Most Affordable Online Creative Writing Degrees 2026

Q: What can you do with a creative writing degree?

You can enter creative career paths in media, communications, public relations, advertising, and marketing, among other fields. Creative writing students often have a strong interest in becoming published authors, which you can also pursue as a primary or secondary focus.

Q: Do you need a degree to be a writer?

Not necessarily. Many successful authors hold degrees in unrelated fields, and some do not have a degree at all. However, online creative writing programs can help to enhance your creative development.

Updated on December 18, 2025

Edited by

Find your voice and hone your skills with an online creative writing degree. Explore program profiles, career paths, and data-driven cost insights.

Creative writing is a complex yet highly personal process. Channeling talent into an authentic and original voice requires both diligent study and extensive practice. And you can engage with both by pursuing a creative writing degree online.

This program guide introduces online creative writing degrees. It explores their key features and the opportunities they support. Connect with study opportunities — and with ways to save money while pursuing your passion.

Degree at a Glance

Typical Program Length: Four years (bachelor’s degree)
Typical Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent; creative portfolio submissions and/or admission interview requirements may apply
Top Skills Gained: Original literary composition, literary and critical analysis, writing process development, workshopping
Popular Concentrations: Fiction, nonfiction, poetry, screenwriting; creative writing may also be its own concentration track within English programs

Top 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. from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.

Central Washington University — Best for Career-Focused Writers

Ellensburg, WA
2 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Why We Chose This Superlative: Blends Creative and Professional Writing, Giving Students Hands-On Experience in Both Storytelling and Workplace Communication

CWU's professional and creative writing program helps you build practical writing skills for today's workplace while still developing the craft of storytelling. You can explore multiple genres and customize your class schedule to suit your career goals. The curriculum supports career paths in publishing, media, and writing-intensive roles across multiple industries.

Cost per Year:
In-State | $7,459
Out-of-State | $7,459

Why Students Choose CWU:

Customize your class schedule: CWU’s course offerings include options that prepare you for many writing career paths.
Explore professional and creative writing techniques: Whether you’re interested in technical, professional, or creative writing, you can enroll in courses that suit your interests and goals.
Collaborate with peers: Creative writing workshop courses allow you to network and learn directly from like-minded students in your program.

Know Before You Enroll:

Fully online delivery is available, but it is not self-paced; expect structured deadlines and timely instructor engagement.
Online students have access to CWU's writing center that offers remote support via Zoom or through screencast feedback.

66%

Online Enrollment

$ 7,469

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

70%

Retention Rate

$26,176

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 91%

Students Enrolled: 10,527

Institution Type: Public

Southern New Hampshire University — Most Flexible Creative Writing Program

Manchester, NH
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Why We Chose This Superlative: Asynchronous Classes and Various Start Dates, Making It An Ideal Program for Creatives Who Need Flexibility

SNHU’s online bachelor’s in creative writing program stands out as the most flexible program on this list due to its asynchronous classes that start every eight weeks. These classes are conducted using online discussion boards, with each assignment’s due date listed on the term schedule. You can get ahead or complete classes and assignments on a convenient, flexible timeline that works with your unique schedule.

Cost per Semester:
In-State | $342 per credit
Out-of-State | $342 per credit

Why Students Choose SNHU:

Choose from four concentrations: You can study poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and screenwriting at SNHU.
Find opportunities to get published: You have an opportunity to experience the writing, editing, and publication process with SNHU’s online journal, The Penmen Review.
Gain scholarships from writing: You can win scholarships and publish your work by entering SNHU’s fall writing contest.

Know Before You Enroll:

Online career and academic advisors provide support for job preparation, résumé building, and classwork.
With drop-in tutors and an online library, you can access resources and academic advising where and whenever you need them.
You can enroll when it’s most convenient for you, with six to eight-week terms starting throughout the academic year.

97%

Online Enrollment

$15,450

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

60%

Retention Rate

$15,450

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 96%

Students Enrolled: 184,099

Institution Type: Private

Our Methodology

Price Check

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), schools offering online creative writing programs award financial aid to first-time undergraduates at rates of up to 100%.

Why Choose Creative Writing?

Online creative writing programs often use collaborative formats, with students workshopping original compositions with peers and instructors.

The insights you gain from these sessions can accelerate your development as a writer, helping you find your voice and develop an end-to-end process for outlining, drafting, and revising your work.

Many aspiring writers also find the structured nature of creative writing programs helpful in conquering the blank page, building professional networks, and connecting with communities of like-minded people.

Career Outlook for Creative Writing Graduates

Online creative writing degrees can help you develop valuable process-based insights that can translate well to multiple career paths. You may decide to pursue advancement-oriented roles or use paid writing jobs to make ends meet while you create your own works in your off-hours.

The following table profiles some of the jobs you can pursue with a creative writing degree.

Popular Jobs in Creative Writing
Job	Annual Median Wage, May 2024
Editors	$75,260
News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists	$60,280
Public Relations Specialists	$69,780
Technical Writers	$91,670
Writers and Authors	$72,270

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Ways to Save on a Creative Writing Degree

Trimming costs will help you extract more value from your online creative writing degree, especially considering the time it can take to establish yourself as a professional writer. These strategies can help:

Study at an In-State Public Institution: NCES data from the 2022-23 school year shows that in-state students at public institutions pay 66% less on average for tuition and required fees than out-of-state students. And they pay 72% less on average than students at private institutions.
Seek Scholarships: As a creative writing student, you can qualify for both need-based and merit-based scholarships. Some organizations specifically offer funding to emerging writers from historically underrepresented communities.
Broaden Your Search: As an online creative writing student, you are not limited to schools in your immediate geographic area. Cast a wide net with your search. This can help you connect with affordable options that support your developmental goals.

Frequently Asked Questions About Creative Writing Programs

Can you get a degree in creative writing?

Yes, you can get a degree in creative writing at any level, from associate to doctorate. Students typically pursue bachelor’s or master’s degrees in the field. Many master’s programs culminate in a master of fine arts designation, which is a terminal professional degree.