Best Online MFA Creative Writing Programs

Earning an online MFA in creative writing can help you realize your literary goals and take your writing to the next level. Explore a list of top-ranked programs and find the one that’s right for you in this guide.

The following professionals lent their expertise to this article:

Author: Timon Kaple, PhD

Graduate Ed.Student SuccessOnline Learning

Editor: Kristin Marino

EditorialGraduate Ed.Online Learning

Updated: 06/02/2026

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Program Spotlights
Inside Two Online MFA Creative Writing Programs
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Benefits
Benefits of Earning an Online Master's in Creative Writing
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What You'll Learn
What You'll Learn in a Master's in Creative Writing Online Program
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Accreditation
Accreditation for Online MFA Creative Writing Programs
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Salary/Pay
Salary Potential with an MFA in Creative Writing
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Top Schools
Top Online MFA Creative Writing Programs
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Flexible and affordable online MFA creative writing programs can give you the literary prose and analysis skills needed to write your novel or pursue related careers in teaching, editing, marketing, screenwriting, or public relations.

These programs also cultivate skills you’d need to pursue a doctorate in a related area, such as a PhD in English and literary arts. This guide can help you find the online MFA creative writing program that’s right for you and answer common questions about this degree. Get started on your grad school search with our list of top-ranked programs below.

Inside Two Online MFA Creative Writing Programs

In addition to the online MFA creative writing programs that made our rankings list above, there are several other quality options that are worth a look, including the two we’ve spotlighted below. Get an inside look at each and see if they’re a good match for your budget and career goals.

University of New Orleans

The University of New Orleans is a public research institution established in 1956. The serves approximately 8,000 students and offers one of the best online master’s in creative writing. This fully online program gives students the chance to study with its award-winning faculty, along with study abroad opportunities during the summer semesters.

MFA creative writing students at UNO must complete 45 hours of coursework, including 18 hours of creative writing workshops. Current course offerings include New Orleans literature, studies in rhetoric and communication, online fiction workshop, and studies in Shakespeare.

Learners need to maintain a 3.0 or higher GPA to remain in good standing with the department. MFA creative writing students must also complete a master’s thesis for graduation.

Prospective students must submit an application containing a writing sample, writing samples, three letters of recommendation, and official transcripts.

Learners can apply different types of writing samples, including fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. Online students at UNO pay $506 per credit regardless of their location. Costs for study abroad summer programs vary each year.

Southern New Hampshire University

Established in 1932, SNHU is a private nonprofit institution serving approximately 91,000 students. Remote learners can take advantage of its fully online MFA in creative writing program.

The school does not require residencies, application fees, or GRE/GMAT scores. This program is especially appropriate for students interested in fiction who also wish to learn about the business aspects of creative writing careers and marketing strategies for their own work.

Classes at SNHU are asynchronous, with learning materials available 24/7. Degree-seekers must complete 48 credits for graduation. Required courses for the major include copy and content writing, editing and coaching, the publishing ecosystem, storytelling, and advanced studies in genre literature.

Incoming students can transfer up to 12 credits toward the MFA degree. Additionally, the school requires a traditional master’s thesis, typically a novel-length work of fiction in a genre of the students choosing. Online master’s students in this program pay $659 per credit.

Benefits of Earning an Online Master’s in Creative Writing

Online MFA creative writing programs today offer some great perks and advantages, especially for working adults. An MFA in creative writing online helps you further hone your literary analysis and writing skills while positioning you for diverse and career opportunities.

Creative writing MFA programs are notoriously rigorous, but many creative writing master’s programs today offer flexible scheduling along with tuition rates that may be lower than on-campus, traditional programs. Take a closer look at some of the perks of earning your master’s in creative writing online.

1. Flexibility

Whether you’re working at a part- or full-time job, online degree programs in creative writing can help you earn your credentials from home as you complete coursework in your spare time. Some degree programs in this field offer asynchronous or self-paced courses, so you won’t have to attend any virtual classes at specific times, giving you the choice to make your own schedule day-to-day. Even if you enroll in a program with synchronous courses with regular meeting times, you’ll be saving time and energy by not commuting to campus.

2. Career Opportunities

An online MFA in creative writing sets you apart from the crowd, helps you improve upon your writing and literary analysis skills, and positions you for better jobs in a variety of fields. Whether you’re interested in work as an editor, advertising copywriter, journalist, or lexicographer, a master’s degree in creative writing gives you a leg up on bachelor’s degree-holders.

Furthermore, professionals with MFAs often go on to teach. A master’s degree is typically a requirement to teach at an accredited college or university, and the pay is better than high school teaching positions. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, high school English teachers earn a median annual wage of $64,580 per year, while college professors stand to make $83,980.

What You’ll Learn in a Master’s in Creative Writing Online Program

Online MFA in creative writing programs focus on developing your existing writing and analytical skills. Depending on the specialties of the faculty, you’ll have the opportunity to explore contemporary and foundational works across a wide variety of literary genres.

\Many schools require you to complete at least a couple of workshop-style classes, where you’ll get a chance to work directly with and receive feedback from your peers. Online MFA programs also give you the chance to work directly with faculty members who specialize in your area of interest. Since most programs require you to complete a master’s thesis or final project for graduation, working with faculty directly can be extremely helpful as you hone your skills and prepare for a career.

Popular Courses

Fiction Workshop

This class helps learners dissect works of fiction in various ways and pay special attention to the construction of scenes and narrative. Faculty assist students in exploring the depth of characters, considering untold pasts and futures involved in selected works, and how to investigate untapped themes that reveal themselves in works of fiction.

Creative Nonfiction

Students in this course study works from prominent authors across several genres, including journalism, film, criticism, poetry, fiction, and memoir. The class requires students to complete regular writing assignments that focus on specific skills or genres, including short- and long-form writing. The course also includes a workshop component where learners will engage in peer review activities.

Short Story Writing

MFA creative writing students in this class explore a variety of techniques and methods that go into creating engaging short stories. Faculty assign readings from important contemporary fiction writers for further examination of tone, plot structure, setting, and view in the short story genre. This is a non-workshop course and does not require learners to spend much time, if any, creating their own short story works.

Form and Theory in Poetry

This class offers an in-depth exploration of poetry writing and focuses on line structure, free verse, differences between prose and poetry, literary criticism, the theory of composition, and defining genres of poetry writing.Students will explore different types of works depending on their instructor, but most faculty choose volumes by canonical or contemporary poets.

The Public Good and Writers

MFA creative writing students in this course will be asked to create a wide variety of works that would work well in the public area. This work includes speeches, opinion editorials or op-eds, and letters to editors. This course contains a workshopping element that allows MFA students to review their peers’ work and offer constructive feedback for improvement.

Accreditation for Online MFA Creative Writing Programs

Colleges and universities that offer a quality education and valuable credentials that help you advance your career hold regional or national institutional accreditation. Regional accreditation is considered the gold standard and is held by schools that offer a wide range of degrees in traditional academic subjects.

This prestigious accreditation comes from one of six accrediting bodies in the U.S., depending on where the school is located. For more information on school accreditation, you can conduct searches by institution on the Department of Education website.

Schools may also earn programmatic accreditation to showcase their commitment to high levels of instruction in particular academic areas. There is currently no accrediting entity that offers a formal programmatic accreditation for MFA programs.

However, many schools that offer the MFA are members of the Association of Writers and Writing Programs. Both MFA programs and their students can benefit from an array of opportunities, including career counseling and mentorship services, by having this institutional membership.

Salary Potential with an MFA in Creative Writing

An MFA in creative writing is the terminal degree for writers seeking careers in publishing, teaching, and professional writing. Graduates work as novelists, editors, literary agents, writing instructors, content directors, and communications leads — bridging literary craft with the practical demands of publishing and media. The credential is required for most creative writing faculty positions and strengthens applications for prestigious writing fellowships and residencies.

Compensation in writing-related careers varies widely by sector. Editorial and content leadership roles in corporate, tech, and media settings tend to offer stronger salaries than academic creative writing positions. Senior editors at major publishers and content directors at growing companies earn competitive packages.

Use the salary table below to explore editor earnings by state, and get a realistic picture of the financial landscape for writing and editorial careers.

Sort by:

75th: $106,100 90th: $153,700

75th: $87,990 90th: $103,890

75th: $76,640 90th: $106,250

75th: $83,730 90th: $109,090

75th: $62,390 90th: $76,950

75th: $136,820 90th: $173,590

75th: $98,170 90th: $115,940

75th: $123,380 90th: $145,340

75th: $102,160 90th: $106,420

75th: $130,360 90th: $170,460

75th: $95,740 90th: $121,380

75th: $90,360 90th: $124,000

75th: $77,360 90th: $107,200

75th: $100,750 90th: $107,850

75th: $77,900 90th: $99,380

75th: $75,180 90th: $108,820

75th: $77,640 90th: $107,140

75th: $84,160 90th: $149,990

75th: $76,030 90th: $97,740

75th: $73,390 90th: $121,320

75th: $100,300 90th: $124,990

75th: $103,620 90th: $136,360

75th: $77,370 90th: $99,980

75th: $79,710 90th: $102,270

75th: $74,620 90th: $83,200

75th: $82,420 90th: $104,680

75th: $82,370 90th: $122,940

75th: $58,730 90th: $72,740

75th: $89,240 90th: $104,370

75th: $88,590 90th: $113,570

75th: $107,830 90th: $138,610

75th: $81,240 90th: $116,640

75th: $140,320 90th: $179,370

75th: $84,050 90th: $103,990

75th: $68,170 90th: $92,930

75th: $98,440 90th: $124,730

75th: $65,160 90th: $85,730

75th: $90,740 90th: $111,390

75th: $87,770 90th: $114,560

75th: $82,020 90th: $102,890

75th: $76,300 90th: $119,660

75th: $63,320 90th: $79,180

75th: $80,940 90th: $105,010

75th: $73,160 90th: $105,440

75th: $82,130 90th: $119,680

75th: $97,030 90th: $143,630

75th: $109,090 90th: $144,810

75th: $100,580 90th: $128,630

75th: $82,980 90th: $100,910

75th: $82,950 90th: $102,530

75th: $65,570 90th: $82,920

Data reflects national numbers, not school-specific information.

Costs and Financial Aid for Online MFA Creative Writing Programs

Earning a master’s in creative writing online can be a significant financial undertaking for most students. Your first course of action should be investigating all of the financial aid opportunities available to you.

Sources of funding may come from internal sources at your school or department, as well as outside sources like private scholarships, grants, or fellowships. Many schools participate in federal work-study programs, which provide you with part-time employment on-campus.

If you’re currently working, you can check with your employer to see if they offer employer tuition assistance programs that might help you defray the costs of earning an online MFA in creative writing. For more information on financial aid opportunities, check out our financial aid page.

What Your Online MFA in Creative Writing Could Cost

Program	No. of Credits	Cost/Credit	Total Cost
Southern New Hampshire University	48	$659	$31,632
Liberty University	48	$580	$27,840
Regis University	54	$811	$43,794

Frequently Asked Questions About Earning Your Master’s in Creative Writing Online

What are the admissions requirements for an online Master of Fine Arts in creative writing?

You can expect to submit an application fee, college transcripts, a statement of purpose, and, most importantly, a creative writing sample. School applications for MFA programs will provide you with specific details about what they expect from your writing samples. Be sure to follow these guidelines closely. Additionally, some programs may require you to submit GRE scores for consideration.

Most online MFA programs in creative writing are competitive, so you need to make sure that you submit all of the necessary materials and meet the requirements for each application. Other items may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Updated Resume or CV
GRE Scores (may be optional)
Letters of Recommendation (may be optional)

How long will it take to finish my master’s in creative writing online?

Depending on the program, you can expect to complete 48-54 credits in total for graduation, with most full-time students completing these requirements in 2-3 years, like students enrolled in the MFA program online at The Mississippi University for Women. Part-time learners often spend 3-4 years completing their MFA.

If your program requires a traditional master’s thesis or final project for graduation, this could add some extra time to your tenure in school, depending on how long it takes you to complete that final component. Degree programs that offer creative writing classes online in a self-paced format may give you the opportunity to progress through the program more quickly than synchronous or in-person master’s programs.

Can I earn a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing 100% online, or do I need to visit campus?

Both fully online and hybrid programs are available for distance students in creative writing. Some programs describe their MFA programs as “low-residency,” meaning that you’ll have to spend some time on campus.

These types of programs take into account that their students are working or have other extracurricular commitments. Most on-campus requirements take place over long weekends and during the summer months to provide the highest level of flexibility and scheduling convenience.

Top Online MFA Creative Writing Programs

Whether you dream of becoming a novelist, screenwriter, or poet, you may find yourself contemplating how to choose the best online MFA creative writing program. Our list of best master’s programs takes into account your concerns about program quality, flexibility, and the potential career outcomes that await you in the realm of storytelling.

Mount Saint Mary’s University

Los Angeles, CA

Private · MSCHE

Mount Saint Mary’s MFA in Creative Writing offers a flexible, practice-focused program in Los Angeles, blending workshops, literary theory, and mentorship. Students develop professional skills across genres and produce a creative thesis, guided by diverse faculty to prepare for a career in writing and publishing.

Program Highlights:

Mount Saint Mary’s University offers flexible MFA and certificate programs in Creative Writing that can be completed online or in person, accommodating working adults and diverse schedules.
The Creative Writing certificates provide an affordable, time-efficient alternative to a graduate degree, requiring only 15 credit hours and offering practical portfolio development for various media formats.
The MFA program emphasizes multicultural and bilingual study with cross-genre training, preparing students through workshops and mentorship in the vibrant literary and cultural environment of Los Angeles.

School Type Private
Application Fee No
Tuition $13,692
Accreditation MSCHE
Online Students 177

Salve Regina University

Newport, RI

Private · NECHE

Salve Regina University’s Newport MFA in Creative Writing is a two-year low-residency program offering mentorship in fiction, poetry, nonfiction, and historical fiction. It combines residencies, craft talks, and publishing panels, guiding students to complete a polished manuscript while fostering lifelong writing skills.

Program Highlights:

Salve Regina University’s Newport MFA offers an accelerated pathway for qualified undergraduates to begin the MFA program during their senior year, reducing overall time to degree completion.
The program features dedicated one-on-one mentorship by award-winning faculty across multiple genres, providing personalized guidance to help students craft a polished manuscript.
Students benefit from immersive low-residency residencies that include workshops, craft talks, and direct engagement with literary agents, editors, and publishers, enhancing professional networking and publishing opportunities.

School Type Private
Application Fee No
Tuition $12,600
Accreditation NECHE
Online Students 632

Southern New Hampshire University

Manchester, NH

Private · NECHE

Southern New Hampshire University’s MA in English and Creative Writing offers an online, flexible program to develop original literary works, sharpen writing craft, and explore literary analysis. It includes coursework in poetry, screenwriting, and creative process, preparing students for careers as professional writers through intensive study and critical feedback.

Program Highlights:

Southern New Hampshire University’s MA in English and Creative Writing offers financial benefits like tuition discounts and scholarships, making it more affordable for prospective students.
The program features specialized concentrations such as poetry and nonfiction, allowing students to develop a manuscript in a focused creative genre with personalized faculty mentorship.
Students benefit from flexible online delivery with accelerated course formats and a supportive creative community, enabling quicker degree completion without sacrificing quality or interaction.

School Type Private
Application Fee No
Tuition $19,467
Accreditation NECHE
Online Students 23,644

National University

San Diego, CA

Private · WSCUC

The online MFA in Creative Writing at Norwich University offers a flexible program that blends rigorous coursework with practical skills, mentorship, and a supportive community. It prepares students to develop their unique voices and professional writing careers through focused study and application across genres.

Program Highlights:

Norwich University’s online MFA in Creative Writing features faculty with industry experience who mentor students, offering personalized guidance and professional networking opportunities.
The program provides flexible course scheduling designed for working adults, enabling accelerated degree completion without interrupting careers or personal obligations.
Students benefit from exclusive access to a vibrant writers’ community and events such as readings, workshops, and publishing opportunities that enhance creative growth and professional connections.

School Type Private
Application Fee No
Tuition $15,912
Accreditation WSCUC
Online Students 9,248

DePaul University

Chicago, IL

Private · HLC

DePaul’s MFA in Creative Writing and Publishing requires 48 credit hours, including six workshops, one topic course, four electives, and a master’s thesis of publishable quality. Courses cover creative writing across genres, publishing, and teaching, with many offered online and flexible scheduling options.

Program Highlights:

DePaul’s MFA in Creative Writing and Publishing offers five graduate assistantships that cover tuition and provide a stipend, significantly reducing financial burden for students.
Students gain practical editorial and publishing experience through involvement with university-affiliated publications like Big Shoulders Books, Poetry East, and Slag Glass City, enhancing career readiness.
The program features mentorship by distinguished authors and poets across genres, providing personalized guidance to develop a publishable master’s thesis and build a professional literary network.

School Type Private
Application Fee Yes
Tuition $22,135
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 4,689

University of Central Florida

Orlando, FL

Public · SACSCOC

The UCF Creative Writing MFA is a two-year, workshop-intensive program requiring 36 credits, focusing on fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. It emphasizes craft, original work, and a book-length thesis, supporting professional development for careers as writers, editors, and educators. Faculty are award-winning and active in national organizations.

Program Highlights:

UCF’s Creative Writing MFA provides full-time students with assistantships and fellowships offering significant financial support.
Students gain real-world editorial experience by working with The Florida Review, a nationally renowned literary journal based at UCF.
The program fosters a close-knit, diverse community with abundant professional development events, including faculty and student readings and networking opportunities.

School Type Public
Application Fee Yes
Tuition $6,916
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 5,106

Cleveland State University

Cleveland, OH

Public · HLC

The NEOMFA at Cleveland State University is a consortium-based MFA program offering concentrations in fiction, creative nonfiction, playwriting, and poetry. It combines workshops, seminars, electives, an internship, and a thesis, fostering practical experience and cross-university resources in Northeast Ohio. Completion typically takes three years full-time.

Program Highlights:

The NEOMFA program offers a required internship providing practical workplace experience in diverse fields such as teaching, editing, grant writing, arts marketing, and arts administration.
Students can register across institutional boundaries for graduate courses at any participating universities, taught by regular faculty and visiting resident writers, enhancing learning flexibility and networking.
The program is designed to accommodate both part-time and full-time students, with workshops and craft and theory courses routinely offered in the evenings for greater accessibility.

School Type Public
Application Fee No
Tuition $10,840
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 2,575

University of Cincinnati-Main Campus

Cincinnati, OH

Public · HLC

The University of Cincinnati’s Creative Writing MA offers workshops in fiction, poetry, and nonfiction with faculty who are published writers. The program emphasizes craft, critical thinking, and pedagogy, preparing students as both creators and instructors in a four-year course of study.

Program Highlights:

The University of Cincinnati's English Master's program features small class sizes that foster lively dialogue and personalized faculty mentorship, enhancing collaborative learning and individualized support.
Graduate students have access to competitive departmental fellowships accompanied by Graduate Incentive Award (GIA) tuition scholarships, reducing financial burden while promoting academic excellence.
The program offers extensive professional development opportunities including leadership roles in program administration, conference participation, and a specialized Graduate Certificate in the Teaching of Writing to enhance career readiness.

School Type Public
Application Fee Yes
Tuition $13,224
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 6,911

Houston Christian University

Houston, TX

Private · SACSCOC

Hood College’s low-residency MFA in Creative Writing offers a 48-credit, two-year program with concentrations in fiction and poetry. It combines intensive residencies, mentorship, workshops, and a creative thesis, immersing students in the craft and scholarship of writing while accommodating professional and personal commitments.

Program Highlights:

The MFA in Creative Writing at Houston Christian University offers an accelerated, low-residency format allowing students to complete their terminal degree in about two years while studying from anywhere worldwide.
Students benefit from intense face-to-face instruction and networking opportunities through four annual Texas-based writers retreats featuring workshops and mentorship by acclaimed authors and full-time faculty.
Graduate scholarships of $100 per credit hour are available to outstanding applicants, significantly reducing tuition costs for the MFA program.

School Type Private
Application Fee No
Tuition $8,875
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 1,009

New England College

Henniker, NH

Private · NECHE

The NEC MFA in Creative Writing is a selective, rigorous low-residency program offering six genres including fiction, nonfiction, poetry, stage and screen, YA, and dual genre. It features individualized mentorship, biannual residencies, and opportunities like teaching assistantships within a supportive community.

Program Highlights:

The New England College MFA Creative Writing program is the only low-residency MFA to offer Graduate Teaching Assistantships, providing real teaching experience and possible tuition funding.
Students receive close, individualized mentorship from accomplished, award-winning faculty across six dynamic genres, fostering personalized development and cross-genre exploration.
The program’s twice-yearly immersive residencies in New Hampshire cultivate a tight-knit and supportive community, enhancing networking opportunities and professional accountability among peers.

School Type Private
Application Fee No
Tuition $14,376
Accreditation NECHE
Online Students 1,179

Arizona State University Campus Immersion

Tempe, AZ

Public · HLC

The ASU Creative Writing MFA is a three-year program emphasizing fiction, poetry, and cross-genre study. It balances 48 credit hours between writing workshops and literature courses, culminating in a creative manuscript project. The program fosters professional skills, collaboration, and offers rich literary and internship opportunities.

Program Highlights:

The ASU Creative Writing MFA offers generous scholarships and fellowships, including the endowed Swarthout Awards and Swarthout Fellowships, supporting excellent student work at all levels.
Students benefit from intimate, small workshops and one-on-one mentoring with nationally and internationally acclaimed faculty, including Pulitzer Prize winners and Guggenheim fellows.
The program provides unique professional development opportunities through editorial roles with nationally recognized literary magazines and internships with award-winning independent presses.

School Type Public
Application Fee Yes
Tuition $12,376
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 2,881

University of Southern Maine

Portland, ME

Public · NECHE

The Stonecoast MFA in Creative Writing at the University of Southern Maine is a two-year low-residency program combining bi-annual ten-day residencies on Maine’s coast with six-month independent writing projects. It offers interdisciplinary study in fiction, poetry, nonfiction, and more, emphasizing craft, social justice, and career development.

Program Highlights:

The Stonecoast MFA in Creative Writing offers a low-residency format with nationally known faculty, providing flexibility and intensive mentorship through alternating residencies and long-distance work.
Students receive extensive, in-depth critiques from faculty mentors across diverse creative writing genres including fiction, poetry, nonfiction, and interdisciplinary electives such as writing for social justice.
The program does not charge higher tuition for out-of-state students and offers some scholarships, making graduate-level creative writing more affordable and accessible.

School Type Public
Application Fee No
Tuition $8,010
Accreditation NECHE
Online Students 1,467

Lindenwood University

Saint Charles, MO

Private · HLC

Lindenwood’s MFA in Writing is a 48-credit program with flexible online or hybrid courses across genres like fiction, poetry, nonfiction, and YA/middle grade. It emphasizes craft, workshops, a 6-credit thesis, editorial experience, and a supportive writing community. Admission requires a strong creative writing sample and statement.

Program Highlights:

The MFA in Writing at Lindenwood offers scholarships specifically for K-12 and higher education teachers and for students over the age of 60, providing financial support targeted to key demographics.
Students have the flexibility to complete the program fully online with no residency requirement, alongside the option to take up to one hybrid class per term, accommodating diverse learning needs and schedules.
The program features small class settings led by award-winning, published faculty who are actively connected in the literary community, ensuring personalized mentorship and strong professional networking opportunities.

School Type Private
Application Fee No
Tuition $8,550
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 1,933

Virginia Commonwealth University

Richmond, VA

Public · SACSCOC

Virginia Commonwealth University’s MFA in Creative Writing is a selective, three-year, 48-credit program offering concentrations in fiction, poetry, and dual genre, including creative nonfiction. It emphasizes close faculty mentorship, workshops, diverse literary courses, thesis development, and professional internships, fostering strong craft and literary community engagement.

Program Highlights:

The MFA in Creative Writing at VCU offers full funding through graduate teaching assistantships, including a full tuition waiver and annual stipends between $16,000 and $27,000 for all three years.
Students receive close mentorship from experienced faculty in a selective, academically rigorous program emphasizing poetry, fiction, and nonfiction workshops tailored to individual writerly voices.
The program provides unique literary community engagement opportunities such as coordinating prestigious awards and stipends for travel or attendance at literary conferences.

School Type Public
Application Fee Yes
Tuition $13,404
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 3,130

University of Arkansas at Monticello

Monticello, AR

Public · HLC

The University of Alaska Fairbanks’ MFA in Creative Writing is a rigorous three-year program emphasizing fiction, poetry, nonfiction, and drama, with close faculty mentorship, editorial experience, and a thesis. It prepares students for writing careers and teaching, offering competitive assistantships and fostering publication success.

Program Highlights:

The University of Arizona MFA in Creative Writing is a fully-funded three-year program that includes a graduate teaching assistantship with salary, health insurance, and a full tuition waiver.
Students benefit from a strong literary community with curated reading series, student-run reading events, and collaborations with the Poetry Center that enhance networking and professional development.
The program offers flexible completion options, allowing motivated students to finish sooner than the standard three years, supported by committed faculty providing intensive mentorship and extensive feedback.

School Type Public
Application Fee No
Tuition $6,840
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 388

Kent State University at Kent

Kent, OH

Public · HLC

Kent State’s MFA in Creative Writing focuses on developing individual voice and storytelling across genres like fiction, poetry, and nonfiction, emphasizing mentorship and craft refinement in a supportive environment. The program prepares students for diverse writing careers through workshops and independent work. It is offered in person.

Program Highlights:

Kent State’s MFA program offers personalized mentorship with an award-winning faculty, providing individualized attention to develop each writer’s craft deeply.
Students benefit from a vibrant, supportive community that spans multiple genres, enhancing networking and collaborative opportunities among writers.
The program emphasizes a balanced curriculum combining both craft and critical theory, allowing students to refine writing skills through in-depth workshops and critiques.

School Type Public
Application Fee Yes
Tuition $12,483
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 3,173

Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville

Edwardsville, IL

Public · HLC

The SIUE MFA in Creative Writing combines workshops with a unique service-learning sequence, enabling students to design and implement community-based writing programs, gaining experience in arts programming and literacy advocacy while developing poetry and fiction skills. Electives and literary magazine work enrich this flexible, career-focused degree.

Program Highlights:

The SIUE MFA in Creative Writing features a unique service-learning sequence where students design and implement writing programs in community settings like hospitals and elder-care facilities, gaining valuable real-world arts programming experience.
Students have opportunities to develop highly specialized multimedia storytelling skills including podcasting, audiobook creation, game narrative, virtual reality narrative, and innovative digital fiction formats such as Twitter or subreddit fiction.
The program offers experiential learning through editing roles with Sou’wester, one of the oldest continuously published literary magazines in the U.S., enhancing students' editorial skills and professional publishing experience.

School Type Public
Application Fee Yes
Tuition $7,700
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 1,685

Saint Leo University

Saint Leo, FL

Private · SACSCOC

Saint Leo University’s Master of Arts in Creative Writing is a 36-credit, low-residency program combining three summer residencies, online coursework, and a book-length thesis. It offers personalized mentorship in fiction, poetry, or nonfiction, blending craft development with literary studies for working professionals.

Program Highlights:

Saint Leo's Creative Writing master's program offers three immersive summer residencies on campus that include faculty-led workshops and interactions with visiting professional writers.
The program features flexible online coursework with individualized study plans tailored to each student's chosen genre, accommodating full-time work and personal commitments.
Students receive personalized mentorship from nationally published faculty, culminating in a book-length thesis of publishable quality in poetry, fiction, or nonfiction.

School Type Private
Application Fee No
Tuition $15,840
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 2,345

The University of Texas at El Paso

El Paso, TX

Public · SACSCOC

The UTEP Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing is a fully online, bilingual (English/Spanish) program requiring 36 credit hours over two years, emphasizing workshops and a publishable manuscript. It prepares students for careers in writing, teaching, and translation, with a multicultural, border-region perspective.

Program Highlights:

The UTEP Online MFA in Creative Writing offers access to a stellar faculty including world-renowned poets and fiction writers, providing expert mentorship and networking opportunities.
The program includes the UTEP Edge student success initiative, which equips students with high-impact experiences and skills giving them a competitive advantage in their writing careers.
This MFA is uniquely bilingual (English/Spanish), allowing submission of creative assignments in Spanish and fostering a multicultural learning environment supportive of diverse voices.

School Type Public
Application Fee Yes
Tuition $5,865
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 1,227

Ashland University

Ashland, OH

Private · HLC

Ashland University’s MFA in Creative Writing is a low-residency program emphasizing poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction. It features summer residencies, online mentorship, workshops, and seminars, culminating in a thesis manuscript. The program fosters a supportive writer community and prepares students for publication and literary careers.

Program Highlights:

The Ashland MFA program offers intensive two-week summer residencies featuring mentorship, publishing workshops, and networking with editors and agents each session.
Students benefit from one-on-one, ongoing mentorship from established writers combined with lively virtual seminars and feedback in small cohorts.
MFA students have editorial opportunities including leadership roles with the Black Fork Review literary journal and assistantships at Ashland Poetry Press.

School Type Private
Application Fee Yes
Tuition $7,776
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 849

University of New Orleans

New Orleans, LA

Public · SACSCOC

The MFA in Creative Writing at the University of Nebraska Omaha is a two-year, 60-credit low-residency program combining four 16-week online seminars with five 10-day Nebraska residencies, offering six genres including fiction, poetry, and screenwriting, with personalized mentorship and critical feedback to develop a professional literary career.

Program Highlights:

The University of Nebraska Omaha MFA in Writing program features personalized one-on-one mentorship from practicing faculty writers dedicated to individual student success.
The program combines flexible low-residency structure with five immersive 10-day residencies in a scenic retreat setting, fostering intensive workshops and networking opportunities.
Students benefit from fellowship opportunities that provide financial support, enhancing accessibility and reducing the cost burden of graduate study.

School Type Public
Application Fee Yes
Tuition $6,090
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 632

Lasell University

Newton, MA

Private · NECHE

Lasell University’s Solstice MFA in Creative Writing is a selective, two-year low-residency program combining immersive residencies and 1:1 mentorship. It emphasizes craft, criticism, and theory to nurture diverse voices, prepare students for professional writing, and offers flexible, genre-exploration opportunities. Five residencies and 60 credits are required.

Program Highlights:

Lasell University's MFA in Creative Writing includes a Social Action and Writing Track at no extra cost, enabling students to integrate activism with their literary work through unique, project-based public engagements.
The program features five intensive ten-day residencies combining workshops, seminars, and readings, providing immersive, focused mentorship and opportunities to learn directly from accomplished writers, editors, and agents.
Students benefit from a supportive, collaborative community emphasizing diverse faculty expertise and extensive faculty mentorship, fostering personal and professional growth in writing without competitive pressures.

School Type Private
Application Fee No
Tuition $11,682
Accreditation NECHE
Online Students 338

Eastern Kentucky University

Richmond, KY

Public · SACSCOC

Eastern Kentucky University’s Bluegrass Writers Studio MFA in Creative Writing is a low-residency, 48-credit terminal degree offering concentrations in fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, and hybrid genres. It features online workshops, summer residencies in Richmond and Lisbon, and culminates in a book-length thesis under faculty mentorship.

Program Highlights:

Eastern Kentucky University's Bluegrass Writers Studio MFA offers a truly low-residency format with live online workshops weekly and no residency fees, enabling flexibility and reducing costs for students.
The program includes two intensive summer residencies—in Richmond, KY, and Lisbon, Portugal—providing immersive workshops, professional development panels, and interaction with visiting acclaimed authors, editors, and agents.
Students study in small, intimate workshops (7-12 students) with one-on-one faculty mentoring, fostering a close-knit, supportive writing community dedicated to individual creative and professional success.

School Type Public
Application Fee Yes
Tuition $10,296
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 1,825

Inside Look at Best Online MFA Creative Writing Programs

Inside Two Online MFA Creative Writing Programs

University of New Orleans

Southern New Hampshire University

Benefits of Earning an Online Master’s in Creative Writing

1. Flexibility

2. Career Opportunities

What You’ll Learn in a Master’s in Creative Writing Online Program

Popular Courses

Fiction Workshop

Creative Nonfiction

Short Story Writing

Form and Theory in Poetry

The Public Good and Writers

Accreditation for Online MFA Creative Writing Programs

Salary Potential with an MFA in Creative Writing

Costs and Financial Aid for Online MFA Creative Writing Programs

What Your Online MFA in Creative Writing Could Cost

Frequently Asked Questions About Earning Your Master’s in Creative Writing Online

What are the admissions requirements for an online Master of Fine Arts in creative writing?

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Can I earn a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing 100% online, or do I need to visit campus?

Top Online MFA Creative Writing Programs

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