colleges with bachelor in creative writing

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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):

• Maya Angelou (Wake Forest University)
• Colson Whitehead (many colleges, including Vassar College and Columbia University)
• Stephen Dixon (Johns Hopkins University)
• Viet Thanh Nguyen (University of Southern California)
• Eula Biss (Northwestern University)
• Toni Morrison (Princeton University)

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. 

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

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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35 Best Colleges for Creative Writing – 2024

April 12, 2024

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

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

Methodology 

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

Best Creative Writing Colleges

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

1) Columbia University

2) Brown University

3) Johns Hopkins University

4) University of Chicago

5) Washington University in St Louis

6) Emory University

7) Stanford University

8) Northwestern University

9) Duke University

10) Yale University

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

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

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

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

Columbia University

• New York, NY

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

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

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

Brown University

• Providence, RI

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

Professional Outcomes: Soon after receiving their Brown diplomas, 69% of graduates enter the world of employment. Companies employing the greatest number of Brown alums include Google, Microsoft, Goldman Sachs, Amazon, Morgan Stanley, Apple, McKinsey & Company, and Bain & Company. The Class of 2022 saw 27% of graduates go directly into graduate/professional school. Right out of undergrad, Brown students boasted an exceptional 81% admission rate to med school and an 81% admission rate to law school.

• Enrollment: 7,639
• Cost of Attendance: $84,828
• Median SAT: 1530
• Acceptance Rate: 5%
• Retention Rate: 99%
• Graduation Rate: 96%

Johns Hopkins University

• Baltimore, MD

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

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

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

University of Chicago

• Chicago, IL

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

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

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

Washington University in St. Louis

• St. Louis, MO

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

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

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

Emory University

• Atlanta, GA

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

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

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

Stanford University

• Palo Alto, CA

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

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

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

Northwestern University

• Evanston, IL

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

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

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

Duke University

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

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

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

Yale University

• New Haven, CT

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

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

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

Hamilton College

• Clinton, NY

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

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

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

Princeton University

• Princeton, NJ

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

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

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

Carnegie Mellon University

• Pittsburgh, PA

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

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

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

University of Iowa

• Iowa City, IA

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

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

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

Emerson College

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

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

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

University of Southern California

• Los Angeles, CA

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

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

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

Cornell University

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

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

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

Oberlin College

• Oberlin, OH

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

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

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

University of Pittsburgh

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

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

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

Swarthmore College

• Swarthmore, PA

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

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

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

Bryn Mawr College

• Bryn Mawr, PA

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

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

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

Wellesley College

• Wellesley, MA

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

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

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

Colby College

• Waterville, ME

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

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

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

University of Michigan

• Ann Arbor, MI

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

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

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

Bucknell University

• Lewisburg, PA

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

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

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

Haverford College

• Haverford, PA

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

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

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

Colorado College

• Colorado Springs, CO

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

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

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

Brandeis University

• Waltham, MA

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

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

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

Macalester College

• St. Paul, MN

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

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

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

Barnard College

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

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

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

Georgetown University

• Washington, D.C.

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

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

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

Elon University

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

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

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

DePauw University

• Greencastle, IN

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

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

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

University of Washington – Seattle

• Seattle, WA

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

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

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

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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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, the 12 best creative writing colleges and programs.

College Info

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

The Best Creative Writing Programs: Ranking Criteria

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

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

In ranking the schools, I considered five major criteria:

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

The Best Creative Writing Schools

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

#1: Northwestern University

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

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

#2: Columbia University

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

#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.

#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.

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 .

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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2024 Best Creative Writing Schools

In 2024, College Factual analyzed 215 schools in order to identify the top ones for its Best Creative Writing Schools ranking. 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

• Best Overall Creative Writing Schools List

Choosing a Great Creative Writing School

In order to find the schools that are the best fit for you, you may want to filter to one of the degree levels below.

Creative Writing Rankings by Degree Level

The creative writing school you choose to invest your time and money in matters. To help you make the decision that is right for you, we've developed a number of major-specific rankings , including this list of the Best Creative Writing Schools. More interested in schools in a specific area of the country? Filter this list by region or state .

To further help you make the college decision, we've developed a unique tool called College Combat that allows you to compare schools based on the factors that matter the most to you. Go ahead and give it a try, or bookmark the link so you can check it out later.

Read more about College Factual's methodology .

Best Schools for Creative Writing in the United States

The schools below may not offer all types of creative writing degrees so you may want to filter by degree level first. However, they are great for the degree levels they do offer. Only those schools that rank in the top 15% of all the schools we analyze get awarded with a place on this list.

25 Top Schools in Creative Writing

Every student who is interested in creative writing needs to check out Johns Hopkins University. Located in the city of Baltimore, Johns Hopkins is a private not-for-profit university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #23 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Johns Hopkins is a great university overall.

There were approximately 84 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at Johns Hopkins in the most recent year we have data available.

Any student pursuing a degree in creative writing needs to look into University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh Campus. Pitt is a fairly large public university located in the large city of Pittsburgh. This university ranks 7th out of 109 colleges for overall quality in the state of Pennsylvania.

There were roughly 125 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at Pitt in the most recent data year.

Any student who is interested in creative writing needs to check out Carnegie Mellon University. Carnegie Mellon is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Pittsburgh. A Best Colleges rank of #9 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Carnegie Mellon is a great university overall.

There were roughly 18 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at Carnegie Mellon in the most recent year we have data available.

Any student pursuing a degree in creative writing needs to take a look at University of Chicago. UChicago is a large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Chicago. A Best Colleges rank of #2 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means UChicago is a great university overall.

There were roughly 36 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at UChicago in the most recent data year.

Columbia is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the city of New York. A Best Colleges rank of #14 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Columbia is a great university overall.

There were approximately 134 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at Columbia in the most recent data year.

Located in the small city of Evanston, Northwestern is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #5 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Northwestern is a great university overall.

There were about 17 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at Northwestern in the most recent data year.

Brown is a large private not-for-profit university located in the midsize city of Providence. A Best Colleges rank of #21 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Brown is a great university overall.

There were about 35 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at Brown in the most recent year we have data available.

Located in the city of Los Angeles, USC is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #11 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means USC is a great university overall.

There were about 45 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at USC in the most recent data year.

Located in the small city of Iowa City, Iowa is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 2nd out of 40 colleges for overall quality in the state of Iowa.

There were about 54 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at Iowa in the most recent data year.

UMN Twin Cities is a very large public university located in the city of Minneapolis. This university ranks 1st out of 52 schools for overall quality in the state of Minnesota.

There were roughly 9 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at UMN Twin Cities in the most recent data year.

Located in the town of Oxford, Miami University - Oxford is a public university with a large student population. This university ranks 3rd out of 96 schools for overall quality in the state of Ohio.

There were about 55 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at Miami University - Oxford in the most recent data year.

Located in the city of Cambridge, Harvard is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #6 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Harvard is a great university overall.

There were roughly 17 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at Harvard in the most recent year we have data available.

Emory is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Atlanta. A Best Colleges rank of #28 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Emory is a great university overall.

There were about 43 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at Emory in the most recent year we have data available.

Located in the small city of West Lafayette, Purdue is a public university with a very large student population. This university ranks 2nd out of 42 colleges for overall quality in the state of Indiana.

There were roughly 19 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at Purdue in the most recent year we have data available.

UW Seattle is a fairly large public university located in the large city of Seattle. This university ranks 1st out of 51 colleges for overall quality in the state of Washington.

There were roughly 58 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at UW Seattle in the most recent data year.

WUSTL is a large private not-for-profit university located in the suburb of Saint Louis. A Best Colleges rank of #17 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means WUSTL is a great university overall.

There were approximately 30 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at WUSTL in the most recent year we have data available.

Notre Dame is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the large suburb of Notre Dame. A Best Colleges rank of #20 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Notre Dame is a great university overall.

There were approximately 7 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at Notre Dame in the most recent data year.

Located in the city of Nashville, Vanderbilt is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #19 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Vanderbilt is a great university overall.

There were roughly 6 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at Vanderbilt in the most recent year we have data available.

Wellesley is a small private not-for-profit college located in the suburb of Wellesley. This college ranks 12th out of 63 colleges for overall quality in the state of Massachusetts.

There were about 12 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at Wellesley in the most recent data year.

UT Austin is a fairly large public university located in the city of Austin. This university ranks 2nd out of 115 colleges for overall quality in the state of Texas.

There were approximately 86 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at UT Austin in the most recent year we have data available.

Iowa State is a very large public university located in the small city of Ames. This university ranks 1st out of 40 schools for overall quality in the state of Iowa.

There were approximately 12 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at Iowa State in the most recent data year.

Located in the city of Boston, Boston U is a private not-for-profit university with a very large student population. This university ranks 6th out of 63 colleges for overall quality in the state of Massachusetts.

There were roughly 18 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at Boston U in the most recent data year.

Located in the large city of Cincinnati, UC is a public university with a very large student population. This university ranks 5th out of 96 colleges for overall quality in the state of Ohio.

There were roughly 53 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at UC in the most recent year we have data available.

University of Arizona is a fairly large public university located in the large city of Tucson. This university ranks 3rd out of 26 schools for overall quality in the state of Arizona.

There were approximately 84 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at University of Arizona in the most recent data year.

Located in the town of Bowling Green, BGSU is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 23rd out of 96 colleges for overall quality in the state of Ohio.

There were approximately 26 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at BGSU in the most recent year we have data available.

Rest of the Top Best Creative Writing Schools

Honorable Mentions

These are some additional schools worth mentioning that are also great but just didn't quite make the cut to earn our top Best Creative Writing Schools award.

Creative Writing by Region

View the Best Creative Writing Schools for a specific region near you.

Other Rankings

Associate degrees in creative writing, master's degrees in creative writing, bachelor's degrees in creative writing, doctor's degrees in creative writing.

View All Rankings >

Rankings in Majors Related to Creative Writing

One of 4 majors within the Writing Studies area of study, Creative Writing has other similar majors worth exploring.

Majors Similar to Creative Writing

View All Creative Writing Related Majors >

Notes and References

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

More about our data sources and methodologies .

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Inspire and engage others through your creative writing skills.

You’re full of bold ideas, innovative concepts and compelling thoughts. In studying the craft of creative writing you are taking your place beside those who use language, literature and writing to shape our world.

Through UCF Online’s creative writing courses, you’ll become an expert communicator with a deep appreciation of fiction, poetry and non-fiction prose. This program will guide you through an understanding of rhetoric, communication and literary structure within a diverse array of texts. You’ll also stretch your imagination as you hone your own craft, learning how to construct poignant arguments, think critically and develop original creative content for fiction and nonfiction genres.

Written communication is one of the most enduring, flexible and sought-after skills in today’s employment landscape. With your online creative writing degree you’ll be poised for a career in a variety of fields, including law, editing and publishing, teaching, consulting and more. Get started today and earn your BA in Creative Writing.

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Ready to get started, course overview, fiction writing workshop.

An intermediate level fiction writing workshop for English majors; group analysis and criticism; close reading of contemporary fiction and fiction theory.

Advanced Poetry Writing Workshop

Intensive writing practice in poetry. Peer critique and group discussion of original manuscripts.

History of Prose Style

Close study of style and craft in exemplary works of fiction and creative nonfiction from various time periods.

Skills You'll Learn

• Learn how to self-edit and provide constructive feedback to others, helping you refine your writing and improve your overall craftsmanship.
• Generate unique ideas, explore unconventional perspectives, and approach problems from various angles.
• Cultivate your ability to gather relevant data, evaluate sources and critically assess different perspectives, which can be applied to various professional settings.

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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

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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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2024 Best Colleges with Creative Writing Degrees in California

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1-24 of 24 results

University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA •

• • Rating 3.99 out of 5   4,045 reviews

Freshman: I loved campus life and the academics are amazing! I didn’t get out as much so I can’t tell you much about party life or life outside of the university. However, I didn’t think I needed to because there is so much to do on campus! So much food and places for you to go to, I love the campus so much. Go to USC you won’t regret it. Also, the connections you will make, even in your first year, are amazing, trust me! ... Read 4,045 reviews

• grade  A+ Overall Niche Grade

Acceptance rate 12%

Net price $36,808

SAT range 1450-1550

#7 Best Colleges in California .

Blue checkmark.

LOS ANGELES, CA ,

4045 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says I loved campus life and the academics are amazing! I didn’t get out as much so I can’t tell you much about party life or life outside of the university. However, I didn’t think I needed to because... .

Read 4045 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade : A+ ,

Acceptance Rate : 12% ,

Net Price : $36,808 ,

SAT Range : 1450-1550 ,

National University

La Jolla, CA •

• • Rating 3.98 out of 5   1,175 reviews

Graduate Student: I am in the teacher credential program and I am loving it. I used to get overwhelmed and bored with standard semester classes but at NU, I take 1 class every 4 weeks. I focus on the information for 1 class at a time and the course progresses quickly so I don’t get bored and the course requirements are reasonable, especially since most of the class participants work full time and have families. This has been a wonderful experience! ... Read 1,175 reviews

• grade  A Overall Niche Grade

Acceptance rate 55%

Net price $30,527

SAT range 750-1170

#13 Best Colleges in California .

LA JOLLA, CA ,

1175 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Graduate Student says I am in the teacher credential program and I am loving it. I used to get overwhelmed and bored with standard semester classes but at NU, I take 1 class every 4 weeks. I focus on the information for 1... .

Read 1175 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade : A ,

Acceptance Rate : 55% ,

Net Price : $30,527 ,

SAT Range : 750-1170 ,

Foothill College

Los Altos Hills, CA •

• • Rating 3.99 out of 5   520 reviews

Freshman: In my almost three quarters studying here, I love the environment and how everyone is doing their own business. I am a part of a program called Puente and I love it! I think it made me have a better experience in college because I get to be a part of an incredible environment and program. Our professors and counselor in that program has made the work, workable! I enjoy having the opportunity to socialize because they take us on field trips, events, and they allow us to all get to know one another. If someone is wanting to go to Foothill College, I would one hundred percent advise them to apply to be in Puente! ... Read 520 reviews

• grade  A minus Overall Niche Grade

Acceptance rate 100%

Net price $11,013

SAT range —

#1 Best Community Colleges in California .

LOS ALTOS HILLS, CA ,

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

Featured Review: Freshman says In my almost three quarters studying here, I love the environment and how everyone is doing their own business. I am a part of a program called Puente and I love it! I think it made me have a better... .

Read 520 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade : A minus ,

Acceptance Rate : 100% ,

Net Price : $11,013 ,

Las Positas College

LIVERMORE, CA

• • Rating 3.84 out of 5   640

University of the Pacific

STOCKTON, CA

• • Rating 3.67 out of 5   1,337

Dominican University of California

SAN RAFAEL, CA

• • Rating 3.52 out of 5   851

Pepperdine University

Malibu, CA •

• • Rating 3.76 out of 5   1,367 reviews

Other: I am yet to get to Pepperdine cause I was just accepted recently as a transfer student, but from my communication with my admissions counsellor was the best. Madam Brooke was just a lovely lady full of patience and guided me all the way. Considering that I'll be relocating from Kenya to Malibu, I hope to get the most out of Pepperdine because it is what encouraged me to apply. I love the serene environment and that they don't experience seasons hence more time at the beach and oh my do I love the beach! The religious aspect of Pepperdine also motivates me as I come from a religious background of being affiliated with the Church of Christ. I love that come this Fall, I'll be able to be in a warm and acceptable environment to continue with my studies. Over and over again I will always choose Pepperdine! ... Read 1,367 reviews

Acceptance rate 49%

Net price $47,804

SAT range 1280-1480

#21 Best Colleges in California .

MALIBU, CA ,

1367 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

Featured Review: Other says I am yet to get to Pepperdine cause I was just accepted recently as a transfer student, but from my communication with my admissions counsellor was the best. Madam Brooke was just a lovely lady full... The religious aspect of Pepperdine also motivates me as I come from a religious background of being affiliated with the Church of Christ. I love that come this Fall, I'll be able to be in a warm and... .

Read 1367 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 49% ,

Net Price : $47,804 ,

SAT Range : 1280-1480 ,

Livermore, CA •

• • Rating 3.84 out of 5   640 reviews

Sophomore: I love LasPo! The faculty are very well-read and supportive, there's a lot to do in terms of student life and campus activities/extracurriculars, and there's a lot of diversity. The campus itself is also in a nice location. The counselors are particularly helpful, and walk you through every detail of your academic path to make sure you're on track for your goals. Overall a great experience and would definitely recommend to anyone thinking of attending community college! ... Read 640 reviews

Net price $5,342

#2 Best Community Colleges in California .

LIVERMORE, CA ,

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

Featured Review: Sophomore says I love LasPo! The faculty are very well-read and supportive, there's a lot to do in terms of student life and campus activities/extracurriculars, and there's a lot of diversity. The campus itself is... .

Read 640 reviews.

Net Price : $5,342 ,

Chapman University

Orange, CA •

• • Rating 3.7 out of 5   2,295 reviews

Freshman: Chapman University provides an extremely unique experience for its students, one that juxtaposes an educational and diverse atmosphere magnificently. The campus, being small in size, replicates an accepting community filled with people who want to meet others and further their education. Every student here dreams big and is pushed by their professors to unleash their full potential. Although friendly, each student is driven, with failure not being an option. I have been lucky enough to meet these kinds of students and build strong bonds where I feel comfortable. The Chapman community is extremely close to one another and wishes nothing but the best for everyone who attends. I especially adore the professors, who always remind me to apply myself to my studies and treat the class with utmost respect and fairness. There are no favorites, with the teaching ethic being a positive as well. The location is also a huge plus, displaying many great food options and places that hold events. ... Read 2,295 reviews

Acceptance rate 73%

Net price $45,033

SAT range 1200-1400

#25 Best Colleges in California .

ORANGE, CA ,

2295 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says Chapman University provides an extremely unique experience for its students, one that juxtaposes an educational and diverse atmosphere magnificently. The campus, being small in size, replicates an... .

Read 2295 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 73% ,

Net Price : $45,033 ,

SAT Range : 1200-1400 ,

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

University of California - Riverside

Riverside, CA •

• • Rating 3.64 out of 5   3,709 reviews

Junior: UCR stands out as a beacon of diversity, equity, and inclusion, offering a truly enriching academic and social environment. The campus vibrantly celebrates cultural diversity, hosting students and faculty from a myriad of backgrounds, all contributing to a rich tapestry of perspectives and experiences. As a South Asian Highlander, I am part of a South Asian dance team at UCR and I LOVE IT! Additionally, excellent initiatives and resources specifically designed to support underrepresented groups emphasize UCR's commitment to inclusivity! This, coupled with a curriculum that integrates discussions on social justice and sustainability, not only fosters a deep understanding of global issues but also prepares students to be proactive, informed citizens in a diverse world. For anyone seeking an educational experience that values individuality while promoting collective harmony, UCR offers a nurturing, progressive, and inclusive community, making it an exemplary choice for higher education. ... Read 3,709 reviews

• grade  B+ Overall Niche Grade

Acceptance rate 69%

Net price $14,487

#27 Best Colleges in California .

RIVERSIDE, CA ,

3709 Niche users give it an average review of 3.6 stars.

Featured Review: Junior says UCR stands out as a beacon of diversity, equity, and inclusion, offering a truly enriching academic and social environment. The campus vibrantly celebrates cultural diversity, hosting students and... Additionally, excellent initiatives and resources specifically designed to support underrepresented groups emphasize UCR's commitment to inclusivity! This, coupled with a curriculum that integrates... .

Read 3709 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade : B+ ,

Acceptance Rate : 69% ,

Net Price : $14,487 ,

City College of San Francisco

San Francisco, CA •

• • Rating 3.8 out of 5   1,025 reviews

Freshman: My college experience was transformative. I appreciated the diverse academic offerings, extracurricular opportunities, and the chance to meet people from various backgrounds. The supportive faculty, engaging courses, and access to resources like libraries and research facilities enriched my learning journey. However, I believe there's room for improvement in terms of mental health support services, as well as more emphasis on practical skill development and real-world application of knowledge. Additionally, fostering a more inclusive and equitable campus culture would enhance the overall experience for everyone. Overall, my college experience was positive, but there's always room for growth and enhancement. ... Read 1,025 reviews

Net price $8,569

#8 Best Community Colleges in California .

SAN FRANCISCO, CA ,

1025 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says My college experience was transformative. I appreciated the diverse academic offerings, extracurricular opportunities, and the chance to meet people from various backgrounds. The supportive faculty,... .

Read 1025 reviews.

Net Price : $8,569 ,

California Baptist University

• • Rating 4.14 out of 5   2,907 reviews

Alum: I genuinely loved my experience at CBU. They are not perfect, no college is, but I found that your experience is what you make of it. I attended a bunch of the student events and really enjoyed my time. I lived on-campus and had a good experience. Things were fixed when they needed to be and as student living goes, the apartments and houses were in great condition and clean. If you have issues with roommates the RA's will do their best to help resolve the issue or move you to a better situation. The professors I had were amazing - friendly and helpful. They truly made my time there productive and positive. The food options on campus are top-tier and the basic food plan was more than enough. The campus is smaller than the typical college campus so it was easy and quick to get to most of your classes. Parking was really bad when I attended but they have made moves to improve that since I graduated. Campus security can be strict but I appreciated that as I often felt safe. ... Read 2,907 reviews

Acceptance rate 80%

Net price $27,304

#31 Best Colleges in California .

2907 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says I genuinely loved my experience at CBU. They are not perfect, no college is, but I found that your experience is what you make of it. I attended a bunch of the student events and really enjoyed my... The professors I had were amazing - friendly and helpful. They truly made my time there productive and positive. The food options on campus are top-tier and the basic food plan was more than enough. The campus is smaller than the typical college campus so it was easy and quick to get to most of your classes. Parking was really bad when I attended but they have made moves to improve that since I... Campus security can be strict but I appreciated that as I often felt safe. .

Read 2907 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 80% ,

Net Price : $27,304 ,

Cerritos College

Norwalk, CA •

• • Rating 3.88 out of 5   1,345 reviews

Freshman: Attending this college for one year it has been a smooth transition from high school to college. It isn't as scary as some people might put it; there are many opportunities for yourself and you can freely choose whatever you do in your school life. Cerritos College is one of the best community colleges around LA and most people here are friendly and always here to provide and help you. Some changes could be better security in the campus, better food, and more resting areas. Not only do these changes need to happen but it would also be beneficial to make the campus a better space for students and professors. Even though there are changes needed overall the school is interesting and gives such a huge opportunity for students who are in its local area. ... Read 1,345 reviews

Net price $3,812

#15 Best Community Colleges in California .

NORWALK, CA ,

1345 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says Attending this college for one year it has been a smooth transition from high school to college. It isn't as scary as some people might put it; there are many opportunities for yourself and you can... .

Read 1345 reviews.

Net Price : $3,812 ,

Cypress College

Cypress, CA •

• • Rating 4.07 out of 5   1,067 reviews

Sophomore: My experience was more about focusing on my academics and making connections with my peers. I was able to discover different aspects of subjects that allowed me to figure out that the major I was going into wasn't what I actually wanted to pursue. I learned what my proper skills are regarding the type of material I enjoyed learning, which led me to changing my major. It was a huge step in the right direction, I talked to a career counselor that helped me figure out that the major I was in didn't actually have anything to do with the workload I enjoyed. Instead I was able to be heard and given different options on how to figure out my next steps. When I was able to decide what I wanted to change my major to, I met with my major counselor who was able to help me come up with a schedule of all the classes I would need to take in order to pursue this major. What I would like to see change is more direct opportunities for students to join clubs or be involved in student life ... Read 1,067 reviews

Net price $7,421

#19 Best Community Colleges in California .

CYPRESS, CA ,

1067 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars.

Featured Review: Sophomore says My experience was more about focusing on my academics and making connections with my peers. I was able to discover different aspects of subjects that allowed me to figure out that the major I was... .

Read 1067 reviews.

Net Price : $7,421 ,

Long Beach City College

Long Beach, CA •

• • Rating 3.74 out of 5   1,778 reviews

Sophomore: Dear Admissions Committee, I am thrilled to share my exceptional experience at Long Beach City College. The supportive environment, dedicated faculty, and hands-on learning opportunities have been invaluable in shaping my educational journey. LBCC's emphasis on practical skills and real-world experiences has prepared me for success in my field. The diverse community and inclusive atmosphere have enriched my perspective and taught me invaluable lessons in collaboration and cultural understanding. While my experience has been overwhelmingly positive, I believe continued investment in [specific area of interest or improvement] would further enhance the college's offerings and reputation. Thank you for considering my testimonial. I am excited about the possibility of contributing to LBCC's legacy of excellence. Warm regards, Seyed Vahid Shojaei ... Read 1,778 reviews

• grade  B Overall Niche Grade

Net price $6,084

#30 Best Community Colleges in California .

LONG BEACH, CA ,

1778 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.

Featured Review: Sophomore says Dear Admissions Committee, I am thrilled to share my exceptional experience at Long Beach City College. The supportive environment, dedicated faculty, and hands-on learning opportunities have been invaluable in shaping my... LBCC's emphasis on practical skills and real-world experiences has prepared me for success in my field. The diverse community and inclusive atmosphere have enriched my perspective and taught me... While my experience has been overwhelmingly positive, I believe continued investment in [specific area of interest or improvement] would further enhance the college's offerings and reputation. Thank you for considering my testimonial. I am excited about the possibility of contributing to LBCC's legacy of excellence. Warm regards, Seyed Vahid Shojaei .

Read 1778 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade : B ,

Net Price : $6,084 ,

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Monterey Peninsula College

Monterey, CA •

• • Rating 3.95 out of 5   604 reviews

Freshman: Overall, it is an excellent school. I have had a few teachers who certainly seem like they do not care to be there or do not respect their students' time, but they are few and far between. Most of the students on campus are dedicated to their academics and keep to themselves, but there have been a few strange incidents that I will not go into here as they verge into inappropriate territory. Although my ultimate goal is going to a university, I am very satisfied with the education I am getting at MPC, and I have met some truly wonderful professors who really care about their students and making sure they learn. ... Read 604 reviews

Net price $11,977

#41 Best Community Colleges in California .

MONTEREY, CA ,

604 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says Overall, it is an excellent school. I have had a few teachers who certainly seem like they do not care to be there or do not respect their students' time, but they are few and far between. Most of... .

Read 604 reviews.

Net Price : $11,977 ,

University of La Verne

La Verne, CA •

• • Rating 3.89 out of 5   1,263 reviews

Alum: As a Alumni, your experience depends entirely on you and your choices. Your major and the activities you are involved in may measure and estimate your experience to be probably be better. Overall this school is extremely generous, they will help their students with out a doubt, whether it is financial, mental, or with grades. The campus is delicate, small, and is close fire department, police department, restaurants, places of worship, etc. You will feel very comfortable here. Everyone is friendly and knows their overall status of responsibility. If your not much as a talker, a introvert, or just not into people, buckle your belts because your going to talk, chat, conversate with classmates, and professors. Many people of culture, religion, class will be met here. There is a lot of freedom in this school, and is there for their students despite background . What i would like to see changed is cost if tuition! Its not cheap. ... Read 1,263 reviews

Acceptance rate 74%

Net price $25,103

SAT range 970-1220

#50 Best Colleges in California .

This school participates in Niche Direct Admissions

LA VERNE, CA ,

1263 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says As a Alumni, your experience depends entirely on you and your choices. Your major and the activities you are involved in may measure and estimate your experience to be probably be better. Overall... .

Read 1263 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 74% ,

Net Price : $25,103 ,

SAT Range : 970-1220 ,

Grossmont College

El Cajon, CA •

• • Rating 3.81 out of 5   1,292 reviews

Freshman: Grossmont College seems to offer a supportive environment with accessible help and a focus on student-professor relationships. It's considered a good starting point for academic journeys and transfer credits. If you're interested in technology and cybersecurity, you might find the courses and connections made through the college to be beneficial for your career path. ... Read 1,292 reviews

Net price $6,651

#48 Best Community Colleges in California .

EL CAJON, CA ,

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

Featured Review: Freshman says Grossmont College seems to offer a supportive environment with accessible help and a focus on student-professor relationships. It's considered a good starting point for academic journeys and transfer... .

Read 1292 reviews.

Net Price : $6,651 ,

San Rafael, CA •

• • Rating 3.52 out of 5   851 reviews

Graduate Student: Dominican University provided a more stringent academic experience than I was expecting, but in a good way. It was not a "fluff" online education but with standards of conduct and learning. I appreciate that as I know I am getting a quality education. ... Read 851 reviews

Acceptance rate 93%

Net price $49,907

SAT range 1050-1260

#57 Best Colleges in California .

SAN RAFAEL, CA ,

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

Featured Review: Graduate Student says Dominican University provided a more stringent academic experience than I was expecting, but in a good way. It was not a "fluff" online education but with standards of conduct and learning. I... .

Read 851 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 93% ,

Net Price : $49,907 ,

SAT Range : 1050-1260 ,

Berkeley City College

Berkeley, CA •

• • Rating 3.68 out of 5   403 reviews

Sophomore: I love how Berkeley city college is so alive compared to other community schools I've attended this one is the most were you definitely don't want to miss school because not sure the vibe but the faculty and students are very outgoing and helpful to one another. ... Read 403 reviews

• grade  B minus Overall Niche Grade

Net price $13,672

#68 Best Community Colleges in California .

BERKELEY, CA ,

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

Featured Review: Sophomore says I love how Berkeley city college is so alive compared to other community schools I've attended this one is the most were you definitely don't want to miss school because not sure the vibe but the... .

Read 403 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade : B minus ,

Net Price : $13,672 ,

American River College

Sacramento, CA •

• • Rating 3.79 out of 5   1,502 reviews

Other: I like the professors, they are very passionate about their subjects. However, there could be more and better counselling opportunities; I mapped my classes out with a counselor to get my AA, then in the last semester (when I already had 5 classes plus a lab) that the counselor had overlooked a class so I had to add a 6th class...brutal! ... Read 1,502 reviews

Net price $7,730

#74 Best Community Colleges in California .

SACRAMENTO, CA ,

1502 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

Featured Review: Other says I like the professors, they are very passionate about their subjects. However, there could be more and better counselling opportunities; I mapped my classes out with a counselor to get my AA, then in... .

Read 1502 reviews.

Net Price : $7,730 ,

Laguna College of Art & Design

Laguna Beach, CA •

• • Rating 4.03 out of 5   216 reviews

Freshman: I will say that as a Game Art major this is exactly where I want to be. There is no other program in the nation that gets you up close and personal with current industry professionals like the one here at LCAD. It's insane to say but as a freshman I am confident in thinking I've met with more pros and AAA recruiters than most seniors at competing universities because of specialized courses here at LCAD. If you're a prospective freshman hoping to major in game developmental studies, PLEASE consider this school if you have the funds/aid to do so! However, this doesn't mean that the school is perfect. There is no cafeteria (so no meal plans), and the student housing is absolutely abysmal. You would definitely need some major aid if you don't come from an insanely rich family (which most students are), and sometimes the environment can be a little hostile towards students from low-income families- unfortunately I think that's normal for So Cal. ... Read 216 reviews

Acceptance rate 88%

Net price $42,896

LAGUNA BEACH, CA ,

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

Featured Review: Freshman says I will say that as a Game Art major this is exactly where I want to be. There is no other program in the nation that gets you up close and personal with current industry professionals like the one... .

Read 216 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 88% ,

Net Price : $42,896 ,

La Sierra University

• • Rating 3.54 out of 5   768 reviews

Junior: Like many private universities, cost and financial aid can be challenging for students, especially for internationals. Improving affordability and accessibility of financial aid could benefit many. I loved the safe environment and lovely and wide green space. There was full of nature that soothed me when I was stressed. I could see that student body has a lot doing with our school policies and changes. For recent chances, our school can do try to incorporate the latest technology and ensuring reliable IT services can improve academic experiences and support student learning. ... Read 768 reviews

Acceptance rate 92%

Net price $25,076

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

Featured Review: Junior says Like many private universities, cost and financial aid can be challenging for students, especially for internationals. Improving affordability and accessibility of financial aid could benefit many. I... .

Read 768 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 92% ,

Net Price : $25,076 ,

University of Redlands

Redlands, CA •

• • Rating 3.63 out of 5   934 reviews

Freshman: Overall, I am quite pleased with my experience here. I had the opportunity to participate in the Summer Bridge Program, which allowed me to spend a week at the college before the academic year began. During this time, I had the chance to experience college life firsthand, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions I've made. The program made me feel welcomed and helped me to establish connections. By the time the school year started, I already knew people and felt comfortable. We spent a lot of time together, eating meals and hanging out, which helped ease any nerves I might have had otherwise. If it weren't for the Summer Bridge Program, I believe my experience would have been quite different, and I might have felt even more nervous coming into the school. I'm grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the program and for the positive impact it had on my college transition. ... Read 934 reviews

Acceptance rate 82%

Net price $28,157

SAT range 1130-1280

REDLANDS, CA ,

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

Featured Review: Freshman says Overall, I am quite pleased with my experience here. I had the opportunity to participate in the Summer Bridge Program, which allowed me to spend a week at the college before the academic year began.... The program made me feel welcomed and helped me to establish connections. By the time the school year started, I already knew people and felt comfortable. We spent a lot of time together, eating... If it weren't for the Summer Bridge Program, I believe my experience would have been quite different, and I might have felt even more nervous coming into the school. I'm grateful for the opportunity... .

Read 934 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 82% ,

Net Price : $28,157 ,

SAT Range : 1130-1280 ,

College of the Desert

Palm Desert, CA •

• • Rating 3.87 out of 5   1,026 reviews

Senior: As a former student athlete, I spent the first three years of my college career out of state playing softball as well as taking care of my schooling. After my third year playing I decided to retire from my sport and come home to finish up my degree. I live close in proximity to College of the Desert, i've heard a lot of great things about it so I enrolled. Despite the fact that I had credits from other institutions, the admissions and counseling offices helped me out to create an appropriate student plan to meet the requirements for a final transfer to a Cal State University to graduate with my masters in Psychology. I am currently on track to graduate from College of the Desert after this semester with my AA in psychology for transfer. Since enrolling to COD i've been met with nothing but encouragement, support and cooperativeness. I was a bit hesitant enrolling here considering my past enrollments at past institutions but being here helped me carve out a clear path for my future. ... Read 1,026 reviews

Net price $13,704

#83 Best Community Colleges in California .

PALM DESERT, CA ,

1026 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.

Featured Review: Senior says As a former student athlete, I spent the first three years of my college career out of state playing softball as well as taking care of my schooling. After my third year playing I decided to retire... .

Read 1026 reviews.

Net Price : $13,704 ,

California College of the Arts

• • Rating 3.57 out of 5   392 reviews

Freshman: The area that the school is in is in a safe area in San Francisco, Its also near areas that college students can destress on the weekend. Their resources here provide success for their students and most of their professors are current working artists. ... Read 392 reviews

• grade  C+ Overall Niche Grade

Acceptance rate 76%

Net price $47,862

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

Featured Review: Freshman says The area that the school is in is in a safe area in San Francisco, Its also near areas that college students can destress on the weekend. Their resources here provide success for their students and... .

Read 392 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade : C+ ,

Acceptance Rate : 76% ,

Net Price : $47,862 ,

National University Online Education

4 Year (Online)

• • Rating 3 out of 5   1 review
• grade  unavailable Overall Niche Grade

Acceptance rate —

Net price —

4 Year (Online) ,

1 Niche users give it an average review of 3 stars.

Read 1 reviews.

Saint Mary's College of California

• • Rating 3.59 out of 5   1,111

CYPRESS, CA

• • Rating 4.07 out of 5   1,067

RIVERSIDE, CA

• • Rating 3.54 out of 5   768

Showing results 1 through 24 of 24

Bachelor of Science in Creative Writing Push the Bounds of Your Creativity and Skill

Degree Options

View Degree Options

100% online, 8-week courses

Transfer in up to 75% of the degree total

Hone Your Storytelling Skills and Expand Your Knowledge of Writing Practices Through a Bachelor of Science in Creative Writing Online Degree

Liberty’s online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Creative Writing degrees offer a comprehensive education in the English language and the tools you need to further develop your writing skills. There are several exciting specializations to choose from, allowing you to tailor your degree to your interests.

Study principles and practices in creative writing. Learn to craft different works such as poems, memoirs, and novellas. Develop skills in editing for publishing; print and digital publishing; writing for cultural engagement, theater, and film; and researching for writing. Partner with us here at Liberty University to build your portfolio and broaden your writing abilities.

What is creative writing?

Creative writing is a broad area of writing that requires the author to think imaginatively and typically falls outside of normal professional or academic writing. It is not bound by genre or solely utilized in fiction or non-fiction. Often, creative writing is employed to communicate a theme.

What Will You Study in Our Creative Writing Program?

In Liberty’s Bachelor of Science in Creative Writing online degree program, you can learn the fundamentals of creative writing, including fiction, nonfiction, memoirs, novellas, poetry, and screenwriting. The program emphasizes the importance of strong writing skills and provides opportunities for you to develop your craft through workshops and peer review.

You will also study editing for publishing; methods and materials of research; writing for theater and film; and writing for cultural engagement. The different specialization options give you a unique opportunity to tailor your studies to your interests with your future career goals in mind. Upon completion of the program, you can be equipped with the critical thinking, research, and communication skills necessary for a successful career in creative writing or related fields. 

Featured Courses

• WRIT 201 – Introduction to Creative Writing
• WRIT 306 – Writing for Theater and Film*
• WRIT 400 – Editing for Publishing
• WRIT 417 – Writing for Cultural Engagement*

*Course guide coming soon

Degree Information

• This program falls under the  College of Arts and Sciences .
• View our  Undergraduate Arts and Sciences Course Guides   (login required).

Why Choose Liberty’s Online Degree?

Ranked in the Top 10% of Niche.com’s Best Online Schools in America

• What Sets Us Apart?
• Private Nonprofit University
• 600+ Online Degrees
• No Standardized Testing for Admission
• Transfer in up to 75% of an Undergrad Degree
• Transfer in up to 50% of a Grad/Doctoral Degree

Potential Career Opportunities for Undergraduate Creative Writing Graduates

• Advertiser/marketer
• Article writer
• Magazine journalist
• Marketing executive
• Newspaper journalist
• Proofreader
• Screenwriter
• Speechwriter
• Technical writer
• Travel blogger/writer
• Web content writer/manager
• Writing coach/consultant

Degree Options for Our Creative Writing Online Program

No matter which specialization you choose, you will receive a quality education that can help equip you with a unique set of skills and help you prepare for a rewarding career where you can put your writing skills to use.

Christian Literature

The  Bachelor of Science in Creative Writing – Christian Literature  specialization focuses on exploring the intersection of faith and literature. You can learn to analyze and interpret literary works from a Christian perspective. This includes studying the Bible as literature and exploring how the Christian worldview influences literature. You can also learn how to write literature that reflects your Christian beliefs, including creative writing that incorporates Christian themes and messages.

View the Degree Completion Plan .

The  Bachelor of Science in Creative Writing – English  specialization offers a broad and comprehensive study of the English language, including literature, grammar, composition, and rhetoric. Your courses can help you develop skills in writing, critical thinking, communication, and analysis.

The  Bachelor of Science in Creative Writing – Journalism  specialization is designed for students who want to pursue careers in journalism, media, public relations, or communications. This degree helps provide a thorough understanding of the principles and practices of journalism, including research, reporting, and writing. Your courses can help you develop skills in multimedia storytelling, investigative journalism, and digital media. In addition to studying the traditional forms of journalism, you can also learn how to adapt to the changing media landscape, including social media and online journalism.

Not sure what to choose?

Speak to one of our admissions specialists to help you choose the program that best fits your needs.

• Tuition & Aid

Your success is our success, which is why we are committed to providing quality academics at an affordable tuition rate. While other colleges are increasing their tuition, we have frozen tuition rates for the majority of our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs for the past 9 years – and counting.

To continue our mission of providing affordable education,  electronic textbooks are provided for all undergraduate courses at no cost to you. As a full-time student, this could save you an estimated $800-2,000 per year on textbooks!

All Tuition & Fees

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Financial Aid Forms & Eligibility

Scholarship Opportunities

Admission Information for Our BS in Creative Writing

Admission requirements.

• A non-refundable, non-transferable $50 application fee will be posted on the current application upon enrollment (waived for qualifying service members, veterans, and military spouses – documentation verifying military status is required) .
• Students may be allowed to enroll in up to 12 credit hours with Liberty with the submission of our High School Self-Certification Form (login required – you will first need to claim your Liberty Account ) .
• Unofficial transcripts can be used for acceptance purposes with the submission of a Transcript Request Form .

Applicants whose native language is other than English must submit official scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or an approved alternative assessment. For information on alternative assessments or TOEFL waivers, please call Admissions or view the official International Admissions policy .

*Official high school transcript requirement may be waived with college transcripts from an accredited college/university showing at least 12 earned credit hours with an acceptable GPA.

Note: A 2.0 or above cumulative GPA is required for admission in good standing.

Transcript Policies

High school transcript policy.

Applicants may submit a High School Self-Certification Form in lieu of a final official high school transcript in order to enroll in up to 12 credit hours at Liberty University.

• Applicants may submit a college transcript showing 12 or more credits from an accredited institution and a High School Self-Certification Form in lieu of high school transcripts.

Students must submit official high school transcripts, or official college transcripts showing at least 12 credit hours earned with an acceptable grade point average (GPA) from an accredited institution, in order to register for additional courses.

The official high school transcript, GED requirement, and High School Self-Certification Form can be waived if the applicant has earned an associate degree or higher.

Final transcripts must reflect all coursework and final grades received for grades 9-12, a graduation date, and an overall GPA. (Mailed transcripts must be in a sealed and unopened envelope.)

Unofficial College Transcript Policy

Unofficial transcripts combined with a Transcript Request Form can be used for admission. Official transcripts are required within 60 days of the admissions decision or before non-attendance drops for the first set of matriculated classes, whichever comes first, and will prevent enrollment into future terms until all official transcripts have been received.

Before sending unofficial college transcripts, please make sure they include the following:

• Your previous school’s name or logo printed on the document
• Cumulative GPA
• A list of completed courses and earned credit broken down by semester
• Degree and date conferred (if applicable)

Official College Transcript Policy

An acceptable official college transcript is one that has been issued directly from the institution and is in a sealed envelope. If you have one in your possession, it must meet the same requirements. If your previous institution offers electronic official transcript processing, they can send the document directly to [email protected] .

If the student uses unofficial transcripts with a Transcript Request Form to gain acceptance, all official transcripts must be received within 60 days of the admissions decision or before non-attendance drops for the first set of matriculated classes, whichever comes first. Failure to send all official transcripts within the 60-day period will prevent enrollment into future terms until all official transcripts have been received.

Military Transfers

If you have military-only transfer credits (completed basic training and enlistment), you must request an official military transcript. Please go to the Military Transfer Credit webpage to request your military transcript.

International Applicants

If you are an international applicant, you may be required to have your international transcripts reviewed. Information regarding the transcript evaluation process for international students can be found by visiting NACES .

Admissions Office Contact Information

(800) 424-9595 Fax

(888) 301-3577

Email for Questions

[email protected] Email for Documents

[email protected]

Liberty University Online Admissions Verification

1971 University Blvd.

Lynchburg, VA 24515

Liberty University is dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences to military students across the globe.

Who May Qualify?

• Active Duty
• Reserve/National Guard
• Veterans/Retirees
• Spouses of Service Members and Veterans/Retirees
• Current Department of Defense Employees

Available Benefits:

• Tuition discounts – $250 per credit hour for undergraduate courses
• Additional discount for veterans who service in a civilian capacity as a First Responder (less than $565 per course) *
• 8-week courses, 8 different start dates each year, and no set login times (may exclude certain courses such as practicums, internships, or field experiences)
• Potential college credit for military training

*Not applicable to certificates.

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• What Will You Study?
• Potential Careers
• Specializations
• Admission Information

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*Some restrictions may occur for this promotion to apply. This promotion also excludes active faculty and staff, military, non-degree-seeking, DGIA, Continuing Education, WSB, and certificate students.

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Creative Writing Degree Online Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Write Your Own Story 

• $330/credit (120 credits)
• Transfer up to 90 credits
• Receive credit for prior learning
• 4 genre options for concentrations
• Advanced writing workshops
• No application fee or SAT/ACT scores required

Creative Writing Degree Program Overview

If you have a passion for storytelling and want to pursue a career using your writing talents, the Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Creative Writing and English program can help you get on the right path.

You'll develop your writing skills alongside students from across the country, who represent an incredible range of voices and experiences. Together, you'll participate in workshops, producing work and presenting it to your peers for commentary and discussion.

"Everything I learned during my degree journey added to my understanding of how to write and boosted my creativity," said Aubrie Arnold '20 , a graduate of the creative writing program. "I now feel like I can and will write novels – I’m working on that now – and I feel like I have the correct tools to make those novels successful.”

This degree is also an attractive option for transfer students, as it offers a number of free electives.

What You'll Learn

• Essential writing and critical-thinking skill sets
• Literary analysis to inform the application of storytelling elements
• Literary form, genre, structure and style
• Conventions and techniques used by varying genres

How You'll Learn

At SNHU, you'll get support from day 1 to graduation and beyond. And with no set class times, 24/7 access to the online classroom, and helpful learning resources along the way, you'll have everything you need to reach your goals.

An Online Creative Writing Degree Can Help You Reach Your Goals

Whether you are looking to advance your career or simply want to pursue your passion for writing, the online creative writing bachelor's program at SNHU offers a supportive community, comprehensive curriculum, and flexible format that can help you achieve your goals.

Concentration Options

When you choose to study creative writing at SNHU, you have the option to stay with the general track – which gives you the flexibility to study a variety of genres – or you can opt to add one of our 4 concentrations to your degree : fiction, nonfiction, poetry or screenwriting.

Fiction Aspiring authors and storytellers who are looking for a way to gain inspiration and foster their imaginations will find the online Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Creative Writing and English with a concentration in Fiction Writing to be the perfect balance of craft and critical analysis. This BA program emphasizes the craft of fiction writing and helps you develop an appreciation for all forms of fiction while honing your writing skills and philosophy of composition. You'll gain insights into publishing technologies and the industry as you enhance your fundamental knowledge of fiction writing's most crucial elements. This comprehensive program gives you a powerful understanding of plot, character development, narrative voice and other mechanics of creative writing. Studying fiction writing at Southern New Hampshire University doesn't just focus on developing your skill and technique. This program also gives you the opportunity to explore your creative boundaries, perfect your craft and dive deeper into your preferred genre. From fantasy to sci-fi and mystery to young adult, you can embrace the style of writing that you're drawn to and bring your original stories to life. The format of this BA program encourages collaboration and direct interaction with faculty and peers. You'll also have the chance to get published and learn from experienced authors through The Penmen Review, our own online journal for writers. Nicholas Patterson '22 found peer interaction through writing workshops to be a favorite part of his program. "I have learned tons of new skills," he said, "but most importantly learned how to grow from constructive criticism." Career outlook: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for writers and authors was $73,150 in 2022. 1 The BLS notes that a degree and publication is typically required for a full-time writing position. Writers who concentrate in fiction have career opportunities in a range of professions, including content writing, editing, copywriting, publishing, communications and more. Courses may include: New Media: Writing and Publishing Fiction Writing Workshop Intermediate Fiction Writing Workshop Advanced Fiction Writing Workshop Request Info Apply Now Nonfiction Discover your niche with a nonfiction writing degree online at Southern New Hampshire University. Our online Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Creative Writing and English with a concentration in Nonfiction delves into a wide variety of styles and subjects – everything from the personal essay to autobiography, memoir, travel writing and magazine features. Our creative writing online program can help you combine research and reflection with compelling storytelling. You'll also gain insights into publishing technologies and the industry, explore your creative boundaries and develop a unique voice. A solid foundation in the broader scope of creative writing is critical to the craft of nonfiction writing. In our comprehensive nonfiction writing program, you'll acquire a powerful understanding of research, narrative voice and other mechanics of creative writing. The online nonfiction writing degree program's format encourages collaboration and ongoing interaction with faculty and peers. You'll also have the chance to get published and learn from experienced authors through The Penmen Review, our own online journal for writers. Career outlook: The median annual salary for writers and authors was $73,150 in 2022, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 1 Nonfiction writers can publish in magazines, newspapers, and literary journals, as well as find career opportunities in digital content writing, social media/communications, copywriting and editing. Courses may include: New Media: Writing and Publishing Nonfiction Writing Workshop Intermediate Nonfiction Writing Workshop Advanced Nonfiction Writing Workshop Request Info Apply Now Poetry The online Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Creative Writing with a concentration in Poetry degree program is an opportunity for aspiring poets to find inspiration, engagement and creative collaboration with peers and faculty alike. Our specialized program enables you to hone your craft and unleash your imagination, helping you create imagery in verse. While a poetry degree is valuable in and of itself, it can also prepare you for many professional paths. You can explore careers in creative writing, advertising, journalism, publishing and advertising copywriting. Southern New Hampshire University also offers an online Master of Arts in English and Creative Writing with a concentration in Poetry. As a student in our poetry degree online program, you'll begin taking writing courses during your first year. You'll also have the chance to get published and learn from experienced authors through The Penmen Review, our own online journal for writers. Career outlook: Career paths with a BA in creative writing include work as a creative writer, advertising copywriter, journalist, publisher or poet. Writers have also found careers in communications, digital content writing and editing. Courses may include: New Media: Writing and Publishing Poetry Writing Workshop Intermediate Poetry Writing Workshop Advanced Poetry Writing Workshop Request Info Apply Now Screenwriting Whether you have dreams of writing blockbusters, developing documentaries or working with other writers on sitcoms, the online Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Creative Writing and English with a concentration in Screenwriting is an excellent way to hone your writing skills and put your passion to work. The classes in this specialized online screenwriting degree are based on a comprehensive study of creative writing, with a special focus on story structure, character development and the visual medium of film. You'll have the opportunity to explore all of the forms that screenwriting takes – feature-length and short films, television episodes and miniseries, commercial and internet-based video. While creative writing is at the core of this program, your screenwriting classes will place a special emphasis on visual storytelling. Designed by experienced and distinguished faculty, this creative writing program will give you a powerful understanding of how story, character, theme, action, visuals and dialogue intertwine to create a compelling moment in time. The format for the screenwriting degree online program encourages collaboration and direct interaction with faculty and peers. You'll also have the chance to get published and learn from experienced authors through The Penmen Review, our own online journal for writers. Career outlook: Blockbuster movies, independent films and shorts, commercials, television dramas and sitcoms all rest their success on the backbone of their scripts. Screenwriters have lots of options when it comes to navigating their careers. You could pursue independent work and make your stories come to life – or you could develop scripts for specific projects that need a writer's touch. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, writers and authors earned a median annual salary of $73,150 in 2022. 1 Courses may include: New Media: Writing and Publishing Introduction to Screenwriting Workshop Intermediate Screenwriting Workshop Advanced Screenwriting Workshop Request Info Apply Now if (typeof accordionGroup === "undefined") { window.accordionGroup = new accordion(); } accordionGroup.init(document.getElementById('a7db942c2ff94e9783a92e9b328572c0')); Career Outlook

Use storytelling skills to write everything from children’s books and novels to biographies, essays and memoirs.

Apply your understanding of the written word to plan, review and revise content for publication in books, periodicals or online platforms.

Promote a product, service or organization with content for advertisements, marketing campaigns or websites.

Research topics, investigate story ideas and interview sources to write compelling nonfiction articles for newspapers, magazines, blogs and television news programs.

Screenwriter

Use the power of writing to create visual and auditory experiences for everything from major blockbuster films to television episodes and commercials.

Speechwriter

Write speeches for business leaders, politicians and others, using words to engage with and move an audience.

And with today's technology, it's easy for writers and authors to work from just about anywhere as long as they have internet access – meaning jobs aren't limited to major cities anymore.

In addition to the writing skills you'll develop in a creative writing degree program, you could also pick up a handful of other career skills 1 the workforce desperately needs, like:

• Adaptability: Adapt to updates in software platforms and programs, including various content management systems (CMS).
• Creativity: Develop interesting plots, characters or ideas for new stories.
• Critical-thinking skills: Understand concepts that must be conveyed through writing.
• Determination: Gain the focus to meet deadlines.
• Persuasion: Convince others to feel a certain way about a good or service – especially if you choose a career in advertising.
• Social perceptiveness: Develop an understanding of how readers respond to and connect with your work.

"This [program] not only allowed me to explore my creativity through writing," said Nicholas Patterson '22 . "It taught me the fundamentals of the industry and how to pursue a career in it."

Job Growth and Salary

Prospects for writer and author occupations appear promising in the coming years. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the industry shift from print to online media should result in employment growth. 1

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, career opportunities for writers and authors are projected to grow 4% through 2032 — that's as fast as average for all occupations. 1

In 2022, the median annual wage for writers and authors was $73,150 . 1

Understanding the Numbers When reviewing job growth and salary information, it’s important to remember that actual numbers can vary due to many different factors — like years of experience in the role, industry of employment, geographic location, worker skill and economic conditions. Cited projections do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.

Start Your Journey Toward an Online Creative Writing Degree

Why snhu for your creative writing degree flexible with no set class meeting times, you can learn on your schedule and access online course materials 24/7. affordable as part of our mission to make higher education more accessible, we’re committed to keeping our tuition rates low. in fact, we offer some of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation. prior coursework could also help you save time and money. snhu’s transfer policy  allows you to transfer up to 90 credits toward your bachelor's degree and 45 credits for an associate degree from your previous institutions—that means you could save up to 75% off the cost of tuition. you could also save time and money by getting college credit for previous work experience , or by taking advantage of military discounts and employer tuition assistance if available to you. respected founded in 1932 , southern new hampshire university is a private, nonprofit institution with over 160,000 graduates across the country. snhu is accredited by the new england commission of higher education (neche), a regional accreditor, which advocates for institutional improvement and public assurance of quality.  recently, snhu has been nationally recognized for leading the way toward more innovative, affordable and achievable education: u.s. news & world report named snhu the 2021 most innovative university in the north and one of the nation's "best regional universities" awarded the 21st century distance learning award for excellence in online technology by the united states distance learning association (usdla) a $1 million grant from google.org to explore soft skills assessments for high-need youth network at southern new hampshire university, you'll have access to a powerful network of more than 300,000 students, alumni and staff that can help support you long after graduation. our instructors offer relevant, real-world expertise to help you understand and navigate the field. plus, with our growing, nationwide alumni network, you'll have the potential to tap into a number of internship and career opportunities. 93.2% of online students would recommend snhu according to a 2023 survey with 21,000+ respondents. discover why snhu may be right for you . opportunities you'll have the chance to share your work with the vibrant creative writing community at snhu: the penmen review , our online journal that accepts submissions 12 times a year word for word, a bimonthly livestream event featuring published writers reading from their work fall fiction contest, a short-story competition that offers snhu scholarships among its prizes student writers spotlight, a livestream reading showcasing the best of snhu's creative writing students admission requirements expanding access to quality higher education means removing the barriers that may stand between you and your degree. that’s why you can apply at any time and get a decision within days of submitting all required materials: completed free undergraduate application prior transcripts, which we can retrieve at no cost to you test scores are not required as part of your application acceptance decisions are made on a rolling basis throughout the year for our 6 (8-week) undergraduate terms . how to apply if you’re ready to apply, follow these simple steps to get the process going: complete a free undergraduate application submit any additional documents required work with an admission counselor  to explore financial options  and walk through the application process if you have questions or need help filling out your application, call 1.888.387.0861 or email [email protected] . if (typeof accordiongroup === "undefined") { window.accordiongroup = new accordion(); } accordiongroup.init(document.getelementbyid('06235c05b74e467bb258c6a2eee81259')); what snhu students are saying.

"I came [to SNHU] originally to have more freedoms and explore my creativity in a new environment. This program has given me that and more – this program has enabled me to improve myself in every facet of writing, from brainstorming a new idea to learning about genres and even how to market myself and my writing."

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120 Credits

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8-Week Terms

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100% Online

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No Set Class Times

Southern New Hampshire University is home to one of the largest creative writing programs in the country.

Our unique online creative writing degree allows you to take writing courses from the start. The program features 4 writing workshops, including an advanced workshop in which you'll complete a polished piece in the genre of your choice.

The courses in our BA in Creative Writing can help develop your talent for creating stories, novels and characters and turning them into finished, professional pieces. Whether you choose the general track or a specific genre, you'll learn from published writers with valuable industry insights.

In addition to the courses and electives within the major, SNHU's online writing degree program includes 30 credits of free electives. This leaves you with room to choose courses or a minor in an area of study that you'd like to write about – like history or psychology – or the opportunity to complement your studies with career skills, such as graphic design or marketing. The amount of free electives also makes our creative writing degree an attractive option for transfer students.

Throughout your program, you'll learn from published writers, professional editors, publishers and established literary critics – subject-matter experts who can help guide you to improving your craft.

As a bonus at SNHU, you can choose to further your study of creative writing with one of our popular graduate programs:

• Online MA in English and Creative Writing: Building on the learnings from your bachelor's degree, you can choose from the same 4 concentrations – fiction, nonfiction, screenwriting or poetry – in this 36-credit online master's in writing  program,  which allows you to develop creative works that can contribute to your professional advancement.
• Online MFA in Creative Writing: Gain both the writing skills and the professional skills to succeed in areas like marketing, publishing, content writing, teaching and freelancing in this fully online, 48-credit online MFA in creative writing  program. You can also focus on a wide range of fiction genres – such as contemporary, romance, young adult or speculative – plus you'll add one of two embedded certificates to your program: professional writing or the online teaching of writing.
• Low-Residency MFA in Fiction or Nonfiction: This highly focused 2-year program consists of 4 workshops and 4 in-person, weeklong residencies in New Hampshire. Within the 60-credit low-residency MFA  program, you'll complete both a manuscript suitable for submission to editors and a critical essay that's ideal for literary journals.

Curriculum Requirements & Resources

General education.

All undergraduate students are required to take general education courses , which are part of SNHU's newly redesigned program, The Commons. The goal of The Commons' curriculum is to empower you with some of the most in-demand skills, so you can succeed not only in your academic career, but in your personal and professional life too.

Technology Resources

We provide cloud-based virtual environments in some courses to give you access to the technology you need for your degree – and your career. Learn more about our virtual environments .

Earn Math Credits

Save time and tuition with our Pathways to Math Success assessments. Depending on your scores, you could earn up to 12 math credits – the equivalent of 4 courses – toward your degree for less than $50 per assessment. For additional information, or to register for a Pathways to Math Success assessment, contact your admission counselor or academic advisor today.

Minimum Hardware Requirements Component Type   PC (Windows OS)   Apple (Mac OS)   Operating System  Currently supported operating system from Microsoft.   Currently supported operating system from Apple.  Memory (RAM)  8GB or higher  8GB or higher  Hard Drive  100GB or higher  100GB or higher  Antivirus Software  Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students.  Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students.  SNHU Purchase Programs  Visit Dell   Visit Apple   Internet/ Bandwidth  5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100 ms Latency  5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100 ms Latency  Notes:   Laptop or desktop?   Whichever you choose depends on your personal preference and work style, though laptops tend to offer more flexibility.  Note:   Chromebooks (Chrome OS) and iPads (iOS) do not meet the minimum requirements for coursework at SNHU. These offer limited functionality and do not work with some course technologies. They are not acceptable as the only device you use for coursework. While these devices are convenient and may be used for some course functions, they cannot be your primary device. SNHU does, however, have an affordable laptop option that it recommends: Dell Latitude 3301 with Windows 10.  Office 365 Pro Plus  is available free of charge to all SNHU students and faculty. The Office suite will remain free while you are a student at SNHU. Upon graduation you may convert to a paid subscription if you wish. Terms subject to change at Microsoft's discretion. Review system requirements for  Microsoft 365 plans  for business, education and government.  Antivirus software:  Check with your ISP as they may offer antivirus software free of charge to subscribers.  if (typeof accordionGroup === "undefined") { window.accordionGroup = new accordion(); } accordionGroup.init(document.getElementById('f756dce5bd874c61855f6f6e92d88470')); What to Expect as an Online Student No set class times: Asynchronous classes let you do your coursework when and where you want Pick your pace: Choose between full time (2 courses) or part time (1 course) each term Student support: 24/7 access to online student services like the library, tech and academic support if (typeof carouselContainer === "undefined") { window.carouselContainer = new carousel(); } let vc_0a2c09e41977426b8f3008e18ed9a68a = document.getElementById('carousel-0a2c09e41977426b8f3008e18ed9a68a') if (vc_0a2c09e41977426b8f3008e18ed9a68a !== null) { carouselContainer.init(vc_0a2c09e41977426b8f3008e18ed9a68a); } University Accreditation

Tuition & Fees

As a private, nonprofit university, we’re committed to making college more accessible by making it more affordable. That’s why we offer some of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation.

We also offer financial aid packages to those who qualify, plus a 30% tuition discount for U.S. service members, both full and part time, and the spouses of those on active duty.

Tuition Rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually. *Note: students receiving this rate are not eligible for additional discounts.

Additional Costs No Application Fee, Course Materials ($ varies by course)

Frequently Asked Questions

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Best Online Writing Programs

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Expert communicators know how to use language, literature, and writing effectively to convey messages, deploy rhetoric, and construct persuasive arguments. Individuals who possess these skills can apply them in a variety of traditional and nontraditional positions.

This guide outlines how to choose a bachelor's in writing program. The information provided includes admission requirements , common courses, and job prospects for graduates of writing programs.

Employers in all sectors value new hires who can effectively communicate and demonstrate mastery of the written word. While traditional writing fields such as journalism still offer a natural fit for writing majors, the field continues to evolve and offers fewer prospects than it once did.

What Are the Best Online Bachelor's in Writing Programs? Here Are Our Top 5:

Related programs that might interest you.

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

Is your school on this list? Get the BestColleges ranking seal.

Alternatively, technical writers often begin their careers as writing majors and enjoy positive job prospects. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that from 2022-2032 the number of technical writers will increase by 7% ; these professionals made a median salary of $80,050 in 2023.

A writing major also gains the foundational training needed to enter other fields, including law, teaching, advertising and public relations, and an array of new media positions (e.g., content strategists and digital producers ).

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At BestColleges, we believe a college education is one of the most important investments you will make. We want to help you navigate the college selection process by offering school rankings that are transparent, inclusive, and relevant for online students. Our rankings are grounded in a few guiding principles and use the latest statistical data available from trusted sources. Read our Ranking Methodology. We hope our approach helps you find the school that is best for you.

Best Accredited Online Bachelor's in Writing Programs

Best online bachelor's in writing programs.

FIU, located in Miami, offers an online bachelor of arts in English with a writing and rhetoric track. The program prepares students for a wide variety of career fields, from traditional publishing to digital content to education administration. All students take core courses designed to provide a solid foundation in English grammar and literature. Participants then choose electives such as scientific writing or advanced business writing to fine-tune their progression.

Note that students must earn a grade of "C" or better in all prerequisite and lower-level English courses to proceed to upper-division writing courses. FIU is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Program Snapshot

• Program Name: Bachelor of Arts in English: Writing and Rhetoric Track
• School Status: Public
• Tuition: $229 per credit (in-state); $346 per credit (out-of-state)
• Credit Requirements: 120 credits
• Degree Completion Program: No
• Program Length : 4 years
• Format: 100% online

Admission Requirements

• GPA: No minimum required
• Standardized Tests: SAT or ACT 

Contact the School

Request more information about this program.

Orlando, FL

Located in Orlando, UCF offers a fully online bachelor of arts in English with a creative writing focus. In addition to a complete slate of general liberal arts courses, students take foundational courses in English composition, creative writing, and literature. Learners then move on to upper-level classes, choosing from courses like fiction writing, poetry writing, and scriptwriting.

Many graduates of this program go on to careers in journalism, playwriting, copywriting, or education. Those interested in technical writing careers may prefer UCF's technical communication program.

UCF is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

• Program Name: BA in English - Creative Writing
• Tuition: $179 per credit (in-state); $716 per credit (out-of-state)
• GPA: 3.0 minimum preferred
• Standardized Tests: SAT or ACT for students with a 2.5-2.99 GPA

Richmond, IN

IU East, located in the city of Richmond, offers an entirely online bachelor of arts in English with a technical and professional writing focus. Designed specifically for students preparing for careers such as technical writer, engineering writer, or documentation specialist, the program provides a strong foundation in digital writing, as well as technical writing and editing.

Students choose from a long list of electives, such as classes in Native American literature or the history of the English language, to round out their knowledge and customize their program according to interests.

IU East is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

• Program Name: Bachelor of Arts in English, Technical and Professional Writing
• Tuition: $236 per credit (in-state); $341 per credit (out-of-state)
• GPA : No minimum required
• Standardized Tests: SAT or ACT optional

Honolulu, HI

A private university in Hawaii, Chaminade offers a fully online bachelor of arts in English with a writing concentration. Designed for those interested in creative writing careers, the program provides a strong grounding in both American and British literature. Students learn to analyze and interpret texts within their historical and cultural contexts and effectively communicate ideas through the written word in various applications.

All students must complete a final capstone course. This senior seminar encapsulates everything learned throughout the program. The English program also offers teaching and literature and criticism concentrations.

Chaminade is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission.

• Program Name: Bachelor of Arts in English
• School Status: Private
• Tuition: $565 per credit
• Standardized Tests: Not required

Manchester, NH

Located in Manchester, SNHU offers an online bachelor of arts in creative writing and English . Students can select the general track for maximum flexibility, or choose one of four concentrations: fiction, nonfiction, screenwriting, or poetry. Regardless of their track, students take core writing courses like literary theory and the English language. They also take three courses in their concentration and 36 credits of free electives.

All students participate in four separate writing workshops. The final workshop is a capstone experience in which students complete a polished project in their genre choice.

SNHU is regionally accredited by the New England Commission on Higher Education.

• Program Name: Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing and English
• Tuition: $320 per credit

Thibodaux, LA

Located in Thibodaux, Louisiana, Nicholls offers an online bachelor of arts in English with five concentration options, including creative writing and writing and rhetoric. In addition to a broad foundation in general liberal arts, the program provides a strong grounding in English literature, grammar, and composition.

In general, students interested in writing fiction, poetry, or scripts should select the creative writing concentration. The writing and rhetoric concentration focuses on how writing shapes our worldview and how it can help create change. As a result, students interested in copywriting, grant writing, or business communications often concentrate in writing and rhetoric.

Nicholls is a public university that is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

• Tuition: $302 per credit (for 1-12 credits/semester); $275 per credit for each additional credit thereafter

A public research university, CU Denver offers an online bachelor of arts in English writing, rhetoric, and technology . The program teaches students about writing research and theory, as well as a broad introduction to topics like linguistics, digital publication, and magazine writing.

Many students go on to careers in content writing, technical writing, or web content management. A wide variety of electives allows students to focus on their primary areas of interest, such as scientific writing or grant writing.

CU Denver is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

• Program Name: Bachelor of Arts in English Writing, Rhetoric, and Technology
• Tuition: $330 per credit (in-state); $444 per credit (out-of-state)
• Standardized Tests: ACT or SAT

Superior, WI

A public liberal arts university, UW-Superior offers a hybrid or online bachelor's in writing . This program covers creative writing and professional writing, preparing students for positions like magazine columnist, book reviewer, or social media specialist.

All students take two introductory core writing courses, two genre-specific courses (e.g., nonfiction or poetry), and two rhetoric courses (e.g., English grammar or technical writing). Students further customize their path by picking electives like gender and sexuality in writing, psycholinguistics, and news writing and reporting. The program ends with a capstone project, in which students put together an online writing portfolio.

UW-Superior is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

• Program Name: Bachelor of Arts in Writing
• Tuition: $305 per credit
• Format: 100% online or hybrid

Virginia Beach, VA

A Christian university located in Virginia Beach, Virginia, Regent oversees an online bachelor of arts in English - writing program. Designed for Christian writers who want to ground their work with a biblical worldview, the program requires all students to take Christianity courses alongside their other general education requirements.

The program covers a wide variety of literature, from the Middle Ages through the modern day. Students choose writing electives such as narrative concept and development, writing for animation, and business and professional writing.

Regent is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

• Program Name: Bachelor of Arts in English - Writing
• Tuition: $395 per credit for full-time students (12+ credits per semester); $450 per credit for part-time students (6-11 credits per semester)

Ellensburg, WA

A public university in Ellensburg, CWU offers a fully online bachelor of arts in professional and creative writing . Students who meet the university's general education requirements can graduate from this degree completion program in just two years.

All students take six foundational courses, which cover topics like rhetoric, grammar, poetry, and writing for publication. Students then chart their path with 27 quarter credits of electives drawn from a mix of creative writing topics, professional writing topics, and online practicum placements. All students also select five courses in literature, language, and film. Students end the program with a capstone colloquium.

CWU is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

• Program Name: Bachelor of Arts in Professional and Creative Writing
• Tuition: $230 per quarter credit
• Credit Requirements: 74 quarter credits
• Degree Completion Program: Yes
• Program Length : 2 years
• GPA: 3.0 suggested (students with a 2.0-2.99 GPA may be admitted pending comprehensive review)
• Standardized Tests: ACT or SAT recommended for students with a GPA below 3.0

What Can I Expect From an Online Bachelor's in Writing Program?

Faculty at each school design the curricula for writing programs; therefore, the required coursework varies at each institution. However, the overall objective remains the same — to cultivate a cadre of writers with strong communication skills.

Some degree programs, such as a bachelor's in creative writing, may focus solely on writing. Alternatively, other degree tracks may provide a blended curriculum that melds a classical education in English and literature with in-demand skills — such as technical writing — needed in today's job market.

Some students earn a bachelor's in writing to prepare for graduate school . At the graduate level, they can build on their degree by pursuing another major in the arts and humanities. Alternatively, some students may build on their writing degree by pursuing hands-on experience straight out of college, finding careers in journalism or digital media. Degree-seekers should establish clear career objectives as they examine the college options available to them.

Common Bachelor's in Writing Degree Courses

Composition.

Coursework explores expository writing, or how to convey factual information. Students use selected readings and their own experiences to write papers that hone their skills in composition.

Fiction Writing

Students begin to cultivate their writing skills by exploring contemporary fiction and fiction theories. They engage in fiction writing by developing their own short stories. Faculty and peers participate in analysis and criticism of this work to help writers hone their skills.

Reading, Writing, and Inquiry

Students build writing and critical thinking skills as they analyze and synthesize cultural texts focused on world issues and events. Faculty may require that students write about these topics for a variety of audiences as they develop their skills as participants in broader conversations.

Argumentative Writing

Mastering the art of persuasion by pen lies at the heart of writing argumentative essays focused on complicated issues. Students learn how to identify issues, take a position, find evidence to support their claims, and write papers that clearly outline convincing arguments in favor of their positions.

Editing and Publishing

Coursework explores conventions of editing and publishing in literary writing. Learners are introduced to various kinds of publishing environments, such as those related to journals, newspapers, magazines, and digital publishing. They may also focus on certain genres, such as fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and technical writing.

What Are the Admission Requirements for an Online Bachelor's in Writing Program?

High school diploma or ged certificate.

Applicants must demonstrate they graduated from high school or earned a GED certificate in order to gain entry into most colleges. Learners will need to provide official school or GED transcripts.

These exams are sometimes used to demonstrate an applicant's readiness for entry into college-level studies. The SAT covers reading, writing/language, and math, while the ACT covers English, math, reading, and science reasoning. Both tests have optional essay sections that students can use to bolster their scores.

The College Board developed the ACCUPLACER exam as an assessment tool for junior colleges. Like the SAT and ACT, this standardized test covers reading, writing, and math. Students can also opt to complete the WritePlacer essay to demonstrate their level of writing proficiency.

Minimum GPA

High school students often need to demonstrate their readiness for college by holding a minimum GPA . Admissions departments generally require that graduates have at least a 2.0-2.5 high school GPA , though some schools may have a higher threshold.

Transfer Credits

While many programs do not require transfer credits, some do. Some schools offer degree completion options that require a significant number of credits or an associate degree. Schools typically want a minimum 2.0-2.5 GPA in transferable credits. Even if schools do not offer a degree completion track leading to a bachelor's in writing, students can apply credits from junior or other colleges to accelerate degree completion.

What Can I Do With an Online Bachelor's in Writing?

Once students complete a bachelor's in writing, they may qualify for entry-level positions at publications, media organizations, and public relations organizations. They can also pursue a graduate-level education.

However, a writing degree alone may not suffice in a competitive job market. Degree-seekers should always consider ways to begin building and expanding their resume. Paid or unpaid internships at relevant organizations provide hands-on expertise that employers value. Learners may seek opportunities such as summer internships that do not interfere with their schooling.

Students can also accrue experience by serving on a college newspaper or similar publications. While these positions generally do not pay a salary, they give learners experience and clips for a portfolio.

Graduates with a bachelor's in writing may want to acquire specialized training through certificate programs in areas such as technical writing. They may alternately desire to advance their education and training by pursuing a writing or non-writing major in graduate school.

Related Careers

Frequently asked questions about online bachelor's in writing programs, is there a degree for creative writing.

A bachelor's in creative writing may be the best option for learners interested in acquiring a deep appreciation of fiction and nonfiction prose. Students can diversify their skills by finding a writing program that offers a minor in an area such as journalism, technical writing, or digital marketing.

What can I do with a bachelor's degree in writing?

A bachelor's degree in writing provides learners with essential training in the effective use of narrative, rhetoric, and communication skills. Learners may apply these skills in fields such as journalism, technical writing, and content strategy. With further education, they may pursue careers in law, English, and education.

How long does it take to get a bachelor's in writing?

New college students who opt to pursue a bachelor's degree in creative can expect to graduate in four years. Those who transfer credits from a two- or four-year college can accelerate degree completion significantly.

How much does a bachelor's degree in writing cost?

Tuition varies from school to school, although public colleges generally cost less than private institutions -- especially for in-state learners. However, the tuition rates at some online programs are the same for residents and nonresidents.

What does someone with a bachelor's in writing get in a degree?

A bachelor's in writing gives learners a strong liberal arts education. Students also study canonical writers as they hone their own craft. This process cultivates writers who are knowledgeable about literature, effective in the use of language, and comfortable with rhetoric and argumentation.

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Best Online Creative Writing Degrees

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Updated July 28, 2023

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Are you ready to discover your college program?

Why Get a Degree in Creative Writing?

Most writers and authors hold bachelor's degrees. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), these professionals earn a median salary of $69,510 as of May 2021. Aspiring writers might be interested in composing fiction, nonfiction, poetry, along with scripts, advertising copy, or other written materials. Authors and writers might also become teachers, media producers, or editors.

Bachelor's programs typically involve workshops where you'll critique other students' work under professors' guidance. You'll also read published literature to determine what makes these works successful. You may also be required to pursue an internship with an organization where you might want to work after graduation, like a publishing house.

Featured Online Bachelor's in Creative Writing Degrees

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

How Much Does a Creative Writing Degree Cost?

A bachelor's degree typically takes four years of full-time study to complete. Typically, students must earn 120 credits to graduate, with full-time enrollees averaging 30 credits per year at this pace.

Creative writing degree costs vary considerably. The median annual in-state tuition for these degrees was $7,716 in 2020. That same year, the median annual tuition for out-of-state colleges reached $38,345.

Bachelor's degrees in creative writing are offered both fully online and in person. You may prefer an online degree if you have other personal or professional obligations. In-person degrees typically offer better opportunities to connect with your peers and professors, though this is also possible in online programs.

Courses in Creative Writing

Creative writing degrees develop your craft and evaluation skills. These programs typically include coursework in fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, and screenwriting. However, some programs may not cover these genres, offering more specialized areas like graphic novels.

Students in creative writing degrees typically take three types of courses. Craft courses teach best practices for constructing your writing. You'll also enroll in workshops where your peers and professors evaluate your work. Required literature classes help you understand what makes writing successful.

The courses listed below cover three class types.

The Art and Craft of the Short Story

Most online creative writing degrees offer instruction on best practices and common features of different types of writing. For instance, what elements should appear in a successful short story? Programs typically offer craft courses focused on different genres.

Writing Workshop

Workshops are cornerstone courses in creative writing degrees. In these classes, typically divided by genre, students complete writing assignments to share with their peers and professors for feedback. Class sessions include critiquing students' writing to cover effective areas and provide ideas for improvement.

20th-Century and 21st-Century English Literature

In this course, students read canonized pieces of creative writing written in English during these two centuries. Enrollees may discuss the writer's life, the work's context, and the craft and techniques that made the writing successful.

Career and Salary Outlook for Creative Writing

Many students pursue creative writing degrees to become writers or authors. The BLS projects employment for writers to grow by 4% from 2021-2031, which aligns with the average rate for all occupations.

Similar roles include technical writers, journalists, and public relations specialists. Writers may also become editors. These jobs also typically require bachelor's degrees, though some may require additional training outside of a creative writing degree. While working on your creative writing degree, you may need to pursue an internship to develop on-the-job experience.

A creative writing degree prepares you to pursue any of these degrees. However, some programs may have certain specializations useful for entry into specific fields.

Best Online Schools for Creative Writing Degrees

The school and/or program descriptions below were drafted using natural language generation technology and have been edited for clarity and accuracy. The data is primarily sourced from government databases such as IPEDS – see sources section for more details.

We use trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools. BestCollegeReviews.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site. from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.

#1 Best Online Creative Writing Degrees

Dakota Wesleyan University

• Mitchell, SD
• Online + Campus

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

Avg. Cost per Credit: In-State | $1,057 Out-of-State | $1,057

Credits to Graduate: 120

Getting your online bachelor's in creative writing from DWU equips you with the training to pursue a professional writing career. You'll gain the craft and literary analysis skills to publish your writing through required British literature, American literature, Great Plains literature, and Shakespeare courses. 

The senior capstone requires you to develop a manuscript that you can later shop to agents. Also, you can submit your work to DWU's Prairie Winds. As a first-year student, you'll need a minimum 2.0 GPA from an accredited high school for admission. 

#2 Best Online Creative Writing Degrees

Lesley University

• Cambridge, MA

Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education

Avg. Cost per Credit: In-State | $495 Out-of-State | $495

At Lesley , you can focus your bachelor's in creative writing in fiction, nonfiction, poetry, or scriptwriting. You'll find a supportive atmosphere in craft classes and workshops with no more than 15 students. Online learners can contribute to Lesley's Commonthought magazine and pursue internships with companies like Harvard Review, Boston Public Library, and WBZ-TV/CBS4.

You can also pursue a double major in more than 45 subjects. An undergraduate candidate does not need to submit SAT or ACT scores, but they need a 3.1 high school GPA and a 1-2 page artist statement. 

#3 Best Online Creative Writing Degrees

Adams State University

• Alamosa, CO

Avg. Cost per Credit: In-State | $369 Out-of-State | $393

Credits to Graduate: 121

ASU, founded in 1921 , offers a bachelor's in creative writing program that takes eight semesters to complete. You can workshop your writing in fiction, poetry, nonfiction, and advanced writing workshops. Strengthen your analytical mind through British, American, and contemporary literature courses. 

You can apply anytime after your high school junior year. ASU makes determinations based on academic and personal traits. Everyone receives consideration for a merit scholarship of $1,000-$3,000. As a test-optional school, you do not need to submit SAT or ACT scores. 

#4 Best Online Creative Writing Degrees

Central Washington University

• Ellensburg, WA

Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Avg. Cost per Quarter: In-State | $468 Out-of-State | $1,640

The CWU bachelor's in creative writing degree combines fiction and nonfiction with technical writing and editing. You can complete the major coursework in two years. The degree also incorporates business communication and report writing, technical writing, and media copyediting. 

Through working at the Manastash literary journal, you can gain publishing experience or complete the required practicum at the Observer or Pulse student publications. CWU invites established writers to its Lion Rock Visiting Writers series every quarter. Applying for the program as a first-year enrollee or transfer student requires you to complete the English prerequisites. 

#5 Best Online Creative Writing Degrees

Colorado Christian University

• Lakewood, CO

Avg. Cost per Credit: In-State | $494 Out-of-State | $494

At CCU, the undergraduate creative writing program features fully online delivery with one course at a time. In addition to nine credits in Biblical studies, you'll need to complete major courses in fiction and nonfiction seminars, copyediting, and copyright and publishing law. Part of the program teaches you to query agents. 

For admission, you must submit a high school diploma or GED certificate and complete an online undergraduate application. You can transfer up to 90 credits. CCU may provide prior credits for work and/or military experience.

#6 Best Online Creative Writing Degrees

Florida International University

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Avg. Cost per Credit: In-State | $236 Out-of-State | $649

Enroll in FIU's creative writing program, and you can choose from specialized tracks in literature, writing and rhetoric, creative writing, or linguistics. All tracks emphasize multicultural perspectives through upper-division courses in literature, creative writing, linguistics, and writing and rhetoric. 

You can enter as a freshman applicant with SAT/ACT scores or as a transfer student with at least 60 college credits. Start dates vary by track: writing and rhetoric track students start in the fall, spring, or summer, while literary track enrollees begin in the fall. 

#7 Best Online Creative Writing Degrees

Missouri State University-Springfield

• Springfield, MO

Avg. Cost per Credit: In-State | $279 Out-of-State | $597

Missouri State offers bachelor of arts (BA) and bachelor of science (BS) creative writing programs. BA students take quantitative literacy as a general education credit in the first semester instead of the BS degree's contemporary mathematics course. All enrollees develop a critical approach to studying literature and the craft of writing poetry, nonfiction, short stories, or plays. 

The English Department's literary journal, Moon City Press, welcomes undergraduates seeking publishing experience. Applicants must be admitted to Missouri State and apply for the program only after completing 75 general education credits. 

#8 Best Online Creative Writing Degrees

Northeastern State University

• Tahlequah, OK

Avg. Cost per Credit: In-State | $241 Out-of-State | $510

Credits to Graduate: 124

When you earn a bachelor's in creative writing at Northwestern , you can select from more than 60 minors. All undergraduate students take poetry, fiction, and creative writing portfolio workshops. You can also choose electives in travel and advanced writing, short story workshops, screenwriting, and a publication workshop. 

Northwestern accepts transfer students from public institutions in Oklahoma. A first-time applicant must submit SAT or ACT scores and have a minimum 2.70 high school GPA.

#9 Best Online Creative Writing Degrees

Southern New Hampshire University

• Manchester, NH

Avg. Cost per Credit: In-State | $330 Out-of-State | $330

The creative writing program at SNHU offers concentrations in fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and screenwriting. You can study from anywhere, with no live class requirements. The curriculum trains you for a professional writing career with workshops and lectures in literary analysis, craft, and critical thinking. The required 30 electives allow you to expand your creative writing degree with courses from other departments. 

There's no application fee, cost for transcripts, and no standardized test requirements for admission. You can transfer up to 90 credits and use prior learning credits toward your degree. SNHU offers rolling admissions. 

#10 Best Online Creative Writing Degrees

Southwest Minnesota State University

• Marshall, MN

Avg. Cost per Credit: In-State | $354 Out-of-State | $354

At SMSU, the bachelor's in English with an emphasis on creative writing equips you to publish your work through writing, poetry, fiction, and advanced workshops. As a senior, you must complete a final portfolio. 

Creative writing majors get access to the library in Holm and Dacey Lounge. They also serve as judges for a regional creative writing contest. SMSU also allows students to join the Perceptions Literary and Arts Journal staff, English Club, or The Spur student newspaper. Freshman applicants must submit high school transcripts and ACT or SAT scores.  

Questions About Creative Writing Degrees

Is a creative writing degree worth it.

Creative writing degrees are particularly useful if you want to compose creative projects like novels, poetry books, or screenplays. Writers often earn above-average wages across industries, so you may pursue a similar degree, like a bachelor's program in journalism or English, if you do not want to write creatively.

What is the best degree for creative writing?

Aspiring authors and writers may want to pursue creative writing degrees. These programs often allow you to explore one or more creative writing genres, including fiction, and poetry, and creative nonfiction. However, some writers and authors earn bachelor's degrees in related fields like English, communications, or journalism.

Is creative writing a BA or BS?

Completing a creative writing degree almost always awards you a bachelor of arts (BA). Fields like fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction are considered creative arts. Bachelor of science (BS) programs are not typically connected with creative writing degrees. Only one institution currently offers an online BS in creative writing .

Can you have a career in creative writing?

As of 2021, the BLS reports that 142,800 people in America held jobs as authors and writers, with a projected employment growth rate of 4% from 2021-2031. Individuals with creative writing degrees can also pursue related professions as technical writers, editors, and journalists.

Page last reviewed June 19, 2023. All rankings and school descriptions on this page were created and reviewed independently by the BCR Rankings Team.

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Most Affordable Online Creative Writing Degrees

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Updated April 15, 2024

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Are you ready to discover your college program?

The requirements to enter an affordable creative writing program vary by school. Creative writing degree-seekers typically must first complete introductory classes in reading and writing literature.

A degree in creative writing typically combines literature coursework with writing workshops. Schools often offer workshops in the students' chosen genres, such as fiction, nonfiction, or poetry.

Bachelor's degree in creative writing graduates can pursue a master's or MFA in creative writing. Others pursue careers in fields like publishing or education.

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Questions About Creative Writing Programs

What can you do with a creative writing degree.

A creative writing degree prepares graduates for publishing, editing, or communication careers. They can also work in education or journalism.

Is creative writing a BA or BS?

Most schools offer creative writing as a BA.

How long does it take to get a bachelor's in creative writing?

Full-time students typically complete a bachelor's in creative writing in four years.

Why Get a Degree in Creative Writing?

For students who enjoy writing, a degree in creative writing offers an opportunity to hone their craft. It also helps prepare them for a career that needs strong writing skills. According to Jan. 2024 Payscale data, students with a bachelor's degree in creative writing earn a $61,000 average annual salary .

The flexibility of attending an affordable creative writing program online benefits busy students. They can complete classwork around their full-time job or family responsibilities.

How Much Does a Creative Writing Degree Cost?

The cost of a cheap creative writing program varies by school. According to the National Center for Education Statistics , tuition and fees at public four-year schools averaged $9,600 for in-state students in the 2021-22 academic year. Out-of-state students paid an average of $27,460. Private schools charged $34,040 on average. Some public schools charge all students the same tuition no matter their residency status.

Full-time students should expect to take four years to finish a bachelor's degree in creative writing. Degree-seekers can attend a cheap creative writing program either online or in person. Besides tuition, students might need to cover additional expenses, such as textbooks or technology fees.

Additional Online Student Fees

Earning an online creative writing degree typically costs less than an in-person program. However, online students may need to pay extra fees, such as technology or tech support fees.

Online students might need to visit campus for in-person classes or meetings. They should budget for travel costs. Students should also expect to pay for textbooks and other required class materials.

Finally, students should budget for graduation fees. They may also need to pay for certifications after graduating.

How Much Do Creative Writing Graduates Make?

Possible careers for creative writing majors include freelance writer, editorial assistant, or journalist. Salaries in these fields vary based on the writer's skill and experience.

An advanced degree, such as a master's or MFA, can boost earning potential in the creative writing field. Publication also enhances earning potential and job eligibility.

High-paying jobs in the field include professor, editor, or author. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , writers and authors earn a median annual salary of $73,690. Editors earn a median of $75,020 per year.

Courses in Creative Writing

A creative writing degree helps students build writing, editing, and critical reading skills. Students in creative writing programs can pick from fiction, nonfiction, or poetry specializations. Some schools may offer screenwriting or playwriting specializations. Degree-seekers typically take writing classes or workshops, along with literature courses.

Some schools offer creative writing degrees as bachelor's degrees in English with a concentration in creative writing. Such programs tend to feature more literature requirements.

Not every affordable creative writing program offers the classes below. However, the selected course descriptions represent a sample creative writing curriculum.

Craft of Writing Fiction

Literature and the environment, fundamentals of creative reading, most affordable creative writing programs.

We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools. AffordableCollegesOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site. from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.

#1 Most Affordable Online Creative Writing Degrees

Northeastern State University

• Tahlequah, OK
• Online + Campus

Northeastern State University is a public institution educating students from its Tahlequah campus. The school offers 29 online programs, allowing students to pursue their degree without relocating. The online bachelor's in creative writing features a curriculum designed to prepare learners for creative writing careers.

In addition to core coursework, degree-seekers in the creative writing program complete advanced classes in field-related topics. Learners gain transferable critical thinking and communication skills, which apply to careers in a variety of fields. The 120-credit bachelor's program typically takes four years for full-time degree-seekers to complete.

The school offers support services, including academic advising and career counseling, for online and on-campus learners. Enrollees with financial need can submit the FAFSA to qualify for federal loans and grants, such as the Pell Grant.

Northeastern State University at a Glance:

Acceptance Rate: 100%

Total Programs: 94

Total Bachelor's Programs: 60

Online Bachelor's Programs: 11

Awards Transfer Credits: No

#2 Most Affordable Online Creative Writing Degrees

Adams State University

• Alamosa, CO

Adams State University's bachelor's in creative writing prepares online learners to succeed in writing careers. Located in Alamosa, Colorado, the school delivers academic programs on campus. Among the school's 34 available programs are 20 online options for distance students.

The online creative writing program is ideal for individuals who need flexible scheduling options. Working professionals often benefit from the online program's customizable scheduling options. Learners in the online program complete assignments and participate in class discussions virtually. Degree-seekers enrolled full time typically need four years to graduate with a bachelor's.

The school charges online learners affordable tuition rates. Degree-seekers with financial need can apply for federal loans and grants, such as the Pell Grant. Financial aid counselors help students explore funding options.

#3 Most Affordable Online Creative Writing Degrees

Central Washington University

• Ellensburg, WA

Central Washington University offers an online bachelor's degree in creative writing for busy learners who want to earn their creative writing degree while maintaining employment. Based in Ellensburg, the school educates degree-seekers through high-quality academic programs. The university educates students through 49 programs, all of which are available online.

Learners who need flexible scheduling options can enroll in the creative writing program. The online program's customizable nature is ideal for learners balancing academics with personal and professional obligations. Learners enrolled in the online bachelor's program view lectures and participate in discussions virtually. Undergraduates typically require four years to earn their bachelor's degree.

Affordable tuition rates and institutional funding make pursuing higher education easier for many learners. The institution holds accreditation, which means degree-seekers can submit the FAFSA to receive federal loans and grants, such as the Pell Grant. The school offers financial aid advising to help admitted students identify scholarship and grant opportunities.

#4 Most Affordable Online Creative Writing Degrees

Southern New Hampshire University

• Manchester, NH

Southern New Hampshire University offers an online bachelor of arts in creative writing for busy students who want to earn their creative writing degree while maintaining employment. Learners with personal or professional obligations often benefit from the online creative writing program's flexible scheduling options.

Enrollees can attend classes at Southern New Hampshire University's campus in Manchester. In addition to on-campus offerings, the school delivers 84 online programs. Degree-seekers who want to maintain full-time employment while earning their degree can enroll in one of the institution's 35 online bachelor's programs.

While earning the online bachelor's degree in creative writing, learners complete core major classes to develop a foundation for upper-division coursework. To complete the online bachelor's program, degree-seekers earn at least 120 credits. Enrollees finish a rigorous curriculum and gain field-specific training in creative writing.

The school's support services, including tutoring and academic advising, help learners succeed academically. Online undergraduates can access professional assistance from faculty advisors and career counselors. Financial aid counseling can help students reduce out-of-pocket expenses.

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2024 Best Online Creative Writing Degrees

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OnlineU has over 200 partner colleges that advertise on our site. Search results include only our partner colleges, which are marked with the word "Ad."  Learn more  about how we make money. ' > AD

An online creative writing degree can help you gain the skills and resources you need to become a professional writer — from publishing works of fiction to applying your talents in the business world. If you go on to earn your master's degree in creative writing or an English master's , you may bring home even more. 

Our list is ranked by highest online enrollment to feature the most popular online bachelor's degrees in writing. View our methodology for more details about our list, or learn about OnlineU . 

Want an online degree that's:

Southern New Hampshire University Online Southern New Hampshire University Online Southern New Hampshire University Online Southern New Hampshire University Online OnlineU has over 200 partner colleges that advertise on our site. Partner colleges are ranked based on the methodology listed on this page and data collected from the government, PayScale, the schools’ own websites, and non-profit sources. Learn more about how we make money. ">

• Online Enrollment : National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional information. " data-point="online enrollment">116,225 enrolled
• Annual Tuition: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, annual tuition data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional annual tuition information. "> $9,600
• Location: Manchester (NH)

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a large, private institution that offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing & English .

This online writing program teaches students about adaptability, creativity, persuasion, and social perceptiveness, encouraging graduates to pursue any writing career they desire. Some core courses in this program include Context of Writing: Writers/Publishing, The English Language, and Shakespeare. Graduates may go on to work as authors, editors, copywriters, and journalists.

Why we like them: This bachelor's in writing has four concentration options: (1) Fiction, (2) Nonfiction, (3) Poetry, and (4) Screenwriting. We believe that having multiple areas of focus to choose from is helpful because it narrows your scope of study and allows you to more closely align your education with your career ambitions.

• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional information. ">Acceptance Rate: 78%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, average graduation rate data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional average graduation rate information. ">Avg. Graduation Rate: 38%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, retention rate data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional retention rate information. ">Retention Rate: 62%
• Recommendation rates and review counts are based on student reviews we have collected. View more reviews for this school at Southern New Hampshire University Online ">Recommend Rate: 61%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, financial aid recipients data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional financial aid recipients information. This data point represents the percentage of students who receive financial aid. ">Financial Aid Recipients: 81%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, average aid package data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional average aid package information. Average aid package is the average dollar amount of financial aid given to each student at this institution. ">Avg. Aid Package: $4,434
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, repayment rate data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional repayment rate information. ">Repayment Rate: 93%
• School Type: Nonprofit (Private)

Liberty University Liberty University Liberty University Liberty University OnlineU has over 200 partner colleges that advertise on our site. Partner colleges are ranked based on the methodology listed on this page and data collected from the government, PayScale, the schools’ own websites, and non-profit sources. Learn more about how we make money. ">

• Online Enrollment : National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional information. " data-point="online enrollment">34,799 enrolled
• Annual Tuition: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, annual tuition data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional annual tuition information. "> $11,700
• Location: Lynchburg (VA)

Liberty University (LU) is a private, Christian university with a Bachelor of Science in English and Writing - Creative Writing .

In this online degree, students explore the history of literature as well as advanced grammar, technical writing, and critical thinking. The majority of credits go toward the core curriculum — including classes such as American Realism and Naturalism, Modern Grammar, and Composition and Literature — with each course being taught from a Christian perspective. Additional credits are required for the senior capstone project. Jobs for graduates may include a variety of roles, such as professional bloggers, writers, or editors.

Why we like them: LU claims that students can finish their online creative writing degree in just 3.5 years. This is faster than most bachelor's degrees, which typically take four years or longer to complete.

• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional information. ">Acceptance Rate: 30%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, average graduation rate data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional average graduation rate information. ">Avg. Graduation Rate: 62%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, retention rate data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional retention rate information. ">Retention Rate: 79%
• Recommendation rates and review counts are based on student reviews we have collected. View more reviews for this school at Liberty University ">Recommend Rate: 57%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, financial aid recipients data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional financial aid recipients information. This data point represents the percentage of students who receive financial aid. ">Financial Aid Recipients: 98%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, average aid package data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional average aid package information. Average aid package is the average dollar amount of financial aid given to each student at this institution. ">Avg. Aid Package: $12,471
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, repayment rate data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional repayment rate information. ">Repayment Rate: N/A

Full Sail University Full Sail University Full Sail University Full Sail University OnlineU has over 200 partner colleges that advertise on our site. Partner colleges are ranked based on the methodology listed on this page and data collected from the government, PayScale, the schools’ own websites, and non-profit sources. Learn more about how we make money. ">

• Online Enrollment : National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional information. " data-point="online enrollment">19,640 enrolled
• Annual Tuition: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, annual tuition data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional annual tuition information. "> $26,307
• Location: Winter Park (FL)

Full Sail University (FS) is a large, private university that offers an online Bachelor of Fine Arts in Creative Writing .

The curriculum explores genres, researches publication methods, and hones the craft through portfolio courses and workshops. Some core classes in this major include Storytelling in the Entertainment & Media Industries, Literary Techniques and Story Development, and Developing New Worlds: Environment and Historical Research.

Why we like them: At FS, students receive a Launchbox, which includes a computer, Full Sail’s custom learning system, and professional software to finish their coursework, which is a mix of synchronous and asynchronous learning styles.

• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional information. ">Acceptance Rate: N/A
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, average graduation rate data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional average graduation rate information. ">Avg. Graduation Rate: 45%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, retention rate data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional retention rate information. ">Retention Rate: 76%
• Recommendation rates and review counts are based on student reviews we have collected. View more reviews for this school at Full Sail University ">Recommend Rate: 48%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, financial aid recipients data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional financial aid recipients information. This data point represents the percentage of students who receive financial aid. ">Financial Aid Recipients: 78%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, average aid package data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional average aid package information. Average aid package is the average dollar amount of financial aid given to each student at this institution. ">Avg. Aid Package: $8,531
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, repayment rate data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional repayment rate information. ">Repayment Rate: 80%
• School Type: For Profit

Weber State University Weber State University Weber State University Weber State University

• Online Enrollment : National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional information. " data-point="online enrollment">5,216 enrolled
• Annual Tuition: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, annual tuition data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional annual tuition information. "> $17,084
• Location: Ogden (UT)

At Weber State University (WSU), students interested in poetry, fiction, and nonfiction can pursue an online Bachelor of Arts in English - Creative Writing .

Each course of this degree lends to professional writing portfolios. Students learn the foundations of literature, including its various histories worldwide, as well as linguistics, editing, and publishing. Sample courses include Contemporary Literature for Creative Writers, History of the English Language, and Creative Approaches to Literature. Graduates may find careers as diverse as novelists, reporters, and poets.

Why we like them: You'll receive one-on-one mentorship throughout the program, enabling you to participate in WSU's creative endeavors, such as school magazines, open mic nights, and literary journals.

• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, average graduation rate data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional average graduation rate information. ">Avg. Graduation Rate: 41%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, retention rate data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional retention rate information. ">Retention Rate: 68%
• Recommendation rates and review counts are based on student reviews we have collected. View reviews of Weber State University . ">Recommend Rate: 87%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, financial aid recipients data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional financial aid recipients information. This data point represents the percentage of students who receive financial aid. ">Financial Aid Recipients: 100%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, average aid package data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional average aid package information. Average aid package is the average dollar amount of financial aid given to each student at this institution. ">Avg. Aid Package: $5,831
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, repayment rate data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional repayment rate information. ">Repayment Rate: 92%
• School Type: Nonprofit (Public)

Regent University Online Regent University Online Regent University Online Regent University Online

• Online Enrollment : National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional information. " data-point="online enrollment">3,386 enrolled
• Annual Tuition: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, annual tuition data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional annual tuition information. "> $19,680
• Location: Virginia Beach (VA)

Regent University Online (RU) is a private, Christian institution that features an online Bachelor of Arts in English - Writing .

This online writing program teaches students the most relevant forms of modern writing, such as media, web, fiction, and business — alongside a historical view of literature throughout Britain and the United States. Here are three examples of required courses: The Art of the Essay, Shakespeare, and Literature of the United States: Beginnings to the Civil War. Students must also complete an Advanced Independent Study. Graduates may find work in marketing, public relations, and commercial fiction, to name a few possibilities.

Why we like them: At RU, students use Canvas as their learning platform, where courses are delivered fully online and asynchronously. An asynchronous format means you can learn at your own pace, which can be advantageous if you have other obligations while attending school.

• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, average graduation rate data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional average graduation rate information. ">Avg. Graduation Rate: 54%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, retention rate data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional retention rate information. ">Retention Rate: 70%
• Recommendation rates and review counts are based on student reviews we have collected. View more reviews for this school at Regent University Online ">Recommend Rate: 62%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, financial aid recipients data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional financial aid recipients information. This data point represents the percentage of students who receive financial aid. ">Financial Aid Recipients: 94%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, average aid package data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional average aid package information. Average aid package is the average dollar amount of financial aid given to each student at this institution. ">Avg. Aid Package: $11,842
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, repayment rate data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional repayment rate information. ">Repayment Rate: 95%

Colorado Christian University Colorado Christian University Colorado Christian University Colorado Christian University OnlineU has over 200 partner colleges that advertise on our site. Partner colleges are ranked based on the methodology listed on this page and data collected from the government, PayScale, the schools’ own websites, and non-profit sources. Learn more about how we make money. ">

• Online Enrollment : National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional information. " data-point="online enrollment">3,342 enrolled
• Annual Tuition: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, annual tuition data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional annual tuition information. "> $37,432
• Location: Lakewood (CO)

Interested literary students at Colorado Christian University (CCU) can pursue an online Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing .

This writing degree centers on developing professional skills for aspiring writers. They learn to create portfolios, develop pitches, and understand publishing trends. Within this program, writing students must take courses such as The Fundamentals of Creative Writing, Copy Editing, and Author and Book Marketing. The capstone project requires the creation of an author portfolio. Upon completion, graduates could explore career paths in editing, content marketing, and public relations.

Why we like them: The creative writing degree, under the direction of a Christian institution, requires nine credits in biblical studies. A well-published Christian novelist leads coursework and directly caters to writers interested in cultivating their voice in the Christian faith.

• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, average graduation rate data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional average graduation rate information. ">Avg. Graduation Rate: 61%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, retention rate data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional retention rate information. ">Retention Rate: 83%
• Recommendation rates and review counts are based on student reviews we have collected. View more reviews for this school at Colorado Christian University ">Recommend Rate: 63%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, average aid package data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional average aid package information. Average aid package is the average dollar amount of financial aid given to each student at this institution. ">Avg. Aid Package: $25,200

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Online Creative Writing Bachelor's Degrees You May Be Interested In

Southern New Hampshire University Online

Annual Tuition: $9,600

5 Programs ( view all )

• BA Creative Writing & English - Fiction Writing
• BA Creative Writing & English - Poetry

Liberty University

Annual Tuition: $11,700

• BS: English and Writing: Creative Writing

Grand Canyon University

Annual Tuition: $17,800

2 Programs ( view all )

• BA in Digital Film - Screenwriting
• BA in Professional Writing - New Media

List Of Accredited Online Creative Writing Schools

Online creative writing degrees.

Students interested in writing careers may pursue a creative writing bachelor's degree online to hone their craft through virtual lectures, readings, and collaborative writing workshops. While an English degree may require more intensive literature study, a creative writing major online or in person aims to equip graduates with the critical skills to analyze, interpret, and create content in a multimedia culture.

A creative writing online degree involves taking general education classes and a university’s core requirements. Professional writers of various genres often lead workshops where students review each other's work and provide feedback. To diversify students’ writing, a program’s curriculum may be somewhat broad — including classes in scriptwriting, editing, journalism, screenwriting, and poetry. While working toward this degree, students may build a robust portfolio of their creative work by practically applying their skills.

Standard admission requirements for a creative writing degree online include the following:

A minimum 2.5 GPA (alternatively, an additional review process may be required)

High school transcripts

Entrance exam scores

A personal essay or statement of intent

Many schools charge a nonrefundable application fee of approximately $50

How Long Is a Creative Writing Degree?

Online degrees in writing are treated the same as any other bachelor's level program: Students study for approximately four years in order to finish 120 credit hours. Keep in mind, this is while maintaining a full-time study schedule. Some programs may offer accelerated tracks, which include summer courses, to shorten the overall time it takes to earn the degree.

Is Creative Writing a BA or BS?

Online colleges for creative writing often offer a Bachelor of Arts (BA). These focus more on fields in the arts and humanities and involve core courses in critical thinking and communication. They include subjects like philosophy, language, and education.

Some online schools for creative writing may consider their degree a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), which encourages students to study the practice of creative writing as an art form and to discover their own unique artistic voice.

Conversely to BAs and BFAs, a Bachelor of Science (BS) involves more quantitative teaching using science and mathematics.

Are Online Degrees Respected?

Online degrees are respected for many reasons. However, one of the most important reasons is accreditation. The best online creative writing bachelor's degree programs will be accredited by national or institutional authorities — such as the Council for Higher Education Accreditation . They evaluate whether a school meets the federal standard of quality higher education. 

Use the U.S. Department of Education’s search tool to verify that an online school for writing has accreditation status before enrolling.

This quality assurance process proves that a school has an adequate amount of faculty, resources, and other facilities to conduct academic programs. Furthermore, in-person and online students must attend accredited schools to qualify for federal financial aid , such as student loans and scholarships . This stamp of approval also makes transferring credits between schools possible, especially if students hope to pursue online MFAs or other master's writing degree programs.

Common Online Courses for Creative Writing Students

A creative writing degree covers many specialties under the umbrella of liberal arts, so a variety of courses are often offered to help students develop soft skills, which include critical thinking, situation analysis, and the ability to communicate across various media interfaces. The best online colleges for creative writing prepare students for careers producing fiction, nonfiction, and creative nonfiction. Programs may also offer internships that allow students to earn additional credits and gain practical experience.

Below is a diverse sampling of classes offered across the programs in our rankings list above:

Advanced Poetry Writing

This online course delves into poetic form and technique, such as voice development and what makes a poem engaging. The faculty guides students to explore their emotional truth, which is at the heart of writing poetry.

Fiction Workshop

Students share their work with peers and receive feedback through collaborative workshop sessions. The coursework allows students to explore the complexities of fiction writing, from developing characters and plots to maintaining concise prose throughout.

Forms and Techniques of Fiction

In this class, students learn how to analyze and imitate principal works of fiction in order to gain a historical understanding of the creative process.

Playwriting

Students study the process and elements of playwriting, including character, plot, and conflict development. Students should become familiar with thinking and writing engaging dialogue, film scriptwriting, character building, three-act structures, plot points, and formatting techniques.

Science Fiction and Fantasy Writing

Prospective fiction writers discover the rules and tools associated with writing sci-fi and fantasy. Based on prompts provided by the faculty, students develop their poetic language by writing short stories that evoke a sense of horror and convey alternate realities.

Storytelling in Film and Literature

Overall, this course encourages students to explore narrative techniques and how they transpose to film. Students also investigate political, social, and aesthetic issues in narratives.

Careers with a Creative Writing Degree

An online degree in creative writing can prepare students for a breadth of professional writing opportunities, from scientific to speech writing. Areas of focus can vary significantly within creative writing careers, depending on an individual’s career goals and experience. For example, an online bachelor’s degree in creative writing can prepare students for career paths in new media editing and copywriting, advertising, public relations, and publishing.

Some writers want more flexibility and may choose to be self-employed. Freelance writers sell their stories to media outlets or contract with organizations in order to write through various mediums, such as web content. Freelancers usually charge by the word but may also charge hourly or by the piece.

Below are some other popular career paths for graduates with online creative writing bachelor's degrees:

Editors review content for grammatical and spelling errors, rewrite text to improve comprehension, evaluate writer submissions, and work closely with writers to develop their content.

Journalists

Journalists research stories and ideas, conduct interviews, and write articles for publication in a variety of media outlets. They analyze and convey information in a way that’s easy for a general audience to understand.

Public Relations Specialists

Public relations specialists write press releases and speeches to help business leaders communicate effectively. In general, they help build and maintain an organization's public image.

Technical Writers

Technical writers , such as medical and scientific writers, develop user-friendly product descriptions, instructions, and other forms of content across various media platforms. While certification is often not mandatory, it can be attractive to potential employers.

Is Writing a Stable Career?

The stability of a career in writing ultimately depends on the direction the writer chooses. For example, content writing for websites can be a very lucrative and stable career path because it offers nearly unlimited job opportunities on the Internet. Screenwriting, on the other hand, may be considered less stable because your opportunities are limited to the amount of scripts that production companies can accept.

Furthermore, this particular career path is incredibly competitive, with only 6,100 writers in film and TV reporting earnings, as per the 2021 Writers Guild of America West's Annual Financial Report . Writers overall, however, can expect a 4% job growth into 2032 — which is the average job growth for all U.S. occupations.

Is It Worth Getting a Degree in Creative Writing?

An online bachelor's degree in creative writing can be helpful for developing a student’s voice and providing a way for prospective writers to acquire the tools and techniques of the trade. The ability to write thoughtfully and clearly is valued across all fields and industries, making this degree path worthwhile for many. However, if a student's primary desire is to become a published author, that cannot be guaranteed with a degree. Being a published author not only takes skill but also talent, experience, and a bit of luck.

Ultimately, to determine the value of a Bachelor of Creative Writing online, students should consider their personal, financial, and professional goals. The following presents several pros and cons involved with earning an online bachelor's degree in creative writing:

Potential Benefits

Writing skills are transferable to a wide range of careers. Creative thinking and written communication skills are two of the top ten skills employers desire , regardless of the position. Organizations need employees who are articulate in both speech and writing. They are looking for people who can develop a strong argument and think outside the box. For example, if a job requires updating social media or corresponding through email, a creative writing degree could prove an asset.

A degree program provides opportunities for networking. Students can connect with peers and mentors in the field — including authors, editors, and even publishers — throughout their program. Networking can help students navigate the publishing world, share advice and knowledge, and learn from the experience of others.

Students can build a substantial writing portfolio. Through coursework and projects, students develop a diverse body of work, which they can later present to prospective employers.

Potential Drawbacks

Completing course assignments may feel particularly restrictive to creative writers. Since the coursework in a creative writing program is intended to meet programmatic outcomes and objectives, it’s often highly specific. This focus removes some of the enjoyment, freedom, and inspiration from the writing process. Also, students may be required to write about topics that hold no interest to them.

Writer's burnout is a common phenomenon. Due to the imaginative nature of writing,  creative burnout can arise that other professionals don't necessarily have to grapple with. This type of stress often involves decreased motivation and a harmful internal dialogue that prohibits productivity. To avoid writer burnout, writers need self-discipline and organizational skills to manage their time effectively.

Some writing careers may not be financially sustainable. Writers specializing in specific areas, such as technical writing or public relations, have above-average salary prospects and earn median annual salaries of $79,960 and $67,440, respectively. On the other hand, poets, freelancers, and fiction writers may not be able to rely on creative writing as their primary source of income.

Studying and writing from home may offer more flexibility and comfort than being on a busy campus and adhering to a rigid schedule. Since writing is often a reflective, solitary activity requiring uninterrupted attention, online coursework may make it easier for writers to focus. Furthermore, distance learning may help students develop self-discipline, time management, and organizational skills, which they can carry into their professional careers. For example, a BA in creative writing online may prepare you for remote work after graduation, especially a freelancing career. As technology improves and employers better understand the benefits of remote work, more jobs are transitioning online .

Associations for Creative Writing Students

Several well-known writers' associations provide professional development and networking opportunities. These associations support writers by providing communities for them to connect, share best practices, develop skills, and search for employment. A wide range of associations exist for various genres of literature, such as the Academy of American Poets , Mystery Writers of America , and Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators .

Below are several other prominent writing associations in the U.S.:

Authors' Guild (AG)

One of the country's oldest writers' associations, the AG , supports working writers of all genres by providing a community that promotes networking. The AG not only provides a sense of belonging for writers but also advocates for their rights by ensuring that they are paid, treated well, and protected — especially their freedom of speech.

Association of Writers and Writing Programs (AWP)

The AWP provides support, advocacy, and resources for a community of nearly 50,000 writers. According to its mission, AWP “amplifies the voices of writers and the academic programs and organizations that serve them while championing diversity and excellence in creative writing.” Importantly, the AWP is also the governing body that evaluates MFA programs to ensure they consistently provide high-quality education.

National Association of Independent Writers & Editors (NAIWE)

The NAIWE supports freelance writers of all kinds — including novelists, business writers, editors, and academic writers — by providing best practice guidance, networking opportunities, and writers' resources. NAIWE's primary mission is to help writers develop multiple income streams by connecting them with freelance opportunities.

Bottom Line

The best online creative writing degree helps prepare students by encouraging them to develop the necessary skills to gain professional employment in direct writing roles as well as other professions — such as public relations specialist or publisher — which don't exclusively involve writing. While career stability declines when it comes to more creative writing, such as screenwriting or poetry, an online bachelor's degree in English creative writing will still teach valuable communication strategies, along with creative and critical thinking skills.

Graduates with a bachelor’s degree in creative writing may decide to continue their education by pursuing a graduate degree, such as an online master's in creative writing . Advanced education prepares students to teach at the collegiate level or gain highly sophisticated writing skills, which can be essential when trying to get published.

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2024 Best Online Creative Writing Degrees [Bachelor’s Guide]

If you love penning stories, brainstorming characters, and building whole worlds in your head, then a creative writing degree may be an ideal fit.

In this college program, you could develop skills for turning your natural talent into a career opportunity. Clear, clever writing is beneficial in a variety of work settings.

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

Whether you choose to pursue a creative career or to apply your skills in advertising, teaching, or another field, online writing degrees could help you get started.

Universities Offering Online Bachelors in Creative Writing Degree Program

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

Colorado Christian University

Colorado Christian University offers a BA in Creative Writing that can be earned 100% online. Class sizes are small, and students take just one course at a time in 5 week sessions. The curriculum teaches from a Christian worldview and includes courses such as Survey of the Publishing Industry, Advanced Creative Writing, Nonfiction Seminar, and more.

Colorado Christian University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Florida International University

Florida International University offers an online program for a Bachelor of Arts in English with a Writing and Rhetoric track. Graduates often pursue careers in writing, publishing, advertising, media, and related fields. The curriculum includes studies in written and spoken communication. Coursework includes Approaches to Literature, Introduction to Writing Studies, Rhetorical Theory and Practice, and more.

Florida International University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Grand Canyon University

Grand Canyon University’s Bachelor of Arts in Professional Writing for New Media can be earned on campus or online. On-campus classes are 15 weeks long, and online classes are 7 weeks long. Graduates often work in fields such as publishing, journalism, marketing, and advertising. GCU uses a faith-based curriculum.

Grand Canyon University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Liberty University

Liberty University offers a BS in English and Writing—Creative Writing that can be earned entirely online. Each class is 8 weeks long. The average student can finish the program in just 3.5 years. Coursework includes Introduction to Creative Writing, American Realism and Naturalism, Modern Grammar, and more.

Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Missouri State University

Missouri State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Professional Writing. Graduates of the program have gone on to work as editors, journalists, content marketing specialists, public relations specialists, and more. Online classes are taught by the same faculty as those on campus.

Missouri State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University offers an online program for a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing. Four concentration options are available: Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, and Screenwriting. Classes are asynchronous and have no set meeting times. Potential students can apply at any time to start in an upcoming 8 week term.

Southern New Hampshire University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

Southwest Minnesota State University

Southwest Minnesota State University offers a BA in English with an emphasis in Creative Writing. The program is available online and provides a high level of flexibility. The program’s faculty members are published writers themselves. Graduates often work in fields such as teaching, editing, publishing, journalism, and more.

Southwest Minnesota State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

University of Arkansas – Little Rock

The University of Arkansas—Little Rock offers an online program for a BA in Professional and Technical Writing. The program requires students to develop proficiency in a second language. Course possibilities include Introduction to Professional and Technical Writing, Persuasive Writing, Theories of Rhetoric and Writing, Document Design, and more.

UA Little Rock is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

University of Central Florida

The University of Central Florida offers an online program for a BA in English—Creative Writing. The curriculum seeks to develop students’ general communication and critical thinking skills. Graduates often go on to careers as copywriters, educators, journalists, and more. Online courses at UCF may be synchronous or asynchronous.

The University of Central Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

University of Wisconsin – Superior

The University of Wisconsin—Superior offers a BA in Writing that can be earned 100% online. Online students may take some classes on campus if they wish. The program includes courses in creative writing, persuasive writing, technical writing, poetry, and more. Students are required to build portfolios as they work their way through the program.

UW-Superior is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Online Creative Writing Degrees

Have you always dreamed of launching a career as a writer? If so, a college major in creative writing could help you develop your knowledge and skill sets.

If this is a job you’re thinking about, then you’ve probably spent a considerable amount of time practicing your writing over the years. A college program could help you take that to the next level. In this program, you could learn from experienced professors and get feedback from your peers. You’ll also study the examples of accomplished writers who have gone before you.

You may practice many different styles of writing, such as:

• Film scripts
• Nonfiction pieces
• Short stories

Your college may offer concentration tracks for this type of bachelors degree program. That way, you can study an area of creative writing that you’re really interested in.

For example, you might focus on fiction or nonfiction creative writing. Poetry could be another option. Even if your school doesn’t have predesigned concentrations, you may still have the opportunity to focus on the types of writing that most appeal to you. That’s because there are usually many elective courses available in a writing program.

Along with your classes, you might be able to do a for-credit internship. Through it, you could gain experience in a real-world publishing setting. Many creative writing majors pursue jobs as novelists, journalists, or television writers. You could also think about becoming an editor, an agent, or a producer. There may also be opportunities for you in schools or libraries.

Writing Careers & Salaries

There are many different jobs that relate to writing. Of course, you could pursue work as a writer or an author, but that comes in a wide variety of forms. There are some creative writers who write novels, poems, or children’s books. Others pen plays or television scripts.

Just because you study creative writing in college doesn’t mean that you’d have to stick to that type of writing. Your way with words could also be useful for jobs in journalism, social media management, or textbook writing. Some graduates create copy for advertising or marketing purposes.

There are also jobs for technical writers. They often use their skills to explain things related to science, technology, or mechanics. Your understanding of words and language could also be useful for helping others excel as writers. For example, being an editor or a literary agent are other lines of work to consider.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , here are the median salaries of potential career paths related to the field of writing.

Some positions may require additional education, and extensive experience may be needed for jobs with high levels of responsibility.

With experience, some professionals move into roles where they coordinate many aspects of the creative process. Examples include being a movie producer or a creative director. Perhaps you are choosing a creative writing career because you really love literature. In a library, you could help others discover great books.

Depending on your role, you might require additional training, such as a master’s degree in library science. Another way to help others uncover a love for words is to work as a teacher. For example, with the proper training, graduates may teach language, literature, or creative writing in a junior high or a high school. You could also consider teaching creative writing in non-school settings, such as community youth programs.

Bachelor of Creative Writing Curriculum & Courses

In a creative writing program, you may have the opportunity to take many different classes of your choosing. That way, you can craft a degree program that reflects your goals and interests.

Your curriculum might include:

• British Literature : You’ll read works by famous British authors, analyze the texts, and write papers about them.
• Creative Genres : Toward the beginning of your studies, you may have a class that surveys several genres through both reading and writing assignments.
• Digital Writing : There are some unique considerations for publication in an online format, so you’ll explore social media, blogs, email campaigns, and other digital media in this course.
• Drama Studies : You may read famous plays, study the historical development of this genre, and consider drama’s influence on life and culture.
• English Grammar and Syntax : The ability to write correctly will serve you well throughout your career, so you may have a class to refresh and refine that skill.
• Literary Criticism : You’ll learn to be a critical reader who can analyze texts and evaluate their meaning through various literary frameworks.
• Poetry Writing : Poems come in many different styles, and you’ll explore a variety of them during this class as you practice writing poetry and sharing it with others.
• Publishing Careers : There might be a class that introduces you to jobs in writing and publishing so that you can start making a career plan.
• Screenplays : As you study the screenplay format, you may write your own scripts and evaluate your classmates’ creations.
• Writing Fiction : In this course, you’ll gain experience as a fiction writer by creating various pieces and sharing them with the other students in your class.

A bachelors program will generally have about 120 credit hours total, including both general education classes and the ones for your creative writing major.

Admissions Requirements

The admissions process varies from school to school, but it usually begins with filling out an application form. There may be a fee too.

In addition, you might submit the following:

• Essay or writing sample
• Official high school transcript or GED certificate
• Scores from the ACT or the SAT (not required by all schools)

At schools with rolling admissions, you can turn in your materials at any point in the year. Other schools set firm deadlines for applying.

Online Creative Writing Programs Accreditation

There are many types of college accreditation. One of the most important to consider is regional accreditation . This status means that a school has been evaluated and approved by one of the seven regional accreditors in the US.

There are strict standards for regional accreditation, so it is considered a key sign of a credible school. That’s often important to both educational institutions and employers. If your school is regionally accredited, you might be able to transfer credits to another college or qualify for graduate school.

Accreditation might also help you in your job search since employers may prefer to hire people with accredited degrees.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

College can be costly, but you may be able to get financial help from a variety of sources. Filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can help you determine your eligibility for government assistance. That can include both state and federal funding.

Students often qualify for government loans that allow them to borrow money until school is over. Some may get grants as well. Scholarships can be another valuable addition to your financial aid package. There are all sorts of scholarship programs, such as ones given for academic merit, sports ability, and leadership capacity. In addition to outside scholarships, you might also be awarded money directly from your college.

Employers sometimes help pay for college too. You can check with your human resources department to see whether your workplace has a tuition program.

What Can You Do with a Creative Writing Degree?

A bachelor’s in creative writing online degree could help you launch a career as a writer. Your preference might be to write books, poems, plays, or movie scripts. You could focus on pieces for young audiences or for older readers.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics says that writers may work for others or be self-employed. Other potential jobs in the publishing industry include being an editor or a literary agent. There’s also the possibility of becoming a journalist or copywriter for a newspaper, a magazine, or a website. You could also consider teaching creative writing to students in public schools or private settings.

If you feel that a masters degree would be beneficial, you could search the best online MFA in Creative Writing programs that would suit your needs.

How Long Does It Take to Get an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Creative Writing?

You can generally finish a bachelors in creative writing online program in 4 years. Four years of full-time study is standard for a bachelor’s degree, but sometimes online English degree programs let you finish a bit faster.

If you want to graduate quickly, you can choose to take classes throughout the year and pick a school with accelerated terms. Often, that means that the courses last only 8 weeks each. At some schools, you may have the option to earn a teaching credential by taking extra classes, though that would extend the overall length of your program.

Should I Major in Creative Writing?

Creativity and strong communication skills are essential, but that’s not all that’s needed for success in this field. For example, it helps to be organized. Writers may have several writing projects—each with different requirements and deadlines—on their plate at once.

It’s also beneficial for writers to be open to criticism. In college, your peers and your professors will evaluate your work. Feedback, often critical, will likely continue throughout your career. Also, writers are sometimes self-employed. While they may not always have the security of a steady paycheck, they have the flexibility to make their own schedule and pursue passion projects.

What’s the Difference Between a Technical Writing vs. Creative Writing Bachelors Degree?

For a writing career, you could pursue work as a creative writer or a technical writer. While both jobs require strong communication skills, they typically rely on different styles and have different goals.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, technical writers have a higher median annual salary than other types of writers.

Is a Creative Writing Degree Worth It?

Yes, a creative writing degree is worth it for many students. If creative writing is something that you really enjoy—and you want to make a career out of it—then this program may be a good fit for you.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in media and communication are expected to increase at a 14% rate over the next ten years. In particular, jobs for authors and writers should see 9% growth during that time. So, English is a good major for a number of students who picture themselves in creative writing careers.

Getting Your Bachelor in Creative Writing Degree Online

Creative writing can be an exciting career choice for anyone who enjoys using words and sharing ideas. If you’ve always dreamed of being an author, a playwright, or a poet, this could be a strategic degree path for you.

Also, a busy schedule doesn’t need to hold you back from getting a college degree. Instead, you might consider earning your creative writing bachelor’s degree online. Distance learning programs often cater to busy students with full schedules.

You can count on getting a high-quality education when you study online at an accredited college or university. The sooner you start checking out schools, the sooner you can begin planning your creative writing studies.