Most Affordable Online Creative Writing Degrees
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
Northeastern State University
- Tahlequah, OK
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
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
66%
$ 5,913
60%
$14,313
- Acceptance Rate
- 100%
- Students Enrolled
- 7,517
- Institution Type
- Public
Adams State University
- Alamosa, CO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
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.
51%
$ 5,736
59%
$17,160
- Acceptance Rate
- 99%
- Students Enrolled
- 3,114
- Institution Type
- Public
Central Washington University
- Ellensburg, WA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
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.
92%
$ 6,318
71%
$21,999
- Acceptance Rate
- 85%
- Students Enrolled
- 11,658
- Institution Type
- Public
Southern New Hampshire University
- Manchester, NH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
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.
94%
$30,756
65%
$30,756
- Acceptance Rate
- 88%
- Students Enrolled
- 113,514
- Institution Type
- Private
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.
| 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 |
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
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.
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