Discovering a specialized creative writing program at a school that excites you can prove to be a difficult task, and that's not even considering the concern of acceptance. However, there are exceptional choices available. To aid in your search for the most suitable institution, this compilation presents some of the best creative writing colleges in the US.
Criteria for Ranking the Best Creative Writing Programs
Do not consider college rankings, including the seemingly official US News rankings, as the ultimate truth. Instead, view these lists as a starting point for your own investigation into colleges. Focus not only on the rankings themselves but also on the methodology used to determine them.
In order to assist with this, I will elucidate the process through which I determined the selection of exceptional creative writing colleges, despite it not being based on scientific methods. I began by limiting my search to colleges that provided a dedicated creative writing major. If you do not find a particular school you were anticipating, it is possible that they only offer a minor in this field.
When evaluating the schools, I took into account five key factors.
- #1: MFA Ranking - If a university has a highly regarded graduate creative writing program, you can expect to learn from exceptional professors and talented graduate students. Universities with strong MFA programs also tend to have strong alumni networks and various internship opportunities. However, some universities with excellent undergraduate programs do not offer MFAs. In such cases, I concentrated on the other four alternatives.
- #2: Overall School Reputation – Most of your courses will not focus on creative writing, which is why it is crucial for other aspects of the school, particularly the English department, to have an excellent reputation too.
- #3: Additional Activities Outside of Class—A major benefit of choosing to study creative writing is the opportunity it provides for involvement in various activities beyond just attending lectures. I considered the internship programs, author readings, and literary magazines offered by the school.
- #4: Range of Class Choices—I awarded additional credit to schools that offered a wide selection of different genres and captivating classes.
- #5: The last factor, alumni reputation and prestige, is more based on personal opinions. It is about whether the school has a reputation for producing successful writers. While this criterion is not as significant as the quality of education you will receive, having a degree from a well-known institution can be advantageous.
The Best Creative Writing Schools
Now, let's move on to the interesting part: the list of schools! The specific ranking may be a subject for debate, so view it as a general progression from overwhelmingly impressive to still outstanding, instead of obsessing over why one school is ranked #3 while another is ranked #4.
#1: Northwestern University
Northwestern University's undergraduate program for creative writing is known for its prestigious faculty and exceptional history of producing accomplished writers, such as Veronica Roth, author of Divergent, and Karen Russell, notable for her short stories.
Beyond the confines of the classroom, there are various avenues for you to explore. You can contribute to the literary journal managed by fellow students, gain practical experience by interning at a publication in nearby Chicago, or participate in the Department of English's annual writing competition. Additionally, the university boasts a distinguished journalism program, offering ample opportunities for you to delve into the world of nonfiction writing if you wish to do so.
#2: Columbia University
Similar to Northwestern University, Columbia University has both an excellent creative writing program and a prestigious journalism school, along with one of the top English departments in the nation. This allows students to choose from a diverse array of writing-focused courses. Additionally, Columbia's advantageous location in New York City provides access to numerous publishing companies, literary magazines, and accomplished writers.
#3: University of Iowa
The main attraction of the University of Iowa is the well-established graduate Writers' Workshop, renowned as the top MFA program in the nation.
If you choose to major in English and Creative Writing, you will have the opportunity to learn from both talented young writers and respected professors. There is a diverse selection of classes available for you to choose from. This major will give you skills that are valuable for a liberal arts major with a focus on creativity. Additionally, you will have access to the university's impressive literary community, which includes regular readings, writing awards and scholarships, and The Iowa Review, a highly regarded literary journal.
#4: Emory University
Emory's undergraduate creative writing program is well-known for its exceptional quality. It attracts top-notch visiting scholars and writers. Students at Emory University are provided with unique opportunities to participate in small, interactive sessions with acclaimed authors, explore various genres, compete for prestigious writing accolades and financial support, and collaborate closely with a mentor to successfully accomplish an honors project.
#5: Oberlin College
Oberlin, a small liberal arts college in Ohio, provides a unique set of benefits compared to the aforementioned schools. While there may be limited opportunities for writing in the nearby city, the high caliber instructors and diverse selection of courses compensate for this drawback. Additionally, the college has an equally impressive list of notable alumni, such as the renowned actress and writer Lena Dunham.
#6: Hamilton College
Hamilton, a small college situated in upstate New York, is renowned for providing students with the opportunity to pursue their passions freely. Furthermore, it offers extensive support for students to delve into subjects in great detail, both within and beyond the classroom. At Hamilton, the creative writing program flourishes, benefiting from intimate class sizes and numerous chances for internships and publications. Moreover, the college boasts one of the top writing centers in the nation.
#7: Brown University
The Literary Arts program at Brown University provides an outstanding MFA program and also offers an undergraduate option. To complete the undergraduate major, students are required to participate in four creative writing workshops and six courses that focus on reading and analysis. These courses cover a wide range of subjects, such as music, literature, Middle East studies, and Egyptology.
#7: Washington University in St. Louis
Washington University has a highly regarded MFA program in creative writing, a wide variety of specialized classes, and numerous scholarships reserved for creative writing students. Additionally, their undergraduate English program offers a concentration in creative writing, which enables students to focus on a particular genre such as poetry, fiction, or creative nonfiction. If you would like to delve deeper into a specific writing style, choosing Washington University could be an excellent decision.
#9: Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
While MIT may not typically be known for its writing program, it surprisingly offers a strong curriculum in digital media and science writing, as well as creative writing. Additionally, it provides ample support and advice for graduates when it comes to finding employment in a competitive job market.
In addition, the school is situated in Cambridge, a paradise for individuals who adore books and writing. While it may not be suitable for those who dislike science, MIT is an excellent choice for aspiring authors who seek to develop writing abilities that are valuable in various fields.
#10: University of Michigan
The University of Michigan is recognized as one of the top public universities in the United States, particularly renowned for its exceptional MFA program. For students interested in pursuing a creative writing specialization as undergraduates, this institution requires the submission of applications to gain admission into advanced creative writing courses. These applications serve as valuable opportunities for students to enhance their writing portfolios and effectively express their passion for creative writing to evaluators. If you are seeking a large university that offers an outstanding creative writing program, the University of Michigan is an excellent choice.
#11: Johns Hopkins University
Johns Hopkins University, like MIT, is primarily recognized for its engineering programs rather than its writing offerings. However, the university does provide a specific writing program. As a student majoring in writing at Johns Hopkins, you are required to take a wide range of classes including prose, poetry, literature, philosophy, and history.
#12: Colorado College
Colorado College is a renowned small liberal arts institution that offers a unique block plan, enabling students to fully dedicate themselves to one class during a three-and-a-half-week period. The English major's creative writing specialization involves a series of four writing workshops, and students are expected to participate in all the readings of the Visiting Writers Series.
Bonus School: New York University
I did not include NYU in the main list because it lacks a specific program for creative writing, but it is still a fantastic school for those who want to become writers. It has one of the most exceptional faculties for creative writing in the nation and the advantage of being located in Manhattan with all its perks.
Choosing the Perfect Creative Writing School for You
You shouldn't necessarily aim to attend Northwestern just because it excels in creative writing. It's important to consider other factors, such as the intimidating presence of its football fans. Thus, if not Northwestern, where should you consider going instead?
When considering creative writing programs, it is beneficial to ask yourself the following questions in order to determine the most suitable school for you:
Are there any courses that capture your interest?
Examine the available courses and determine if they capture your interest. Although you cannot accurately anticipate which classes you will truly enjoy, it is crucial to avoid a situation where your desired field of study does not align with the offerings of the program. A prime example would be if you have a passion for composing sonnets, but the school's emphasis is primarily on teaching fiction writing. In such a scenario, it is likely that the school would not be a suitable match for you.
Additionally, make sure to consider the English courses and creative writing workshops. It is common for these subjects to make up a significant portion of the curriculum in various programs.
What are the options available to pursue writing beyond the classroom?
I mentioned this concept briefly earlier in the criteria section, but it is crucial enough that I feel compelled to emphasize it again here. Discovering writing-related activities outside of formal education can provide valuable experience. Therefore, it is advisable to check the extracurricular options related to writing that a school offers before making a decision to enroll.
There are excellent choices for getting involved on campus, such as joining the college newspaper, participating in the school's literary journal, or getting an internship at the university press.
Who Will Be Teaching You?
Who are the faculty members? What type of research or writings have they produced? Look up their ratings on Rate My Professors (but be sure to read the detailed evaluations and remember to be critical of them).
If you attend a large school, it is likely that many of your teachers will be graduate students. However, this is not necessarily a negative aspect as some of the best teachers I had in college were graduate students. It is important to take into account the type of graduate program offered by the school. For example, if the school has an excellent creative writing MFA program, the graduate students are more likely to be skilled writers and dedicated teachers.
What Are the Alumni Doing Now?
If you have a clear idea about your post-graduation plans, check if any former students from the program are currently following a similar career path. The better-established the network of alumni is, the more professional connections you will have when the time comes to find employment.
What About the Rest of the School?
Avoid selecting a school solely based on its appealing creative writing program while despising all other aspects. The majority of your time will be consumed by various activities, such as socializing in dorms, venturing off-campus, or completing general education obligations.
A lot of schools have a requirement for you to apply to the creative writing program, so it is important to ensure that you are content with your decision even if you do not get accepted into the program.
Final Thought on Creative Writing Education
Choosing the right college for creative writing is a journey that intertwines your passion for storytelling with practical considerations of academic offerings and life beyond the classroom. It's about finding a place where your literary aspirations can flourish, guided by inspiring mentors and surrounded by like-minded peers. Whether it's a university with a storied history in producing notable authors or a college offering a unique approach to literary studies, the key is to find a program that resonates with your creative spirit and academic goals. Remember, the best creative writing program is not just about prestige or course offerings; it's where you feel empowered to explore, experiment, and evolve as a writer. Let this guide be your compass in navigating the diverse landscapes of creative writing education, and may your journey be as enriching and transformative as the stories you aspire to tell.
Nicole Hardy is a renowned education and arts journalist, widely recognized for her insightful and comprehensive coverage of performing arts education. With a career spanning over a decade, Hardy has established herself as a leading voice in the field, known for her in-depth analyses and engaging writing style. She holds a Master's degree in Journalism from the University of Arts, where she specialized in arts and culture reporting.
