Top Creative Writing MFA Programs in the U.S. (Fully Funded, Rankings, and Admissions Guide)
- Dec 17, 2024
- 20 min read
Updated: Oct 7
Explore the top Creative Writing MFA programs in the U.S. for 2025 applicants, including fully funded options like Iowa, Michigan’s Helen Zell Program, and the Michener Center at UT Austin, as well as Columbia and NYU. Learn about genre specializations in fiction, poetry, and nonfiction, admissions tips, funding opportunities, and faculty highlights from Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award–winning authors to find the MFA program that fits your goals.
The United States hosts an impressive range of top-tier MFA programs in creative writing, each distinguished by its focus, structure, and faculty expertise. Choosing the right program can feel overwhelming, which is why we’ve done the heavy lifting for you. Our team, comprised of published authors and graduates of writing programs, has curated this guide with future MFA students in mind, highlighting the unique strengths, costs, funding opportunities, and career outcomes of each program.
Today’s MFA landscape is more diverse than ever. While some programs remain fully residential, requiring writers to immerse themselves in campus life, others now offer low-residency formats that combine online coursework with intensive in-person residencies. These flexible options allow writers to maintain jobs or family commitments while still engaging deeply with their craft. Across both models, students benefit from small cohort sizes, one-on-one mentorship, and direct engagement with accomplished faculty and visiting writers.
Funding and career preparation are also critical considerations. Many leading programs, such as the Helen Zell Writers’ Program at the University of Michigan or the Michener Center for Writers at the University of Texas at Austin, offer full fellowships or stipends, making them highly competitive. Others, like Columbia University and New York University, leverage their locations in New York City to connect students directly with publishers, literary agents, and cultural institutions. Programs increasingly emphasize professional development, offering training in teaching, editing, and publishing to prepare graduates for a range of careers in and beyond academia.
Consider the Iowa Writers’ Workshop at the University of Iowa, widely regarded as the birthplace of the modern MFA. Its workshop model has influenced creative writing programs nationwide, and its alumni include Pulitzer Prize winners and Poet Laureates. At Brown University, students are encouraged to experiment and push literary boundaries, while Johns Hopkins University pairs rigorous workshops with a strong foundation in literary scholarship. The University of Virginia offers a highly selective, fully funded program with intensive faculty mentorship, and NYU places students at the heart of a thriving literary scene with access to readings, internships, and industry leaders.
While each program has its own identity, whether rooted in tradition, experimentation, or interdisciplinary exploration, they share a common goal: to cultivate the next generation of literary voices. Whether you’re seeking full funding, exposure to industry networks, or a program that values creative risk-taking, there’s an MFA designed to match your ambitions. In the sections that follow, we’ll explore these standout programs in greater detail, giving you the insights you need to take the next step in your literary journey.
Iowa Writers’ Workshop, University of Iowa
Iowa City, Iowa
The Iowa Writers’ Workshop at the University of Iowa stands as one of the most prestigious Creative Writing MFA programs in the United States. Renowned for its history of nurturing successful writers, as well as its extensive funding opportunities, the program has been a seminal influence in the literary world. Incoming MFA students will walk in the footsteps of incredible writers like John Irving and Flannery O’Connor.
The workshop model of teaching, which fosters peer review and close interaction with faculty, has been instrumental in shaping the skills of budding writers. The program’s alumni include numerous Pulitzer Prize winners and acclaimed authors, underlining its significant impact on the literary landscape.
Location
The Iowa Writers' Workshop is located within the University of Iowa campus at 507 N Clinton St, Iowa City, IA 52245.
Genres
The Iowa Writers' Workshop accepts students seeking fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction tracks.
Top Authors and Alumni
Top authors and alumni from the Iowa Writers' Workshop include: Flannery O’Connor, John Irving, Marilynne Robinson, Raymond Carver, Sandra Cisneros, Joy Harjo, Garth Greenwell, Kiley Reid, Brandon Taylor, Eula Biss, Yiyun Li, and Jennifer Croft.
Average Cost of Attendance
Based on the most recent available data, the average cost of attendance for The Iowa Writers' Workshop is $22,000 - $35,000 per year (in-state and out-of-state).
Admission Rate
Based on the most recent available data, the average admission rate to The Iowa Writers' Workshop is 2.7-3.7%.
Average Class Size
Based on the most recent available data, the average class size for The Iowa Writers' Workshop is 25 for both poetry and fiction, and between 10 and 12 for nonfiction and translation.
Funding Opportunities
The Iowa Writers' Workshop is fully funded for most students through fellowships and teaching assistantships.
Residency Options
The Iowa Writers' Workshop offers full-residency only.
The Iowa Writers’ Workshop at the University of Iowa provides comprehensive financial support to its MFA students, enabling them to focus on their writing without being distracted by financial concerns. Upon acceptance, each student receives a full tuition scholarship and a stipend to cover living expenses throughout the two-year program, including the intervening summer. This support is made possible through fellowships, research assistantships, and teaching assistantships.
For more about the Iowa Writers' Workshop, continue reading: The University of Iowa's World-Renowned Creative Writing Program: A Legacy of Literary Excellence.
New York, New York
Columbia University’s School of the Arts offers a Creative Writing MFA program known for its rigorous approach and outstanding faculty. Located in the heart of New York City, the program provides students with an immersive experience in one of the world’s most dynamic literary communities. The curriculum emphasizes not only creative writing skills but also a critical understanding of literary theory and history, supported by a faculty comprising some of the most distinguished writers and intellectuals in the field.
Location
Columbia University’s School of the Arts is located at 615 West 129th Street in New York City, placing students in the heart of one of the world's most dynamic literary and cultural centers.
Genres
The program offers concentrations in Fiction, Poetry, Creative Nonfiction, and Literary Translation, enabling students to refine their craft across a diverse range of genres.
Top Authors and Alumni
Notable alumni and faculty include acclaimed writers such as Paul Beatty, Jennifer Egan, Claudia Rankine, Tracy K. Smith, Sigrid Nunez, and Emma Cline, among many others shaping contemporary literature.
Average Cost of Attendance
The cost of attendance is approximately $60,000 or more per year, making it one of the more expensive MFA programs in the country.
Admission Rate
Columbia does not publicly release its admission rate for the Writing Program, though it remains highly selective.
Incoming Class Size
Each year, the program enrolls around 110 graduate students across its writing disciplines.
Funding Opportunities
Students have access to a range of scholarships and fellowships, though funding is competitive and not guaranteed for all.
Residency Options
The program is offered in a full-residency format only, requiring students to reside and study in New York City throughout the program's duration.
For more on Columbia University School of the Arts, continue reading: Columbia University School of the Arts: Shaping the Future of Creative Writing in New York City.
Helen Zell Writers’ Program, University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, Michigan
The University of Michigan’s Helen Zell Writers’ Program is celebrated for its unique blend of academic rigor and creative flexibility. This program distinguishes itself by offering a supportive and collaborative environment where students can explore a wide range of writing styles and genres. The faculty, comprising esteemed writers, offers personalized guidance, ensuring a rich learning experience that cultivates both technical skill and artistic expression.
Location
The Helen Zell Writers’ Program is housed within the University of Michigan at 435 South State Street in Ann Arbor, offering a vibrant literary community in a nationally recognized public research university.
Genres
Students may concentrate in Fiction, Poetry, or Creative Nonfiction, with individualized mentorship and workshop-based learning at the core of the curriculum.
Top Authors and Alumni
Distinguished alumni and faculty include Jesmyn Ward, Brit Bennett, Celeste Ng, Jia Tolentino, and Vievee Francis—writers shaping the future of contemporary literature.
Average Cost of Attendance
All students are fully funded, making the program one of the most financially accessible top-tier MFAs in the country.
Admission Rate
With an admission rate of just 2%, the program is one of the most selective in the United States.
Incoming Class Size
Each year, the program admits 18 students—9 in fiction and 9 in poetry—ensuring an intimate and highly personalized educational experience.
Funding Opportunities
The program offers full fellowships, health insurance, and a post-graduate year of financial support to help students launch their writing careers.
Residency Options
The program is full residency only, requiring students to live in Ann Arbor and engage fully in the academic and literary life of the university.
For more about the University of Michigan's Helen Zell Writers' Program, continue reading: The University of Michigan’s Distinctive Helen Zell Writers’ Program: A Hub for Literary Excellence.
New York University (NYU)
New York, New York
Located in the vibrant literary heart of New York, New York University’s Creative Writing Program stands as one of the most prestigious in the country, renowned for its distinguished faculty, acclaimed alumni, and a dynamic, diverse student body. Founded in 1831 by former Treasury Secretary Albert Gallatin, NYU has grown into the largest private, non-profit university in the United States, with nearly 51,000 students. The university’s legacy includes 31 Nobel Prize winners, 16 Pulitzer Prize recipients, and 19 Academy Award winners, underscoring its far-reaching impact across disciplines, including the literary arts.
Students in the Creative Writing Program benefit from unparalleled access to the city's cultural landscape, with opportunities to attend readings, participate in workshops, and build professional connections in a global publishing hub. The program’s curriculum balances intensive writing workshops with literary theory, nurturing both creative expression and critical analysis. A strong emphasis on mentorship and artistic development creates an environment where emerging writers can truly flourish.
However, prospective students should note that funding opportunities at NYU are limited, particularly given its location in one of the most expensive cities in the world. Tuition and living expenses in New York City are considerable, making external scholarships, grants, or personal resources essential for most applicants.
Location
NYU’s Creative Writing Program is located at 70 Washington Square South in the heart of Greenwich Village, offering students immediate access to one of the world’s most vibrant literary and cultural communities.
Genres
The program offers concentrations in Fiction, Poetry, and Creative Nonfiction, with an emphasis on intensive workshops, close mentorship, and public literary engagement.
Top Authors and Alumni
Renowned alumni and faculty include Zadie Smith, Jonathan Safran Foer, Yusef Komunyakaa, Kevin Powers, Lara Prescott, and Maria Reva, among many others making a mark on global literature.
Average Cost of Attendance
The program costs approximately $50,000 or more per year, making financial planning essential for prospective students.
Admission Rate
With an acceptance rate of just 6–9%, the program is highly competitive, attracting some of the most promising emerging writers.
Incoming Class Size
Each year, the program admits around 60 students, with 20–30 writers accepted into each genre, allowing for both diversity and focused mentorship.
Funding Opportunities
Funding is extremely limited, with only a small number of scholarships and teaching assistantships available to offset tuition costs.
Residency Options
The program is full-residency only, requiring students to live in New York City and engage fully in the program’s literary community and coursework.
The Michener Center for Writers, University of Texas
Austin, Texas
The Michener Center for Writers at the University of Texas at Austin is known for its interdisciplinary approach and generous funding opportunities for students. The program stands out for its emphasis on cross-genre exploration, enabling students to explore various forms of writing. With its robust funding, the center attracts a diverse group of talented writers, creating a dynamic and supportive community.
Location
The Michener Center for Writers is situated in Austin, Texas, on the campus of the University of Texas, placing students in a thriving arts scene and one of the most creatively vibrant cities in the country.
Genres
The program offers multi-genre training across Fiction, Poetry, Screenwriting, and Playwriting, allowing students to work in more than one discipline during their time in the program.
Top Authors and Alumni
Distinguished faculty and alumni include Elizabeth McCracken, Denis Johnson, and Bret Anthony Johnston, whose works have earned national and international acclaim.
Average Cost of Attendance
The Michener Center is one of the most generously funded MFA programs in the country; all admitted students receive full financial support, with no tuition or fees.
Admission Rate
Admission is highly selective, with an acceptance rate of less than 1% in fiction and approximately 2–3% in other genres.
Incoming Class Size
Each year, the program admits just 12 students, fostering a close-knit, focused, and collaborative cohort.
Funding Opportunities
All students receive full fellowships, tuition waivers, and annual living stipends for the duration of the three-year program.
Residency Options
The Michener Center is a full-residency program, requiring students to live in Austin and fully engage with the university’s rich literary and artistic community.
Literary Arts Program, Brown University
Providence, Rhode Island
Brown University’s MFA program in Creative Writing is recognized for its innovative approach and strong emphasis on the literary arts. The program encourages experimental and boundary-pushing work, supported by a faculty renowned for its artistic contributions.
Brown’s emphasis on a wide range of literary styles and media provides students with a broad and enriching educational experience.
Location
Brown University's Literary Arts Program is located at 68 Brown Street in Providence, Rhode Island—a historic, arts-rich city that provides a stimulating backdrop for creative work.
Genres
The program offers concentrations in Fiction, Poetry, Digital Language Arts, and Cross-Genre Writing, encouraging students to push the boundaries of traditional forms.
Top Authors and Alumni
Prominent alumni and faculty include Jeffrey Eugenides, Ottessa Moshfegh, Rick Moody, Edwidge Danticat, Gayl Jones, and Kevin Young—writers known for innovation, experimentation, and literary impact.
Average Cost of Attendance
Tuition and fees total over $60,000 per year; however, many students receive financial support to offset the cost.
Admission Rate
While exact numbers are not publicized, admission is described as highly selective, reflecting the program’s reputation for artistic rigor and originality.
Incoming Class Size
Each year, the program admits approximately 12 to 13 students across its genres, fostering close mentorship and an intimate community of writers.
Funding Opportunities
A range of scholarships, fellowships, and teaching assistantships are available, with many students receiving substantial aid.
Residency Options
The program is full-residency only, requiring students to live in Providence and fully participate in the university’s immersive, interdisciplinary creative environment.
University of Arizona
Tucson, Arizona
This three-year MFA program offers tracks in fiction, poetry, and nonfiction, making it a versatile choice for aspiring writers. Nestled in “the lushest desert in the world,” it consistently ranks among the nation’s top creative writing programs—#4 overall and #2 in Nonfiction. Students are encouraged to explore multiple genres, broadening their craft through cross-disciplinary study. And for those who appreciate warm climates, Arizona’s dry heat can be a welcome relief for arthritis.
The program is fully funded, with all students receiving teaching assistantships that include a salary, health insurance, and tuition waivers. Beyond the classroom, Tucson’s vibrant literary scene offers numerous opportunities to volunteer with local literary organizations and conduct research at the US-Mexico border, enriching both personal and professional development.
Location
The University of Arizona’s MFA program is based in Tucson, a culturally rich and ecologically diverse desert city that serves as a unique and inspiring setting for literary work.
Genres
The program offers concentrations in Fiction, Poetry, and Nonfiction, with an emphasis on craft, community, and interdisciplinary exploration.
Top Authors and Alumni
Notable faculty and alumni include David Foster Wallace, Richard Russo, Francisco Cantú, Richard Siken, Aisha Sabatini Sloan, Nancy Mairs, Tony Hoagland, and Jos Charles—writers celebrated for pushing boundaries in both form and voice.
Average Cost of Attendance
The program is fully funded, making it one of the most financially accessible MFA programs in the country.
Admission Rate
Admission is highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of just 1.2%, attracting a small group of exceptionally talented writers each year.
Incoming Class Size
The program typically admits only 6 students annually, ensuring an intimate, rigorous, and closely mentored creative environment.
Funding Opportunities
All admitted students receive teaching assistantships that include a salary, health insurance, and full tuition waiver for the duration of the program.
Residency Options
The University of Arizona offers a full-residency program, requiring students to live in Tucson and engage fully with its vibrant literary and academic community.
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, Virginia
The University of Virginia’s MFA program in Creative Writing boasts a world-class faculty, a strong alumni network, and an environment dedicated to literary excellence. Known for its highly selective admissions and intimate class sizes, the program ensures personalized attention and mentorship for each student. The program’s graduates have earned prestigious literary awards and publication deals, reflecting its commitment to fostering literary talent and career development.
Location
The University of Virginia’s MFA in Creative Writing is housed in Bryan Hall at 219 Bryan Hall, Charlottesville, VA—nestled in a historic college town with a strong literary tradition and vibrant arts scene.
Genres
The program offers concentrations in Fiction, Poetry, and Creative Nonfiction, with a focus on intensive workshops, close mentorship, and literary excellence.
Top Authors and Alumni
Renowned faculty and alumni include Ann Beattie, Pulitzer Prize winner Rita Dove, and former U.S. Poet Laureate Charles Wright—figures whose contributions have shaped American literature.
Average Cost of Attendance
The program is fully funded, covering tuition and living expenses for all admitted students.
Admission Rate
With an acceptance rate of just 2%, the program is highly selective, admitting only the most exceptional emerging writers.
Incoming Class Size
Each year, the program admits 4 students per genre, creating a small, highly focused cohort that benefits from individualized attention and community.
Funding Opportunities
All students receive full fellowships, tuition waivers, and teaching assistantships, providing financial stability throughout the two-year program.
Residency Options
The program is full-residency only, requiring students to live in Charlottesville and fully engage in the university’s literary and academic community.
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, Maryland
Johns Hopkins University’s Creative Writing MFA program is recognized for its rigorous focus on craft, theory, and literary analysis. Through intensive writing workshops and critical studies, students develop a deep understanding of storytelling, literary structure, and narrative style. The supportive environment encourages collaboration, fostering a tight-knit creative community.
Location
Johns Hopkins University is located at 3400 N Charles St in Baltimore, Maryland, and is home to one of the oldest creative writing programs in the United States.
Genres
The program offers concentrations in fiction and poetry, with a focus on literary craft and critical engagement.
Top Authors and Alumni
Notable alumni include Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, John Barth, and Alice McDermott—writers known for their significant contributions to contemporary literature.
Average Cost of Attendance
Tuition and fees exceed $58,000 per year, making it a high-cost program; however, generous funding options are available.
Admission Rate
Admission is highly selective, with acceptance rates ranging from 4–8%.
Incoming Class Size
Each cohort is small and intimate, typically accepting just 8 students—4 in fiction and 4 in poetry.
Funding Opportunities
Most students receive financial support through fellowships, teaching assistantships, and full or partial tuition waivers.
Residency Options
This is a full-residency program based in Baltimore, requiring students to live and work on-site.
Learn more about Johns Hopkins University Alumni: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: 2007 Anisfield-Wolf Book Award Winner.
University of California, Irvine
Irvine, California
The University of California, Irvine’s MFA program excels in blending critical literary analysis with creative work. The program’s interdisciplinary curriculum balances intensive writing workshops with courses in literary theory and research. This comprehensive approach prepares students for successful careers as both creative writers and literary scholars.
Location
The MFA Program in Writing at the University of California, Irvine, is located at 501 Aldrich Hall in Irvine, California, providing students with access to a thriving literary community in Southern California.
Genres
The program offers tracks in fiction, poetry, and literary nonfiction, emphasizing rigorous literary craft and voice development.
Top Authors and Alumni
Notable alumni include Pulitzer Prize winners Michael Chabon and Yusef Komunyakaa, as well as Alice Sebold, author of The Lovely Bones.
Average Cost of Attendance
Annual tuition and fees exceed $30,000, although many students receive funding support.
Admission Rate
The program is highly selective, admitting approximately 3% of applicants to create a competitive and focused cohort.
Incoming Class Size
UCI enrolls around 24 MFA students annually—typically 12 in fiction and 12 in poetry—to ensure an intimate and workshop-intensive learning environment.
Funding Opportunities
Financial aid includes competitive fellowships, teaching assistantships, and tuition waivers for qualified applicants.
Residency Options
This is a full-residency program that requires students to live on or near campus during their studies.
Boston University
Boston, Massachusetts
Boston University’s one-year Creative Writing MFA program is renowned for its immersive curriculum and intensive mentorship. Students complete a substantial body of work while receiving personalized guidance from award-winning faculty. The program’s accelerated format enables graduates to launch their literary careers quickly.
Location
Boston University’s Creative Writing Program is located at 236 Bay State Road in Boston, Massachusetts, providing students with access to a vibrant urban literary and cultural scene.
Genres
The program offers tracks in fiction, poetry, and playwriting, supporting students in both literary and dramatic arts.
Top Authors and Alumni
Notable alumni include Jhumpa Lahiri, Ha Jin, and Elizabeth Alexander, authors recognized with major literary awards for their impactful work.
Average Cost of Attendance
Annual tuition and fees exceed $58,000, though select students may receive partial scholarships or fellowships to offset the cost.
Admission Rate
The program is extremely competitive, with approximately 730 applicants vying for just 18 spots—an acceptance rate under 3%.
Incoming Class Size
Each year, BU admits around 18 MFA students, typically forming cohorts of 8–10 writers per genre.
Funding Opportunities
While full funding is limited, the program offers several partial scholarships, fellowships, and teaching assistantships to qualifying candidates.
Residency Options
Boston University’s program is full-residency only, requiring students to live and study in Boston throughout the academic year.
Arizona State University
Tempe, Arizona
With concentrations in fiction and poetry, Arizona State University’s three-year MFA program offers full funding and an inspiring creative environment in the dry, arthritis-friendly heat of Tempe, AZ. Students benefit from small class sizes, individualized mentorship, and an exceptional faculty known for national and international acclaim. The program also encourages cross-genre exploration, fostering a well-rounded creative writing experience.
All students are eligible for teaching assistantships, which include a tuition waiver, health insurance, and a $25,000 annual stipend. Additional financial support opportunities are also available, allowing students to focus on refining their craft.
Location
The program is located in Tempe, Arizona, at Arizona State University, offering a creative writing community in a vibrant, Southwestern university town.
Genres
The MFA offers tracks in Fiction and Poetry, fostering rigorous craft development and literary exploration.
Top Authors and Alumni
The program’s faculty and alumni include nationally and internationally recognized writers honored with prestigious awards like Pulitzer Prizes and Guggenheim and National Endowment for the Arts fellowships.
Average Cost of Attendance
While specific tuition figures aren’t listed, the program provides funding opportunities designed to offset the costs of living and tuition.
Admission Rate
Highly selective, the program generally admits only the top 3% of applicants in recent admission cycles.
Incoming Class Size
Each year, ASU’s MFA program enrolls approximately 12 students, ensuring personalized mentorship and close-knit peer collaboration.
Funding Opportunities
Students are eligible for teaching assistantships, which include a stipend, health insurance, and full tuition waiver.
Residency Options
This is a full-residency program based in Tempe, requiring students to live locally and fully engage in campus and community literary events.
Cornell University
Ithaca, New York
Cornell University’s MFA program offers a diverse creative writing curriculum supported by accomplished faculty. With small class sizes and a commitment to fostering unique literary voices, students explore various aspects of creative writing while benefiting from individualized mentorship and comprehensive workshops.
Location
Cornell University’s MFA in Creative Writing is based at 250 Goldwin Smith Hall in Ithaca, New York, offering students a quiet, intellectually rich environment in the heart of the Finger Lakes region.
Genres
The program offers two primary tracks—Fiction and Poetry—focusing on the development of original work through intensive writing workshops and individual mentorship.
Top Authors and Alumni
Renowned writers such as Junot Díaz, Téa Obreht, and Lorrie Moore are among the program’s distinguished alumni, with many graduates going on to receive national acclaim and major literary awards.
Average Cost of Attendance
The program is fully funded for all admitted students, covering tuition and offering generous financial support.
Admission Rate
The program is highly selective, with an estimated acceptance rate of around 2%, reflecting the intense competition for training spots despite the small cohort size.
Incoming Class Size
Cornell admits only eight MFA students each year—four in fiction and four in poetry—ensuring extremely personalized mentorship and tight-knit peer communities.
Funding Opportunities
Students receive full fellowships or teaching assistantships that include tuition waivers and living stipends for the duration of the two-year program.
Residency Options
Cornell’s MFA is a full-residency program, requiring students to live in Ithaca and fully engage in the campus’s literary and academic community.
University of Massachusetts
Amherst, Massachusetts
The University of Massachusetts, Amherst’s MFA program nurtures personal growth through its welcoming literary community and supportive faculty. The program emphasizes craft development, creative exploration, and critical engagement, fostering a dynamic environment for emerging writers.
Location
The MFA program is located at 170 Hicks Way in Amherst, Massachusetts, providing students with a collegial, arts-focused environment within the flagship campus of UMass.
Genres
Students may specialize in Fiction, Poetry, or Creative Nonfiction, with opportunities for cross-genre workshops and mentorship that encourage stylistic exploration.
Top Authors and Alumni
Distinguished alumni include influential voices such as James Tate, Ocean Vuong, and Paul Lisicky—writers celebrated for their innovation, literary craft, and cultural contributions.
Average Cost of Attendance
All admitted students receive full funding, which includes tuition and a living stipend throughout the program’s duration.
Admission Rate
While the university overall admits about 58% of undergraduate applicants, the Creative Writing MFA is highly selective, welcoming only approximately 2–3% of graduate applicants for fiction, poetry, and nonfiction tracks.
Incoming Class Size
Each year, the program enrolls around 18–20 students, allowing for a tightly mentored and supportive cohort environment.
Funding Opportunities
Students benefit from a mix of fellowships, teaching assistantships, and health insurance coverage to support both their creative and personal development.
Residency Options
The program is offered exclusively as a full-residency experience, requiring students to live in Amherst and fully engage with the university’s literary community every semester.
University of Wisconsin, Madison
Madison, Wisconsin
The University of Wisconsin-Madison’s MFA program is renowned for its vibrant writing community and extensive literary network. The program’s inclusive curriculum encompasses a diverse range of genres, providing a comprehensive approach to creative writing. Students gain valuable teaching experience through assistantships.
Location
The MFA program at the University of Wisconsin–Madison is housed at 600 N Park Street in Madison, WI, situated within a vibrant literary and academic community on one of the most picturesque campuses in the Midwest.
Genres
The program offers tracks in Fiction, Poetry, and Playwriting, alternating between fiction and poetry cohorts to ensure each student receives focused attention and mentorship.
Top Authors and Alumni
The program boasts an impressive alumni network that includes literary luminaries such as Lauren Groff, Lorrie Moore, and Jesse Lee Kercheval—writers known for their contributions to contemporary fiction and poetry.
Average Cost of Attendance
All admitted students receive full funding, eliminating tuition costs and providing the financial support needed to fully focus on their craft.
Admission Rate
With hundreds of applicants annually and only six available spots, the program is highly competitive, with an estimated admission rate of 1–2%.
Incoming Class Size
The program admits just 6 students per year, alternating focus between fiction and poetry, creating an intimate and deeply mentored workshop environment.
Funding Opportunities
Students are awarded comprehensive support packages that include full fellowships, teaching assistantships, tuition waivers, and annual stipends.
Residency Options
This is a full-residency program, requiring students to live in Madison and fully participate in the university’s rigorous and immersive literary community.
Stanford University
Stanford, California
Stanford University’s MFA program is known for its prestigious fellowships and commitment to literary innovation. With generous financial support and a collaborative, creative environment, students can fully immerse themselves in fiction, poetry, or hybrid genres. The program encourages experimental and boundary-pushing writing.
Location
Stanford’s prestigious Creative Writing program is based at 450 Jane Stanford Way in Stanford, California, offering a rich scholarly setting and access to the broader Bay Area literary scene.
Genres
The Stegner Fellowship includes separate tracks for Fiction and Poetry, each designed to support intensive writing and developing one’s craft through workshops and close mentorship.
Top Authors and Alumni
Esteemed alumni include celebrated writers and former fellows such as Tobias Wolff, Eavan Boland, and Adam Johnson—each of whom has achieved major literary recognition including national awards and acclaim.
Average Cost of Attendance
Although the Stegner is not an MFA degree, it provides full funding through fellowships that cover a generous stipend and health insurance for the two-year fellowship.
Admission Rate
Although Stanford does not publish an exact acceptance rate for the Stegner, the highly competitive nature and small cohort size suggest an acceptance rate of approximately 1–2% among aspiring writers .
Incoming Class Size
Each year, Stanford awards 10 fellowships in total—five in Fiction and five in Poetry—creating a tightly knit and highly selective writing cohort
Funding Opportunities
All selected fellows receive substantial financial support including fellowships, tuition coverage (if enrolled in concurrent study), and health benefits.
Residency Options
The fellowship requires full-time residency at Stanford—winners live locally and engage in a rigorous, immersive community for the duration of the two-year program.
University of Oregon
Eugene, Oregon
The University of Oregon’s MFA program emphasizes teaching excellence, creative exploration, and professional development. Students receive mentorship from distinguished faculty while engaging in rigorous writing workshops and interdisciplinary studies. The program’s nurturing environment fosters literary growth and career readiness.
Location
The MFA program is based at 5243 University of Oregon in Eugene, Oregon, within a dynamic small‑city campus known for its active arts scene and environmental beauty.
Genres
Students can pursue concentrations in Fiction, Poetry, and Creative Nonfiction, supported by a curriculum that integrates literary craft, interdisciplinary learning, and professional development.
Top Authors and Alumni
Notable alumni include National Book Award finalist Brian Turner, Memoirist Debra Gwartney, and bestselling author Karen Thompson Walker, all of whom have earned a place in contemporary American literature.
Average Cost of Attendance
Annual costs are approximately $25,000 or more, though many students receive financial aid and employment-based support.
Admission Rate
With about 150–200 applications for only 10 spots, the program is highly competitive, with an estimated acceptance rate of approximately 5–7%
Incoming Class Size
Each year, the program admits 10 students total—typically five in fiction and five in poetry—ensuring an intimate, workshop-focused cohort
Funding Opportunities
The program offers competitive fellowships, teaching assistantships, and stipends, supporting students academically and financially throughout their studies.
Residency Options
The MFA is a full-residency program, requiring students to live on or near the Eugene campus and fully participate in workshops, readings, and campus life.
This guide continues by profiling more of the most competitive and influential MFA programs in the country, each selected for its standout alumni, rigorous craft training, and the distinct advantages it offers writers at the graduate level. Whether you're looking for a fully funded opportunity with small cohort sizes, a program known for launching bestselling authors, or one that emphasizes cross-genre innovation, the following schools represent some of the best pathways for serious writers to sharpen their voice, build community, and launch a lasting literary career.