When choosing a college for any discipline, it’s important that you pick the right one. One that fits your learning needs and goals, one that fits your budgets, and one that fits your career path.
Writing colleges are no different. There are quite a number of top-tier colleges and universities that offer world-renown collegiate level writing programs. Whether you are interested in creative writing, literature, journalism, or something else, there is likely a specific school tailor met to fit your needs. But how do you find them?
We have put together a list of what we consider the top 5 American writing colleges and a brief summary of their programs. We hope this helps steer you in the right direction during your college search.
1. Emory College
Emory College has long established itself as a leader in its college writing program. Its program is tailored to those who already have a developed writing style and are searching to hone in their craft, allowing students to self-study and pursue their own interests. If you are a new writer in need of hands-on guidance, this may not be the program for you. But, if you are already on a career path in need of a mentor and some specific guidance, Emory might be a good fit.
- Length of Study: 11 courses
- Yearly Tuition: 48,690 per year
School website: Emory College.
2. University of Michigan
Next on our list is the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Again, this program is for serious–and usually more-established–authors looking to refine their craft even further. Not only is Michigan’s program nationally ranked, but it offers a full fellowship for everyone in the program, which means tuition is fully remitted. This, unfortunately, means the program is quite competitive since so few programs have similar offerings–let along writing programs. If you are serious about writing and have a supporting body of work, you should definitely try your hand at Michigan.
- Length of Study: Two years
- Yearly Tuition: Remitted
School website: University of Michigan.
3. University of Virginia
The University of Virginia’s writing program is for students pursuing a Master’s in Fine Arts (MFA). Like the University of Michigan program, tuition is fully remitted, but also like the Michigan program, the competition is extremely competitive. That said, the Virginia program does allow undergraduate concentrations in fiction and poetry, which allow you to test out writing as a career without making the commitment to a graduate program. See how you enjoy the writing discipline as an undergraduate and whether or not it is the right fit for you.
- Length of Study: Two years
- Yearly Tuition: Remitted
School website: University of Virginia.
4. Brown University
Brown is another excellent choice for undergraduate studies in the writing discipline. Not only will you be attending and Ivy League university, but the literature program at Brown is unmatched in the American university system. If you at all interested in literature, Brown is the school you should attend, as its literature program is and has been one of the country’s best for the better part of 50 years.
If you are looking to continue your writing education, Brown also offers an MFA program for those who already have a Bachelor’s Degree.
- Length of Study: 10 courses
- Yearly Tuition: $50,224
School website: Brown University.
5. Hamilton College
Hamilton College offers undergraduate students an excellent immersion program that highlights equally writing across genres. If you know you want to be a writer but are not sure what genre or medium fits you best, Hamilton College would be an excellent choice, as they have a large staff of professors who engage with students and don’t focus solely on literature or poetry or prose. They offer a well-rounded program that will prepare you perfectly for a more fine-tuned graduate-level program.
- Length of Study: 10 courses.
- Yearly Tuition: $66,170 per year.
School website: Hamilton College.