Deciding where to go to college can be a challenge, especially when it comes to a degree like creative writing. The popularity of creative writing programs has surged dramatically in recent decades. In 1975, only three schools offered bachelor’s degrees in creative writing, but today, that number has grown to 733, according to the Association of Writers & Writing Programs.
To help you choose the right college, here’s a comprehensive guide to the best colleges for creative writing, covering important aspects such as top programs, career opportunities, and what to expect from a creative writing degree.
- Top Colleges for Authors
- What is Creative Writing in College?
- Why Choose a Creative Writing Degree?
- Majors for Writers: Exploring Your Options
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts
Top Colleges for Creative Writing
1. University of Iowa – Iowa City, IA
The University of Iowa, known as “The Writing University,” is one of the best colleges for creative writing, offering one of the most prestigious creative writing programs in the world. Founded in 1847, it is home to the famous Iowa Writers’ Workshop, the first creative writing degree program in the United States.
- Program Highlights: The Iowa Writers’ Workshop is renowned for its rigorous workshop-based curriculum where students receive detailed feedback on their work from peers and faculty. The university also offers a Nonfiction Writing Program, consistently ranked among the best.
- Notable Alumni: The program has produced 43 Pulitzer Prize winners, seven U.S. Poet Laureates, and numerous other award-winning authors, including Flannery O’Connor, Kurt Vonnegut, and John Irving.
- Campus and Location: Iowa City is America’s first UNESCO City of Literature, providing a rich literary environment. The university also offers degrees in Communication Studies, Cinema, English and Creative Writing, and Screenwriting Arts, making it one of the best colleges for creative writing.
2. Columbia University – New York, NY
Columbia University’s School of the Arts offers one of the most respected MFA programs in creative writing. Located in the heart of New York City, Columbia provides students with unparalleled access to the literary world.
- Program Highlights: The MFA program at Columbia is known for its rigorous curriculum, focusing on fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. What solidifies Columbia’s reputation as one of the best colleges for creative writing are its workshops, taught by Pulitzer Prize-winning faculty. These programs are designed to challenge and develop students’ creative abilities.
- Notable Alumni: Columbia’s alumni include Paul Beatty, Jhumpa Lahiri, and Richard Ford, all of whom have made significant contributions to contemporary literature.
- Location Advantage: Being located in Manhattan offers students direct access to the publishing industry, internships, and literary events, making it an excellent choice for those looking to launch a writing career.
3. Brown University – Providence, RI
Brown University’s Literary Arts Program is highly regarded for its interdisciplinary and experimental approach, making it a top choice for writers who want to explore innovative and avant-garde literary forms.
- Program Highlights: Brown offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees in Literary Arts, allowing students to combine creative writing with other academic disciplines. The program encourages experimentation and cross-genre work, supported by a flexible curriculum, making it one of the best colleges for creative writing for students who want to push boundaries.
- Notable Alumni: The program boasts alumni such as Jeffrey Eugenides and Jhumpa Lahiri, who have achieved great success in the literary world. Faculty members are also accomplished writers and scholars, providing students with strong mentorship.
- Unique Opportunities: Brown’s program is one of the few that offers a track in Digital/Cross-Disciplinary Writing, making it a cutting-edge choice for writers interested in new media and digital storytelling. This further solidifies its place among the best colleges for creative writing.
Before applying to this prestigious university, you should know what GPA and SAT scores you need to get into Brown.
4. University of Michigan – Ann Arbor, MI
The Helen Zell Writers’ Program at the University of Michigan is renowned for its strong emphasis on both creative writing and professional development, making it one of the best MFA programs in the country.
- Program Highlights: Michigan’s MFA program offers full financial support to its students, including a stipend, health insurance, and funding for summer research and travel. The program includes a unique year-long novel-writing course and workshops in fiction, poetry, and nonfiction.
- Notable Alumni: Jesmyn Ward, a two-time National Book Award winner, is one of the program’s distinguished graduates. Many Michigan alumni have gone on to publish widely and win major literary awards, adding to the university’s reputation as one of the best colleges for creative writing.
- Professional Development: Michigan’s program is known for its focus on preparing students for careers in writing, publishing, and academia. The university’s connections to the literary world provide valuable networking opportunities.
5. Johns Hopkins University – Baltimore, MD
Johns Hopkins University’s Writing Seminars program is one of the oldest and most respected creative writing programs in the United States, consistently ranked among the best colleges for creative writing. It combines a strong foundation in literary studies with the craft of writing.
- Program Highlights: The Writing Seminars program offers rigorous coursework in poetry, fiction, and nonfiction, alongside studies in literature, philosophy, and history. The program’s small class sizes and personalized attention ensure that students receive detailed feedback and guidance.
- Notable Alumni: The program has produced influential writers like Ta-Nehisi Coates and John Barth, who have made significant contributions to literature and journalism.
- Academic Rigor: Johns Hopkins is known for its challenging academic environment. This makes it an ideal choice for students who want to develop both their creative and analytical skills at one of the best colleges for creative writing.
To ensure you’re well-prepared, it’s crucial to understand the GPA and SAT scores required for admission to Johns Hopkins before you apply to this renowned university.
6. New York University – New York, NY
NYU’s Creative Writing Program is distinguished by its exceptional faculty and its prime location in New York City, providing students with access to one of the world’s most vibrant literary communities. It’s considered one of the best colleges for creative writing for students who want to immerse themselves in the literary world.
- Program Highlights: NYU offers a wide range of courses in fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, and translation, taught by some of the most respected writers in the industry. The program also includes numerous extracurricular opportunities, such as internships at literary magazines and publishing houses.
- Notable Alumni: NYU’s alumni include literary stars like Zadie Smith, Jonathan Safran Foer, and Jennifer Egan. The faculty consists of prominent authors who provide students with invaluable mentorship, which makes NYU one of the best colleges for creative writing.
- Urban Literary Hub: The program’s location in Greenwich Village offers students unparalleled access to literary events, readings, and networking opportunities, making it a top choice for aspiring writers.
7. Stanford University – Stanford, CA
Stanford’s Creative Writing Program is known for its prestigious Stegner Fellowship, which offers full funding to a select group of writers each year.
- Program Highlights: Stanford’s program is highly selective, admitting only a small number of students each year. The program offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees, with a curriculum that emphasizes close mentorship and individualized study.
- Notable Alumni: Stanford has produced many successful writers, including Raymond Carver, Tobias Wolff, and Ken Kesey. The Stegner Fellowship is particularly well-regarded, offering fellows a living stipend and health insurance.
- Comprehensive Support: The program’s small class sizes and close-knit community make it an ideal environment for emerging writers to develop their craft, consistent with what you’d expect from the best colleges for creative writing.
If you’ve already submitted your application to Stanford but have new achievements or updates, you can still update your application to reflect these changes.
8. Northwestern University – Evanston, IL
Northwestern University’s creative writing program is known for its strong curriculum and the individualized attention provided to students, making it a top choice for those serious about pursuing a writing career.
- Program Highlights: Northwestern offers a robust curriculum that includes workshops in fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction. The program emphasizes the development of a strong writing portfolio and offers numerous opportunities for internships and publishing.
- Notable Alumni: Northwestern’s alumni include several successful authors and journalists, and the university’s strong connections to the publishing industry provide valuable networking opportunities.
- Focus on Professionalism: The program prepares students for a variety of careers in writing, editing, and publishing, with a strong emphasis on building a professional portfolio and gaining real-world experience.
Knowing Northwestern’s GPA and SAT requirements before applying is important to ensure your application is on the right track and meets their criteria.
9. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) – Cambridge, MA
MIT may be best known for its STEM programs, but its creative writing program is equally impressive, offering a unique combination of traditional literary studies and digital media.
- Program Highlights: MIT’s creative writing program includes courses in digital media, science writing, and traditional creative writing. This interdisciplinary approach is ideal for writers interested in exploring new formats and industries.
- Notable Alumni: MIT’s creative writing program has produced successful authors who have gone on to work in a variety of fields, including journalism, publishing, and digital media.
- Innovative Approach: The program’s emphasis on digital media and new technologies makes it a unique choice among the best colleges for creative writing for writers looking to push the boundaries of traditional literary forms.
Be sure to check out MIT’s GPA and SAT requirements so you know what you’ll need to aim for in your application.
10. Washington University in St. Louis – St. Louis, MO
Washington University’s creative writing program is another top choice among the best colleges for creative writing, particularly for students who wish to specialize in a specific genre such as fiction, poetry, or creative nonfiction.
- Program Highlights: The university offers a variety of scholarships and a strong literary community, with a curriculum that allows students to focus on their chosen genre. The program also offers a special concentration in publishing, making it an excellent option for those interested in the business side of writing.
- Notable Alumni: Washington University has produced several successful authors and poets, and its strong connections to the literary world provide valuable opportunities for internships and publishing.
- Literary Community: The program’s emphasis on genre specialization and its supportive literary community make it a strong contender for students serious about pursuing a career in writing.
What is Creative Writing in College?
Creative writing in college is all about the study of language, structure, and storytelling that pushes students to think critically and creatively. Coursework typically includes studying literature, practicing different writing forms, and receiving feedback through workshops. Attending one of the best colleges for creative writing can provide you with a solid foundation to hone these skills.
What can you do with a creative writing degree?
A creative writing degree from one of the best colleges for creative writing opens doors to various careers beyond being a novelist or poet. Graduates can pursue careers in publishing, editing, copywriting, screenwriting, journalism, and even academia. The skills acquired through a creative writing program—such as critical thinking, communication, and creativity—are highly transferable and valued across many industries.
Why Choose a Creative Writing Degree?
Pursuing a creative writing degree is a great choice for those who have a passion for storytelling and want to develop their skills in a structured environment. But what can you do with a creative writing degree?
The possibilities are vast. Graduates can become novelists, screenwriters, poets, journalists, editors, content creators, and more. The best colleges for creative writing also provide valuable transferable skills, such as critical thinking, communication, and creativity, which are highly valued in various industries.
Similar to entrepreneurs, there’s a common misconception that authors don’t need a college education to succeed. In reality, some of the most talented and successful authors had an education from the best colleges for creative writing.
Majors for Writers: Exploring Your Options
If you’re interested in pursuing a career in writing, there are several majors for writers to consider:
1. English literature
This major gives you a broad understanding of literary traditions like Romanticism and Modernism. You’ll get hands-on experience through writing workshops and literary journals, helping you refine your style and build a strong portfolio.
It’s perfect for those who want to experiment with different techniques and enhance their creative practice. Plus, the best colleges for creative writing offer opportunities to explore these genres in depth, ensuring you’re well-prepared for a career in writing or academia.
2. Journalism
If non-fiction is more your speed, journalism equips you with the skills needed for research, interviewing, and writing for various media outlets like The New York Times, CNBC, or National Geographic.
You will also gain hands-on experience through internships and campus publications, helping you build a portfolio that can open doors to careers in journalism. As digital media continues to evolve, journalism programs at the best colleges for creative writing include training in multimedia storytelling, ensuring you are well-prepared to adapt to these fast-paced changes.
3. Screenwriting
For those interested in film, television, or digital media, a screenwriting major focuses on creating compelling narratives and developing strong character arcs. Many programs offer the chance to work on real film projects, giving you valuable industry experience. The best colleges for creative writing offer screenwriting programs that prepare you to excel in this competitive field.
4. Comparative literature
If you’re intrigued by stories from different cultures, comparative literature might be the perfect fit. This major lets you explore literary works across various cultures and languages, providing an intercultural perspective on storytelling. Studying how different literary traditions approach similar themes helps you develop a nuanced understanding of global narratives within their cultural contexts.
5. Professional writing
Looking for something practical? A major in professional writing focuses on creating clear and effective communication tailored to different industries, including business, nonprofits, and more. You’ll learn how to write persuasive proposals, marketing content, and technical documents. Here, you’ll learn how to adapt your writing to various professional contexts, making sure their messages are both impactful and audience-appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does a creative writing program in college involve?
A creative writing program in college typically includes studying various writing forms—such as fiction, poetry, and nonfiction—while also analyzing literary works. Students participate in workshops where they receive feedback on their writing, helping them refine their craft and develop their unique voice.
2. What career options are available with a creative writing degree?
A creative writing degree opens doors to a wide range of careers. Graduates can pursue roles such as novelists, poets, screenwriters, journalists, editors, content creators, and more. The degree also equips students with valuable skills like critical thinking and communication, which are applicable in various industries.
3. Do successful authors need a college degree?
While it’s possible to become a successful author without a degree, many renowned authors have benefited from formal education. A college degree in creative writing offers structured guidance, mentorship, and networking opportunities that can significantly enhance your chances of success.
4. Which colleges are considered the best for creative writing?
Some of the top colleges for creative writing include the University of Iowa, Columbia University, Brown University, and the University of Michigan. These programs are renowned for their rigorous coursework, experienced faculty, and vibrant literary communities.
5. Is a degree necessary to become a writer?
While a degree isn’t required to become a writer, it provides a strong foundation, access to professional networks, and the opportunity to hone your craft in a supportive environment. For many, the skills and connections gained through a creative writing program can be invaluable in their writing careers.
Takeaways
- There are many colleges for authors out there, but this blog highlights the best colleges for creative writing. Now, it’s your turn to decide which college suits your needs based on the unique opportunities each program offers.
- There are several majors for writers to consider and each major offers different strengths, so it’s important to choose the one that best aligns with your skills and the career path you want to pursue.
- Choosing the right college and program can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Consider reaching out to a college admissions consultant who can offer personalized guidance, assist you with the application process, and help you make informed decisions about your future.
