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best college creative writing

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

The Best Creative Writing Programs: Ranking Criteria

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

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

In ranking the schools, I considered five major criteria:

The Best Creative Writing Schools

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

#1: Northwestern University

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

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

#2: Columbia University

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

best college creative writing

#3: University of Iowa

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

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

#4: Emory University

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

#5: Oberlin College

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

#6: Hamilton College

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

#7: Brown University

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

best college creative writing

#8: Washington University in St. Louis

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

#9: Massachusetts Institute of Technology

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

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

#10: University of Michigan

University of Michigan is one of the best state universities in the country and has a top-notch MFA program. This school’s undergrad creative writing sub-concentration requires students to submit applications for admittance to advanced creative writing courses. These applications give students crucial practice in both building a writing portfolio and articulating their interest in creative writing to an audience who will evaluate their work. If you're looking to attend a big school with a great creative writing major, this is a fantastic choice.

#11: Johns Hopkins University

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

#12: Colorado College

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

Bonus School: New York University

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

body_nyu

How To Pick the Best Creative Writing School for You

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

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

Does It Have Courses You're Interested In?

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

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

What Opportunities Are There To Pursue Writing Outside of Class?

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

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

Who Will Be Teaching You?

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

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

What Are the Alumni Doing Now?

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

What About the Rest of the School?

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

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

What's Next?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. Emory University

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

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

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

2. Columbia University

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

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

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

3. Northwestern University

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

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

4. Oberlin College

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

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

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

5. Hamilton College

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

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

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

6. Stanford University

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

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

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

7. University of Iowa

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

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

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

8. Dartmouth College

What do Shonda Rhimes ( Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal ) and Mindy Kaling ( The Mindy Project, The Office ) have in common? Great writing careers — and the fact that they both studied at Dartmouth College.

The New Hampshire-based school created its comprehensive English and creative writing program with only one thing in mind: to help students become capable writers and build their confidence step by step. 

Dartmouth has a nice selection of writing courses that differ each semester and creative writing awards , including the Sidney Cox Memorial Prize and the Academy of American Poets Prize, that undergraduates can compete for. 

9. Brown University

If you want to learn screenwriting, digital and cross-disciplinary writing, and much more, Brown is the way to go! But apart from having a stellar graduate and undergraduate curriculum , Brown also boasts a vibrant literary community that provides students with a continuous stream of readings, festivals, and performances. 

Its strong liberal foundation exposes emerging writers to relevant voices and perspectives in the current literary landscape. On top of that, Brown also has courses tackling new media such as political drama, electronic writing, and innovative narrative.

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

10. Washington University in St. Louis

Another excellent option for aspiring writers is to earn a Certificate in Creative Writing or join the MFA program at Washington University. Why? Because you could be taught by National Book Award finalists, Guggenheim Fellows, and National Book Critics Circle Award winners!

Admissions to this college writing program can be pretty competitive since they only accept five students per track (fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry). But once you’re in, you’ll become part of a close-knit community that can still be felt even after you graduate. 

The campus also has plenty to offer, including a well-known student newspaper and a prime location connecting you to Forest Park and local museums, perfect for when you need a little break from your studies.

11. Johns Hopkins University

The writing program at Johns Hopkins is a hidden gem. Sure, the Maryland-based university is known for its STEM-related disciplines, but it also has a great and flexible curriculum for students looking to master storytelling through the written word.

While challenging, courses at Johns Hopkins are designed to squeeze the best out of you. This has been proven by the sea of prolific poets, novelists, and screenwriters produced by the school, namely A Nightmare on Elm Street ’s Wes Craven, Growing Up ’s Russell Baker, and Love Medicine ’s Louise Erdrich.

12. Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Are you surprised that MIT has a solid writing program on top of its reputation for excellence in engineering and physical sciences? The top-tier school can also offer you the best of both worlds with its graduate program in science writing . 

The curriculum introduces students to fundamental research and reporting skills as they learn how to make science accessible to the masses. This highly-selective program gives you a chance to publish science-related works, including documentaries, data visualization projects, radio shows, and long-form content.

What’s even better is that the lively Cambridge campus is a great place to arouse your creativity and quite simply write better. Plus, the 22 institutional libraries found in the city offer a good respite for literature lovers or hard-working science researchers.

13. Colorado College

Get ready for an intensive, multi-level approach to writing with Colorado College. Thanks to its innovative block plan structure , where students only face one class for three-and-a-half weeks, you will quickly master each discipline that interests you. 

Feeling low on creativity? Take a walk at one of the seven national parks nearby, where you can find secluded spaces perfect for reflection and discussion (even if you’re by yourself).

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

14. Brandeis University

If you want to get a handle on creative writing, your work must go through the wringer so it can improve. At Brandeis, you’ll be exposed to a rigorous curriculum and a renowned writing center to help you get started.

As soon as you get into the college’s creative writing program , take advantage of one-on-one sessions with supportive graduate-student consultants. With this peer-to-peer appointment, you can get your work dissected and sort out any writing issues with your structure, style, punctuation, or syntax. 

15. University of Virginia

For writers hoping to concentrate their studies on poetry or prose, the University of Virginia is a great pick. Whether you’re a full-fledged English major or a Science freshman interested in poetry, its undergraduate program can certainly accommodate you.

The college also has a stellar MFA program that accepts five students for poetry and five for prose. Apart from this school having terrific professors, graduate students receive $20,000 in fellowships or income each academic year.

Students also learn from visiting lecturers who take residence in the school for one week and offer craft talks and one-on-one manuscript consultations (where an MFA student’s work is given to visiting writers one week ahead). 

16. Colby College

At Colby, students are introduced to a strong culture of writing, teaching them to be skillful and effective in multiple genres. The college’s writing program provides students with expository writing workshops, writing labs , and word references forums to build their ability to communicate thoughtfully and skillfully.

Among the impressive resources available at Colby is Farnham’s Writing Center , where great writing is fostered through peer and faculty support. Working with peer writing tutors from the brainstorming phase to the final version is bound to make you a better writer!

17. Kenyon College

Kenyon’s mission is to nurture future poets and fiction writers, and it’s certainly achieved this with notable alumni like The Fault in Our Stars ’ John Green and Seabiscuit ’s Laura Hillenbrand.

This program’s main draw is the Kenyon Review , the college’s world-renowned literary magazine that offers highly coveted workshops and internships for student writers. Each year, a select number of faculty from Kenyon also teach workshops on poetry and prose for students in the English program . 

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

18. Beloit College

No matter how much you love writing, mastering this craft can be challenging. That’s why Beloit’s writing program is designed to support students of all kinds in their writing journey. 

At the college’s writing center , tutors approach their students’ learning with the understanding and consideration that everyone has different strengths and capabilities. With this hands-on mentorship comes a range of other great learning resources, like literary journals and student publications, that give you the chance to gain practical experience outside the classroom. 

19. University of Texas-Austin

This university’s three-year MFA program steals the show when it comes to creative writing. Known as the New Writers Project, this graduate-level degree only accepts a dozen students (with full funding) and hosts symposiums to connect them with editors and agents.

The New Writers Project also invites guest writers like Bluets’ Maggie Nelson, Voyager’s Srikanth Reddy, and Notes from No Man’s Land’s Eula Biss to interact with graduate students. 

But if you want to spend less time concentrating on fiction, poetry, and short stories? The University of Texas-Austin’s Certificate in Creative Writing or its Honors option is for you! 

20. Goddard College

Goddard College takes the gold when it comes to having a varied creative writing offering! This unconventional college writing program welcomes writers interested in screenplay writing, graphic novels, dramatic writing, libretto, speculative fiction, memoirs, and other hybrid genres. 

Trusting its students’ capabilities, Goddard was the first college to offer low-residency BFA and MFA creative writing degrees. This means that students are only required to complete an eight-day residency, where they can attend one-on-one sessions with advisors or participate in literary events on campus, before being able to complete the rest of their education at home.

21. Bucknell University

Although this college also boasts courses on comedy and satire, the human impact on the environment, and prose, Bucknell is renowned for its poetry offering. The Stadler Center for Poetry hosts the annual Bucknell Seminar for Younger Poets, which awards deserving students full-tuition scholarships. 

It also has the Philip Roth Residence Program named after Bucknell’s famous alumnus himself. Authors writing their first (or second) book are allowed to lodge in the Poets’ Cottage with a hefty $5,000 stipend as they work, but the program only lasts for four months.  

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

22. New York University

The star-studded core faculty at NYU’s creative writing program should be enough to get you on board with this college! Imagine learning the fundamentals of writing from award-winning poets, novelists, short story writers, and memoirists such as Joyce Carol Oates, Zadie Smith, Darin Strauss, Edward Hirsch, and Katie Kitamura.

Plus, with this program, you also get a shot at Writers in New York, a prized summer program that takes place at a townhouse in Greenwich Village where the likes of E.E. Cummings, James Baldwin, Willa Cather, and Mark Twain lived and worked. 

23. University of Michigan

Tagged as the best public university in the US, Michigan’s fantastic Helen Zell MFA Program exposes graduate students to several top-notch writers through a series taught by critically-acclaimed authors (who wouldn’t want to hear from Kazuo Ishiguro, Alice McDermott, Angela Flournoy, and Edward Hirsch?). 

Undergraduates can also apply for admission to a creative writing sub-concentration or a minor and partake in the prestigious Avery Hopwood Awards , one of the country’s most famous student writing prizes.

24. University of Miami

For aspiring writers interested in expressing themselves in a language other than English, the creative writing program at the University of Miami’s curriculum is uniquely inspired by nearby multilingual communities. Polyglot writers are encouraged to explore literature in their own languages.

This university also welcomes double majors so that students can pursue their love for the craft on top of their other interests. Miami’s also great because this campus is jam-packed with extracurriculars that students can jump on to hone their skills. Mangrove , the school’s literary magazine, allows students an opportunity to perform their original work through hosting contests and mic nights.

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

25. Hamline University

Minnesota residents with a passion for writing consider this small university in Saint Paul a haven for creatives. Why? Because this college is home to the only bachelor’s degree in this field in the entire Twin Cities region (and the only one in the state offered by a private institution). 

Hamline has three fine arts degrees for aspiring authors: a BFA and MFA in Creative Writing, plus a low-residency MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults. These courses cover a range of literary genres that enable students to gain a diverse knowledge of the practice.

Writing requires dedication, passion, and a conducive environment where your talents can flourish. All the schools on this list have built outstanding creative writing programs but choosing what suits you best is important. 

Make sure the school you pick can help you reach your full potential. Good luck!

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Best colleges for creative writing.

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Reviewed by:

Rohan Jotwani

Former Admissions Committee Member, Columbia University

Reviewed: 5/10/23

If you are interested in pursuing a career in writing, this guide will tell you the thirteen best colleges for creative writing.

Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon 'em. We’d like to update Shakespeare’s methods of achieving greatness by adding one more: attending the perfect college.

Whether your favorite twelfth-grade English teacher inspired you or you want to become the next J.K. Rowling, picking the best creative writing program is crucial to help you gain the right experience and education to enhance your writing skills and excel.

If you’re looking for good colleges for writing, read on to learn more! This guide will list the top thirteen colleges for creative writing and focus on these programs’ education, experience, and costs.

Thirteen Best Colleges for Creative Writing

To save you the worry of searching through all of the creative writing programs the country has to offer, here are the top thirteen best colleges for creative writing.

13 top colleges for creative writing

1. Brown University

If you’re wondering which school has the best creative writing program, Brown University is the top-ranked college to attend for students interested in creative writing.

Aerial view of Brown University campus

Brown University’s English Department offers various courses for students to explore their interests and hone their writing skills. Students may choose to enroll in:

Once students have completed their B.A., they can join Brown’s Literary Arts Master of Fine Arts (MFA) program, where they can specialize in their desired form of writing: fiction, poetry, digital and cross-disciplinary writing, playwriting, screenwriting, and nonfiction.

In this program, students have the opportunity to conduct their own independent study on their desired topic, which gives them excellent research and writing experience.

Image outlining the ranking and the writing courses offered by Brown University

While this school has an amazing reputation, it is worth considering that because it is a private university, it has expensive tuition costs! Tuition and fees alone cost around $68,230 per year for undergraduate students.

If you’re interested in applying to Brown , take a look at our complete guide on how to get into this excellent school.

2.University of Iowa

Ranking second in Writing in the Disciplines , the University of Iowa is another great option to consider. This university is nationally recognized as a writing university and offers majors in English as well as English and Creative Writing.

Aerial view of the University of Iowa campus

With significantly cheaper tuition costs than the other universities mentioned, Iowa residents can expect to pay only $10,353 annually, and non-residents can expect to pay $32,316! The University of Iowa is a great college for writing if you’re on a budget. 

3. Yale University

While Yale University also ranked number two in Writing in the Disciplines , it does not offer specific Creative Writing minors or majors. However, Yale offers English students the opportunity to concentrate on creative writing by taking numerous related courses .

Picture of Yale University campus with group of students in front of it

Tuition and fee costs for Yale are $64,700 per year. To help with these costs, Yale offers financial aid, work-study, and teaching assistant positions .  

4. Cornell University 

Cornell University is another one of the best colleges for creative writing majors. It ranked number four in Writing in the Disciplines and allows English majors to concentrate in Creative Writing. Cornell also offers a creative writing minor .

Aerial view of Cornell University campus

Graduate students may also join the MFA in Creative Writing program, where they will gain hands-on experience editing and publishing fiction, poetry, essays, and more for EPOCH Magazine .

Similar to the other universities mentioned, Cornell’s tuition and fees cost $65,204 per year.

5. Harvard University

Harvard University is a prestigious school that’s on many students’ radars when they consider attending university. Tying with Cornell for the fourth spot in Writing in the Disciplines , Harvard’s prestige extends into the realm of the arts.

Picture of Harvard University's building entrance with students in front of it

Harvard offers an extensive English B.A. program where students can enroll in various comprehensive creative writing courses . 

In fact, there are usually no more than twelve students in each of these classes, ensuring students receive personalized teaching to really refine their writing skills and get the most out of their education. Tuition alone at Harvard costs $54,269 a year.

6. Carleton College

No list of good writing schools would be complete without liberal arts schools. Ranking number sixth in Writing in the Disciplines is the prestigious Carleton College, one of the best colleges for creative writing.

Aerial view of Carleton College campus surrounded by trees

Carleton offers a B.A. in English where students can choose from a breadth of creative courses to enroll in, including a minor in creative writing . Like Brown University, it offers a specialized MFA in Creative Writing .

This college also offers courses where students can build their professional portfolios for when they graduate. Carleton College costs $65,457 in tuition and fees annually. However, Carleton offers various scholarships and aid to help students with these costs.

7. Swarthmore College 

Swarthmore is tied with Carleton College for the sixth-best college for creative writing, and it was considered number three among the Best National Liberal Arts Colleges.

Aerial view of Swarthmore College

This liberal arts college offers an English B.A . and a Writing Associate program . With this English B.A., students are eligible for paid internships to produce original creative writing projects to build their portfolios and gain valuable experience. Swarthmore College costs $61,992 in tuition yearly. 

8. Amherst College

Ranking #8 in Writing in the Disciplines , Amherst is another respectable school for writing majors. The college also ranks as the second school in National Liberal Arts Colleges.

Picture of Amherst College's building with a group of students playing in front of it

This rural university offers an excellent English B.A. program that teaches students how to think critically and write well.

It also has its very own creative writing center that offers diverse creative writing courses for students. Additionally, it offers an award-winning writing program in collaboration with the University of Massachusetts. Tuition and fee cost $67,280 annually. However, Amherst offers significant financial aid based on need.

9. Duke University

Ranked ninth on our list is Duke University . Duke University offers a general B.A. in English and a creative writing minor . While it does not offer a major in creative writing, it offers various creative writing courses that English majors can take to gain more expertise in the subject.

Picture of Duke University building

Unlike the majority of undergraduate arts programs, Duke offers its students internships in New York. Gaining this type of experience is crucial for when you graduate and can help you land your dream job!

Tuition at Duke costs $63,450 per year. However, select students can get full-ride scholarships , which can help you get your dream degree for free!

10. Princeton University

Princeton University is one of the oldest colleges in the U.S. and consistently ranks as one of the best universities in the world. It ranks tenth in U.S. News’ Writing in the Disciplines list. Not only is Princeton a great college for writing, but it’s also ranked as the best university in the nation. 

Picture of Princeton University's entrance with trees in front of it

Princeton University offers an English B.A . and a creative writing program that these undergraduate students can join in combination with their B.A. In this program, students work alongside actual practicing writers to gain the most authentic knowledge and experience.

Tuition for this prestigious school is around $59,710 a year , making it one of the cheaper options on this list.

11. Columbia University

Columbia is located in the Big Apple and ranks #11 in Writing in the Disciplines. ‍

Columbia University offers an English and Comparative Literature B.A. program with concentrations in Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, and Literary Translation. 

Picture of Columbia University building

The Poetry concentration , in particular, is considered one of the strongest and most rigorous in the country. Columbia also offers an MFA in Writing for graduates. Columbia’s tuition costs $65,524 per academic year.

However, Columbia is dedicated to reducing students’ tuition costs and states students coming from families with annual incomes less than $150,000 are able to attend Columbia tuition-free ! According to their financial office, about 50% of all Columbia students receive grants of around $63,971.

So, if money is a major factor in your decision, rest assured you have a high chance of receiving significant grants if you attend Columbia University!

12. Hamilton College

Tying with Columbia, Hamilton College tied for the #11 spot in Writing in the Disciplines . Hamilton is one of the few universities that offers a major in creative writing and English Literature. So, if you’d rather concentrate on creative writing rather than just minoring in it, this may be the best creative writing program for you!

Aerial view of Hamilton College

At this college, tuition is $65,090 per academic year. For students unable to pay these high costs, Hamilton promises to meet your full demonstrated financial need through a combination of family contributions and financial aid.

13. Agnes Scott College 

Last on our list is Agnes Scott College. The college offers an English Literature - Creative Writing major filled with courses that are “characterized by frequent discussion, prioritize originality, and emphasize student-centered workshops.” 

Picture of Agnes Scott College building with two students walking toward the entrance

The college also runs the Agnes Scott College Annual Writers’ Festival , where writers flock to the campus to read their work and teach and talk to students. Almost every year, one writer runs a one-credit workshop for students.

Annual tuition at Agnes Scott College costs $47,820, making it one of the more affordable colleges on this list. 

FAQs: Best Colleges for Creative Writing

If you’re still wondering which program is best for you, these frequently asked questions on the best colleges for creative writing majors can help you to find your answers.

1. What College Has The Best Creative Writing Program?

According to its ranking and reputation, Brown University has the best writing programs and creative writing courses.

2. What is the Best College for Aspiring Writers?

Hamilton College, the University of Iowa, and Agnes Scott College are some of the only schools offering majors in creative writing rather than just minors or courses. For those wishing to focus solely on learning how to write creatively, these universities are the best option.

3. Which Colleges Offer Writing Internships?

Duke University and Swarthmore College offer paid internship programs for their English students. Carleton College requires students to create original writing projects to build their professional portfolios, and Cornell University requires Creative Writing MFA students to edit and publish creative writing for the EPOCH Magazine.

4. What Is The Cheapest Creative Writing Program?

The University of Iowa is significantly cheaper to attend than the other best colleges for creative writing, costing only $10,353 for in-state students and $32,316 for out-of-state students. However, Columbia University offers the most extensive scholarships, as 50% of all of its students receive grants of around $63,971.

5. How Big Are Creative Writing Classes?

In general, they are relatively small compared to classes in other disciplines. For instance, each of Harvard’s creative writing courses only has about twelve students.

These small classes are great because students get to forge meaningful connections with professors (and we all know how important networking is!).

6. How Do I Decide Which Creative Writing Program Is Best For Me?

These schools are all good colleges for writing. However, the main factor you want to consider is what you wish to gain out of your program! If you want to gain a lot of hands-on experience and build your portfolio, choose a school like Duke University, Swarthmore College, or Cornell.

If you’d like to save the most money while attending university, choose a low-tuition school like The University of Iowa.

Final Thoughts

Hopefully, this guide has provided you with helpful insight into the best colleges for creative writing. No matter which school you choose to attend, these thirteen schools are the very best and will truly help you kickstart your career as a writer!

As Shakespeare said, parting is such sweet sorrow. But now that you have all the information you need on the experience, education, and cost of the best creative writing programs the nation has to offer, you can pick your perfect college and program that will help you achieve greatness!

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2023 Best Creative Writing Bachelor's Degree Schools

For its 2023 ranking, College Factual looked at 101 schools in the United States to determine which ones were the best for creative writing students pursuing a bachelor's degree. When you put them all together, these colleges and universities awarded 3,331 bachelor's degrees in creative writing during the 2020-2021 academic year.

Jump to one of the following sections: * Our Methodology

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

Best Creative Writing Bachelor's Degree Schools

Quality Overall Is Important

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

Other Factors We Consider

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

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

One Size Does Not Fit All

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

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

Featured Creative Writing Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

BA in Creative Writing & English

Develop your creativity and gain practical skills with a creative writing degree program –featuring 100% online classes – through a bachelor's from Southern New Hampshire University.

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

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

15 Top Schools for a Bachelor's in Creative Writing

Johns Hopkins crest

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

Carnegie Mellon crest

Any student pursuing a degree in a bachelor's degree in creative writing needs to look into Carnegie Mellon University. Located in the large city of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. More information about a bachelor’s in creative writing from Carnegie Mellon University

UChicago crest

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

Pitt crest

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

Brown crest

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

Columbia crest

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

Miami University - Oxford crest

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

USC crest

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

UW Seattle crest

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

Wellesley crest

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

Emory crest

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

Purdue crest

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

WUSTL crest

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

GMU crest

GMU is a very large public university located in the large suburb of Fairfax. More information about a bachelor’s in creative writing from George Mason University

U-M crest

U-M is a fairly large public university located in the midsize city of Ann Arbor. More information about a bachelor’s in creative writing from University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

Additional Noteworthy Schools

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

Creative Writing by Region

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

Other Rankings

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

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Creative Writing Related Rankings by Major

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

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12 Best Colleges for Creative Writing [2023]

02.03.2023 • 11 min read

Nick Griffin

Subject Matter Expert

Learn about the top colleges for creative writing, tips on what to consider when choosing a creative writing major, and answers to frequently asked questions.

In This Article

The Best Creative Writing Programs

What to consider about college for creative writing majors, best literary colleges faqs.

Writing well is a tremendous asset in nearly every industry. In fact, one of the top skills employers look for in employees is the ability to communicate clearly and effectively through writing .

Completing a degree at one of the top colleges for creative writing can deliver more career opportunities than you may think. You could work in publishing, media, higher education, or marketing and advertising.

You can also use your storytelling and creative thinking skills to work as a freelancer. As an independent contractor, you can set your own rates and choose your work hours.

This introduction to 12 of the best colleges for creative writing majors will help you select the right program for your career goals. We’ll even tell you what to look for when comparing some of the leading literary colleges. Let’s get started!

Students who choose to enroll in a creative writing program are looking at factors like location, curriculum, and the quality of the instructors.

While many differences exist, all creative writing degree programs offer instruction in the primary literary forms:

Creative nonfiction

Some schools offer instruction in additional forms, including:

Screenwriting

Playwriting

Digital writing

When selecting a program you would enjoy, also make sure the instruction fits your learning needs.

Some schools offer seminars, resident writers, literary journals, and other perks beyond the standard workshops and courses.

The following 12 programs currently rank among the best writing programs offered in the U.S.

1. Columbia University

The Undergraduate Creative Writing Program at Columbia University boasts one of the most prestigious literary histories.

Well-known writers like J.D. Salinger, Federico Garcia Lorca, Eudora Welty, Langston Hughes, and Jack Kerouac have taken creative writing courses at the university. The roster of instructors in the undergraduate program is equally as impressive.

The program offers seminars designed for creative writers plus courses in the following writing forms:

Literary nonfiction

Dramatic writing

Students also have access to a thriving School of Arts and can move on to the prestigious MFA (Master of Fine Arts) in Creative Writing program.

2. Emory University

The Undergraduate Creative Writing Program at Emory University started more than 30 years ago. It remains one of the most reputable colleges for aspiring writers ready to start professional careers.

The university requires an application and instructor permission to enter all creative writing courses. Students can major in creative writing or participate in creative writing workshops while completing other degree programs.

The school provides writing workshops and courses in the following disciplines:

3. Brown University

Brown University is one of the leading universities for English literature and creative writing. They are also among the best colleges for writers interested in music, performance arts, and visual arts.

The Undergraduate Department of Literary Arts offers cross-disciplinary courses in all of those disciplines for students pursuing degrees in creative writing. Students can select from a diverse catalog of creative writing workshops, literature courses, independent study courses, and honors workshops.

Creative writing courses are available in the following disciplines:

Cross-disciplinary writing

4. Colorado College

Colorado College offers a creative writing track for English majors who wish to focus on creative writing. The program offers more than the typical writing workshops and seminars at some of the other best colleges for creative writing. In fact, many of the elective courses are taught by guest professors. These distinguished guests are writers themselves.

Students benefit from multiple literary resources exclusive to the college, including:

Hairstreak Butterfly Review and other magazines and publications

Visiting Writers Series

Writing contests

Literary publishing practicum

Student-led spoken word group (SpeakEasy)

Campus printing press studio

Fine Arts Center

Specialized library collections

These benefits make Colorado College one of the leading colleges for creative writing majors able to attend classes in Colorado Springs. The creative writing faculty includes some published authors, making it a top choice for authors as well.

5. Duke University

Duke University may offer the best creative writing program for students with a shared interest in theater and performance arts. Students have access to courses in theater and documentary studies.

The school also has a collection of writing courses, workshops, and seminars in the following writing forms:

Travel writing

Documentary writing

Students at Duke have many opportunities to learn from other writers through the writers-in-residence program. The university also invests heavily in conferences, readings, and visiting speakers for the creative writing program.

6. Cornell University

Cornell University allows students to enroll as English majors with a concentration in creative writing. Students can also complete courses from the creative writing program as minors.

Writing workshops are available in the following literary forms:

Narrative writing

The university is home to a reputable reading series where multiple published authors visit for live readings and social receptions. This college is excellent for authors interested in networking with other authors.

7. Northwestern University

Northwestern University was one of the first colleges in the U.S. to offer an undergraduate creative writing program. Today, the school has a highly competitive creative writing major . It serves as a concentration within the English department.

Students have access to workshops and courses in the following disciplines:

Cross-genres

This university ranks as one of the best literary colleges in part because the faculty includes award-winning authors. The school hosts a Festival of Writing every spring, and students have opportunities to network with and learn from visiting writers.

8. Oberlin College

The creative writing program at Oberlin College offers a collaborative and immersive experience for writers who want the freedom to experiment.

The program focuses on workshops where students learn from one another while preparing for several literary careers. It’s a studio environment best suited to students who want to work closely with a small group of peers.

Oberlin also offers a wide variety of courses in the following disciplines:

Translation

Hybrid forms

9. Washington University in St. Louis

Washington University is home to one of the most reputable graduate programs for writing. It only makes sense they also made the list of the top colleges for creative writing undergraduate programs.

The 16-credit creative writing certificate can be taken with any bachelor’s degree major and offers students a workshop model of instruction. Students in this program learn how to become better writers by writing alongside current professional writers.

The program focuses on courses within the 3 primary forms of writing:

All creative writing courses take the form of workshops. This format allows students to read and critique one another’s work in a professional and inclusive environment. Instructors are professional writers with qualifications well-suited to guiding new writers toward lucrative writing careers.

10. Wichita State University

Wichita State University is an outstanding college for writers who want to complete undergraduate and graduate degrees from the same institution. The school offers a studio-academic Master of Fine Arts program for students studying fiction or poetry at the most advanced level.

The program allows undergraduate students to major or minor in creative writing. They have access to visiting writers, a school literary journal, and national press internships.

This program's course selection covers the 3 primary forms of writing

11. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is an excellent choice for writers interested in transferring credits from other institutions or online programs. The creative writing degree program allows students to transfer up to 90 credits and offers competitive pricing per credit hour for the remaining courses.

Unlike the other programs in this list, all courses at SNHU are virtual. SNHU is one of the best colleges for creative writing majors who value the flexibility of online classes.

Four concentration options are available for this program:

12. Boise State University

The creative writing program at Boise State University is ideal for students who want to learn from acclaimed writers with bestselling novels and prize-winning poetry collections to their credit.

The program offers theory classes with a wide range of modern writing disciplines, including speculative fiction and graphic novels. Most courses focus on the following writing forms:

Boise State is also home to the literary journal The Idaho Review and the Free Poetry chapbook series. Students may have the opportunity to work with those publications to gain experience prior to graduation.

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

Transferable Credits

You can save money on your education by completing some courses online. But make sure the credits are transferable to the school offering your creative writing program.

For example, Golden Gate University’s Degrees+ powered by Outlier allows students to take courses online at a fraction of the price of traditional college. Students can earn their associate degree and transfer their credits into over 500 different institutions to pursue a bachelor’s degree.

School Reputation

The best creative writing programs have a reputation for high-quality education from prestigious and trustworthy instructors. Make sure you align with the values and vision of your chosen institution.

Keep in mind many quality schools out there to look into. Take the time to do some research, ask former students, and speak with an advisor.

Course Variety

The top colleges for writers will offer a wide selection of courses related to writing, literature, liberal arts, history, and more. They may also give writers the chance to earn certifications to enter into lucrative careers.

Favorable Outcomes

An exceptional creative writing program produces successful graduates. Look at the percentage of students who complete their degree and how many go on to graduate school or successful careers in writing, editing, research, or reporting.

Can you make it to on-campus classes without neglecting other responsibilities like managing a full-time job while going to school ? Are there options to attend some or all courses online for your convenience? Figure out what your needs are and make sure you can commit to your education.

Many high-quality college programs come with a high price tag. But you can cut your college costs. Fill out a FAFSA —Free Application for Federal Student Aid—and look into grant and scholarship opportunities to get free money to help pay for school.

What can I do with a creative writing degree?

A bachelor’s degree in creative writing can prepare you for a career in technical or creative writing, reporting, editing, or proofreading. You can build a career writing everything from novels and short stories to technical manuals and marketing materials for businesses.

Several editing and reporting jobs are available to writers with a solid command of grammar and a high level of writing ability. Almost any career you may go into in the future will value your writing skills.

What is the best degree for creative writing?

Degrees in creative writing and literature are among the most popular for those interested in building careers in writing. Other excellent degree options include journalism, liberal arts, and even history.

College history programs are notorious for demanding written papers, and the knowledge gained may allow graduates to specialize in historical writing.

Studying the sciences is another lucrative career option, combining writing with specialized knowledge. As of December 2022, science writers earned an average of $63,331 per year.

Science writers may:

Edit a science journal

Research and write grant proposals

Write training material and research summaries in the medical field

Is it worth it to major in creative writing?

Being able to articulate yourself and your ideas clearly is an in-demand skill in nearly any industry. No matter if you are considering going back to school in your 40s or pursuing writing right out of high school, a creative writing degree is a solid investment.

A creative writing degree is worth the investment if you’re serious about building a new career based on writing. You can also select a minor or earn a professional certificate to hone your skills and specialize in a field of interest.

By graduating college with such a sought-after skill, you’ll set yourself up for career success.

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What to Know About Creative Writing Degrees

Many creative writing degree recipients pursue careers as authors while others work as copywriters or ghostwriters.

Tips on Creative Writing Degrees

A student sitting beside the bed in bedroom with her coffee cup and writing on the note pad.

Prospective writing students should think about their goals and figure out if a creative writing degree will help them achieve those goals. (Getty Images)

Many people see something magical in a beautiful work of art, and artists of all kinds often take pride in their craftsmanship. Creative writers say they find fulfillment in the writing process.

"I believe that making art is a human need, and so to get to do that is amazing," says Andrea Lawlor, an author who this year received a Whiting Award – a national $50,000 prize that recognizes 10 excellent emerging authors each year – and who is also the Clara Willis Phillips Assistant Professor of English at Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts.

"We all are seeing more and more of the way that writing can help us understand perspectives we don't share," says Lawlor, whose recent novel "Paul Takes the Form of a Mortal Girl" addresses the issue of gender identity.

"Writing can help us cope with hard situations," Lawlor says. "We can find people who we have something in common with even if there's nobody around us who shares our experience through writing. It's a really powerful tool for connection and social change and understanding."

Creative writing faculty, many of whom are acclaimed published authors, say that people are well-suited toward degrees in creative writing if they are highly verbal and enjoy expressing themselves.

"Creative imaginative types who have stories burning inside them and who gravitate toward stories and language might want to pursue a degree in creative writing," Jessica Bane Robert, who teaches Introduction to Creative Writing at Clark University in Massachusetts, wrote in an email. "Through formal study you will hone your voice, gain confidence, find a support system for what can otherwise be a lonely endeavor."

Read the guide below to gain more insight into what it means to pursue a creative writing education, how writing impacts society and whether it is prudent to invest in a creative writing degree. Learn about the difference between degree-based and non-degree creative writing programs, how to craft a solid application to a top-notch creative writing program and how to figure out which program is the best fit.

Why Creative Writing Matters and Reasons to Study It

Creative writers say a common misconception about their job is that their work is frivolous and impractical, but they emphasize that creative writing is an extremely effective way to convey messages that are hard to share in any other way.

Kelly Caldwell, dean of faculty at Gotham Writers Workshop in New York City, says prospective writing students are often discouraged from taking writing courses because of concerns about whether a writing life is somehow unattainable or "unrealistic."

Although creative writers are sometimes unable to financially support themselves entirely on the basis of their creative projects, Caldwell says, they often juggle that work with other types of jobs and lead successful careers.

She says that many students in her introductory creative writing class were previously forbidden by parents to study creative writing. "You have to give yourself permission for the simple reason that you want to do it," she suggests.

Creative writing faculty acknowledge that a formal academic credential in creative writing is not needed in order to get writing published. However, they suggest, creative writing programs help aspiring authors develop their writing skills and allow space and time to complete long-term writing projects.

Working writers often juggle multiple projects at once and sometimes have more than one gig, which can make it difficult to finish an especially ambitious undertaking such as a novel, a play for the screen or stage, or a well-assembled collection of poems, short stories or essays. Grants and fellowships for authors are often designed to ensure that those authors can afford to concentrate on their writing.

Samuel Ace, a published poet and a visiting lecturer in poetry at Mount Holyoke, says his goal is to show students how to write in an authentic way that conveys real feeling. "It helps students to become more direct, not to bury their thoughts under a cascade of academic language, to be more forthright," he says.

Tips on Choosing Between a Non-Degree or Degree-Based Creative Writing Program

Experts note that someone needs to be ready to get immersed in the writing process and devote significant time to writing projects before pursuing a creative writing degree. Prospective writing students should not sign up for a degree program until they have reached that sense of preparedness, warns Kim Todd, an associate professor at the University of Minnesota College of Liberal Arts and director of its creative writing program.

She says prospective writing students need to think about their personal goals and figure out if a creative writing degree will help them achieve those goals.

Aspiring writers who are not ready to invest in a creative writing degree program may want to sign up for a one-off writing class or begin participating in an informal writing workshop so they can test their level of interest in the field, Todd suggests.

How to Choose and Apply to a Creative Writing Program

In many cases, the most important component of an application to a writing program is the writing portfolio, writing program experts say. Prospective writing students need to think about which pieces of writing they include in their portfolio and need to be especially mindful about which item they put at the beginning of their portfolio. They should have a trusted mentor critique the portfolio before they submit it, experts suggest.

Because creative writing often involves self-expression, it is important for aspiring writing students to find a program where they feel comfortable expressing their true identity.

This is particularly pertinent to aspiring authors who are members of minority groups, including people of color or LGBTQ individuals, says Lawlor, who identifies as queer, transgender and nonbinary.

How to Use a Creative Writing Degree

Creative writing program professors and alumni say creative writing programs cultivate a variety of in-demand skills, including the ability to communicate effectively.

"While yes, many creative writers are idealists and dreamers, these are also typically highly flexible and competent people with a range of personal strengths. And a good creative writing program helps them understand their particular strengths and marketability and translate these for potential employers, alongside the more traditional craft development work," Melissa Ridley Elmes, an assistant professor of English at Lindenwood University in Missouri, wrote in an email.

Elmes – an author who writes poetry, fiction and nonfiction – says creative writing programs force students to develop personal discipline because they have to consistently produce a significant amount of writing. In addition, participating in writing workshops requires writing students "to give and receive constructive feedback," Elmes says.

Cindy Childress, who has a Ph.D. in English from the University of Louisiana—Lafayatte and did a creative writing dissertation where she submitted poetry, says creative writing grads are well-equipped for good-paying positions as advertising and marketing copywriters, speechwriters, grant writers and ghostwriters.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual compensation for writers and authors was $63,200 as of May 2019.

"I think the Internet, and writing communities online and in social media, have been very helpful for debunking the idea that if you publish a New York Times Bestseller you will have 'made it' and can quit your day job and write full time," Elmes explains. "Unless you are independently wealthy, the odds are very much against you in this regard."

Childress emphasizes that creative writing degree recipients have "skills that are absolutely transferable to the real world." For example, the same storytelling techniques that copywriters use to shape public perceptions about a commercial brand are often taught in introductory creative writing courses, she says. The ability to tell a good story does not necessarily come easily to people who haven't been trained on how to do it, she explains.

Childress says she was able to translate her creative writing education into a lucrative career and start her own ghostwriting and book editing company, where she earns a six-figure salary. She says her background in poetry taught her how to be pithy.

"Anything that we want to write nowadays, particularly for social media, is going to have to be immediately understood, so there is a sense of immediacy," she says."The language has to be crisp and direct and exact, and really those are exactly the same kind of ways you would describe a successful poem."

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Bachelor of Science in Creative Writing – English

Transfer credits, next start date, explore the fundamentals of creative writing and english to help you take a step forward in your career.

Do you have a passion for storytelling and are looking to develop your writing skills? Do you want to ensure you are as prepared as possible for your future career? Liberty University’s 100% online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Creative Writing – English can give you a fundamental knowledge of the English language and practical skills that can make a difference in your career outlook.

Various types of creative works are covered in your classes, which can help mold you into a more well-rounded author. If you are interested in developing a deep understanding of the English language and how it can be used to communicate through stories, Liberty University’s Bachelor of Science in Creative Writing – English may be the right fit for you.

Why Choose Liberty’s Bachelor’s Degree in Creative Writing with a Concentration in English?

At Liberty, we seek to ensure our students receive the best education possible – regardless of subject area. Our professors have real-world experience and are specially equipped to help you develop the skills needed to distinguish yourself as an author.

Our mission here at Liberty University is to Train Champions for Christ . We teach all our courses from a Christian worldview. This gives our BS in Creative Writing – English a unique perspective on how communication is used in many media forms.

Because our degree is 100% online, you can take classes while maintaining your current commitments – both personal and professional. We are here to come alongside you and help you succeed without putting your life on hold. Partner with us, and we can work together to prepare you for an exciting career in creative writing.

What Will You Learn in Our Bachelor of Science in Creative Writing – English Degree?

Liberty University’s 100% online Bachelor of Science in Creative Writing with a concentration in English contains courses designed to teach you marketable writing skills in a wide variety of genres, including poetry, novellas, memoirs, theater, and film. Other courses will cover editing for publishing, methods and materials of research, print and digital publishing, writing for cultural engagement, and a creative writing workshop.

You also can take several elective English and/or writing courses as part of your specialization. Some of the topics you could study include American literature, English literature, world literature, inspirational writing, grant writing, and fashion writing. This gives you the unique opportunity to tailor your degree to your interests and prepare specifically for your desired future career.

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List of All U.S. Colleges with a Creative Writing Major

Writing has been my passion practically since I learned to read in kindergarten. I would write stories about princesses and my family dog, Gansett. When it came time to look at colleges, I was set on attending one with a strong creative writing program. Ultimately, I graduated from Johns Hopkins University with a B.A. in Writing Seminars.

Today, colleges across the country offer creative writing as a major. Because writing skills are essential for a wide range of careers, and because most curricula emphasize broad liberal arts competencies, a degree in creative writing can set you up for success in numerous fields, whether you want to be an editor or a lawyer.

Interested in majoring in creative writing? Learn which schools offer the major and what to look for in a program.

Overview of the Creative Writing Major

Creative writing is about more than spinning tales. For your major, you’ll generally need to pursue a curriculum grounded in literature, history, foreign language, and other humanities courses, along with distribution courses, if the college requires them.

Most creative writing majors must participate in workshops, in which students present their work and listen to peer critiques, usually with a certain number of advanced courses in the mix. In some cases, colleges will ask you to specialize in a particular genre, such as fiction, poetry, or playwriting. 

To succeed in creative writing, you’ll need to have a tough spine, in order to open yourself up to feedback from your classmates and instructors. You may need to give readings in public — if not as an undergraduate, certainly during your career. Of course, a passion for creating is essential, too, as is a willingness to revise your work and learn from the greats and your peers.

A creative writing major opens up doors to many careers, including journalism, content marketing, copywriting, teaching, and others. Even careers that don’t center around writing often have a strong writing component: you’ll need to write reports, deliver presentations, and so on.

Some writers go on to earn an MFA, which will help you hone your craft. It’s also often a prerequisite for teaching creative writing at the college level.

What to Look for in a College as a Creative Writing Major

Published authors on faculty.

Many world-renowned authors have another claim to fame: professorships. Writers who have taught their craft include (among many others):

Be aware that as an undergraduate, you may not be able to learn from the greats. That’s why it’s important to look into which courses these faculty teach before you have dreams of being mentored by Salman Rushdie — who is a Distinguished Writer in Residence at NYU.

Genres Offered

While many schools that have creative writing majors offer fiction and poetry courses and tracks, there are some niche genres that could be more difficult to find. If you’re interested in playwriting, for example, you won’t find that at every school. Before you decide on a program, be sure it includes the genres you’d like to explore further, whether that’s flash fiction, creative nonfiction, or something else.

Workshopping Opportunities

The core of most quality creative writing curriculum is workshopping. This means sharing your work in your classes and listening to your peers discuss and critique it. While this may sound intimidating, it can do a lot to help you hone your work and become a better writer. Look for colleges that make this the bedrock of their curriculum.

Showcasing Opportunities

Are there opportunities to present your work, such as college-sponsored readings where undergraduates can participate? Or, perhaps the school has a great literary journal. At my school, students could submit their plays and have them performed by fellow students. 

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What Are Your Chances of Acceptance?

No matter what major you’re considering, the first step is ensuring you’re academically comparable to students who were previously accepted to the college or university. Most selective schools use the Academic Index to filter out applicants who aren’t up to their standards.

You’ll also want to demonstrate your fit with the school and specific major with the qualitative components of your application, like your extracurriculars and essays. For a prospective creative writing major, the essay is particularly important because this is a way to demonstrate your writing prowess. Activities might include editing your school’s newspaper or literary journal, publishing your work, and participating in pre-college writing workshops.

Want to know your chances of being accepted to top creative writing schools? Try our Chancing Engine (it’s free). Unlike other calculators, it takes your individual profile into account, including academic stats and qualitative components like your activities. Give it a try and get a jumpstart on your journey as a creative writing major!

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College Transitions

Best Colleges for Creative Writing

Bookworms and aspiring writers can pursue an undergraduate degree in creative writing where they will tackle coursework covering the reading and writing fiction, nonfiction, and poetry as well as the theory and history of the craft. While becoming the next J.K Rowling, Stephen King, or George R.R. Martin may be the goal, holders of creative writing degrees end up on a variety career paths. This can include: publishing, editing, journalism, web content management, advertising, or for those who “make it” as writers—the next generation of literary superstars. Our list of Best Colleges for Creative Writing goes beyond the most famous writer-factories like the University of Iowa and Columbia University, providing you with more than 25 institutions known for their stellar programs in this field.

Click the links below for more information about each college's creative writing program. Click here to read our methodology. Finally, note that although some of the colleges featured below do not offer a formal major in creative writing, their undergraduate offerings in this subject area are so strong that they warrant inclusion on our list.

Brown University

Boston University

Colby College

Colorado College

Columbia University

Cornell University

Duke University

Emerson College

Emory University

Grinnell College

Hamilton College

Johns Hopkins University

Kenyon College

Macalester College

Middlebury College

New York University

Northwestern University

Oberlin College

Princeton University

Sarah Lawrence College

University of Iowa

University of Michigan

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

University of Southern California

University of Texas at Austin

University of Virginia

University of Wisconsin

Washington University

Williams College

Yale University

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2022 edition, a guide to what america's top schools can do for you.

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

-Lynn O'Shaughnessy, Nationally Recognized College Expert

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Thirteen Colleges Every High School Creative Writer Should Consider [Updated for 2019!]

The Adroit Journal

The process of selecting a college for four years—four significant years—of one’s life is never easy. What further complicates this process is the fact that more applications are flying into pretty much every school than ever before. What contradicts this idea, however, is the reality: that there are multiple schools that present terrific opportunities for each type of student . There are multiple ‘best creative writing colleges’. So creative writers, fear not! If you don’t believe me, check out some pretty awesome programs below.

Since its inception in 2010,  The Adroit Journal  has been committed to helping high school writers unlock their potentials while finding the undergraduate writing community for them. High school writers should check out our free, annual online Summer Mentorship Program , which will open to applications on March 15th, as well as our Adroit Prizes for Poetry and Prose , which recognize spectacular high school and college writers each year. You may wish to additionally check out our summer workshop, camp, and program guide for high school creative writers , as well as our tips for high school teen writers .

But First… Sign Up for Updates!

No matter where you choose to spend your college years, be sure to spend them with us! By signing up below, you’ll receive updates each time we open a submission period or release an issue, and you’ll receive our 2019 Guide to Colleges Every Creative Writer Should Consider . (Note: If you are already subscribed to our mailing list, you will already receive this guide.)

1 | Emory University

Atlanta, Georgia Acceptance Rate: 26.8% Undergraduate Enrollment: 7,829 US News & World Rank: 21 2019 Admissions Deadline: January 1, 2019

best college creative writing

Where to begin? Beautiful campus, beautiful weather, and some of the best creative writing resources a college can hope to have. Emory University is the home of previous U.S. Poet Laureate (and Queen) Natasha Trethewey, as well as a sterling set of core faculty, visiting lecturers, and fellows.

English & Creative Writing Major Creative Writing Minor Honors Program in Creative Writing Creative Writing Faculty Page Creative Writing Fellows Page Raymond Danowski Poetry Library

2 | University of Virginia

Charlottesville, Virginia Acceptance Rate: 29.0% Undergraduate Enrollment: 16,483 US News & World Rank: 25 2019 Admissions Deadline: January 1, 2019

best college creative writing

Boasting another beautiful campus, the University of Virginia may be of particular interest to writers interested in concentrating in either poetry or prose writing for their undergraduate years. Specifically, the school hosts two specific two-year Area Programs dedicated to these areas—unlike any institution I’ve come across—with a terrific faculty (Lisa Russ Spaar, all hail) to boot.

English Major Distinguished Majors Program Creative Writing for Undergraduates Area Program in Poetry Writing Area Program in Literary Prose

3 | University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Acceptance Rate: 10.4% Undergraduate Enrollment: 9,746 US News & World Rank: 8 2019 Admissions Deadline: January 5, 2019

best college creative writing

Of course, I may happen to be biased— I’m a happy alum of Penn, and studied English with a concentration in Creative Writing and a minor in Consumer Psychology —but this means I can confidently say that through a refined liberal arts focus at the University of Pennsylvania , you will learn to write while also finding another interest—any interest—to write about. Penn also has an unrivaled internship program called [email protected], which provides students with approximately thirty diverse, meaningful internships open to the Penn community, and gives each $4,000 to ensure they can afford to do them. You can be sure that your creative writing portfolio will be read—in fact, Penn seeks to recruit the nation’s top young writers and provide them with admissions advocacy through the Kelly Writers House, a non-residential haven for writers and creative types of all kinds that hosts more than 300 events per year. The Writers House is also home to an incredibly tight-knit community of passionate writers and readers that is always pulling another chair up to the table. To find out more information about these opportunities, click on the “Kelly Writers House” and “Writing Recruitment Opportunity” links below. If interested in the recruitment opportunity, please contact Associate Director of Writing Recruitment Jamie-Lee Josselyn, whose contact information is available on the Kelly Writers House website. (By the way, it’s not at all restricted to Early Decision, it’s not at all restricted to prospective English Majors, and it’s not at all restricted to those who can afford full tuition.) No, you aren’t dreaming.

Department of English English Major with a Concentration in Creative Writing Kelly Writers House Writing Recruitment Opportunity RealArts @ Penn Internship Program Department of Creative Writing Creative Writing Faculty

4 | Princeton University

Princeton, New Jersey Acceptance Rate: 7.4% Undergraduate Enrollment: 5,391 US News & World Rank: 1 2019 Admissions Deadline: January 1, 2019

best college creative writing

The faculty at Princeton University is undeniably stacked: Jeffrey Eugenides, Paul Muldoon, Joyce Carol Oates, James Richardson, Tracy K. Smith… the list goes on. No doubt it will be an intense four years, but Princeton is a tough one to say “no” to.

Lewis Center for the Arts Princeton Poetry Festival Creative Writing Faculty Page Creative Writing Program Reading Series

5 | Washington University in St. Louis

St. Louis, Missouri Acceptance Rate: 17.1% Undergraduate Enrollment: 7,401 US News & World Rank: 19 2019 Admissions Deadline: January 15, 2019

best college creative writing

It’s no secret that Washington University in St. Louis  is a great place to write—it’s got one of the top Master of Fine Arts programs in the world for creative writing. With a number of certifiably awesome opportunities, it’s also a great place for undergrads… and the fact that they have a specific scholarship dedicated to enabling the best writers to come to WashU is pretty cool, too. P.S.—Mary Jo Bang, Carl Phillips, francine harris. I rest my case.

Undergraduate English Program Concentration in Creative Writing Creative Writing Faculty English and/or Writing Minor Howard Nemerov Writing Scholarship

6 | Yale University

New Haven, Connecticut Acceptance Rate: 6.3% Undergraduate Enrollment: 5,477 US News & World Rank: 3 2019 Admissions Deadline: January 1, 2019

best college creative writing

From what I’ve heard, being on Yale University ‘s campus is kind of like being in a never-ending creative paradise. Especially if you know where to look. The programs are fantastic (duh—it’s Yale), and Yale students can write —poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and plays. And the school is near New York City, and home to the fabulous Yale University Press. Also, the students do cool things like this (shoutout to previous Adroit prose reader Roger Pellegrini!) and this (shoutout to previous Adroit  Managing Editor Alexa Derman!).

Undergraduate English Major Creative Writing at Yale Creative Writing Faculty Writing Concentration

7 | Bucknell University

Lewisburg, Pennsylvania Acceptance Rate: 30.7% Undergraduate Enrollment: 3,565 US News & World Rank: 36 (Colleges) 2019 Admissions Deadline: January 15, 2019

best college creative writing

Although perhaps not known as as the most creative of schools,  Bucknell University buzzes with excitement on the poetry front. Other than being home to Bucky the Bison, Bucknell is home to the stunning Stadler Center for Poetry, which brings a number of mix of iconic literary figures and fresh emerging perspectives to Bucknell through an active reading series and two Stadler Fellow seats. Furthermore, Bucknell students (and, actually, all undergraduate students) have enhanced access to the opportunity of studying poetry as part of the annual Bucknell Seminar for Younger Poets, which brings two inspiring poets to town and awards full-tuition fellowships to ten undergraduate poets finishing their sophomore, junior, or senior years. ( Disclaimer: I was a Younger Poet Fellow last summer, so I may be a biased. But: Apply, even if you aren’t a Bucknell student. Trust me. ) The 32nd annual Seminar will take place in June 2016.

Bucknell University English Major Creative Writing Concentration English & Creative Writing Faculty Stadler Center for Poetry

8 | New York University

New York, New York Acceptance Rate: 35.5% Undergraduate Enrollment: 24,985 US News & World Rank: 30 2019 Admissions Deadline: January 1, 2019

best college creative writing

Another undeniably exciting place to study creative writing (of pretty much any genre) is New York University . NYU has not only a fabulous core faculty, but also a talented pool of graduate students working towards their Masters of Fine Arts. This will provide you with a terrific mix of perspectives throughout your four years. And similar to Yale (perhaps a result of the aforementioned faculty), NYU has a fantastically creative student body (with the possible exception of the Stern kids), and the students can write . And New York City.

Creative Writing Program Creative Writing Faculty Creative Writing Undergraduate Program Literary Publications Lillian Vernon Creative Writers House

9 | Kenyon College

Gambier, Ohio Acceptance Rate: 25.1% Undergraduate Enrollment: 1,662 US News & World Rank: 30 (Colleges) 2019 Admissions Deadline: January 15, 2019

best college creative writing

It seems almost ironic that Kenyon College  follows in the list after New York University, seeing as the two are almost opposites: Kenyon is a small rural school, while New York is gigantic and, well, in New York. I say almost  opposites because both hold terrific opportunities for student writers. Kenyon is a well-known strong program for creative writers, perhaps because of its world-class Kenyon Review  and the annual Kenyon Young Writers Workshop. Whatever the reason, it deserves the acclaim—with  an incredible faculty and a strong student body (including an unbelievably large amount of students recognized in the Adroit Prizes !).

Kenyon College English Department Creative Writing at Kenyon Kenyon College English Faculty Kenyon College Literary Fellows The Kenyon Review &  KR Online Kenyon Review  Associates Program Kenyon Young Writers Workshop

10 | Stanford University

Stanford, California Acceptance Rate: 5.1% Undergraduate Enrollment: 7,019 US News & World Rank: 7 2019 Admissions Deadline: January 3, 2019

best college creative writing

Stanford University is strong across multiple areas of undergraduate study, clearly, but in the past has not been known by the mainstream for its creative writing resources. Having said that, the school prides itself on holding one of the premier fellowships for rising poets and fiction writers in the entire world—the Wallace Stegner Fellowship Program. This program trickles down into the undergraduate realm through instruction, and (obviously) through the establishment of a talented writing community. Also, the presence of strong minds on the core faculty is undeniable—looking at you, Adam Johnson, Eavan Boland, and Tobias Wolff. Also, Stanford probably has the most gorgeous campus in the history of the earth, and rumor has it they are looking for more writers…

Stanford University English Department Stanford University Undergraduate Creative Writing Program Wallace Stegner Fellowship Program Stanford University Core Creative Writing Professors Stanford University Visiting Creative Writing Professors Stanford University Lecturers in Creative Writing

11 | Emerson College

Boston, Massachusetts Acceptance Rate: 49.2% Undergraduate Enrollment: 3,765 US News & World Rank: Unlisted 2019 Admissions Deadline: January 15, 2019

best college creative writing

Emerson College  is home to an incredible Writing, Literature & Publishing program, as well as to the nationally-renowned literary publications Ploughshares  and Redivider . It’s also located in central Boston, and loaded with a strong faculty. What more could you want?

Writing, Literature & Publishing Program Undergraduate Programs W, L & P Faculty Literary Publications Careers & Internships in W, L & P

12 | Middlebury College

Middlebury, Vermont Acceptance Rate: 17.2% Undergraduate Enrollment: 2,526 US News & World Rank: 5 (Colleges) 2019 Admissions Deadline: January 1, 2019

best college creative writing

Middlebury College is another clear choice. Set in scenic Vermont, the school is home to the prestigious literary publication New England Review  and a host of significant creative writing resources and faculty members. For example, rising undergraduate seniors have the opportunity to apply to attend the world-renowned Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference.

Department of English and American Literature Creative Writing Offerings Creative Writing Faculty Undergraduates at Bread Loaf Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference New England Review

13 | Davidson College

Davidson, North Carolina Acceptance Rate: 21.7% Undergraduate Enrollment: 1,770 US News & World Rank: 10 (Colleges) 2019 Admissions Deadline: January 2, 2019

best college creative writing

Davidson College  is another one you might overlook in your college search—after all, it’s quite small and nestled in a small town in North Carolina—but don’t let yourself miss it! Aside from having a department with resources, Davidson has a strong faculty and a $30,000 annual scholarship for a creative writer to study (any subject) at Davidson. Pretty cool, if you ask me.

English Department Creative Writing Offerings English/Creative Writing Faculty & Staff Honors Program Patricia Cornwall Creative Writing Scholarship

Even more undergraduate Colleges & Universities you should consider

Barnard College Bennington College Bryn Mawr College Carnegie Mellon University Columbia University Harvard University Hollins University Johns Hopkins University Knox College Oberlin College Sewanee: The University of the South Skidmore College University of California, Berkeley University of Chicago University of Iowa University of Miami University of Michigan

These lists comprise only a few of the many schools with excellent programs. Many more perhaps belong on this list but, due to space constraints, were not added. Look at this list as a start, and good luck, seniors!

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best college creative writing

Peter LaBerge

Peter LaBerge founded The Adroit Journal in 2010, as a high school sophomore. His work appears in Crazyhorse, Harvard Review, Indiana Review, Iowa Review, Kenyon Review Online, Pleiades, and Tin House, among others. He is the recipient of a 2020 Pushcart Prize.

Thanks so much for this! Applied to a lot of these schools–so glad I did!

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The 13 Best Colleges for Creative Writing Degrees

The 13 Best Colleges for Creative Writing Degrees

  • 16-minute read
  • 23rd February 2023

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

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

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

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

What Is a Creative Writing Degree?

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

Career Opportunities After Graduation

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

What Subjects Are Typically Covered?

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

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

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

●  Location and campus culture

●  Faculty and resources available

●  Alumni network and professional connections

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

Admission Process

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

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

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

●  Official transcripts

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

●  GRE scores

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

1. Northwestern University

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

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

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

–  Laura Biagi, Class of 2009

2. Columbia University

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

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

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

–  Mary Mann, Class of 2015

3. University of Iowa

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

Here are some highlights of the university and Iowa City:

●  Iowa City is a designated UNESCO City of Literature.

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

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

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

●  Tennessee Williams is an alumnus of the program.

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

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

4. Emory University

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

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

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

●  Faculty who are professional practitioners in the writing field

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

●  Annual writing contests

●  Writing awards and scholarships

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

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

5. Oberlin College

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

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

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

–  Fiona Warnick, Class of 2022

6. Hamilton College

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

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

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

7. Brown University

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

8.  Washington University in St. Louis

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

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

9.  Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

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

10.  University of Michigan

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

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

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

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

11.  Johns Hopkins University

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

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

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

12.  Colorado College

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

13.  New York University

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

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

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

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

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

●  Creative writing programs are heavy in workshop culture.

●  New York City is America’s literary capital.

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

●  A faculty of professional writers will be your teachers.

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

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

Thanks for reading!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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1-25 of 32 results

Columbia University

New York, NY •

  • • Rating 3.81 out of 5   1,308 reviews

Graduate Student: Columbia's campus is great! As a graduate student, I love seeing the level of diversity within the engineering department and the opportunity to get to learn about everyone's backgrounds! I do wish that classes were taught much better since it seems like professors are just rambling for 2.5 hours and wait for students to blow up Piazza over conceptual and hw questions. I do also wish there was a greater emphasis on publicizing campus activities to graduate students. All in all the student body is incredibly intelligent and hard working! ... Read 1,308 reviews

  • grade  A+ Overall Niche Grade

Acceptance rate 4%

Net price $12,411

SAT range 1470-1570

#1 Best Colleges in New York .

Blue checkmark.

NEW YORK, NY ,

1308 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

Featured Review: Graduate Student says Columbia's campus is great! As a graduate student, I love seeing the level of diversity within the engineering department and the opportunity to get to learn about everyone's backgrounds! I do wish... .

Read 1308 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade : A+ ,

Acceptance Rate : 4% ,

Net Price : $12,411 ,

SAT Range : 1470-1570 ,

Hamilton College

Clinton, NY •

  • • Rating 3.7 out of 5   481 reviews

Freshman: It's an amazing campus with beautiful and kind professors, students, staff, etc. Everyone is willing to help you and no one leaves you hanging. I'd really recommend checking out this college to see if it's for you! ... Read 481 reviews

Acceptance rate 14%

Net price $26,803

SAT range 1410-1540

#7 Best Colleges in New York .

CLINTON, NY ,

481 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says It's an amazing campus with beautiful and kind professors, students, staff, etc. Everyone is willing to help you and no one leaves you hanging. I'd really recommend checking out this college to see... .

Read 481 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 14% ,

Net Price : $26,803 ,

SAT Range : 1410-1540 ,

University of Rochester

Rochester, NY •

  • • Rating 3.65 out of 5   1,578 reviews

Sophomore: I came to this school without having visited campus at all, and I'm so grateful that my move-in day was when I first got to experience it, with all my fellow freshman around me. People think, erroneously, that Rochester (both the city and the university) are boring places to be, and I would agree only insofar as to say that those who want things to come to them, might be bored. The city has so many amazing restaurants, venues, and sites, but you have to take that first step of getting on the bus to go see them. At an academically rigorous school like UR, it can be hard freshman year to remember that life exists outside of academics, and especially outside of STEM. UR has a vibrant arts community, though, not even including Eastman (which has student and professional concerts alike). Everyone finds their niche pretty easily once they look for it, because there is genuinely something for every type of person. And, everyone honestly supports each other all the time! ... Read 1,578 reviews

Acceptance rate 41%

Net price $40,125

SAT range 1370-1520

#8 Best Colleges in New York .

ROCHESTER, NY ,

1578 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.

Featured Review: Sophomore says I came to this school without having visited campus at all, and I'm so grateful that my move-in day was when I first got to experience it, with all my fellow freshman around me. People think,... .

Read 1578 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 41% ,

Net Price : $40,125 ,

SAT Range : 1370-1520 ,

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New York Film Academy

Sponsored result, new york film academy, yeshiva university.

  • • Rating 3.68 out of 5   290 reviews

Alum: I loved the environment that Yeshiva University provided me with. Many of my psychology courses were very lecture and slideshow based, which wasn't always very engaging. My favorite courses were the most challenging ones. The student life at Yeshiva University is robust and exciting, with so many opportunities. One definitely needs to CHOOSE to engage with programming, otherwise they can not be involved in anything the entire 4 years. ... Read 290 reviews

  • grade  A minus Overall Niche Grade

Acceptance rate 63%

Net price $36,807

SAT range 1140-1410

#15 Best Colleges in New York .

290 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says I loved the environment that Yeshiva University provided me with. Many of my psychology courses were very lecture and slideshow based, which wasn't always very engaging. My favorite courses were the... The student life at Yeshiva University is robust and exciting, with so many opportunities. One definitely needs to CHOOSE to engage with programming, otherwise they can not be involved in anything... .

Read 290 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade : A minus ,

Acceptance Rate : 63% ,

Net Price : $36,807 ,

SAT Range : 1140-1410 ,

Binghamton University, SUNY

Vestal, NY •

  • • Rating 3.63 out of 5   2,576 reviews

Freshman: I am an incoming freshman at SUNY Binghamton in the Fall of 2023. My experience has been positive. The initial Open House/campus tour, the application process, the Admitted Students Open House were all wonderful. My first introduction to Binghamton precedes my initial visit. Two of my cousins are graduates of Binghamton. They speak fondly of their time at the university: their lifelong friendships, their hobbies, their classes, their professors, and their job search support. Binghamton was definitely one of my college choices. After a campus tour, I was sure that it was a perfect fit. I applied Early Action in October and eagerly waited for the acceptance response. In January, to my delight, I was accepted into the prestigious school to study graphic design. After the Admitted Students Open House, I responded “yes”. I look forward forward to all the wonderful learning and experiences that lay ahead. ... Read 2,576 reviews

Acceptance rate 44%

Net price $17,881

SAT range 1310-1470

#17 Best Colleges in New York .

VESTAL, NY ,

2576 Niche users give it an average review of 3.6 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says I am an incoming freshman at SUNY Binghamton in the Fall of 2023. My experience has been positive. The initial Open House/campus tour, the application process, the Admitted Students Open House were... My first introduction to Binghamton precedes my initial visit. Two of my cousins are graduates of Binghamton. They speak fondly of their time at the university: their lifelong friendships, their... Binghamton was definitely one of my college choices. After a campus tour, I was sure that it was a perfect fit. I applied Early Action in October and eagerly waited for the acceptance response.... I look forward forward to all the wonderful learning and experiences that lay ahead. .

Read 2576 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 44% ,

Net Price : $17,881 ,

SAT Range : 1310-1470 ,

University at Buffalo, SUNY

Buffalo, NY •

  • • Rating 3.63 out of 5   3,048 reviews

Freshman: I've had so many great experiences at UB! I've made friends from all over the world, taken classes with amazing professors, and had the opportunity to get involved in a variety of clubs and organizations. One of my favorite experiences was studying abroad in Spain last summer. It was an incredible opportunity to immerse myself in a new culture, learn a new language, and make unforgettable memories. Overall, I'm really grateful for all the opportunities and experiences that UB has given me. ... Read 3,048 reviews

Acceptance rate 70%

Net price $17,954

SAT range 1180-1360

#20 Best Colleges in New York .

BUFFALO, NY ,

3048 Niche users give it an average review of 3.6 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says I've had so many great experiences at UB! I've made friends from all over the world, taken classes with amazing professors, and had the opportunity to get involved in a variety of clubs and... .

Read 3048 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 70% ,

Net Price : $17,954 ,

SAT Range : 1180-1360 ,

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Stony Brook University, SUNY

Stony Brook, NY •

  • • Rating 3.52 out of 5   2,799 reviews

Alum: Stony Brook University is an extremely diverse medium size university nestled in the middle of a suburban community. It is an extremely safe and cozy campus. I lived off campus and on campus throughout my undergraduate career. On campus living was very fun and felt comforting seeing other students around campus at all times of the day. I wouldn't consider it a party school, although there are some parties held by fraternity and sorority organizations off campus. Most students are invested in their studies and will do more wholesome activities such as joining school clubs geared toward various hobbies. I was involved in an outdoors club where we would get together for rock climbing, hiking, running, camping, etc. It was a great way to meet awesome people when I commuted to campus. As for the academics at SBU, prepare for a mix of small and large class sizes with challenging courses. ... Read 2,799 reviews

Acceptance rate 48%

Net price $16,445

SAT range 1300-1480

#21 Best Colleges in New York .

STONY BROOK, NY ,

2799 Niche users give it an average review of 3.5 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says Stony Brook University is an extremely diverse medium size university nestled in the middle of a suburban community. It is an extremely safe and cozy campus. I lived off campus and on campus... .

Read 2799 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 48% ,

Net Price : $16,445 ,

SAT Range : 1300-1480 ,

St. Bonaventure University

Saint Bonaventure, NY •

  • • Rating 3.65 out of 5   472 reviews

Niche User: I've committed to play ball at St Bonaventure, and everything about the recruiting process has been incredible. On my visit, everyone was so kind, and genuine, and really seemed to love this school. I'm not just talking the students, but the Uni staff, and people all over the town. I mean, people LOVE this school! On my flight home, wearing a Bonnies t-shirt at the airport/on the plane, half a dozen people called out to me "Bonnies!" The love is real. ... Read 472 reviews

Acceptance rate 78%

Net price $25,533

SAT range 1070-1270

#22 Best Colleges in New York .

SAINT BONAVENTURE, NY ,

472 Niche users give it an average review of 3.6 stars.

Featured Review: Niche User says I've committed to play ball at St Bonaventure, and everything about the recruiting process has been incredible. On my visit, everyone was so kind, and genuine, and really seemed to love this school.... .

Read 472 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 78% ,

Net Price : $25,533 ,

SAT Range : 1070-1270 ,

Pratt Institute

Brooklyn, NY •

  • • Rating 3.55 out of 5   846 reviews

Niche User: What I remember about Pratt the most were the encouraging professors and helpful faculty. Architecture students were by guided skilled, professional instructors. They empower their students and are always available for extra help. Counselors are also super helpful with anything regarding courses and financial aid. The curriculum was well paced. Writing assignments helped boost design thinking. Each semester developed our design creativity. Design studios can be tough at first. More importantly, studios were a collaborative environment where we learned to work with professors. In each class, everyone's input is valued. Follow your creative intuitions first, be open to advice from professors and you will make beautiful creations! The work is intensive, as expected of the field of study. each section struggles together. Tuition is very high for out-of-state. Some instructors went over the alotted time but that's as far as the complaints go. Valued education.. ... Read 846 reviews

  • grade  B Overall Niche Grade

Acceptance rate 68%

Net price $46,486

SAT range 1190-1410

#52 Best Colleges in New York .

BROOKLYN, NY ,

846 Niche users give it an average review of 3.6 stars.

Featured Review: Niche User says What I remember about Pratt the most were the encouraging professors and helpful faculty. Architecture students were by guided skilled, professional instructors. They empower their students and are... The work is intensive, as expected of the field of study. each section struggles together. Tuition is very high for out-of-state. Some instructors went over the alotted time but that's as far as the... .

Read 846 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade : B ,

Acceptance Rate : 68% ,

Net Price : $46,486 ,

SAT Range : 1190-1410 ,

The New School

  • • Rating 3.58 out of 5   643 reviews

Alum: I liked the educational experience of challenging yourself, and having the freedom to try explore content one might not find easily. I received my admission in February 2020, and for almost two years took part in online learning (thanks to the pandemic). My only regret or something I would like to see change is a community. This wasn't possible because of the pandemic but when students returned it seemed more cold than ever. ... Read 643 reviews

Acceptance rate 66%

Net price $43,547

SAT range 1150-1380

#54 Best Colleges in New York .

643 Niche users give it an average review of 3.6 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says I liked the educational experience of challenging yourself, and having the freedom to try explore content one might not find easily. I received my admission in February 2020, and for almost two years... .

Read 643 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 66% ,

Net Price : $43,547 ,

SAT Range : 1150-1380 ,

Ithaca College

Ithaca, NY •

  • • Rating 3.58 out of 5   2,045 reviews

Freshman: I am currently in the process of becoming a freshman and I am very excited to start in the fall. I am still figuring out my financial aid and how I will pay for my education, but I am very excited. ... Read 2,045 reviews

Net price $35,327

SAT range —

#56 Best Colleges in New York .

ITHACA, NY ,

2045 Niche users give it an average review of 3.6 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says I am currently in the process of becoming a freshman and I am very excited to start in the fall. I am still figuring out my financial aid and how I will pay for my education, but I am very excited. .

Read 2045 reviews.

Net Price : $35,327 ,

CUNY Brooklyn College

  • • Rating 3.66 out of 5   1,240 reviews

Sophomore: Ketlyne Bonne-Annee was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY few blocks from Brooklyn College, where she is finishing her first year. She has yet to declare her major but is considering international business . Her membership with the NSLS, honor society, and Seek program, gave her the courage to reintroduce the seek club, expected to be launched next year with her status as president. She is also a Brooklyn College Athlete; participated in the CUNY championship as a cross-country runner. She frequently volunteers at the Tanger Hillel; partnered with the NYC Blood Drive as a blood drive caption. To set a leadership example, she also donated blood. She has also participated in the Israel lead trip, where she traveled to Israel with Tanger Hillel at Brooklyn College in early January. she is very ambitious and is looking for ways to improve.Brooklyn is know for it’s diversity which is one aspect that I like . Changes that I would like to see is renovations in older buildings on campus. ... Read 1,240 reviews

Acceptance rate 51%

Net price $4,254

SAT range 1020-1180

#59 Best Colleges in New York .

1240 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.

Featured Review: Sophomore says Ketlyne Bonne-Annee was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY few blocks from Brooklyn College, where she is finishing her first year. She has yet to declare her major but is considering international... She is also a Brooklyn College Athlete; participated in the CUNY championship as a cross-country runner. She frequently volunteers at the Tanger Hillel; partnered with the NYC Blood Drive as a blood... .

Read 1240 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 51% ,

Net Price : $4,254 ,

SAT Range : 1020-1180 ,

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SUNY Oswego

Oswego, NY •

  • • Rating 3.57 out of 5   1,492 reviews

Sophomore: I loved the scenery at Oswego. Being close to Lake Ontario, I was able to spend time with friends and even go alone to take a mental break and observe the water. However, when winter came around, the weather was pretty bad. There was a lot of snow, ice, and below freezing days. The only thing I would change is for the residence halls on Westside of Oswego, to get AC and more heat, because the campuses on Lakeside are newer and residents are able to adjust the temperatures in their rooms. ... Read 1,492 reviews

  • grade  B minus Overall Niche Grade

Acceptance rate 80%

Net price $15,078

SAT range 1060-1280

OSWEGO, NY ,

1492 Niche users give it an average review of 3.6 stars.

Featured Review: Sophomore says I loved the scenery at Oswego. Being close to Lake Ontario, I was able to spend time with friends and even go alone to take a mental break and observe the water. However, when winter came around, the... .

Read 1492 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade : B minus ,

Acceptance Rate : 80% ,

Net Price : $15,078 ,

SAT Range : 1060-1280 ,

SUNY Plattsburgh

Plattsburgh, NY •

  • • Rating 3.57 out of 5   785 reviews

Senior: SUNY Plattsburgh has provided me with great academic experiences. The school has a wonderful BS/MSed Combined General and Special Education Program that exposes future educators to the content, strategies, and language they will utilize during their professional years. The program makes room for students to work in the Plattsburgh district to gain professional experience. In addition to this, the staff place us student teachers in the district schools to gain field hours for our certifications instead. SUNY Plattsburgh is filled with staff members who both encourage and challenge future student teachers to become the best educators they could be. I would like to see an improvement with the inclusion and diversity of the student body in the education department. For the younger generations to feel represented through teachers that look like them is beneficial for everyone as they feel seen, heard, and feel safe enough to learn. ... Read 785 reviews

Net price $15,421

SAT range 1050-1240

PLATTSBURGH, NY ,

785 Niche users give it an average review of 3.6 stars.

Featured Review: Senior says SUNY Plattsburgh has provided me with great academic experiences. The school has a wonderful BS/MSed Combined General and Special Education Program that exposes future educators to the content,... .

Read 785 reviews.

Net Price : $15,421 ,

SAT Range : 1050-1240 ,

Canisius College

  • • Rating 3.67 out of 5   778 reviews

Alum: Canisius College was a great way to spend my four years. I was far from home, but because Canisius is a small school everyone there became like family. The small class sizes make for a condusive learning environment with professors that truly care about your success. ... Read 778 reviews

Acceptance rate 81%

Net price $18,486

SAT range 1050-1250

778 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says Canisius College was a great way to spend my four years. I was far from home, but because Canisius is a small school everyone there became like family. The small class sizes make for a condusive... .

Read 778 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 81% ,

Net Price : $18,486 ,

SAT Range : 1050-1250 ,

SUNY Potsdam

Potsdam, NY •

  • • Rating 3.52 out of 5   750 reviews

Junior: I am currently a Junior at SUNY Potsdam and have enjoyed my time here thus far. I personally have enjoyed the life-long friends I've made, the connections I've made with my professors/department, and with those in the local community (especially, at the local coffee shop - Jernabis!). SUNY Potsdam, like many colleges, is what you make it. If you put yourself out there, join activities you like/are passionate about, and apply yourself in your department, the chance of you enjoying your college experience increases. Potsdam has a variety of student clubs/organizations and sports teams to join to connect with peers outside of classes too. Academics at Potsdam vary in quality depending on the department you are in, so I highly recommend searching and reaching out to your department of choice before attending. Dorming at Potsdam is pretty good and food is average/has downgraded slightly since COVID, but PACES is actively trying to improve. I recommend checking out Potsdam! ... Read 750 reviews

Net price $14,494

POTSDAM, NY ,

750 Niche users give it an average review of 3.5 stars.

Featured Review: Junior says I am currently a Junior at SUNY Potsdam and have enjoyed my time here thus far. I personally have enjoyed the life-long friends I've made, the connections I've made with my professors/department, and... .

Read 750 reviews.

Net Price : $14,494 ,

SUNY Finger Lakes Community College

Canandaigua, NY •

  • • Rating 3.76 out of 5   360 reviews

Freshman: FLCC has excellent staff that care about your success. From admissions onward, they are passionate. Professors try and make courses engaging and affordable, often selecting less expensive texts for students to reference. The facilities offer plenty of engagement and enrichment for the student experience. A large library with attached tutoring center. A performing arts center that sees international award winning singers performing during the summer months. A well put together fitness center with open hours to attend before, between, or after classes. The food in the cafe is well made. Many sports to try, including timber sports which you normally only find at more niche colleges or in colder enviroments. ... Read 360 reviews

  • grade  C+ Overall Niche Grade

Acceptance rate 100%

Net price $11,086

CANANDAIGUA, NY ,

360 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says FLCC has excellent staff that care about your success. From admissions onward, they are passionate. Professors try and make courses engaging and affordable, often selecting less expensive texts for... .

Read 360 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade : C+ ,

Acceptance Rate : 100% ,

Net Price : $11,086 ,

Hartwick College

Oneonta, NY •

  • • Rating 3.43 out of 5   545 reviews

Sophomore: Hartwick College is a very good school. The nursing program that I am in is very competitive and rigorous, but it prepares you a lot for your nursing career ahead. As with every school it has its downfalls, but the upsides outweigh them completely. The campus is very welcoming and the people here are amazing. The classes are small so you get to know the teacher and others in your class one on one which is extremely helpful. The staff is very capable and willing to help you in whatever way possible. Everyone there just wants to see you succeed and are there for you any step of the way. Overall, Hartwick College is an amazing place to attend school. I have learned so much since my freshman year and it has turned me into an all around better person. The resources they offer you and opportunities you can achieve are endless and very helpful in the long run. All in all, it's an amazing school and if it is one of your options, I highly recommend looking into it for your top school! ... Read 545 reviews

Acceptance rate 96%

Net price $22,523

SAT range 1000-1220

ONEONTA, NY ,

545 Niche users give it an average review of 3.4 stars.

Featured Review: Sophomore says Hartwick College is a very good school. The nursing program that I am in is very competitive and rigorous, but it prepares you a lot for your nursing career ahead. As with every school it has its... .

Read 545 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 96% ,

Net Price : $22,523 ,

SAT Range : 1000-1220 ,

SUNY Purchase College

Purchase, NY •

  • • Rating 3.42 out of 5   1,137 reviews

Sophomore: I love how accepting SUNY Purchase is! Initially I was nervous starting my freshman year of collage, but to my surprise the students and staff of Purchase welcomed me with open hands. Purchase is very diverse. As a student of color, this factor makes me feel safe and included in campus life. I am also very pleased academically. Purchase has unique classes that are not offered at other colleges. Some unique classes includes, American Sign Language, Gender studies, Thinking Race, ect.. ... Read 1,137 reviews

Acceptance rate 75%

Net price $19,458

SAT range 1120-1320

PURCHASE, NY ,

1137 Niche users give it an average review of 3.4 stars.

Featured Review: Sophomore says I love how accepting SUNY Purchase is! Initially I was nervous starting my freshman year of collage, but to my surprise the students and staff of Purchase welcomed me with open hands. Purchase is... .

Read 1137 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 75% ,

Net Price : $19,458 ,

SAT Range : 1120-1320 ,

SUNY Monroe Community College

  • • Rating 3.76 out of 5   630 reviews

Freshman: From my few experiences at MCC I enjoyed it very much. There’s a surplus of resources on campus and online to help students do the best they can do. That’s why I chose to go back now that I’m serious about my education! I feel that I’m going to have a great community and environment with a good support system within the school to do an exceptional job this time around. I also prefer environments that are more diverse because it’s a more comfortable experience. MCC provides a great diverse atmosphere as well as a SAFE SPACE to learn and get help. ... Read 630 reviews

Net price $7,150

630 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says From my few experiences at MCC I enjoyed it very much. There’s a surplus of resources on campus and online to help students do the best they can do. That’s why I chose to go back now that I’m serious... .

Read 630 reviews.

Net Price : $7,150 ,

SUNY Nassau Community College

Garden City, NY •

  • • Rating 3.64 out of 5   1,081 reviews

Alum: I had a really good first semester at Nassau Community College but unfortunately, I didn't get to experience my full year at Nassau Community College as the pandemic had hit and everything was shifted to online. Most of my professors that I had were very accommodating and patient to the transition. My only complaint would be that the advisors can sometimes be rude and not in the slightest bit helpful. I have one advisor that help me with a specific issue and basically told me to go to her for any help that I needed but then turned her back on me after I came to her in regards to another issue that had to do with my financial aid. Overall, this is a great community college to get your feet wet into transferring into a senior college and I miss this school very much. I owe this school my success! ... Read 1,081 reviews

  • grade  C Overall Niche Grade

Net price $6,730

GARDEN CITY, NY ,

1081 Niche users give it an average review of 3.6 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says I had a really good first semester at Nassau Community College but unfortunately, I didn't get to experience my full year at Nassau Community College as the pandemic had hit and everything was... Overall, this is a great community college to get your feet wet into transferring into a senior college and I miss this school very much. I owe this school my success! .

Read 1081 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade : C ,

Net Price : $6,730 ,

SUNY Buffalo State University

  • • Rating 3.48 out of 5   1,503 reviews

Sophomore: At Buffalo State it took some getting used to given that I had not visited my campus until "Move In Day", however, I came to realize that it is my home away from home. The college is diverse which is something I was eager to find when going away for school. The professors are more than happy to help you reach and surpass your academic goals and every one is very friendly. ... Read 1,503 reviews

Acceptance rate 85%

Net price $9,998

SAT range 930-1160

1503 Niche users give it an average review of 3.5 stars.

Featured Review: Sophomore says At Buffalo State it took some getting used to given that I had not visited my campus until "Move In Day", however, I came to realize that it is my home away from home. The college is diverse which is... .

Read 1503 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 85% ,

Net Price : $9,998 ,

SAT Range : 930-1160 ,

Manhattanville College

  • • Rating 3.42 out of 5   860 reviews

Alum: I graduated here in 2018. I met one of my best friends there. The classes are small, the library has what you need. The food was great, I thought. There was more campus life than it seems, you just have to look for it. The campus is beautiful, and the dorms were great, since they renovated them while I was there. If you like small classes, they are great, and the professors are really helpful. If you have learning and/or physical disabilities like me then they have a great program for that! They have two gyms, (one for sports and the other for regular exercise) and they are both great. They have two chapels and a cemetery for the nuns that used to run the college. If you are a spiritual person (no matter the faith), you can enhance your spirituality there. ... Read 860 reviews

Acceptance rate 83%

Net price $21,969

SAT range 1020-1230

860 Niche users give it an average review of 3.4 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says I graduated here in 2018. I met one of my best friends there. The classes are small, the library has what you need. The food was great, I thought. There was more campus life than it seems, you just... The campus is beautiful, and the dorms were great, since they renovated them while I was there. If you like small classes, they are great, and the professors are really helpful. If you have learning and/or physical disabilities like me then they have a great program for that! They have two gyms, (one for sports and the other for regular exercise) and they are both great. They have two chapels and a cemetery for the nuns that used to run the college. If you are a spiritual person (no matter the faith), you can enhance your spirituality there. .

Read 860 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 83% ,

Net Price : $21,969 ,

SAT Range : 1020-1230 ,

St. Thomas Aquinas College

Sparkill, NY •

  • • Rating 3.41 out of 5   152 reviews

Alum: The professor-student ratio is perfect, as the small class size allows for a close relationship. Professors are always available for student help and want to see them succeed. If you take up the opportunities they offer then you will have no issue achieving what you want to achieve. ... Read 152 reviews

Acceptance rate 89%

Net price $18,502

SAT range 970-1190

SPARKILL, NY ,

152 Niche users give it an average review of 3.4 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says The professor-student ratio is perfect, as the small class size allows for a close relationship. Professors are always available for student help and want to see them succeed. If you take up the... .

Read 152 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 89% ,

Net Price : $18,502 ,

SAT Range : 970-1190 ,

SUNY Adirondack Community College

Queensbury, NY •

  • • Rating 3.6 out of 5   384 reviews

Sophomore: Honestly SUNY ADK is an amazing school, full of diverse, kind and certainly driven students and staff. I'm a dually enrolled student and I started going to SUNY ADK in my junior year of high school, and to be completely truthful, I am gonna miss the friends I have made at this school, as well as the professors who have taught me so much while also giving me an engaging classroom experience. ... Read 384 reviews

Net price $7,619

QUEENSBURY, NY ,

384 Niche users give it an average review of 3.6 stars.

Featured Review: Sophomore says Honestly SUNY ADK is an amazing school, full of diverse, kind and certainly driven students and staff. I'm a dually enrolled student and I started going to SUNY ADK in my junior year of high school,... .

Read 384 reviews.

Net Price : $7,619 ,

Arcadia University

Glenside, PA •

  • • Rating 3.32 out of 5   1,260 reviews

Alum: I loved my experience at Arcadia when I was a student. It was an incredibly special place to be because of the students who went there, and the faculty members’ commitment to creating an engaging and inclusive environment. The coursework was sometimes rigorous, but there was always help available. Professors were easy to talk to. If you would like to try out campus work study, there used to be some great programs you could participate in. Remember to consider the vast study abroad program; there were many great places to go. Sadly, Arcadia does not seem to be the place that it was anymore. There are good intentions I think, but it is now being ran more like a business than a place of education. It sounds hollow and focused on marketing and key words, and the magic that drew me to apply is missing. I won’t tell you to write it off, because I got so much of my early experience there- but at least visit first. See it it still feels like a good fit for you. ... Read 1,260 reviews

Acceptance rate 82%

Net price $26,949

SAT range 1080-1280

Sponsored Result, Arcadia University

GLENSIDE, PA ,

1260 Niche users give it an average review of 3.3 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says I loved my experience at Arcadia when I was a student. It was an incredibly special place to be because of the students who went there, and the faculty members’ commitment to creating an engaging and... The coursework was sometimes rigorous, but there was always help available. Professors were easy to talk to. If you would like to try out campus work study, there used to be some great programs you... Sadly, Arcadia does not seem to be the place that it was anymore. There are good intentions I think, but it is now being ran more like a business than a place of education. It sounds hollow and... .

Read 1260 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 82% ,

Net Price : $26,949 ,

SAT Range : 1080-1280 ,

The American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) - New York

  • • Rating 4.1 out of 5   507 reviews

Junior: The teachers really care and there is a lot of work you have to put in in order to see yourself grow. What you put in is what you get out of it. Of course the dorms aren’t nice but that is just because of where we live, we make some sacrifices in order for other things to flourish. To live in New York and have access to so many amazing things comes with a cost. The food is not good either so learn how to cook, buy a stove top ... Read 507 reviews

Acceptance rate 22%

Net price $44,797

Sponsored Result, The American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) - New York

507 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars.

Featured Review: Junior says The teachers really care and there is a lot of work you have to put in in order to see yourself grow. What you put in is what you get out of it. Of course the dorms aren’t nice but that is just... .

Read 507 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 22% ,

Net Price : $44,797 ,

Showing results 1 through 25 of 32

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Best Creative Writing Colleges & Universities in America

It's a great time to get into Creative Writing and find the best school for your undergraduate Creative Writing degree on our list of the Best Creative Writing Colleges and Universities in America.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

4 Year  •  Cambridge ,  MA  •  10 reviews

Massachusetts Institute of Technology is a private not-for-profit university based in Cambridge , Massachusetts . It is an institution with an enrollment of over 1,097 bachelor’s degree candidates. The admission criteria is somewhat competitive with the acceptance rate of 7 %.

# 1 in Best Creative Writing Colleges & Universities in America

Brown University

Brown University

4 Year  •  Providence ,  RI  •  10 reviews

Brown University is a private not-for-profit university based in Providence , Rhode Island . It is an institution with an enrollment of over 1,637 bachelor’s degree candidates. The admission criteria is somewhat competitive with the acceptance rate of 8 %.

# 2 in Best Creative Writing Colleges & Universities in America

Columbia University in the City of New York

Columbia University in the City of New York

4 Year  •  New York ,  NY  •  10 reviews

Columbia University in the City of New York is a private not-for-profit university based in New York , New York . It is an institution with an enrollment of over 1,547 bachelor’s degree candidates. The admission criteria is somewhat competitive with the acceptance rate of 6 %.

# 3 in Best Creative Writing Colleges & Universities in America

Northwestern University

Northwestern University

4 Year  •  Evanston ,  IL  •  10 reviews

Northwestern University is a private not-for-profit university based in Evanston , Illinois . It is an institution with an enrollment of over 1,903 bachelor’s degree candidates. The admission criteria is somewhat competitive with the acceptance rate of 9 %.

# 4 in Best Creative Writing Colleges & Universities in America

Washington University in St Louis

Washington University in St Louis

4 Year  •  Saint Louis ,  MO  •  10 reviews

Washington University in St Louis is a private not-for-profit university based in Saint Louis , Missouri . It is an institution with an enrollment of over 1,778 bachelor’s degree candidates. The admission criteria is somewhat competitive with the acceptance rate of 15 %.

# 5 in Best Creative Writing Colleges & Universities in America

Dartmouth College

Dartmouth College

4 Year  •  Hanover ,  NH  •  10 reviews

Dartmouth College is a private not-for-profit university based in Hanover , New Hampshire . It is an institution with an enrollment of over 1,215 bachelor’s degree candidates. The admission criteria is somewhat competitive with the acceptance rate of 10 %.

# 6 in Best Creative Writing Colleges & Universities in America

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

4 Year  •  Ann Arbor ,  MI  •  10 reviews

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor is a public university based in Ann Arbor , Michigan . It is an institution with an enrollment of over 6,879 bachelor’s degree candidates. The admission criteria is somewhat competitive with the acceptance rate of 26 %.

# 7 in Best Creative Writing Colleges & Universities in America

University of Southern California

University of Southern California

4 Year  •  Los Angeles ,  CA  •  10 reviews

University of Southern California is a private not-for-profit university based in Los Angeles , California . It is an institution with an enrollment of over 3,358 bachelor’s degree candidates. The admission criteria is somewhat competitive with the acceptance rate of 15 %.

# 8 in Best Creative Writing Colleges & Universities in America

Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins University

4 Year  •  Baltimore ,  MD  •  10 reviews

Johns Hopkins University is a private not-for-profit university based in Baltimore , Maryland . It is an institution with an enrollment of over 1,420 bachelor’s degree candidates. The admission criteria is somewhat competitive with the acceptance rate of 12 %.

# 9 in Best Creative Writing Colleges & Universities in America

Carnegie Mellon University

Carnegie Mellon University

4 Year  •  Pittsburgh ,  PA  •  10 reviews

Carnegie Mellon University is a private not-for-profit university based in Pittsburgh , Pennsylvania . It is an institution with an enrollment of over 1,676 bachelor’s degree candidates. The admission criteria is somewhat competitive with the acceptance rate of 22 %.

# 10 in Best Creative Writing Colleges & Universities in America

Emory University

Emory University

4 Year  •  Atlanta ,  GA  •  10 reviews

Emory University is a private not-for-profit university based in Atlanta , Georgia . It is an institution with an enrollment of over 1,388 bachelor’s degree candidates. The admission criteria is somewhat competitive with the acceptance rate of 22 %.

# 11 in Best Creative Writing Colleges & Universities in America

The University of Texas at Austin

The University of Texas at Austin

4 Year  •  Austin ,  TX  •  9 reviews

The University of Texas at Austin is a public university based in Austin , Texas . It is an institution with an enrollment of over 8,381 bachelor’s degree candidates. The admission criteria is somewhat competitive with the acceptance rate of 36 %.

# 12 in Best Creative Writing Colleges & Universities in America

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COMMENTS

  1. 2023 Best Colleges with Creative Writing Degrees

    2023 Best Colleges with Creative Writing Degrees - Niche 2023 Best Colleges with Creative Writing Degrees in America Best colleges College Quiz Best value Best student life View on map College type 4-year Private Public 2-year Trade/career General area of study Any Majors Clear filter Online Campus See all majors Online friendliness Fully online

  2. The 12 Best Creative Writing Colleges and Programs

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

  3. 2023 Best Creative Writing Schools

    College Factual reviewed 214 schools in the United States to determine which ones were the best for degree seekers in the field of creative writing. When you put them all together, these colleges and universities awarded 6,817 degrees in creative writing during the 2020-2021 academic year. What's on this page: * Degree-Level Rankings

  4. 2022-2023 Colleges With Great Writing Programs

    2022-2023 Colleges With Great Writing Programs | US News Best Colleges Writing in the Disciplines Colleges Education Home Writing in the Disciplines These colleges typically make...

  5. 10 Best Colleges for Creative Writing: Where to Study the Art of

    Best Colleges for Creative Writing For the purposes of this article, we've selected universities based on their undergraduate programs. However, many also boast excellent MFA programs, which we've indicated for each below. 1. Northwestern University Northwestern's undergraduate creative writing program is one of the most renowned in the country.

  6. 25 Best Colleges for Aspiring Creative Writers

    1. Emory University There's a good reason why Emory seems to be part of every list of writing colleges — it has both a holistic and unique approach to developing great writers.

  7. Online Courses: Creative Writing

    On-campus Courses by Category Liberal Arts & Sciences Creative Writing Professional & Personal Development Courses by Course Code Courses by Day Courses by Department Courses by Duration 1 Day - 5 Weeks 6 - 10 Weeks Courses by Start Date EVENTS Event Calendar Past Events WRITING CERTIFICATE Introduction Curriculum Admissions & Registration

  8. 2023 Best Colleges for Creative Writing Undergrad Degrees

    Cappex offers personalized tuition and cost estimations based on information like expected family contribution, location, and GPA. Click here to create a free Cappex account and learn how much you'd pay for a creative writing degree at these schools. Best Colleges for a Creative Writing Undergraduate Degree

  9. 2023 Top Online Creative Writing College Programs

    A+. Overall Niche Grade. Acceptance rate 6%. Net price $14,578. SAT range 1480-1570. While my experience at Penn has been overwhelmingly positive, there are areas that I believe could be improved.

  10. Best Colleges for Creative Writing

    1. Brown University If you're wondering which school has the best creative writing program, Brown University is the top-ranked college to attend for students interested in creative writing. Source: Brown University Brown University's English Department offers various courses for students to explore their interests and hone their writing skills.

  11. 2023 Best Creative Writing Bachelor's Degree Schools

    For its 2023 ranking, College Factual looked at 101 schools in the United States to determine which ones were the best for creative writing students pursuing a bachelor's degree. When you put them all together, these colleges and universities awarded 3,331 bachelor's degrees in creative writing during the 2020-2021 academic year.

  12. 12 Best Colleges for Creative Writing [2023]

    1. Columbia University. The Undergraduate Creative Writing Program at Columbia University boasts one of the most prestigious literary histories. Well-known writers like J.D. Salinger, Federico Garcia Lorca, Eudora Welty, Langston Hughes, and Jack Kerouac have taken creative writing courses at the university.

  13. What to Know About Creative Writing Degrees

    Colleges With Great Writing Programs. Creative writing faculty acknowledge that a formal academic credential in creative writing is not needed in order to get writing published....

  14. Bachelor of Science in Creative Writing

    As a full-time student, this could save you an estimated $800-2,000 per year on textbooks! You can complete this online creative writing degree in as little as 3.5 years! You can mix and match ...

  15. List of All U.S. Colleges with a Creative Writing Major

    Colson Whitehead (many colleges, including Vassar College and Columbia University) Stephen Dixon (Johns Hopkins University) Viet Thanh Nguyen (University of Southern California)

  16. Best Colleges for Creative Writing

    Best Colleges for Creative Writing. Bookworms and aspiring writers can pursue an undergraduate degree in creative writing where they will tackle coursework covering the reading and writing fiction, nonfiction, and poetry as well as the theory and history of the craft. While becoming the next J.K Rowling, Stephen King, or George R.R. Martin may ...

  17. Best Creative Writing Courses & Certifications [2023]

    Commonwealth Education Trust Writing for Young Readers: Opening the Treasure Chest Skills you'll gain: Communication, Writing 4.7 (1.2k reviews) Mixed · Course · 1-3 Months Wesleyan University Creative Writing: The Craft of Style Skills you'll gain: Communication, Writing 4.7 (1.1k reviews)

  18. Thirteen Colleges Every High School Creative Writer Should Consider

    Thirteen Colleges Every High School Creative Writer Should Consider [Updated for 2019!] - The Adroit Journal The process of selecting a college for four years—four significant years—of one's life is never easy. What further complicates this process is the fact that more applications are flying into pretty much every school than ever before.

  19. The 13 Best Colleges for Creative Writing Degrees

    16-minute read 23rd February 2023 The 13 Best Colleges for Creative Writing Degrees So, you want to pursue a creative writing degree program in the United States. Wonderful! If you are passionate about writing and you're an avid reader, a career in fiction writing would be the way to go!

  20. 2023 Best Colleges with Creative Writing Degrees

    2023 Best New York Colleges with Creative Writing Degrees - Niche 2023 Best Colleges with Creative Writing Degrees in New York Best colleges College Quiz Best value Best student life View on map College type 4-year Private Public 2-year Community Trade/career Other General area of study Any Majors Online Campus See all majors Online friendliness

  21. Best Creative Writing Colleges & Universities in America

    Security Index School Size Under 1,000 - 20,000 and above Best Creative Writing Colleges & Universities in America It's a great time to get into Creative Writing and find the best school for your undergraduate Creative Writing degree on our list of the Best Creative Writing Colleges and Universities in America. Massachusetts Institute of Technology