and a faculty of published writers that provide unmatched support and guidance as you work toward producing a portfolio of your own creative work. Explore your interests by choosing among the program’s more than 100 English courses (you’ll have 36 credits of free electives to personalize your course of study); study modern and contemporary literature; and dive deep into playwriting, nonfiction, or writing fiction for young people! The three-year, fully funded MFA features your choice of focus in poetry or fiction, a faculty of esteemed, published writers and scholars, and plenty of opportunities to explore your craft across genres.
Hollins University (Private)
JACKSON CENTER FOR CREATIVE WRITING
Roanoke, VA
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Also offers:
- BA in Creative Writing (on-campus)
- Superb undergraduate record of success – 95% of all graduates are employed or in graduate school within a year of graduating
- MFA program features a personalized curriculum and outstanding faculty support
- Hollins’ Creative Writing MFA has one of the highest publishing records of any graduate school in the nation
- Hollins University has long been called “Pulitzer U” for its award-winning faculty and alumni
Hollins University’s Jackson Center for Creative Writing is where you’ll find exciting pathways to rewarding, writing-intensive careers in a variety of fields! Hollins’ multi-genre approach allows students to study and explore their craft in poetry, fiction, and nonfiction while also gaining a valuable foundation of knowledge in literature. Creative writing here is supported by a faculty of esteemed, award-winning writers and scholars and marked by outstanding, hands-on learning experiences both within and outside the walls of the classroom. At the undergraduate level, you’ll choose from a Major in Creative Writing or an English Major with a concentration in Creative Writing, while at the graduate level, you’ll have the opportunity to pursue the two-year MFA program, which is home to a versatile and personalized curriculum and the type of support that creates the most successful writers. This small program enrolls just 20-24 students at any given time, thereby keeping the learning environment small and highly engaging. This program includes funding opportunities that include travel and research funding.
University of Washington-Seattle Campus (Public)
Seattle, WA
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MFA in Creative Writing (Poetry, Prose) (on-campus)
- Fully funded MFA – students funded through teaching assistantships, fellowships, and through the Amazon Literary Partnership
- Home to an esteemed faculty of award-winning authors
- Highly selective MFA program admits just 8-10 students annually
Creative writing is part of the fabric of the University of Washington – Seattle’s English Department, long offering outstanding courses of undergraduate and graduate study to produce competent, talented writers with skills that transcend career fields. The English major with a Creative Writing option is your opportunity to grow as a communicator and artist! This program features a small, student-centered learning environment that’s marked by writing workshops that are designed to spark your creativity and hone your skills. The MFA in Creative Writing is a two-year program of poetry and prose that boasts an outstanding faculty of award-winning writers (many of whom have been awarded fellowships from the Guggenheim Foundation, the MacArthur Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Arts). This highly selective, fully funded course of study admits just 8-10 students each year, thereby ensuring outstanding support and collaboration. Students here participate in literary seminars and workshops and round out their graduate study by completing a creative manuscript of original work.
University of Washington-Bothell Campus (Public)
SCHOOL OF INTERDISCIPLINARY ARTS AND SCIENCES
Bothell, WA
MFA in Creative Writing and Poetics (on-campus)
- Versatile and flexible MFA encourages writing across the genres and exploring hybrid genres
- Evening courses accommodate the lives of today’s busy, working students
- Lively, on-campus gatherings bring together students, faculty, and renowned writers and artists
The University of Washington (Bothell campus) offers an esteemed MFA in Creative Writing and Poetics – a program rich in exploration and discovery. This uniquely structured program is structured according to areas of inquiry instead of genres, which allows students to explore and experiment across genres. You’re free to hone your craft here as you see fit, with experimentation with hybrid genres encouraged. Each year, students meet at the Fall Convergence, which brings together internationally renowned writers and artists. And the school year closes with the Spring Festival, a place for students to share their thesis work and get inspired by a student-nominated speaker. This program features evening courses that are designed to accommodate the busy lives of working students.
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The Top Fifty MFA Programs in the United States: A Comprehensive Guide
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jelhai replied on October 14, 2009 - 11:08pm Permalink
Low-residency programs
Seth Abramson wrote: "Generally speaking, low-residency programs do not offer much if any financial aid, cannot offer teaching opportunities to students,...are less likely to be gauged on the basis of their locales (as applicants only spend the briefest of periods on campus), and, because their faculties are part-time, are more likely to feature star-studded faculty rosters."
Given that hundreds, surely thousands, of people DO apply to low-residency programs each year, doesn't that suggest that many of the qualities measured in these rankings are unimportant to a significant number of students? And what is the basis for asserting that low-residency faculties are more star-studded than others? Even if it were true, how would it matter?
Finally, don't rankings merely offer a lazy short cut to school selection, perpetuating the myth that some programs are inherently better than others, when prospective students would benefit most by finding the program that is best suited to their individual aims and needs? You may not intentionally provide these rankings as a template for school selection, but you can bet that many people will foolishly use them that way, just as people use the US News & World Report rankings.
Seth Abramson replied on October 15, 2009 - 11:46am Permalink
Hi Jelhai, You're absolutely right that the hundreds (not thousands; the national total is under 2,000) of aspiring poets and fiction-writers who apply to low-residency programs annually are, generally speaking, a very different demographic than those who apply to full-residency programs: they tend to be older, they are more likely to be married and/or have children, they are more likely to be professionals (i.e. have a career rather than a job), they are more likely to be (only relatively speaking) financially stable, they are more likely to have strong personal, financial, or logistical ties to their current location (hence the decision to apply to low-res programs, which require minimal travel and no moving). That's the reason this article did not contemplate low-res programs, in additional to the reasons already stated in the article. So when the article makes claims about MFA applicants, yes, it is referring to full-residency MFA applicants. Assessing low-residency programs and their applicants would be an entirely different project, requiring a different assessment rubric as well as--as the article implicitly acknowledges--a different series of first principles about applicant values. As to the rankings that are here, keep in mind that what you're seeing is an abbreviated version. The full version, available either in the upcoming print edition or as an e-book (available for purchase on this site), includes data categories for each school: duration, size, funding scheme, cost of living, teaching load, curriculum focus (studio or academic). These are some of the most important "individual aims and needs" the hundreds and hundreds of MFA applicants I've spoken with over the past three years have referenced. Indeed, I've even done polling (the first-ever polling of its kind) to ask applicants what they value most in making their matriculation decision: in a recent poll of 325 MFA applicants (where applicants could list more than one top choice), 59% said funding was most important, 44% said reputation (e.g. ranking) was most important, 34% said location, 19% said faculty, and much smaller percentages said "curriculum" and "selectivity." These rankings (and the article above) specifically urge applicants to make their own decisions about location, but provide ample information about funding, reputation, curriculum, and selectivity--four of applicants' top six matriculation considerations. Needless to say, many applicants will have "individual aims and needs" that they need to consider in making their matriculation decision, and I always urge them to look to those needs with the same fervor they consider (as they do) funding, reputation, location, and so on. But to imply these rankings haven't done the necessary footwork to ask applicants what their primary aims and needs are is simply incorrect. In fact, in the poll referenced above applicants were given the opportunity to vote for "none of the above"--meaning, they were invited to say that their top consideration in choosing a school was something other than the six categories referenced above. Only 1% of poll respondents chose this option. So when we speak casually of "individual aims and needs," I think we need to remember that these aims and needs are no longer as unknowable as they once were--largely due to efforts like the one that produced these rankings. And again, for those who don't see their own aims and needs reflected in the data chart that accompanies this ranking (and which you haven't seen yet), I say--as I always say--that these rankings and this data should be used only as a starting point for making an intensely personal and particularized decision. Take care, Seth
Seth Abramson replied on October 15, 2009 - 12:01pm Permalink
P.S. I should say, too, that the poll I mentioned above is just one of many. Another poll (of 371 applicants, where applicants could pick more than one first choice), showed that 57% of applicants have as their top "aim" getting funded "time to write," 42% say employability (i.e. the degree itself), 36% say mentoring (which causes them to primarily consider program size, as program size helps determine student-to-faculty ratio), 34% say "community" (which again causes applicants to consider program size, though it pushes many of these applicants to consider larger programs, i.e. larger communities), 19% say "the credential" (again, as represented by the degree itself, though this also pushes such applicants to favor shorter programs, with a lower time-to-degree), and much smaller percentages said that they wanted an MFA to validate themselves as writers or to avoid full-time employment (very similar to wanting "time to write," per the above, just as "validation" is intimately related to "mentoring" and "the credential"). Again, these polls were not intended to be exhaustive, though it's noteworthy that 0% of poll respondents chose "none of the above."
clairels replied on October 15, 2009 - 1:42pm Permalink
A graduate of Harvard Law School and the Iowa Writers' Workshop I'm not accusing anyone of anything, but you have to realize how suspicious this looks.
Seth Abramson replied on October 15, 2009 - 4:08pm Permalink
Hi Clairels, I'd respond to your comment, but honestly I have absolutely no idea what you mean to imply or what your concern is. I attended both those programs (J.D., 2001; M.F.A. 2009), and certainly don't regret either experience. Take care, S.
Seth Abramson replied on October 15, 2009 - 4:17pm Permalink
P.S. I think it was the
P.S. I think it was the reference to HLS that threw me. If you're talking about my IWW affiliation (as I now see you might be), I don't know what to tell you except to say that you won't find a single person who's well-versed in the field of creative writing who's surprised by Iowa's placement in the poll--a poll that was taken publicly and with full transparency, and whose results are echoed in/by the 2007 poll, the 2008 poll, the (ongoing) 2011 poll, USNWR's 1996 poll, and the 2007 MFA research conducted by The Atlantic. Iowa has been regarded as the top MFA program in the United States since the Roosevelt Administration (1936). In three years of running MFA polls I'll say that I think you're the first person to suggest to me (even indirectly) that Iowa might have finished first in the poll for any reason other than that it finished first in the poll (to no one's surprise). So no, I can't say that I see my affiliation with the IWW--an affiliation I share with thousands of poets (Iowa graduates 250 poets every decade) is "suspicious." --S.
sweetjane replied on October 20, 2009 - 4:03pm Permalink
To be fair, Seth, I think
Seth_Abramson replied on October 20, 2009 - 6:24pm Permalink
Hi SJ, Sorry for any
J Thomas Lore replied on October 23, 2009 - 9:00pm Permalink
Acceptance Rates
J Thomas Lore replied on October 23, 2009 - 9:02pm Permalink
And Seth, there was a link
Seth Abramson replied on October 24, 2009 - 6:48pm Permalink
Hi JTL, Per my contract
sweetjane replied on October 25, 2009 - 10:19am Permalink
"Sorry for any confusion--my
Seth_Abramson replied on October 25, 2009 - 5:02pm Permalink
Hi Phoebe, I've addressed
sstgermain replied on October 27, 2009 - 3:57pm Permalink
question about collection of information
Seth_Abramson replied on October 27, 2009 - 11:46pm Permalink
Hi SSTG, This was one of
ewjunc replied on November 9, 2009 - 11:24am Permalink
nothing is absolutley objective
sethabramson replied on November 12, 2009 - 4:01pm Permalink
Hi ewjunc, The article's
OKevin replied on December 4, 2009 - 1:38pm Permalink
Hi Seth, Good job. Have a
sethabramson replied on December 4, 2009 - 9:20pm Permalink
Hi there Kevin, thanks so
illingworthl replied on April 27, 2010 - 10:13am Permalink
Re: UNH Core Faculty--include Mekeel McBride, please!
sashanaomi replied on September 13, 2010 - 5:54pm Permalink
Other factors: health insurance
Since Seth Abramson is considering cost of living and funding, I think he should consider another, really huge factor: Does the school offer health insurance? There are some very highly ranked CUNY programs. Yes, CUNY is cheap, but there is no health insurance. If you really want to commit to a writing program, you don't really have time for a full-time job with health benefits. Health insurance was a big factor in my selection, and I'm sure it is for many others as well.
The Top 25 Underrated Creative Writing MFA Programs
By Terry Helms | April 19, 2011
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- University of Central Florida. Recently named one of the nation’s biggest party schools, and why not? It’s in Orlando, so there’s more than just the weather to celebrate — Disney World is only a short car-trip away. But locale aside, who knew that UCF fully funds nearly all its incoming students? The faculty roster may not boast many superstars, but neither do most other programs’ faculties, and ultimately it’s the quality of teaching that matters, not public acclaim for professors’ writing. If you want to attend a large, vibrant university in the midst of a large, vibrant, warm-weather city — and be fully funded in the bargain — UCF is for you. It’s no coincidence that four programs on this list are located in Florida; MFA applicants consistently under-apply to Florida programs (even University of Florida, a Top 25 program overall and certainly the best MFA program in the state, receives only half the applications it should).
- Ohio State University. Nobody can explain why this program isn’t Top 25 — perhaps even Top 20 — every year. Sure, it’s already popular, but it remains half as popular as it should be. Three years in an AIER-rated Top 15 “mid-size metro” with a strong faculty, a reasonable teaching load, and a vibrant university community deserves a close look from any serious MFA applicant. Every year OSU is outside the Top 25 (especially in poetry), something is grievously wrong with the national MFA picture.
- University of Miami. Knocking on the door of the Top 50 in all categories of assessment, Miami will someday soon make the leap to the Top 50 and stay there. It’s a great university in a great city, and it deserves — and has — a great, well-funded MFA program. If you’re looking for a fully-funded-for-all MFA experience in a big city (and there are only around five such experiences available nationally), you’ve found your place.
- University of Texas at Austin [Department of English]. This is the other MFA program at the University of Texas. The program at the Michener Center is already one of the most well-known and highly-selective in America; what many don’t realize, however, is that the MFA run by the university’s English Department is also fully funded — albeit less generously — and its students get to workshop alongside Michener faculty and students. Plus, it’s in Austin, as happening a college city as one could hope for. You can expect this program to crack the national Top 50 sometime in the next 24 to 36 months, but for now it’s still a hidden gem. No other university in America (except the University of Iowa, which offers both the Writers’ Workshop and the Nonfiction Writing Program) has two separate and distinct MFA programs, though the difference between Iowa and Texas is that both of Iowa’s programs are incredibly selective. Applicants looking to slip into a Michener-grade experience through the back door should take the hint.
- University of New Orleans. The Big Easy is coming back — in a big way. The MFA at UNO offers both a full- and low-residency option, and frankly there’s no reason not to leap at the former. Many students get full funding, you can take classes in screenwriting and playwriting as well as poetry and fiction, and there are summer programs available in both Europe and Mexico. There’s much to be excited about here.
- Oklahoma State University. The prospect of living in Stillwater won’t set many eyes agog or causes many hearts to flutter, but the fact remains that the Okies don’t currently crack the Top 100, and they certainly should. Lots of full funding packages are available, there’s a creative writing doctoral program at the university along with the MFA — meaning, by and large, a higher quality workshop experience than one might otherwise expect — and yet almost no one applies. That should change.
- Florida Atlantic University. Last year the report on FAU was simply this: “A dark horse among dark horses.” This year the program earns a slightly more robust entry, as a spotlight is cast on the following program features: three genres of study are available; the program fully funds many admittees; it’s located three miles from the beach; and it’s woefully under-applied to. All of which are great reasons to consider applying to this under-ranked and under-rated gem.
- Florida State University. Tallahassee gets mixed reviews, and some worry the program has gotten too large for its own good, but it’s three years of full funding at a university with not only a creative writing MFA but a top-notch creative writing doctorate, too (currently ranked second nationally). It may not deserve to be a Top 20 program in the national MFA rankings, but its recent fall in this year’s yet-to-be-released rankings (to #72) is entirely unwarranted. Right now there’s better than even odds it makes a return to the Top 50 next year.
- Georgia College & State University. The whole operation here gives off a warm vibe, and why not: it’s a well-funded, intimate program that’s been flying below the radar for years. Yet now it’s within hailing distance (nine spots) of an Honorable Mention classification in the forthcoming national MFA rankings, and it really does deserves to make the jump to that next level. A better rural Southern program you’d be hard-pressed to find.
- Iowa State University. What was said last year bears repeating, especially with the program making the jump to Honorable Mention status in the national rankings this year: the secret’s almost out of the bag on Iowa State, and what’s not to like? It’s three fully funded years in one of AIER’s Top Five college towns (PDF) at a program to which few apply. ISU’s unique focus on the environment (as well as interdisciplinary work and one-on-one mentoring) are stand-out features.
- Minnesota State University at Mankato. It’s a program you keep hearing good things about, even if you’re not entirely sure why. Maybe it’s the fact that the English Department offers a total of 30 full-tuition-remission teaching assistantships, and they’ll let you stay three years if you want. Maybe it’s the sense that this is a friendly, inviting program. Who knows. In any event, it makes the list, and while it may not be this grouping’s strongest entrant, by all accounts it deserves to be here.
- New Mexico State University. Students insist the program’s website is outdated, and that NMSU actually fully funds the majority of its incoming students. We’ll take the students at their word. Certainly, the program gives all the signs of hosting a lively literary community, and that’s reflected in its slow creep up the national rankings (currently #82). As with Minnesota State, it’s certainly not the strongest program on this list, but nevertheless it’s worth watching.
- North Carolina State University. Rumor has it that NCSU will soon become part of what’s become a national trend among MFA programs: only admitting students who can be fully funded through grants, fellowships, or assistantships, and thereby becoming a “fully funded program” under the current national assessment scheme via the back door. Well, why not? If the rumor’s true, you’re looking at a possible Top 50 program in the years ahead (it’s already Top 30 in selectivity, and just outside the Honorable Mention category of the national rankings). Poet Dorianne Laux is the star of the faculty here.
- Northern Michigan University. A tiny program in the scenic UP that funds surprisingly well. It oughtn’t be as obscure as it is. As with so many — in fact, far too many — MFA programs, NMU’s website reveals little significant information about the program and thereby does it (and its applicants) no favors. But the sense in the creative writing community is that something good is happening here.
- Oregon State University. With all the attention paid to the University of Oregon’s fully funded MFA program, Oregon State somehow gets overlooked. Corvallis isn’t Eugene, sure, and OSU can only fund many, not all, incoming students, it’s true, but the fact remains that OSU ranks just outside the Top 50 in poetry, just outside the Top 25 in nonfiction, in the Top 40 for placement, and in the Top 50 for selectivity. If you can get in with full funding, there’s no reason not to go.
- San Diego State University. Hundreds of California residents apply to MFA programs every year, and a sizable percentage of those would stay close to home if they could. Unfortunately, the Golden State has the smallest percentage of fully funded MFA programs of any state in America as a function of population, if not landmass (that latter distinction goes to the great state of Alaska, whose state university at Fairbanks nearly made this list). Still, if you’re looking to apply to California programs SDSU should be on your list, especially if you’re a poet (the poetry faculty is especially strong). Tons of assistantships are available, the website (unlike 90% of MFA program websites) is fantastic (albeit a little vague about the actual quantity of student funding opportunities), and there’s a top-notch literary magazine on-site, too.
- Temple University. Attention poets: Temple has an MFA program. Philadelphia has long been one of the great cities for American poets to live in, and now that Temple has transformed from a non-terminal MA to a terminal MFA, it’s suddenly worth a second look. Is it still a program in transition? Sure. But it’s also ranked 109th nationally, so the fact that it has a way to go is part and parcel of it appearing on this list. The faculty here is amazing, even if the funding is not (or not yet) — though it’s said that it’s much better for poets than for fiction-writers, in keeping with the program’s strong ties to the Philadelphia poetry community.
- University of Arkansas. With Ohio State, University of Arkansas is one of two current Top 50 programs to make this list (and for the record, University of Nevada at Las Vegas was quite nearly the third). This is a four-year, fully funded program in a nice college town, and it offers literary translation as well as poetry and fiction tracks. It’s in the top tier in practically any measure you’d care to name, and yet it cannot — cannot — seem to crack the national Top 30, which is especially odd given that a similarly long, similarly well-funded southern program (University of Alabama) has been impossible to dislodge from the Top 20 for years now. The difference between the two programs isn’t great enough to explain the ranking difference. More poets and fiction-writers should apply here, it’s that simple.
- University of California at Riverside. Trying to get funding information on California MFA programs requires more than a little detective work. UCR is rumored to fund many of its students well; only the program’s webmaster knows for sure, however, and he’s not telling. Whatever the truth of the matter, a few things are for certain: the program offers five genres of study; it (wisely) requires rather than merely encourages cross-genre work; the faculty is excellent; and the fact that the university has an undergraduate creative writing major (the only one in California) tells you how committed the entire university is to creative writing. The location is also a plus: a large city (300,000+) within a short distance of Los Angeles.
- University of Kansas. What was said last year still applies: this now-Honorable-Mention program offers three years of well-funded creative writing study, and KU is one of the few U.S. universities that cares enough about creative writing to host both a creative writing doctorate and an MFA. And did you know Lawrence, Kansas is deemed a Top 10 college town nationally by AIER? The 2/2 teaching load is daunting, but there’s still a lot of reasons to be excited about KU.
- University of Utah. Back in 1996, the creative writing program at Utah was ranked in the Top 20 nationally — largely due to a creative writing doctoral program that still ranks among the Top 10. It’s a mystery why the MFA program at Utah (now ranked #115) isn’t more popular, given that almost a third of incoming students are fully funded, everyone gets to workshop with some of the best creative writing doctoral students in the world, and Salt Lake City is by all accounts a surprisingly nice (and surprisingly progressive) place to live for a couple years. The literary arts community here deserves much more attention than it’s getting from applicants.
- Virginia Commonwealth University. For years now VCU has been in and out of the national Top 50 — it depends on the year — but in a just world it would consistently be on the inside looking out. And it has nothing to do with the spotlight recently shone on Richmond by the successes of two of its college basketball programs (VCU made the Final Four in 2011, and University of Richmond the Sweet 16). No, what’s happening here is that a three-year, well-funded program in a Top 15 mid-size metro (according to AIER) is being overlooked. This should be a perennial Top 50 program, and someday soon it will be.
- Western Michigan University. Kalamazoo is a larger and more vibrant college town than many realize, and now that — as word has it — the MFA program at WMU is seeking only to admit students it can fully fund (much like North Carolina State, above), applying to be a Bronco just seems like good sense. As with some other programs on this list (Florida State, Utah, and, to a lesser extent, Oklahoma State) students at Western Michigan get to workshop with some of the nation’s most talented MFA graduates — the creative writing doctoral program at the university is ranked among the top dozen nationally. Perhaps that’s why student satisfaction here appears to be so high? WMU is knocking on the door of an Honorable Mention classification in the national rankings, and if it goes public with its plan to become fully funded it will achieve that classification and perhaps even more — a Top 50 designation, too.
- West Virginia University. They’ve been cagey about their funding in the past, but reports are that the funding is actually excellent and that the program’s annual applicant pool is swelling. It’d be hard to argue that the program should be ranked much higher than it is — it makes the Top 60 nationally in the forthcoming national rankings — but it still isn’t spoken of as much as you’d expect.
- Wichita State University. The graduate creative writing program perhaps best known for being the place Albert Goldbarth teaches at has enjoyed a sudden bump in the rankings, from just outside the Top 100 to just inside the Top 80. And the ride may well continue; there’s still relatively little competition for admission to WSU, a real surprise given that this is a well-funded three-year program with a light teaching load.
All of these programs (with the exception of University of Arkansas and Ohio State) will need to spend much more time on their online promotional materials in order to make the jump from this list to the bigger one: the Top 50 national rankings, as published by Poets & Writers. Applicants to these (and, really, all) programs need to know precisely what percentage of incoming students receive the equivalent of a full tuition waiver and a livable stipend, as well as see some hard data on how selective their target programs are. Until that happens, most of these programs will continue to be unjustly underrated rather than justly highly-ranked. And, not for nothing, nearly all of these programs (with a few notable exceptions: Florida State, Iowa State, Ohio State, University of Arkansas, University of Miami, and University of Texas at Austin, all fully funded programs) could do with even more full-funding packages for incoming students.
For those keeping count, this is the second year this list has been compiled. Last year’s list can be found here . Feel free to discuss these and other programs in the comments section below.
Source: Huffington Post, HUFFPOST COLLEGE, The Top 25 Underrated Creative Writing MFA Programs (2011-2012) . Posted: 04/18/11 11:23 AM ET, by Seth Abramson.
A graduate of Dartmouth College, Harvard Law School and the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, Seth Abramson is the author of two collections of poetry, Northerners (Western Michigan University Press, 2011), winner of the 2010 Green Rose Prize, and The Suburban Ecstasies (Ghost Road Press, 2009). Presently a doctoral candidate in English at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, he is also the co-author of the forthcoming third edition of The Creative Writing MFA Handbook (Continuum, 2012).
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Fully Funded MFA Programs in Creative Writing
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As part of our series How to Fully Fund Your Master’s Degree , here is a list of universities that have fully funded MFA programs in creative writing. A Master’s of Fine Arts in creative writing can lead to a career as a professional writer, in academia, and more.
Fully funded MFA programs in Creative Writing offer a financial aid package for full-time students that includes full tuition remission as well as an annual stipend or salary during the entire program, which for Master’s degrees is usually 1-2 years. Funding usually comes with the expectation that students will teach or complete research in their field of study. Not all universities fully fund their Master’s students, which is why researching the financial aid offerings of many different programs, including small and lesser-known schools both in the U.S. and abroad, is essential.
In addition to listing fully funded Master’s and PhD programs, the ProFellow fellowships database also includes external funding opportunities for graduate school, including fellowships for dissertation research, fieldwork, language study, study abroad, summer work experiences, and professional development.
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Here is the list of 53 universities that offer fully-funded MFA programs (Master’s of Fine Arts) in Creative Writing.
University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa, AL): Students admitted to the MFA Program are guaranteed full financial support for up to 4-years. Assistantships include a stipend paid over nine months (currently $14,125), and full payment of up to 15 credit hours of graduate tuition.
University of Arizona (Tucson, AZ): All accepted MFA students receive full funding through a graduate teaching assistantship for 3 years. This package includes tuition remission, health insurance, and a modest stipend (in 2018 it was about $16,100 per academic year).
Arizona State University (Tempe, AZ): 3-year program. All students admitted to the MFA program who submit a complete and approved teaching assistantship application are awarded a TA by the Department of English. Each assistantship carries a three-course per year load and includes a tuition waiver and health insurance in addition to the TA stipend ($18,564 per year). In addition, students have diverse opportunities for additional financial and professional support.
University of Arkansas (Fayetteville, AR): Four-year program. Teaching assistantships currently carry an annual stipend of $13,500 for students with a BA. TAs also receive a waiver of all tuition costs and teach two courses each semester. Nearly all of our accepted students receive TAs. Additionally, the students compete each year for several fellowships.
Boise State University (Boise, Idaho): 3-year fully funded MFA program dedicated to poetry and fiction. All students receive a tuition waiver, health insurance, and a Teaching Assistantship with a stipend of $11,450 per year.
Bowling Green State University (Bowling Green, OH): 2-year program, graduate assistantships (including stipend and scholarship) are available for all eligible face-to-face students. 100% tuition scholarship. Graduate stipend (the 2020-21 stipend is $11,500).
Brown University (Providence, RI): All incoming MFA students received full funding. All graduate students receive a fellowship that pays a monthly stipend and provides tuition remission, the health fee, and health insurance. The stipend for the 2020-2021 academic year is $29,926. Also, students in good standing receive a summer stipend of $2,993.
Boston University (Boston, MA): Tuition costs will be covered for every admitted student for the MFA degree in the BU Creative Writing Program. In addition, admitted students will receive university health insurance while they are enrolled, and all admitted students will receive stipend support of roughly $16,000 for the academic year.
Cornell University (Ithaca, NY): All MFA degree candidates are guaranteed 2 years of funding (including a stipend, a full-tuition fellowship, and student health insurance).
University of California Irvine (Irvine, CA): 3-year program. The Department is committed to providing 3 full years of financial support to all domestic students in the MFA Programs in Writing. Financial support for MFA students is given in the form of Teaching Assistantships providing full tuition coverage as well as University health insurance. Students will earn an estimated $22,569 for the academic year.
University of California San Diego (La Jolla, CA): MFA in Writing students are eligible for financial support if they study full-time, maintain good academic standing and make timely progress toward the degree. All students are eligible for full funding, including international students provided they meet the English language certification requirement for teaching assistants.
University of California Riverside (Riverside, CA): All incoming students are granted a full fellowship and stipend for their first year. After the first year, students receive full tuition and a salary through teaching assistantships.
Florida Atlantic University (Boca Raton, FL): 3-year program. All of the MFA students qualify for a position as a Graduate Teaching Assistant. The GTA position comes with a tuition waiver and a stipend. The standard stipend is $9,000, but some enhanced stipends are available. The Graduate College offers several fellowships for current graduate students.
Florida State University (Tallahassee, FL): The majority of students receive support in the form of a teaching assistantship and are provided with a stipend, a tuition waiver, and a health-insurance subsidy. MFA students receive a three-year assistantship. For 2022-23, MA/MFA stipends will be $16,400, and typically these amounts go up each year. Also, The FSU Graduate School offers several fellowships and awards.
Georgia College & State University (Milledgeville, GA): The MFA Program offers workshops in fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry, and students take cross-genre workshops. All students admitted to the MFA program receive a Graduate Assistantship for all 3 years that includes a stipend and tuition remission.
University of Houston (Houston, TX): MFA students can receive a teaching assistantship for 3 years. Starting salary for MFAs is $17,935/9 months. Students in the Creative. As part of the assistantship, students are awarded either a Graduate Tuition Fellowship, which remits tuition, or a Creative Writing Program Fellowship, which covers the cost of tuition.
University of Idaho (Moscow, Idaho): All English Teaching Assistants (TA’s) are offered full tuition waivers. Teaching Assistants are given a stipend of $14,000 per year. Also offers three scholarships and three outstanding fellowships to support qualified MFA, graduate students.
University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign (Urbana, IL): Three-year MFA program. Students accepted into the MFA program will receive full tuition waivers, guaranteed teaching assistantships.
Indiana University (Bloomington, IN): M.F.A. programs offer a generous teaching package to creative writing students. All applicants receive consideration for appropriate fellowships that will carry a stipend of about $19,000, plus tuition and fee-remission that covers roughly 90% of the cost of enrollment.
Iowa State University (Ames, IA): 3-year MFA program. Starting half-time 20 hours per week teaching assistantships for MFA students total $19,250 over 10 months and also receive a full-tuition waiver scholarship (approximate value $10,140) and health insurance coverage. The department has several resources available through which to offer fellowships and scholarships to qualifying new students.
University of Iowa (Iowa City, IA): 2-year residency program. Financial assistance is available for all students enrolled in the program, in the form of teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and fellowships. Most fellowships and assistantships provide either tuition scholarships or full tuition remission.
John Hopkins University (Baltimore, MD): 2-year program. All students receive full tuition, health insurance, and a generous teaching fellowship, currently set at $30,500 per year. Some students work as assistant editors on The Hopkins Review. They often win prizes such as Stegner Fellowships or grants from the National Endowment for the Arts.
University of Maryland (College Park, MD): This 3-year program accepts 8 applicants who are fully funded by Teaching Assistantships for up to three years of graduate study. Our aid packages include a stipend of about $20,000 per academic year and 60 credit hours of tuition remission.
Miami University (Oxford, OH): All students admitted to the MFA program in Creative Writing hold generous Graduate Assistantships (which include a summer stipend). Non-teaching assistantships may also be available.
University of Miami (Coral Gables, FL): An intensive two-year study with a third year option. The James Michener Fellowships and Teaching Assistantships support all our graduate students. Awards include a full tuition waiver and annual stipend of $18,915.
University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, MI): All MFA students accepted into the program are offered a full tuition waiver, a stipend of $23,000/yearly as well as $5,000 in summer funding, and health care benefits. Additionally, various fellowships and prizes are awarded each year to MFA students.
University of Minnesota (Minneapolis, MN): All admitted MFAs receive full funding, in the form of teaching assistantships or fellowships. Teaching assistantships carry a full tuition waiver, health benefits, and a stipend of about $18,600. Also, a variety of fellowships are available for graduate students.
University of Mississippi (University, MS): All of our students are fully funded. We offer two main sources of funding, the Grisham Fellowships and Teaching Assistantships.
University of Nevada Las Vegas (Las Vegas, NV): 3-year program. All MFA students admitted to the Creative Writing International program at UNLV are offered Graduate Assistantship funding of $15,000 per year (which includes in-state tuition and provisions for health insurance).
Northwestern University (Evanston, IL): Funding is provided for 3 full years, summers included. Tuition is covered by a tuition scholarship during any quarter in which you are receiving a stipend.
University of Notre Dame (Notre Dame, IN): Every student admitted to the MFA receives a full-tuition scholarship, a fellowship that carries a full stipend of $16,000 per year and access to a 100% health insurance subsidy.
North Carolina State University (Raleigh, NC): A two-year, fully-funded program, They accept only about a dozen students each year and offer full funding in the form of a graduate teaching assistantship to all eligible admitted applicants.
Ohio State University (Columbus, OH): All admitted students are fully funded for our 3-year MFA program in Creative Writing. In addition, all students receive either a graduate teaching associateship, a Graduate School fellowship or a combination of the two. For graduate teaching associateships, the student receives a stipend of at least $17,000 for the nine-month academic year.
University of Oregon (Eugene OR): A two-year residency MFA program. All incoming MFA students funded with a teaching appointment. Student instructors receive tuition remission, monthly stipends of approximately $18,000.
Oregon State University (Corvallis, OR): All students admitted to the MFA program will automatically receive a standard teaching Graduate Teaching Assistantship contract, which provides full tuition remission and stipend of approximately $12,800 per year to cover living expenses. In addition to tuition remission, all graduate students have the option to receive 89% coverage of health insurance costs for themselves and their dependents.
University of Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh, PA): 3-year MFA program. All students admitted to the program will receive Teaching Assistantships for two or three years. All Teaching Assistantships include salary, medical benefits, and tuition remission.
Rutgers University–Newark (Newark, NJ): Each full-time incoming student receives in-state Tuition Remission and a Chancellor’s Stipend of 15K per year. Students are also eligible for Teaching Assistantships, and Part-Time Lectureships teaching Comp or Creative Writing. Teaching Assistantships are $25,969 (approximate) plus health benefits.
University of South Florida (Tampa, FL): 3-year program. MFA students receive a tuition waiver, a teaching assistantship that comes with a stipend, and enrollment in group health insurance.
Southern Illinois University (Carbondale, IL): Almost all MFA students hold graduate assistantships, which provide stipends for the academic year and full remission of tuition. The annual stipend, which comes with tuition remission, ranges from $13,000 to $14,500.
Syracuse University (Syracuse, NY): Three-Year M.F.A. in Creative Writing. All students are fully funded. Each student admitted receives a full-tuition scholarship in addition to an annual stipend of $17,500.
University of South Carolina (Columbia, SC): 3-year MFA program. The MFA at Carolina is pleased to provide fellowship and/or assistantship funding to all accepted students, earning our program the designation of “fully funded” from Poets and Writers.
University of Tennessee — Knoxville (Knoxville, TN): There is no cost to apply to the MFA program. All of our PhD candidates and MFA students are fully funded, with generous opportunities for additional financial support.
University of Texas in Austin (Austin, TX): All students in the New Writers Project receive three years of full funding through a combination of teaching assistantships (TA), assistant instructorships (AI), and fellowship support. The complete package includes full tuition remission, health insurance, and a salary.
University of Texas James Michener Center (Austin, TX): A three-year, fully funded residency MFA program that provides full and equal funding to every writer. All admitted students receive a fellowship of $29,500 per academic year, plus total coverage of tuition.
Vanderbilt University (Nashville, TN): Each year a small, select class of talented writers of fiction and poetry enroll in Vanderbilt’s three-year, fully-funded MFA Program in Creative Writing. The University Fellowship provides full-tuition benefits, health insurance, and a stipend of $30,000/yearly. In 2nd year and third-year students have the opportunity to teach for one semester.
University of Virginia (Charlottesville, VA): Three-year MFA program. Students will receive fellowship support and/or teaching income in the amount of $20,000 each academic year, as well as full funding of your tuition, enrollment fees, and the health insurance premium for single-person coverage through the university.
Virginia Tech (Blacksburg, VA): Three-year MFA degree offers tracks in Poetry and Fiction, and all students are fully and equally funded via GTA-ships of more than $20,000 per year.
Washington University in St. Louis (St. Louis, MO): Because of selectivity and size they are able to offer all the new students full and equal financial aid for both years in the program in the form of a University Fellowship, which provides a complete tuition waiver plus a stipend sufficient for students to live comfortably in our relatively inexpensive city. All MFA students receive health insurance through Washington University.
Western Kentucky University (Bowling Green, KY): Three-year, fully-funded, residential MFA program in creative writing offering generous assistantships, which will allow MFA students to gain valuable experience tutoring and teaching.
West Virginia University (Morgantown, WV): A three-year program. All Master of Fine Arts students receive a full tuition waiver and an assistantship, which includes a stipend valued at $16,750.
Wichita State University (Wichita, Kansas): Most of the MFA students are GTAs who teach two composition classes each semester. They pay no tuition, receive $4,250 each semester and may buy discounted health insurance. The MFA program also awards two $12,500 fellowships each year.
University of Wisconsin–Madison (Madison, WI): All accepted MFA candidates receive tuition remissions, teaching assistantships, generous health insurance, and other financial support. In addition to the approximately $14,680 paid to each MFA annually in exchange for teaching, every MFA candidate will receive another $9,320 in scholarships each year.
University of Wyoming (Laramie, WY): All of our full-time MFA students are fully funded with two-year graduate assistantships. Currently, assistantships include a stipend of $12,330 per academic year, a tuition and fees waiver, and student health insurance. Students also receive summer stipends of up to $2,000 for the summer.
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MFA by the Numbers, on the Eve of AWP
Danielle steel doesn't have an mfa, and other shocking revelations.
Each year, thousands of writers, teachers, editors, and others in the publishing world gather for the Association of Writers and Writing Programs conference, or, AWP. It’s a spirited reunion for some, a nerve-wracking hell for others (most). For a few blessed people, it’s a time and place where magic happens: a writer scores an agent, an editor finds just the writer she’s been looking for, a poet makes his first sale. Whatever your view of AWP, knowledge is power. Or at least good fodder for happy-hour conversation. To that end, here are some numbers to consider:
Number of MFA programs in 2008 156
In 2016 244
Number of creative writing PhD programs in 2008 37
Estimated number of online MFA programs in 2016 8
Number of open tenure-track creative writing positions in 2015 171
In 2016 119
Estimated total number of applications submitted to MFA programs last year 20,000
Number of applicants the Iowa Writers’ Workshop received last year for fiction 1,041
Number of applicants for poetry 322
Total number of applicants accepted to both programs 50
Estimated number of newly minted MFA graduates each year in the United States 3,000
Estimated two-year cost to attend Columbia University’s MFA program (tuition and fees) $124,000
Average cost to attend a full-residency MFA program (tuition and fees) $20,180
To attend a low-residency MFA program (tuition and fees) $31,184
Average salary of an assistant professor of English at a four-year institution in 2016 $58,242
Average number of tenure-track faculty per creative writing program in 2011 5.1
In 2016 4.9
Estimated number of books sold by Danielle Steel, best-selling author alive 800 million
Number of MFAs held by Ms. Steel 0
Estimated number of AWP attendees each year 12,000
Estimated number of people following AWP on Twitter at time of writing 26,600
Average number of new Twitter followers AWP gains per day 9
AWP’s worldwide Twitter ranking at time of writing 404,392
The writer of this piece’s worldwide Twitter ranking at time of writing 6,053,438
Year that Gwendolyn Brooks, the first African American to win a Pulitzer, won her prize 1950
Amount awarded $500
Prize amount awarded today $10,000
Median age of among full-time residency MFA students 27.3
Among low-residency MFA students 35.4
Percentage of students across all American creative writing programs who self-identify as white 75
Percentage of full-residency MFA programs that use fellowships for minority recruitment 67
Minimum number of pages a prose thesis must have to satisfy MFA graduation requirements at Columbia University 90
At the University of Minnesota 120
Percentage of fiction writers with books on this week’s New York Times hardcover bestseller list who hold MFAs 7
Percentage of winners of the American Poetry Review/Honickman First Book Prize from the last six years who hold MFAs 100
Total number of literary magazines listed in Poets & Writers 1,152
Number that publish in print 609
Number that publish in print and are looking for “literary fiction” 211
For “commercial fiction” 22
For “micro-poetry” 82
Percentage of women with by-lines in The Paris Review in 2015 34
Percentage of women with by-lines in Pleiades in 2015 50
George R. R. Martin’s total earnings in 2016 $9.5 million
J.K. Rowling’s $19 million
Number of Stephen King’s sons who have published novels 2
Percentage of those sons who hold MFAs 50
Sources: (1,2,3,4) AWP Career Center · (5) Poets & Writers · (6,7) AWP Career Center · (8) The Atlantic (9,10,11) University of Iowa representative · (12) Inside Higher Ed · (13) Columbia University · (14,15) AWP survey · (16) AWP Career Center · (17,18) AWP survey · (19) Forbes · (20) Wikipedia · (21) AWP Conference · (22) Twitter · (23,24,25) Twitter Counter · (26,27) Pulitzer winners · (28) Pulitzer FAQ · (29,30,31,32) AWP survey · (33) Columbia University · (34) University of Minnesota · (35) New York Times · (36) The Honickman Foundation · (37,38,39,40,41) Poets & Writers · (42,43) Vida · (44,45) Forbes · (46,47) Owen King & Joe Hill
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Should M.F.A. Programs Be Ranked?
![u.s. news mfa creative writing rankings Should M.F.A. Programs Be Ranked](https://media.newyorker.com/photos/590953d22179605b11ad3b65/master/w_2560%2Cc_limit/61PuNyPk0EL-thumb-233x300-104364.jpg)
Last week, Poets & Writers put out their annual list of M.F.A. rankings (Iowa, to no one’s surprise, took the top spot). Unlike the college rankings done by US News and World Report , which are determined by a mix of cold statistical analysis and surveys of academics, Poets & Writers goes for a less scientific approach: their rankings are largely based on word of mouth—more precisely, on the words of applicants to M.F.A. programs. An item on the rankings’ [F.A.Q. page](
To put it plainly, the Poets & Writers rankings are bad: they are methodologically specious in the extreme and quite misleading. A biased opinion poll—based on a tiny, self-selecting survey of potential program applicants—provides poor information. Poets & Writers itself includes on its website a disclaimer suggesting the limitations of these rankings, recommending that potential applicants look beyond them. Regrettably, the information appears on a separate page.
Dissatisfaction with academic rankings is nothing new. A few years back, the Annapolis Group, a conference of a hundred liberal-arts colleges, voted to fight back against US News ; college presidents pledged to withhold information on which the magazine bases its lists. But the qualms with the P&W list seem to run deeper. The idea that only the opinions of prospective students should count strikes many as very strange: “It’s analogous to asking people who are standing outside a restaurant studying the menu how they liked the food,” said Leslie Epstein, the director of the writing program at Boston University. “Why wouldn’t you ask those who’ve actually eaten there for an informed opinion?”
But that doesn’t get at the heart of the problem of ranking M.F.A. programs: it’s not black and white, and when you think about it, programs like these aren’t really that rankable. What if your favorite writer teaches at a program at the bottom of the list? What qualifies as a successful graduate: a creative-writing teacher, a best-selling novelist, or someone who has honed his or her writing in an extraordinary way but fails to put it to work professionally? Financial aid is a huge factor in any decision, and the letter’s signers are honest about that: it’s not like medical- and law-school rankings, with clear correlations between academia and the job market. “There is no immediate correspondence between any degree and employment,” they write. “This is particularly true of the MFA in creative writing and PhD in English with a creative dissertation. While we work hard to help our graduates find jobs, it is essential to understand that creative writing for the vast majority is not a profession … no applicant should put her or himself in financial peril in order to pursue the degree.”
If you can afford it, how do you pick a program without the aid of rankings? The letter writers offer good “commonsensical” advice. Read the work of a potential professor. Try to visit a school and sit in on a class. Contact the program’s director to ask about financial aid. Don’t simply look at a list of numbers and apply to the first ten. And listen to P&W’s own F.A.Q. page: “Should I rely on these tables to choose where to apply? No.”
You can read the full letter at the Observer .
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Creative Writing MFA (2025/26)
Postgraduate taught degree
This course is for 2025/26 entry.
Details for 2024/25 entry are also available.
Dr Jonathan Gibbs explains what it is like to study Creative Writing at City.
Key information
Develop and hone your creative writing skills under our expert academic guidance as you work towards the completion of a full-length work in your preferred form of fiction, genre fiction or non-fiction. You will gain a range of transferable skills to significantly boost your employability in the field of writing and other creative industries.
- September 2025
City, University of London
Northampton Square
- Open evening
- Online sessions
- Register interest
Unique teaching of practical approaches to creative writing, the business of being a writer, and the teaching of writing in educational and community settings.
Expert guidance and one-to-one supervision to help you produce a full-length original manuscript.
- Course overview
Teaching and assessment
Fees and funding, how to apply, creative writing mfa course overview, benefits of this course.
You will learn how to read and think as a writer and explore the choices faced and decisions taken by writers. Regular workshops and bespoke reading lists will serve to inform and enrich your own work.
Over the course of the whole degree you will learn how to plan, research and complete a full-length manuscript in your chosen form (fiction, genre fiction, non-fiction) for potential publication.
We aim to give you a professional approach to editing, revising and critiquing creative work.
You will learn about the writing business, involving different forms and requirements of print and electronic publication, and the role of editors, agents and publishers. This includes how to present and advertise your creative work.
Our module on creative writing pedagogy offers a foundation for understanding how storytelling and creative writing can be taught in different educational settings.
You can select to apply for one of the available exit points for this course.
Master of Arts (MA)
Who is this course for.
Our Creative Writing MFA is ideal if you are seeking to consolidate and develop your writing knowledge and skills, and work towards the completion of a full-length original manuscript.
You will embrace learning about all aspects of creative writing and gain a comprehensive understanding of the business and culture of writing.
- Full-time: 2 years
- Part-time: 4 years
Total credits: 300
- 11 in total
- Core modules: 7
- Core elective modules: 2
- Elective Modules: 2
Part 1 is made up of:
- Core modules (60 credits)
- Core elective module: (30 credits)
- Optional modules (30 credits)
- Dissertation (60 credits)
Part 2 is made up of:
- Major Project (105 credits)
- Core module (15 credits).
Core modules
Reading as a Writer (15 credits)
In this module you will read and discuss fiction and non-fiction from a writer’s perspective. You will gain an understanding of the techniques, forms and styles used by a range of writers and be able to apply them to your own writing.
Working as a Writer (15 credits)
You will acquire an understanding of the roles of agents, editors and publishers and how to interact with them. You will study the business aspects of being a writer and the ethical and legal concerns involved in publishing your work.
Creative Writing Workshop 1 (15 credits)
In this module you will study and develop key skills in creative prose writing, including creation and control of voice, point of view, setting, characterisation, dialogue, description.
Creative Writing Workshop 2 (15 credits)
In this module you will study and develop key skills in creative prose writing, including plot, structure and pacing, and thematic and character development. You will explore genre considerations (whether fiction, genre fiction or non-fiction) and the function of aspects such as theme, content, narrative momentum and pacing.
Teaching Creative Writing (15 credits)
In this module you will gain an understanding of the principles and practice of teaching Creative Writing in a variety of contexts such as higher education, adult or returning education, primary and secondary schools, and community and business settings.
Core elective modules
Special Study: Short Fiction (15 credits)
In this module you will study and analyse the form and creation of short fiction, and its role and position in the contemporary literary landscape
Special Study: The Contemporary Essay (15 credits)
In this module you will study and analyse the form and creation of the creative non-fiction essay, including lyric, personal and critical essays, and their role and position in the contemporary literary landscape.
Special Study: The Novel (15 credits)
In this module you will study and analyse the form and creation of the novel, and its role and position in the contemporary literary landscape
Special Study: The Genre Novel (15 credits)
In this module you will study and analyse the form and creation of the genre novel, and its role and position in the contemporary literary landscape.
Special Study: The Non-Fiction Book (15 credits)
In this module you will study and analyse the form and creation of the full-length creative non-fiction book, which may include memoir, biography and monograph, and its role and position in the contemporary literary landscape.
Elective modules
Constituting Identity (15 credits)
Through this module you will explore the intertwining of self and story in different narrative forms. You will gain a sophisticated critical awareness of current debates such as the role of social and cultural models of identity and of memory and perspective.
Imagined Communities (15 credits)
This module examines how communal identities are constructed through shared narratives. You will study the stories that national, cultural, ethnic or social groups tell about themselves in an effort to project a coherent identity both to themselves and to others.
Literary Cartographies (15 credits)
Some of the most significant recent developments in literary studies have been stimulated by considerations of space, place, mapping, geography and landscape. This module explores the notion of literary cartography, the construction of different kinds of textual 'worlds' in literature.
Theorising Women’s Writing (15 credits)
You will become familiar with the frameworks, theories and methods scholars have developed to discuss women’s writing. You will explore the ways in which gender and sexuality intersect with other axes of difference: race, disability, ethnicity, nationality and class
Text and Image (15 credits)
You will have the opportunity to analyse cultural products that combine textual and visual modes. These may include, but not limited to, the illustrated press, graphic narratives, children’s books, screenplays and/ or film adaptation.
Digital Publishing (15 credits)
In this module you will analyse the impact of digitisation on the publishing industry. You will look at likely future developments with reference to industry case studies.
Publishing History and Culture (15 credits)
The Power of Publishing: Strategy, Diversity and Sustainability (15 credits)
You will gain an understanding of how cultural and publishing companies respond creatively and commercially to the opportunities and challenges in curating content, both digital and in print. You will look at case studies of innovative strategies especially in the area of digitalisation.
How to Make a Book: Creating Content in Print (15 credits)
You will look at case studies from different sectors and global markets. You will learn how to apply creativity and innovation processes in your own response to current publishing conditions.
Freelancing and Entrepreneurship in the Creative and Cultural Industries (15 credits)
Dissertation
Creative Writing Dissertation and Reflective Essay (60 credits)
During this module you will develop an extended piece of Creative Writing in Fiction, Non-fiction or Genre Fiction. It may take the form of short stories, or a portion of a novel or book, to a total of 15,000 words.
The Major Project
Major Project and Reflective Essay (105 credits)
This module gives you the opportunity to consolidate your knowledge and skills in Creative Writing by building on your previous submitted work to complete a full-length original manuscript in your chosen genre that is prepared to professional standards.
Programme specification
The programme specification contains more information on how the course is organised, the requirements for progression for each part and credits required for awards.
Download course specification:
- PSCRWF - MFA Creative Writing
In the first year you will learn through a mix of lectures, workshops, tutorials, group work, seminar contributions, study visits and independent learning.
Our visiting speakers will include guest authors, editors, agents and publishers, who regularly support your learning and module projects.
We encourage you to privately reflect on your professional practice during all of your applied work.
In the second year you will work independently on your major project. Supervision will be provided by an academic expert in your chosen genre.
You will also complete one 15-credit core module on teaching creative writing.
We assess you across the core and elective modules, and in the dissertation and major project.
Fees for academic year 2025/26
Explore up-to-date information about funding options, available financial support and typical living costs.
Fees in each subsequent year of study (where applicable) will be subject to an annual increase of two percent. We will confirm any change to the annual tuition fee to you in writing prior to you commencing each subsequent year of study (where applicable).
Additional expenses
Some of our degrees may involve additional expenses which are not covered by your tuition fees. Find out more about additional expenses .
Our Creative Writing MFA will give you the combination of creative and practical skills you need for a career as a writer.
We intend to develop your transferable skills relevant to careers such as teaching, editing, publishing and journalism.
You might also consider other creative industries such as advertising and game production, where storytelling is highly valued.
During the programme you can network with agents, editors and others within traditional and digital publishing.
Whether your ambition is to professionally pursue writing, work in publishing or another creative field, or undertake further study, you will be appropriately skilled
Entry requirements
Below is a list of countries with information on each about which qualifications we accept. If your country is not listed please email [email protected] .
Applicants should normally:
- Hold a good Second-Class Honours BA degree or an equivalent qualification.
- Have studied a relevant subject such as English, Comparative Literature, Theatre and Drama, Film and Media Studies, Creative Writing, Humanities.
We welcome applications from candidates who may not meet the standard entrance criteria but who hold alternative credentials and can demonstrate their potential to produce written work at the requisite level, or who can offer prior learning which may satisfy City's requirements for RPL/RPEL. The prime criteria are demonstrable writing ability and commitment to learning.
INTO City, University of London
Don't meet the entry requirements? INTO City, University of London offers a range of academic and English language programmes to help prepare you for study at City, University of London. You’ll learn from experienced teachers in a dedicated international study centre.
These programmes are designed for international students who do not meet the required academic and English language requirements for direct entry. To prepare for this degree course, learn more about the Graduate Diploma in Social Sciences and the Arts .
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Zimbabwean equivalent required.
The equivalents provided are intended as a guide only and individual applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Zimbabwean Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with a 2:1 (65%) equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and a 2:2 (60%) equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
If you don't meet the entry requirements please check to see if there is a suitable preparatory programme available for your course at INTO City, University of London or Kaplan International College London .
Visa requirements
International Students coming to study in the UK may need to apply for a visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study. The way that you apply may vary depending on the length of your course. There are different rules for:
- Students on courses of more than six months
- Students on courses of less than six months
For more information see our main Visa page .
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Zambian equivalent required.
Zambian Masters degrees are typically accepted with GPA 3.5 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 3.0 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Vietnamese equivalent required.
Vietnamese Bachelor degrees (Bang Tot Nghiep Dai Hoc or Bang Cu Nhan) from selected institutions are typically accepted with 7 out of 10 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 6.5 out of 10 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Uzbekistani equivalent required.
Uzbekistani Bachelor / Bakalavr degrees are typically accepted with 71% equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 55% equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Ukrainian equivalent required.
Ukrainian Bachelor / Specialist Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with a GPA 4.3 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 4.0 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Ugandan equivalent required.
Ugandan Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with GPA 4.0/5.0 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 3.0/5.0 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the US equivalent required.
US Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with GPA 3.2 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.5 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Emirati equivalent required.
Emirati Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with GPA 3.2 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.5 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Turkish equivalent required.
Turkish Bachelor / Lisans Diplomasi degrees are typically accepted with GPA 3.2 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.7 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Tunisian equivalent required.
Tunisian Bachelor / Diplome degrees are typically accepted with 14 out of 20 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 12 out of 20 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
Trinidad and Tobago
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Trinidadian and Tobagonian equivalent required.
University of the West Indies Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with a 2.1 (grade B+) equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and a 2:2 (grade B) equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Thai equivalent required.
Depending on the awarding institution Thai 4 year Bachelors degrees are typically accepted with GPA 3.0 to 3.2 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.6 to 2.8 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Tanzanian equivalent required.
Tanzanian Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with a 2:1 or 60% equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and a 2:2 or 50% equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Taiwanese equivalent required.
Taiwanese Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with 75% or grade B equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 70% or grade C equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Syrian equivalent required.
Depending on the awarding institution Syrian Bachelor degrees or Licence are typically accepted with 70-80% or 'very good' equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 60-70% or 'good' equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
Switzerland
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Swiss equivalent required.
Swiss Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with 4.75 out of 6.0, 8 out of 10 or 2 out of 5 (5 to 1 scale) equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 4.0 out of 6.0, 6 out of 10 or 3 out of 5 (5 to 1 scale equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
International Students from within the European Economic Area (EEA) may need to apply for a Student visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study if they do not have EU Settlement Status.
- Students on courses of less than six months.
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Swedish equivalent required.
Swedish Bachelor degrees or Kandidatexamen are typically accepted with B- 180 ECTS minimum overall or at least 50% of credits graded at VG overall equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and C- (180 ECTS minimum overall) or at least 20% of credits graded at VG overall equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Sri Lankan equivalent required.
Sri Lankan 4 year Bachelor Special Degrees or Professional Degrees are typically accepted with a 2:1, grade B+ or GPA 3.3 out of 4.0 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and a 2:2, grade B or GPA 3.0 out of 4.0 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Spanish equivalent required.
Spanish Título de Licenciado, Título de Ingeniero and Título de Arquitecto are typically accepted with 7 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 6 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
South Korea
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the South Korean equivalent required.
South Korean Bachelor degrees (Haksa) are typically accepted with GPA 3.5 out of 4.5 or grade B equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 3.0 out of 4.6 or grade C equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
South Africa
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the South African equivalent required.
South African Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with a 2:1 or 70% equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and a 2:2 or 60% equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Slovenian equivalent required.
Slovenian Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with 8 out of 10 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 7 out of 10 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Slovakian equivalent required.
Slovakian Bakalar degrees are typically accepted with GPA 1.5 - 2.0 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 2.0 - 2.5 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Singaporean equivalent required.
Singaporean Bachelor and Bachelor Honours degrees are typically accepted GPA 3.0 out of 4.0 or 3.8 out of 5.0 or II (upper) - Second Class (Upper) Honours equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.5 out of 4.0 or 3.3 out of 5.0 or II (lower) - Second Class (lower) Honours equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Serbian equivalent required.
Advanced Diploma of Higher Education and Diplomirani are typically accepted with 8 out of 10 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 7 out of 10 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
Saudi Arabia
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Saudi Arabian equivalent required.
Saudi Arabian Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with GPA 3.2 out of 4.0 or GPA 4.0 out of 5.0 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.4 out of 4.0 or GPA 3.0 out of 5.0 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Rwandan equivalent required.
Rwandan Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with a 2:1 or 16 out of 20 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and a 2:2 or 14 out of 20 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Russian equivalent required.
Russian Bachelor or Specialist Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with GPA 4.3 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 4.0 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Romanian equivalent required.
Romanian Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with 8 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 7 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Qatari equivalent required.
Qatari Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with GPA 3.0 out of 4.0 or GPA 3.6 out of 5.0 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.4 out of 4.0 or GPA 3.0 out of 5.0 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Portuguese equivalent required.
Portuguese Licenciado are typically accepted with 14 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 12 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Polish equivalent required.
Polish Bachelor / Licencjat or Magister degrees are typically accepted with GPA 4.5 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 3.5 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
Philippines
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Filipino equivalent required.
Filipino Masters degree from any recognised institution and Bachelor degrees from selected institutions (i.e. Asian Institute of Management, Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University Manila, University of Santo Tomas, University of the Philippines Diliman) are typically accepted with GPA 3.0 out of 4.0, GPA 1.75 out of 5 or 86% equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.5 out of 4.0, GPA 2.5 out of 5 or 80% equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Peruvian equivalent required.
Peruvian Grado Académico de Bachiller or Título de Licenciado or Título (Profesional) degrees are typically accepted with 14 out of 20 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 12 out of 20 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Palestinian equivalent required.
Palestinian Bachelor or Bakalorius degrees are typically accepted with GPA 3.2 out of 4.0 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.6 out of 4.0 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Pakistani equivalent required.
Pakistani 4 year Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with GPA 3.2 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.6 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Omani equivalent required.
Omani Bachelor or Licence degrees are typically accepted with GPA 3.0 typically equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.4 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Norwegian equivalent required.
Norwegian Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with a B grade typically equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and a C grade equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Nigerian equivalent required.
Nigerian Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with a 2:1 or GPA 3.5 out of 5.0 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and a 2:2 or GPA 2.7 out of 5.0 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
New Zealand
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the New Zealand equivalent required.
New Zealand 4-year Bachelor degrees with Honours are typically accepted with Second Class (Division 1) Honours equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree, and Second Class (Division 2) Honours equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
New Zealand 3-year Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with B+ overall equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and C+ overall equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
Netherlands
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Dutch equivalent required.
Dutch Bachelor degrees or Doctoraal are typically accepted with 7 out of 10 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 6 out of 10 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honour Bachelor degree.
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Nepali equivalent required.
Nepali 4-year Bachelor degrees (post 2017) are typically accepted with GPA 3.3 out of 4.0 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 3.0 out of 4.0 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Burmese equivalent required.
Burmese Masters degrees are typically accepted with 70% equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 60% equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Moroccan equivalent required.
Moroccan Bachelors, Licence or Diplome degrees are typically accepted with 14 out of 20 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 12 out of 20 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Mexican equivalent required.
Mexican Titulo de Licenciado are typically accepted with 8 out of 10 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 7 out of 10 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Mauritian equivalent required.
Mauritian Bachelor degrees are accepted with a 2:1 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and a 2:2 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Maltese equivalent required.
Maltese Bachelor Honours degrees are accepted with a 2:1 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and a 2:2 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
International Students from within the European Economic Area (EEA) may need to apply for a visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study. The way that you apply may vary depending on the length of your course. There are different rules for:
- EEA nationals joining the programme in 2021 and EEA nationals joining from January 2022
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Malaysian equivalent required.
Malaysian Bachelor degrees from Berdaya Saing (Competitive) institutions are typically accepted with GPA 3.0 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree, and GPA 2.6 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
Malaysian Bachelor degrees from Berdaya Maju (Viable) institutions are typically accepted with GPA 3.2 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree, and GPA 2.8 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Macanese equivalent required.
Macanese Bachelor degrees or Grau de Licenciatura are typically accepted with GPA 3.2 or B+ equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.7 or B- equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
For more information see our main Visa page .
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Luxembourgian equivalent required.
Luxembourgian Bachelors degrees are typically accepted with 14 out of 20 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 12 out of 20 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Lithuanian equivalent required.
Lithuanian Bakalauras or Magistras are typically accepted with 8 out of 10 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 7 out of 10 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Lebanese equivalent required.
The equivalents provided are intended as a guide only and individual applications are assessed on a case by case basis.
Lebanese License or Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with GPA 3.2 or 13 out of 20 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.5 or 12 out of 20 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Latvian equivalent required.
Latvian Bakaluara Diploms are typically accepted with 7 out of 10 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 6 out of 10 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Laotian equivalent required.
Laotian Masters degrees are typically accepted with GPA 3.0 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.6 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Kuwaiti equivalent required.
Kuwaiti Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with GPA 3.2 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.6 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Kenyan equivalent required.
Kenyan Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with 2:1 (60%) equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 2:2 (50%) equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Kazakhstani equivalent required.
Kazakhstani Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with GPA 4.3/ 5.0 or GPA 3.3 / 4.0 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 4.0 / 5.0 or 3.0 /4.0 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Jordanian equivalent required.
Jordanian Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with GPA 3.0 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.5 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Japanese equivalent required.
Japanese Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with GPA 3.0, grade B or 80% equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.5, grade C or 70% equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Jamaican equivalent required.
University of the West Indies Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with a 2.1 (65%) equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and a 2:2 (55%) equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Italian equivalent required.
Italian Diploma di Laurea degrees are typically accepted with 104 (out of 110) equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 94 (out of 110) equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Israeli equivalent required.
Israeli Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with 80% equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 65% equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Irish equivalent required.
Irish Bachelor Honours degrees are accepted with a 2:1 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and a 2:2 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Iraqi equivalent required.
Iraqi Bachelor degrees from selected institutions are typically accepted with 75% equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 60% equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Iranian equivalent required.
Iranian Bachelor degrees (Licence Kharshenasi) are typically accepted with 15 out of 20 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 13 out of 20 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Indonesian equivalent required.
Depending on their accreditation Indonesian S1 / Sarjana and Dip IV (Sarjana Terapa) are typically accepted with GPA 3.0 to 3.2 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.7 to 2.9 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Indian equivalent required.
Depending on the awarding institution Indian 3 year Bachelor (Honours) or Bachelor (Special) degrees are typically accepted with 60 to 70% (7/10 to 8/10) equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 50 to 60% (6/10 to 7/10) equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Icelandic equivalent required.
Icelandic Baccalaurreatus degrees are typically accepted with 7.25 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 6.5 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Hungarian equivalent required.
Hungarian Bachelors degrees or University Diplomas are typically accepted with GPA 4 out of 5 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 3 out of 5 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Hong Kong equivalent required.
Hong Kong Bachelor Honours degrees are typically accepted with GPA 3.0 (or second class honours upper division) equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.5 (or second class honours lower) equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Greek equivalent required.
Greek Bachelor degrees or Ptychion are typically accepted with 7.0 out of 10 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 6 out of 10 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Ghanaian equivalent required.
Ghanaian Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with 2:1 (GPA 3.2/4.0) equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 2:2 (GPA 2.5/4.0) equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the German equivalent required.
German Magister Artium / Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with 2.5 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 3.5 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the French equivalent required.
French License are typically accepted with 12 out of 20 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 11 out of 20 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Finnish equivalent required.
Finnish Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with GPA 3.5 out of 5 or 2.0 out of 3.0 typically equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.5 out of 5 or 1.4 out of 3.0 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Ethiopian equivalent required.
Ethiopian Masters degrees are typically accepted with GPA 3.5 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 3.0 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Estonian equivalent required.
Estonian Bakalaurusekraad degrees are typically accepted with GPA 3.5 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.0 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Egyptian equivalent required.
Egyptian Bachelors degrees are typically accepted with 75% equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 65% equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Ecuadorian equivalent required.
Ecuadorian 4 year Título de Licenciado or Título de [subject area] are typically accepted with 80%, 8.0/10 or 18/20 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 70%, 7.0/10 or 14/20 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Danish equivalent required.
Danish Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with grade 6 - 7 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 4 - 5 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
Czech Republic
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Czech equivalent required.
Czech Bachelor degrees or Bakalar are typically accepted with 2+ equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 2 or 2- equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Cypriot equivalent required.
Cypriot Bachelor degree or Ptychio are typically accepted with GPA 3.0 out of 4.0 (7.0 out of 10) equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.5 / 4.0 (6 out of 10) equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Croatian equivalent required.
Croatian Bachelor degree or Baccalaureus or Baccalaurea are typically accepted with GPA 4.0 / 5.0 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 3.0 / 5.0 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Colombian equivalent required.
Colombian 4 year Licenciado en [subject area] or Título de [subject area] or Profesional en [subject area] or Maestro en [subject area] degrees are typically accepted with GPA 4.0 / 5.0 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 3.5 / 5.0 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Chinese equivalent required.
Depending on the awarding institution Chinese 4 year Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with 75 to 80% (GPA 3.0 to 3.3 out of 4.0) equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 70 to 75% (GPA 2.8 to 3.0 out of 4.0) equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Chilean equivalent required.
Chilean 4 year Grado de Licenciado en [subject area] degrees are typically accepted with GPA 5.5 / 7.0 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 5.0 / 7.0 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Canadian equivalent required.
Canadian Bachelor degrees / Baccalauréat degrees are typically accepted with GPA 3.2 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.5 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Cameroonian equivalent required.
Cameroonian Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with 18/20 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 16/20 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Cambodian equivalent required.
Cambodian Masters degrees are typically accepted with GPA 3.0 out of 4.0 or 70% equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.5 out of 4.0 or 60% equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Bulgarian equivalent required.
Bulgarian Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with GPA 4.75 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 4.0 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Bruneian equivalent required.
Bruneian Bachelor (Honours) degrees are typically accepted with an Upper Second Class Honours classification equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and a Lower Secind Class Honours classification equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Brazilian equivalent required.
Brazilian 4 year Título de Bacharel or Título de [subject area] or Título de Licenciado are typically accepted with 7.5/10 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 6.5/10 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Botswanan equivalent required.
Botswanan Masters degrees are typically accepted with 80% (A grade) equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 70% (B grade) equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Bolivian equivalent required.
Bolivian 4 year Licenciado or Título de [subject area] are typically accepted with 75% equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 64% equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Belgian equivalent required.
Belgian Bachelor degrees (Bachelier) are typically accepted with 70% (14/20) equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 60% (12/20) equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Barbadian equivalent required.
The University of the West Indies Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with a 2.1 (65%) equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and a 2:2 (55%) equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Bangladeshi equivalent required.
Bangladeshi Bachelor degrees (from selected universities) and Masters degrees are typically accepted with GPA 3.25 out of 4.0 or 65% equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 3.0 out of 4.0 or 60% equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Bahraini equivalent required.
Bahraini Bachelors degrees are typically accepted with GPA 3.0 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.3 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Azerbaijani equivalent required.
Azerbaijani Bachelors / Bakalavr Diplomu degrees are typically accepted with GPA 4.5 out of 5.0 (80%) equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 4.0 out of 5.0 (70%) equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Austrian equivalent required.
Austrian Bachelor degrees are accepted with GPA 2.5 typically equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 3.5 typically equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Australian equivalent required.
Australian Bachelor Honours degrees are typically accepted with 70% (Second Class Division A) equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 60% (Second Class Division B) equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
Australian Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with 70% (Distinction) equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 60% (Credit) equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Argentine equivalent required.
Argentine 4 year Titulo / Grado de Licenciado or Titulo de [subject area] are typically accepted with 7.5 out of 10 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 6.0 out of 10 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Algerian equivalent required.
Algerian Bachelors, Licence and Diplome degrees are typically accepted with 15 out of 20 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 13 out of 20 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Albanian equivalent required.
Second Level Integrated Diploma (5 years) and First Level University Diploma are typically accepted with 8 out of 10 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 7 out of 10 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
Afghanistan
Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Afghan equivalent required.
Afghan Master's degrees from any recognised institution and Bachelor of Science (Engineering) from Kabul University are typically accepted with GPA 3.0 out of 4.0 or 80% overall equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.4 out of 4.0 or 70% overall equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.
If you are unable to find your country equivalents in the above list, City will consider other international qualifications on a case by case basis.
For further details, please contact us using the contact details at the bottom of this page.
English language requirements
If you're a national of a recognised majority English-speaking country as defined by the government , or have previously completed a university degree (or equivalent) in one, you will not need to prove your knowledge of English to apply for the course.
Please note that if your country is not defined as majority-English-speaking by the government you will need to demonstrate you meet the English language requirements for the course.
This course requires the equivalent of an IELTS academic test with an overall score of 7.0 with no less than 5.5 in any subtest.
We will also accept an equivalent score in any of the tests listed under the English language requirements section .
You must have completed the qualification no more than two years prior to the start of the course.
Know that this list is exhaustive and as such we are unable to accept any qualifications or evidence outside of this.
Please note that the scores stated at the link above are lower than those you would need to meet for entry to the course.
Contact the admissions team if you have any questions about qualification equivalencies.
English language programmes
Don't meet the English language requirements? INTO City, University of London offers English language programmes to help prepare you for study at university. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for entry to degree courses.
Application process
When applications open you can apply online and will be expected to submit the following:
- A personal statement of around 500 words on your academic and relevant professional experience to date and how it informs your intention to undertake this course. In addition, you may wish to outline your vision for how the degree will feed into your research or professional career. You will need to make sure your statement is specific to our course and institution, and not generic. You may be asked to provide further details if your statement is too generic.
- A copy of your degree transcript, if applicable. We require an original transcript or a copy certified by your institution. If you have not yet finished your course, please provide a provisional transcript of marks received to date. You will be required to send us your degree transcript as soon as it is available. You will not be able to register as a City student without having supplied your degree transcript.
- A sample of creative writing of 3,000 words in the form you wish to study: fiction, genre fiction or creative non-fiction.
- A 300 word abstract of the longer piece of creative writing you plan to complete.
- You may need to attend an interview, in person, or via videocall.
This course is not currently open for applications.
September 2025 entry
- Apply online for MA Creative Writing with full-time study in London
- Apply online for MA Creative Writing with part-time study in London
Contact the postgraduate team
Telephone: 020 7040 8877
Email: [email protected]
Our academics
Your studies are supported by a team of committed and enthusiastic teachers and researchers, experts in their chosen field. On occasion we also work with external professionals to enhance your learning and appreciation of the wider subject.
![u.s. news mfa creative writing rankings Dr Jonathan Gibbs](https://www.city.ac.uk/__data/assets/image/0019/600283/Jonathan-Gibbs-250px.jpg)
Dr Jonathan Gibbs
Senior Lecturer in Creative Writing
- Department of Media, Culture and Creative Industries
![u.s. news mfa creative writing rankings Dr Rebecca Tamás](https://www.city.ac.uk/__data/assets/image/0004/723208/Rebecca-Tamas-400px.jpg)
Dr Rebecca Tamás
Lecturer in Creative Writing (Education & Research)
![u.s. news mfa creative writing rankings Dr Deepa Anappara](https://www.city.ac.uk/__data/assets/image/0008/740339/Deepa-Anappara-500px.jpg)
Dr Deepa Anappara
Lecturer in Creative Writing
![u.s. news mfa creative writing rankings Dr Joseph Thomas](https://www.city.ac.uk/__data/assets/image/0008/639701/Joseph-Thomas-200px.jpg)
Dr Joseph Thomas
Senior Lecturer
![u.s. news mfa creative writing rankings Jessica Andrews](https://www.city.ac.uk/__data/assets/image/0005/707558/Jessica-Andrews-400px.jpg)
Jessica Andrews
![u.s. news mfa creative writing rankings Diverse group of students in a lecture, sitting in tired seating arranged in booths of three or four](https://www.city.ac.uk/__data/assets/image/0007/691189/IMG_4562.jpg)
Our students
Ask a student.
Want to find out more about student life? Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any question you have
Our Creative Writing students
Housing and student life.
![u.s. news mfa creative writing rankings A room in student accommodation.](https://www.city.ac.uk/__data/assets/image/0009/506997/varieties/breakpoint-max.jpg)
Accommodation and housing
We offer accommodation options and support for all postgraduate students. Our dedicated Accommodation Service can help you to find private accommodation in London if required.
![u.s. news mfa creative writing rankings Postgraduate students sat together on orange chairs](https://www.city.ac.uk/__data/assets/image/0003/506991/varieties/breakpoint-max.jpg)
Student wellbeing
Our extensive support network spans from learning support and disability support through to counselling, financial advice and career advice. Please do tell us if you need our help.
![u.s. news mfa creative writing rankings Three students smiling in front of Tower Bridge](https://www.city.ac.uk/__data/assets/image/0006/506994/varieties/breakpoint-max.jpg)
Living in London
We are based in the heart of one of the most vibrant and colourful cities in the world. London offers a rich variety of cultural experiences far beyond your studies.
What's happening
Apr 23
Lessons to be learnt from Sally Rooney’s Counter-Intuitive Construction (MA/MFA Creative Writing Taster Session)
Find out what it's like to study creative writing at City, in this sample seminar looking at three novels by Sally Rooney.
Tuesday, 23 rd April 2024 , 17:00 – 18:00
Location: Online
Audience: Public
![u.s. news mfa creative writing rankings Headshot of Richard Jerram smiling into the camera. He wears a light blue jumper and the background is blurred behind him, it is green and there is an umbrella](https://www.city.ac.uk/__data/assets/image/0011/803738/varieties/breakpoint-tablet.jpg)
Thursday, 25 th July 2024
From economist to crime fiction writer: City student Richard Jerram wins Dagger award
Richard Jerram (MA Creative Writing, 2024) wins prestigious crime fiction Dagger award for his novel "Makoto Murders".
![u.s. news mfa creative writing rankings Three people stand under a a wooden arch with wisteria growing on it. At their shoulders is a red sash. The Mayor of Ealing holds scissors to cut this. They stand in a green park.](https://www.city.ac.uk/__data/assets/image/0012/791985/varieties/breakpoint-tablet.jpg)
Wednesday, 22 nd May 2024
Look after your Creative Health: THE WRITE TRAIL festival makes its way to Ealing in May
Dr Poonam Madar of City, University of London organises ACE-funded monthlong literary festival in Ealing to support the creative health of the community, called THE WRITE TRAIL..
Related courses
Creative writing ma.
Explore your creative writing passion through the genre of your choice and learn how vivid imagination can impact all our lives.
Award: Master of Arts
Creative Writing and Publishing MA
Learn how to effectively combine business acumen with creative endeavour by building your knowledge of the publishing industry and significantly enhancing your writing skills.
Publishing MA
Become professionally equipped to secure competitive positions in the stimulating and ever evolving industry of publishing with our Publishing MA
Useful links
- School of Communication & Creativity
- Creative writing and publishing at City, University of London
- English at City, University of London
- Fiction writing at City, University of London
Contact details
Postgraduate admissions office.
020 7040 8877
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IMAGES
COMMENTS
The Best Fine Arts Schools Rankings will help you choose the right program. Earn your M.F.A. from one of the top Fine Arts colleges.
These colleges typically make the writing process a priority at all levels of instruction and across the curriculum.
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Rankings methodology The List
The best MFA Creative Writing Programs in 2024 are revealed. We cover everything from online MFAs to fully-funded residential programs.
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 ...
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.
What are the best MFA creative writing programs? From requirements to jobs post-graduation, discover what you need to know about choosing MFA programs.
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.
Whether focusing on poetry, fiction, or nonfiction, a creative writing degree prepares students for a multitude of career options. Spanning two years, a master of fine arts (MFA) program trains you to become a skilled writer, communicator, and editor who can receive and apply feedback effectively. This adaptable skill set enables you to work in ...
MFA in Creative Writing and Poetics (on-campus) Versatile and flexible MFA encourages writing across the genres and exploring hybrid genres. Evening courses accommodate the lives of today's busy, working students. Lively, on-campus gatherings bring together students, faculty, and renowned writers and artists.
We've compiled this annual guide to graduate creative writing programs—which includes our rankings of the top full- and low-residency MFA programs (with honorable mentions) and, new to this year, doctoral programs—to provide a spark for the deep thinking and serious consideration that the process of choosing a program requires.
Intelligent's ranking prioritizes 'flexibility, faculty, course strength, cost and reputation,' all areas at which we strive to excel. We want to be the number one option for the students who choose us," he said. The W's MFA in Creative Writing expects around 28 students for the fall semester, as it kicks off its 10 th year.
For the latest rankings of the top fifty MFA programs in creative writing, read "2011 MFA Rankings: The Top Fifty." For a ranking of low-residency programs, read "2011 MFA Rankings: The Top Ten Low-Residency Programs." The following is an excerpt of an article that appeared in the November/December 2009 issue of .
An online MFA in creative writing can help you prepare for many writing careers, like editor, technical writer, and copywriter.
April 8, 2024, at 9:00 p.m. Methodology: Best Fine Arts Schools. More. The rankings of Master of Fine Arts programs, published in 2020, are based solely on the results of a peer assessment survey ...
Three years in an AIER-rated Top 15 "mid-size metro" with a strong faculty, a reasonable teaching load, and a vibrant university community deserves a close look from any serious MFA applicant. Every year OSU is outside the Top 25 (especially in poetry), something is grievously wrong with the national MFA picture. University of Miami.
Here is the list of 53 universities that offer fully-funded MFA programs (Master's of Fine Arts) in Creative Writing. University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa, AL): Students admitted to the MFA Program are guaranteed full financial support for up to 4-years. Assistantships include a stipend paid over nine months (currently $14,125), and full payment ...
12,000. Estimated number of people following AWP on Twitter at time of writing. 26,600. Average number of new Twitter followers AWP gains per day. 9. AWP's worldwide Twitter ranking at time of writing. 404,392. The writer of this piece's worldwide Twitter ranking at time of writing. 6,053,438.
Last week, Poets & Writers put out their annual list of M.F.A. rankings (Iowa, to no one's surprise, took the top spot). Unlike the college rankings done by US News and World Report, which are ...
The W's Creative Writing MFA nationally ranked COLUMBUS, Miss.-- Mississippi University for Women's low-residency Master's of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing program has been recognized on a national scale by Intelligent.com, which ranked the program 10 in the country.
What to Know About Creative Writing Degrees Many creative writing degree recipients pursue careers as authors while others work as copywriters or ghostwriters.
Intelligent's ranking prioritizes 'flexibility, faculty, course strength, cost and reputation,' all areas at which we strive to excel. We want to be the number one option for the students who choose us," he said. The W's MFA in Creative Writing expects around 28 students for the fall semester, as it kicks off its 10th year.
Hone your creative writing with guided completion of a full-length work in your chosen genre and improve your writing career prospects.