creative writing college programs

2024 Best Colleges with Creative Writing Degrees in Illinois

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1-12 of 12 results

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL •

• • Rating 3.7 out of 5   1,485 reviews

Alum: Northwestern has an incredible network of professors who are preforming cutting-edge work in all their fields. Impressively, after an entire undergrad career there is only one professor who I would name as not a good professor, and that review is simply isolated to their teaching ability, not their subject knowledge. The learning support system is also extensive, and students are incredibly supportive as well. There is a culture of enabling yourself and those around you to reach new heights. While all the academics and research are amazing, I would say Northwestern needs to work on its accessibility to mental healthcare and ties to the greater Chicagoland community. There could be many more community outreach programs designed to benefit the diverse and interesting Chicago population, from academics to student life. ... Read 1,485 reviews

• grade  A+ Overall Niche Grade

Acceptance rate 7%

Net price $29,999

SAT range 1470-1570

#1 Best Colleges in Illinois .

Blue checkmark.

EVANSTON, IL ,

1485 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says Northwestern has an incredible network of professors who are preforming cutting-edge work in all their fields. Impressively, after an entire undergrad career there is only one professor who I would... .

Read 1485 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade : A+ ,

Acceptance Rate : 7% ,

Net Price : $29,999 ,

SAT Range : 1470-1570 ,

University of Chicago

Chicago, IL •

• • Rating 3.82 out of 5   1,292 reviews

Junior: I am an athlete at UChicago. Because this is an academically rigorous school, it can be hard to balance my studies with practices and having a social life, but that's also dependent on what someone studies. It's also a competitive environment academically, and things like greek life aren't very popular here. However, a lot of the professors here are incredible and I feel like the hard work I'm putting in now will pay off in the long run because I'll be more prepared for what I want to do after college. ... Read 1,292 reviews

Acceptance rate 6%

Net price $33,727

SAT range 1510-1580

#2 Best Colleges in Illinois .

CHICAGO, IL ,

1292 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

Featured Review: Junior says I am an athlete at UChicago. Because this is an academically rigorous school, it can be hard to balance my studies with practices and having a social life, but that's also dependent on what someone... .

Read 1292 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 6% ,

Net Price : $33,727 ,

SAT Range : 1510-1580 ,

Augustana College - Illinois

Rock Island, IL •

• • Rating 3.75 out of 5   806 reviews

Junior: I am a current Junior at Augustana College in Rock Island Illinois. Augustana College is a private liberal arts college that holds about 2,500 students across all four grades. Augustana boasts about its STEM programs as well as its faculty to student ratio. Augustana is a leading liberal arts college in the country with aggressive degree programs and intimate class settings that create lifelong memories. Augustana plans diligently for five-star housing and dining accommodations for all students. The city that Augustana sits in can be dangerous at night, but Augustana has a rigorous public safety team that works fiercely to protect students as much as possible. Overall, this is a fantastic educational institution.! ... Read 806 reviews

• grade  B+ Overall Niche Grade

Acceptance rate 69%

Net price $24,472

SAT range —

#13 Best Colleges in Illinois .

ROCK ISLAND, IL ,

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

Featured Review: Junior says I am a current Junior at Augustana College in Rock Island Illinois. Augustana College is a private liberal arts college that holds about 2,500 students across all four grades. Augustana boasts about... .

Read 806 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade : B+ ,

Acceptance Rate : 69% ,

Net Price : $24,472 ,

Principia College

• • Rating 4.04 out of 5   68

Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania

SHIPPENSBURG, PA

• • Rating 3.56 out of 5   1,098

Illinois Wesleyan University

BLOOMINGTON, IL

• • Rating 3.69 out of 5   649

Bradley University

Peoria, IL •

• • Rating 3.53 out of 5   1,241 reviews

Graduate Student: I love the professors so far! I still need to take my classes, but I already have an excellent taste of what my next 2.5 years will be like! I will have many opportunities to grow, learn, and engage with others. There will be many moments of creating, collaborating, and innovating with my classmates. ... Read 1,241 reviews

• grade  B Overall Niche Grade

Acceptance rate 76%

Net price $25,312

SAT range 1060-1280

#16 Best Colleges in Illinois .

PEORIA, IL ,

1241 Niche users give it an average review of 3.5 stars.

Featured Review: Graduate Student says I love the professors so far! I still need to take my classes, but I already have an excellent taste of what my next 2.5 years will be like! I will have many opportunities to grow, learn, and engage... .

Read 1241 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade : B ,

Acceptance Rate : 76% ,

Net Price : $25,312 ,

SAT Range : 1060-1280 ,

North Central College

Naperville, IL •

• • Rating 3.7 out of 5   924 reviews

Alum: North Central College will always hold a special place in my heart. I met some of my best friends, mentors, and even my husband while attending NCC. It is a place that we love to come back to and share the sense of community with our kids. There have been some big changes over the last 10 years which shows that NCC is keeping up with the needs of students and faculty for both today and future generations. I am proud to be an alum and will forever rock the red and white! Go Cards! ... Read 924 reviews

Acceptance rate 68%

Net price $26,207

SAT range 1030-1230

#26 Best Colleges in Illinois .

NAPERVILLE, IL ,

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

Featured Review: Alum says North Central College will always hold a special place in my heart. I met some of my best friends, mentors, and even my husband while attending NCC. It is a place that we love to come back to and... .

Read 924 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 68% ,

Net Price : $26,207 ,

SAT Range : 1030-1230 ,

College of DuPage

Glen Ellyn, IL •

• • Rating 3.82 out of 5   1,711 reviews

Sophomore: This is a commuter college, so meeting people is not as easy. However, there are a lot of organizations in which to get involved. There are so many scholarships to apply to at COD. I received three that helped me to pay my tuition. Also, there are so many opportunities to participate in the Arts for free. I visited the Lyric Opera in Chicago twice and several art exhibits and author discussions. If you keep a competitive GPA, there are many transfer scholarships. You can even have your taxes done here. COD has so much to offer and the professors really care. ... Read 1,711 reviews

Acceptance rate 100%

Net price $5,440

#13 Best Community Colleges in Illinois .

GLEN ELLYN, IL ,

1711 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

Featured Review: Sophomore says This is a commuter college, so meeting people is not as easy. However, there are a lot of organizations in which to get involved. There are so many scholarships to apply to at COD. I received three... .

Read 1711 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 100% ,

Net Price : $5,440 ,

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Knox College

Galesburg, IL •

• • Rating 3.65 out of 5   546 reviews

Sophomore: Strong English and Psychology program. Not a best college for CS. Cafeteria food has gotten better significantly during a last few years (even compared to big university). There should be an upgrade in campus food grade. Some students act like high schoolers which makes me frustrated (I do not think it is the only problem at Knox though). Politically it is extreme left within campus but politically right outside the campus (Galesburg town itself). Definitely international students & LGBTQ+ friendly campus. You must actively seek your own group or campus activities if you want yo adjust fast. However, I love professors and academics so far. Seek your academic chance actively, then you will earn what you want (tmi: Professors in education department are so sweet!!). If you love city life, this campus may not be ideal. But as time goes, you may like the town's quietness. ... Read 546 reviews

• grade  B minus Overall Niche Grade

Acceptance rate 70%

Net price $25,476

SAT range 1150-1380

GALESBURG, IL ,

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

Featured Review: Sophomore says Strong English and Psychology program. Not a best college for CS. Cafeteria food has gotten better significantly during a last few years (even compared to big university). There should be an upgrade... .

Read 546 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade : B minus ,

Acceptance Rate : 70% ,

Net Price : $25,476 ,

SAT Range : 1150-1380 ,

Millikin University

Decatur, IL •

• • Rating 3.51 out of 5   637 reviews

Freshman: My first semester at Millikin has been such a wonderful experience. Not only am I surrounded by peers who are kind and supportive, but I have also been lucky enough to experience professors who care very much about the content they are teaching and the students who receive it. I am a Musical Theatre major and plan on adding a digital marketing minor in my sophomore year. What I appreciate the most about this program is that even as a freshman, there are a plethora of opportunities to build upon my craft. From performances, to leadership and advococy, I have been able to involve myself in many opportunities much earlier than freshman in other programs can. In terms of change, I wonder if an adjustment in the order in which we take certain courses would be beneficial. For musical theatre majors specifically, we learn to build our resumes and websites later on, when it might be more helpful to do so earlier so that we can keep updating rather than rushing towards the end of our education. ... Read 637 reviews

Acceptance rate 75%

Net price $20,055

SAT range 960-1190

DECATUR, IL ,

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

Featured Review: Freshman says My first semester at Millikin has been such a wonderful experience. Not only am I surrounded by peers who are kind and supportive, but I have also been lucky enough to experience professors who care... .

Read 637 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 75% ,

Net Price : $20,055 ,

SAT Range : 960-1190 ,

School of the Art Institute of Chicago

• • Rating 3.73 out of 5   734 reviews

Senior: I love SAIC, don't get me wrong-- I made the best friends of my life here, and got to take some very interesting classes. But it does seem like a big shiny veneer when you get here as a Freshman, and slowly over the course of the undergraduate career the scales fall from your eyes. SAIC has wonderful classes, but student life is mostly just neglected and students kind of have to fend for themselves after the first year. Academic advising is a joke, and all the different advisors will tell you different things. The dropout rate is so high because most students get here and don't know what they're doing. The school does not pay their workers enough, especially adjunct professors, and it shows. All in all though, I'd say it was worth it to go here, simply for what I learned and who I met. You really do have to take full advantage of the school to get your money's worth. ... Read 734 reviews

• grade  C+ Overall Niche Grade

Acceptance rate 81%

Net price $50,214

SAT range 1120-1360

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

Featured Review: Senior says I love SAIC, don't get me wrong-- I made the best friends of my life here, and got to take some very interesting classes. But it does seem like a big shiny veneer when you get here as a Freshman, and... .

Read 734 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade : C+ ,

Acceptance Rate : 81% ,

Net Price : $50,214 ,

SAT Range : 1120-1360 ,

Columbia College Chicago

• • Rating 3.64 out of 5   2,782 reviews

Junior: Columbia College Chicago is an extremely diverse and welcoming college. The college offers many resources for students of all backgrounds and interests. There are many advisors for each major that help students navigate the school life and offer different programs. The college offers different ways to connect and network to major companies in different industries. Even the teacher will help with navigating different industries, especially if they've had experience from the specific industry or company. There are many mentors and tutoring opportunities, both on campus and online. The campus has a student building for food, relaxing, and extracurricular activates. But even though the food tastes good, it can be expensive. ... Read 2,782 reviews

• grade  C Overall Niche Grade

Acceptance rate 96%

Net price $25,262

2782 Niche users give it an average review of 3.6 stars.

Featured Review: Junior says Columbia College Chicago is an extremely diverse and welcoming college. The college offers many resources for students of all backgrounds and interests. There are many advisors for each major that... .

Read 2782 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade : C ,

Acceptance Rate : 96% ,

Net Price : $25,262 ,

Elsah, IL •

• • Rating 4.04 out of 5   68 reviews

Sophomore: My overall experience with Principia College has been really good. I personally like the small classes that allow more 1-on-1 work with the teachers. Through my first year all of the teachers were there for me and I always felt like a good fit for the school even though I come from a very big Highschool in the city. There are a couple things that could be better though such as price and financial aid as there are some students are here for almost little to nothing, and I am struggling just to make the first payment even though I am having hardships at home. ... Read 68 reviews

Acceptance rate 84%

Net price $19,816

SAT range 1020-1220

ELSAH, IL ,

68 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Sophomore says My overall experience with Principia College has been really good. I personally like the small classes that allow more 1-on-1 work with the teachers. Through my first year all of the teachers were... .

Read 68 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 84% ,

Net Price : $19,816 ,

SAT Range : 1020-1220 ,

Blackburn College

Carlinville, IL •

• • Rating 3.37 out of 5   123 reviews

Freshman: Blackburn College in Carlinville, Illinois is known for its unique approach to education. The college is one of the few in the United States that requires students to work on campus as part of their education. This work program allows students to gain valuable work experience while earning money to help pay for their education. Blackburn College is also known for its commitment to sustainability. Another great thing about Blackburn College is its small size. With a student body of around 600, students have the opportunity to get to know their professors and fellow students on a more personal level. This can lead to a more engaging and collaborative learning experience. Blackburn College also has a strong liberal arts curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking and problem solving. Students are encouraged to explore a variety of subjects and to think creatively about the world around them. Blackburn College has a strong sense of community and The college is located in a small town. ... Read 123 reviews

Acceptance rate 66%

Net price $19,016

SAT range 880-1130

CARLINVILLE, IL ,

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

Featured Review: Freshman says Blackburn College in Carlinville, Illinois is known for its unique approach to education. The college is one of the few in the United States that requires students to work on campus as part of their... Blackburn College is also known for its commitment to sustainability. Another great thing about Blackburn College is its small size. With a student body of around 600, students have the opportunity to get to know their professors and fellow students on a more personal... Blackburn College also has a strong liberal arts curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking and problem solving. Students are encouraged to explore a variety of subjects and to think creatively... Blackburn College has a strong sense of community and The college is located in a small town. .

Read 123 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 66% ,

Net Price : $19,016 ,

SAT Range : 880-1130 ,

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• 2024 Best Colleges with Playwriting and Screenwriting Degrees

Waubonsee Community College

SUGAR GROVE, IL

• • Rating 3.76 out of 5   632

Lindenwood University

SAINT CHARLES, MO

• • Rating 3.67 out of 5   941

SUNY Plattsburgh

PLATTSBURGH, NY

• • Rating 3.59 out of 5   812

Showing results 1 through 12 of 12

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

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

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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Best Creative Writing colleges in the U.S. 2024

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

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

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

The University of Alabama offers 1 Creative Writing degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a small city. In 2022, 14 Creative Writing students graduated with students earning 14 Master's degrees.

University of Alaska Anchorage offers 1 Creative Writing degree programs. It's a large, public, four-year university in a large city. In 2022, 4 Creative Writing students graduated with students earning 4 Master's degrees.

University of Alaska Fairbanks offers 1 Creative Writing degree programs. It's a medium sized, public, four-year university in a small suburb. In 2022, 5 Creative Writing students graduated with students earning 5 Master's degrees.

Alaska Pacific University offers 1 Creative Writing degree programs. It's a very small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large city. In 2022, 2 Creative Writing students graduated with students earning 2 Bachelor's degrees.

Arizona State University Campus Immersion offers 1 Creative Writing degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a midsize city. In 2022, 8 Creative Writing students graduated with students earning 8 Master's degrees.

University of Arizona offers 2 Creative Writing degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a large city. In 2022, 73 Creative Writing students graduated with students earning 60 Bachelor's degrees, and 13 Master's degrees.

Glendale Community College offers 2 Creative Writing degree programs. It's a large, public, two-year college in a large suburb. In 2022, 2 Creative Writing students graduated with students earning 1 Associate's degree, and 1 Certificate.

GateWay Community College offers 1 Creative Writing degree programs. It's a small, public, two-year college in a large city.

Mesa Community College offers 3 Creative Writing degree programs. It's a large, public, two-year college in a large city. In 2022, 3 Creative Writing students graduated with students earning 3 Certificates.

Northern Arizona University offers 2 Creative Writing degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a small city. In 2022, 27 Creative Writing students graduated with students earning 15 Master's degrees, and 12 Certificates.

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

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

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• Writing Tips

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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