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best creative writing colleges in ohio

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2023 Best Colleges with Creative Writing Degrees in Ohio

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1-25 of 26 results

University of Cincinnati

Cincinnati, OH •

Sophomore: The University of Cincinnati is a great school to attend especially if you live in the state of Ohio. I am in my sophomore year and still love it. I would recommend the school to anyone that takes an interest especially if it is in the engineering field. While some material is challenging, the engineering classes are good to have for any engineering background. The main reason I came was the co-op program which is an amazing opportunity to learn about what engineers do as well as be able to pay off student loans. Overall, this school has given me a great experience. Go Bearcats! ... Read 3,962 reviews

Acceptance rate 76%

Net price $22,767

SAT range 1120-1330

#4 Best Colleges in Ohio .

CINCINNATI, OH ,

3962 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.

Featured Review: Sophomore says The University of Cincinnati is a great school to attend especially if you live in the state of Ohio. I am in my sophomore year and still love it. I would recommend the school to anyone that takes an... .

Read 3962 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade : A ,

Acceptance Rate : 76% ,

Net Price : $22,767 ,

SAT Range : 1120-1330 ,

Oberlin College

Oberlin, OH •

Alum: My experience at Oberlin College was wonderful overall. Yes there were some bumps in the road socially and academically challenges but I wouldn't choose somewhere else if I could do my undergraduate over again. Key thing was having a community that looked like me and support me socially and culturally. I also built relationships with wonderful professors and staff that truly cared about me and my success because they were able to connect to each and every student, unlike giant public schools. While the party seen is pretty boring, the student life activities and events are great; there is always something happening on campus. And the natural areas around campus are gorgeous, especially in the fall. ... Read 645 reviews

Acceptance rate 35%

Net price $42,745

SAT range 1270-1360

#8 Best Colleges in Ohio .

Blue checkmark.

OBERLIN, OH ,

645 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says My experience at Oberlin College was wonderful overall. Yes there were some bumps in the road socially and academically challenges but I wouldn't choose somewhere else if I could do my undergraduate... .

Read 645 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade : A minus ,

Acceptance Rate : 35% ,

Net Price : $42,745 ,

SAT Range : 1270-1360 ,

Ohio University

Athens, OH •

Freshman: I'm currently a freshman at Ohio University and just recently completed my first semester and I love it here! Professors are great and super friendly creating an amazing class environment open to questions without any judgment. The atmosphere here is also very positive and inclusive, Ohio University promotes diversity which I believe is a noble trait for a university. The university also has so many clubs and student organizations, making it very easy for you to find friends with similar interests to you. ... Read 3,779 reviews

Acceptance rate 87%

Net price $23,307

SAT range 1050-1250

#10 Best Colleges in Ohio .

ATHENS, OH ,

3779 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says I'm currently a freshman at Ohio University and just recently completed my first semester and I love it here! Professors are great and super friendly creating an amazing class environment open to... .

Read 3779 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 87% ,

Net Price : $23,307 ,

SAT Range : 1050-1250 ,

SUNY Tompkins Cortland Community College

Dryden, NY •

Freshman: I haven't gone yet (just registered, going in the fall) but everyone has been knowledgeable and helpful! Apparently they have professors that also teach at Cornell, which gives some serious points. Also, the campus is beautiful—if I didn't know it was a community college, I never would have guessed! I'm very excited to see how these semesters go :) ... Read 339 reviews

Acceptance rate 100%

Net price $10,130

Sponsored Result, SUNY Tompkins Cortland Community College

DRYDEN, NY ,

339 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says I haven't gone yet (just registered, going in the fall) but everyone has been knowledgeable and helpful! Apparently they have professors that also teach at Cornell, which gives some serious points.... .

Read 339 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade : C minus ,

Acceptance Rate : 100% ,

Net Price : $10,130 ,

Ohio Northern University

Freshman: I am currently a freshman at Ohio Northern University majoring in exercise physiology. First time coming to campus was a great experience, I immediately felt at home and loved the people! There is a lot of green space on campus and everything is within a 15 minute walk. Athletic facilities are good, two weight rooms and a cardio room for students to use. Academics are great, professors really care about your success and offer help outside the classroom. Many students play sports on campus, the team environment and coaching staff is wonderful. My favorite part is seeing students pass by one another waving and saying hello, very friendly environment. ... Read 595 reviews

Acceptance rate 65%

Net price $26,011

SAT range 1100-1320

#11 Best Colleges in Ohio .

595 Niche users give it an average review of 3.6 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says I am currently a freshman at Ohio Northern University majoring in exercise physiology. First time coming to campus was a great experience, I immediately felt at home and loved the people! There is a... .

Read 595 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade : B+ ,

Acceptance Rate : 65% ,

Net Price : $26,011 ,

SAT Range : 1100-1320 ,

Miami University

Oxford, OH •

Junior: My first year at Miami University was a year full of covid and regulations, but my friends and I agree students at Miami University got the best college experience during the pandemic. Even the dorms that are considered 'old' are renovated and very nice. There is always something to do, whether it be socially going out or events that Miami organizations hold, like very reputable speakers and whatnot. I participate in Greek life, and it is a great way to make more connections and network within both Fraternities and Sororities. The campus is safe, clean, and beautiful. My classes are challenging but in a preparatory way. People assume all Miami kids are 'rich' but that is simply not the truth. I support myself financially and still have as much fun as the 'rich' kids. The Oxford atmosphere cannot be beaten, and my family loves coming to visit me and going out to bars & restaurants. Life truly feels simple here! ... Read 3,310 reviews

Acceptance rate 92%

Net price $24,345

SAT range 1160-1370

#12 Best Colleges in Ohio .

OXFORD, OH ,

3310 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.

Featured Review: Junior says My first year at Miami University was a year full of covid and regulations, but my friends and I agree students at Miami University got the best college experience during the pandemic. Even the dorms... .

Read 3310 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 92% ,

Net Price : $24,345 ,

SAT Range : 1160-1370 ,

Baldwin Wallace University

Berea, OH •

Senior: I love Baldwin Wallace. The education school not only gets you into a classroom in your first year, it also helps with all the things you need in your classroom. This does not mean just what we need to teach, but also classroom management, teaching styles, and multiple things that help us organize. Over all BW is an amazing place to be and helped me truly become who I am. Even though I am not done, I truly believe they will have me more than ready after college! ... Read 1,056 reviews

Acceptance rate 70%

Net price $25,274

SAT range 1040-1260

#13 Best Colleges in Ohio .

BEREA, OH ,

1056 Niche users give it an average review of 3.6 stars.

Featured Review: Senior says I love Baldwin Wallace. The education school not only gets you into a classroom in your first year, it also helps with all the things you need in your classroom. This does not mean just what we need... .

Read 1056 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 70% ,

Net Price : $25,274 ,

SAT Range : 1040-1260 ,

Bowling Green State University

Bowling Green, OH •

Niche User: Bowling Green State University was a wonderful experience for me. I have been on countless college visits, but none of them truly felt like home for me. It is a big university with a small-town feel which was perfect for me. The tour guides are very friendly, personable, and honest. It was nice to hear about everything from the dorm living to the activities around the campus such as their favorite restaurants and what they like to do in their free time. Overall just a great experience, defiantly recommend at the least visiting the beautiful campus. Cannot wait to start next year! ... Read 2,579 reviews

Acceptance rate 75%

Net price $17,580

SAT range 1020-1210

#15 Best Colleges in Ohio .

BOWLING GREEN, OH ,

2579 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.

Featured Review: Niche User says Bowling Green State University was a wonderful experience for me. I have been on countless college visits, but none of them truly felt like home for me. It is a big university with a small-town feel... .

Read 2579 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade : B ,

Acceptance Rate : 75% ,

Net Price : $17,580 ,

SAT Range : 1020-1210 ,

Otterbein University

Westerville, OH •

Freshman: After my first year at Otterbein, I learned so much and have met so many new people. I love how Otterbein is a smaller school, and you are able to get extra help from the professors. You can tell they really do care about you and want to see you achieve your goals, especially if you have a fairly difficult major like biochemistry. The only thing I would possibly like to see change is more cultural appreciation as in different activities or events hosted at the campus. I loved the study abroad fair because it showed exactly this! Otterbein is a great school and I am glad I chose to go there. ... Read 704 reviews

Net price $23,229

SAT range 990-1240

#17 Best Colleges in Ohio .

WESTERVILLE, OH ,

704 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says After my first year at Otterbein, I learned so much and have met so many new people. I love how Otterbein is a smaller school, and you are able to get extra help from the professors. You can tell... .

Read 704 reviews.

Net Price : $23,229 ,

SAT Range : 990-1240 ,

Youngstown State University

Youngstown, OH •

Freshman: My experience as a first year Youngstown State employee was phenomenal. I was a collegiate as well running track and field for the university . The education was top notch and for a fair price as well! The one thing I would change about the campus would be the opportunities, what I mean by that is they need more things to get you involved with the town on campus ... Read 1,411 reviews

Net price $11,785

SAT range 960-1190

#24 Best Colleges in Ohio .

YOUNGSTOWN, OH ,

1411 Niche users give it an average review of 3.5 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says My experience as a first year Youngstown State employee was phenomenal. I was a collegiate as well running track and field for the university . The education was top notch and for a fair price as... .

Read 1411 reviews.

Net Price : $11,785 ,

SAT Range : 960-1190 ,

Ohio Wesleyan University

Delaware, OH •

Graduate Student: I am an international student. My life at Ohio Wesleyan University was great! I remember, as yesterday, when they picked me up from an airport. I guess not many schools do that. The international office was very helpful throughout my life. Since the classes were small, compared to big schools, I was able to get professors' assistanship a lot. ... Read 643 reviews

Acceptance rate 68%

Net price $26,628

SAT range 990-1250

#26 Best Colleges in Ohio .

DELAWARE, OH ,

643 Niche users give it an average review of 3.5 stars.

Featured Review: Graduate Student says I am an international student. My life at Ohio Wesleyan University was great! I remember, as yesterday, when they picked me up from an airport. I guess not many schools do that. The international... .

Read 643 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 68% ,

Net Price : $26,628 ,

SAT Range : 990-1250 ,

Mount St. Joseph University

Sophomore: Mount St. Joseph University is truly one of a kind! Although it is a small school, the students and faculty of the university is phenomenal. I've made so many new connections attending the Mount. If I ever needed assistance for class work, the teachers will always make out time to better your understandings. This university has a special place in my heart, and I wish others will feel the same. ... Read 387 reviews

Acceptance rate 60%

Net price $18,646

SAT range 950-1140

#29 Best Colleges in Ohio .

387 Niche users give it an average review of 3.6 stars.

Featured Review: Sophomore says Mount St. Joseph University is truly one of a kind! Although it is a small school, the students and faculty of the university is phenomenal. I've made so many new connections attending the Mount. If... .

Read 387 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 60% ,

Net Price : $18,646 ,

SAT Range : 950-1140 ,

University of Findlay

Findlay, OH •

Junior: Findlay's campus gives you that home-away-from-home feeling. The campus isn't huge, which is something I personally love. You will always find someone or a friend group to fit into, as the campus is just the right size to hang out and get to know more people in our classes or just around campus. Class sizes are relatively small, which is another thing I love. This allows you to have more one-on-one time with a professor if you absolutely need it. Most of the professors I have had a UF are fantastic and understanding about life as a college student. The only thing I wish UF had more of is cultural diversity and more dining options! Overall, Findlay is a great campus with some amazing programs of study. ... Read 860 reviews

Acceptance rate 80%

Net price $26,206

SAT range 1010-1230

FINDLAY, OH ,

860 Niche users give it an average review of 3.6 stars.

Featured Review: Junior says Findlay's campus gives you that home-away-from-home feeling. The campus isn't huge, which is something I personally love. You will always find someone or a friend group to fit into, as the campus is... .

Read 860 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade : B minus ,

Acceptance Rate : 80% ,

Net Price : $26,206 ,

SAT Range : 1010-1230 ,

Malone University

Canton, OH •

Senior: Malone is a faithfully Christian university with huge strength in the community and faith. It offers courses that will highlight the Christian experiences in many different ways from digging deep into the theology of your faith to expanding your religious horizon. Malone also excels in other areas like its student and faculty body. Though the music department has lost a lot of its students and majors, it is one of the most inspiring and talented sections of Malone. Its choir never disappoints, the band is amazing, and the individual talented artists are mind-blowing. Malone also has an extensive wildlife biology program with its very own petting zoo and aquarium. The animals are taken care of by students and those students are hand-selected by their professors. Another area in which Malone excels - is its student/ professor relations. I have never attended a school where the professors truly loved and cared for both their students and their jobs. ... Read 484 reviews

Acceptance rate 74%

Net price $19,158

SAT range 960-1220

CANTON, OH ,

484 Niche users give it an average review of 3.6 stars.

Featured Review: Senior says Malone is a faithfully Christian university with huge strength in the community and faith. It offers courses that will highlight the Christian experiences in many different ways from digging deep... .

Read 484 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 74% ,

Net Price : $19,158 ,

SAT Range : 960-1220 ,

Ashland University

Ashland, OH •

Junior: Ashland University is a small school, but it's a really great school. There are plenty of food options, and the dorms are pretty well kept (I recommend Myers hall!) The professors actually care for you and want you to succeed, and since it's a small school, they actually know who you are and form a connection with you. Not to mention it's a beautiful campus, more then once I've had to stop and admire the view. As a private school, they do require 1 religion core, and the only change I would like to see is that there were more class options to fill this requirement. Overall, I highly recommend Ashland to anybody! ... Read 781 reviews

Net price $20,911

SAT range 1000-1200

ASHLAND, OH ,

781 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.

Featured Review: Junior says Ashland University is a small school, but it's a really great school. There are plenty of food options, and the dorms are pretty well kept (I recommend Myers hall!) The professors actually care for... .

Read 781 reviews.

Net Price : $20,911 ,

SAT Range : 1000-1200 ,

Terra State Community College

Fremont, OH •

Niche User: My overall experience with Terra State Community College has been good. A majority of the professors here have been helpful. Some of the professors have years of field experience which aids in any student's education. Terra has been very affordable for me, and that is valuable. The campus is clean and inviting. The campus is also very easy to navigate. The parking spots are convenient for the students. ... Read 133 reviews

Net price $13,779

SAT range —

#15 Best Community Colleges in Ohio .

FREMONT, OH ,

133 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Niche User says My overall experience with Terra State Community College has been good. A majority of the professors here have been helpful. Some of the professors have years of field experience which aids in any... .

Read 133 reviews.

Net Price : $13,779 ,

Sinclair Community College

Dayton, OH •

Sophomore: I have had a very welcoming experience at Sinclair Community college! Being apart of the design community has been an eye opening experience, everyone wants you to succeed here! I have met many people and businesses who want to continue seeing my work outside of school and I have even been offered a job! I cant explain how Sinclair will make you feel, if you feel like you have made the wrong choice they will help you figure out even if its not with them. The professors want you to be the best you can, they want to make sure you are happy with your work and studies. ... Read 1,165 reviews

Net price $5,201

#16 Best Community Colleges in Ohio .

DAYTON, OH ,

1165 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

Featured Review: Sophomore says I have had a very welcoming experience at Sinclair Community college! Being apart of the design community has been an eye opening experience, everyone wants you to succeed here! I have met many... .

Read 1165 reviews.

Net Price : $5,201 ,

Capital University

Columbus, OH •

Freshman: Upon visiting Capital, I felt so welcomed. Moving in, I found friends in my neighbors! Of course, there’s little things about college that we find we don’t like; however, it’s worth the stay. ... Read 942 reviews

Net price $19,897

SAT range 1030-1210

COLUMBUS, OH ,

942 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says Upon visiting Capital, I felt so welcomed. Moving in, I found friends in my neighbors! Of course, there’s little things about college that we find we don’t like; however, it’s worth the stay. .

Read 942 reviews.

Net Price : $19,897 ,

SAT Range : 1030-1210 ,

University of Cincinnati - Clermont

Batavia, OH •

Alum: Best things about it is people likely there for the same reasons you are - need something cheaper, closer to home, flexible schedule, smaller classes, and such. Teachers genuinely care a little more than being at main branch campus with more students. There’s more options schedule wise if you’re trying to work full time or have a family life and find balance. Not coming out with a ton of student loans was also an upside compared to main campus costs. ... Read 207 reviews

Net price $8,152

#19 Best Community Colleges in Ohio .

BATAVIA, OH ,

207 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says Best things about it is people likely there for the same reasons you are - need something cheaper, closer to home, flexible schedule, smaller classes, and such. Teachers genuinely care a little more... .

Read 207 reviews.

Net Price : $8,152 ,

Ohio University - Zanesville

Zanesville, OH •

Freshman: I really enjoy it at OUZ! Their programs are great and they have great staff! The professors are always willing to help. ... Read 92 reviews

Net price $7,700

ZANESVILLE, OH ,

92 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says I really enjoy it at OUZ! Their programs are great and they have great staff! The professors are always willing to help. .

Read 92 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade : C+ ,

Net Price : $7,700 ,

Hiram College

Hiram, OH •

Freshman: The athletic tour was amazing and everyone was wonderful! Very friendly students and faculty. The athletic building a facilities are very nice. ... Read 435 reviews

Acceptance rate 93%

Net price $20,072

SAT range 890-1100

HIRAM, OH ,

435 Niche users give it an average review of 3.4 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says The athletic tour was amazing and everyone was wonderful! Very friendly students and faculty. The athletic building a facilities are very nice. .

Read 435 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 93% ,

Net Price : $20,072 ,

SAT Range : 890-1100 ,

Ohio University - Eastern

Saint Clairsville, OH •

Junior: It’s a nice local college and it helps that I can live at home and save money because I don’t have to pay for a dorm. All my classes are in one building which is nice. The professors I have had all care about the Students and if they are doing well. The library and student services are always helpful and some students can get jobs there too. ... Read 41 reviews

Net price $7,106

SAINT CLAIRSVILLE, OH ,

41 Niche users give it an average review of 3.5 stars.

Featured Review: Junior says It’s a nice local college and it helps that I can live at home and save money because I don’t have to pay for a dorm. All my classes are in one building which is nice. The professors I have had all... .

Read 41 reviews.

Net Price : $7,106 ,

Ohio University - Lancaster

Lancaster, OH •

Sophomore: I ended up coming to OUL due to not being able to pay for my original school of choice. Even though I enrolled very late, I was accepted and was able to be prepared for the fall semester. I received much help with becoming adjusted to both the Pickerington and Lancaster locations. I also have comorbidity (depression and anxiety that influence each other). The professors are very accommodating to my situation and I could not be more thankful. ... Read 129 reviews

Net price $7,270

LANCASTER, OH ,

129 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

Featured Review: Sophomore says I ended up coming to OUL due to not being able to pay for my original school of choice. Even though I enrolled very late, I was accepted and was able to be prepared for the fall semester. I received... .

Read 129 reviews.

Net Price : $7,270 ,

Ohio University - Southern

Ironton, OH •

Niche User: I am a current student at OUS and I love it so far. The professors are great and it's an amazing environment to be in. I love going to the library on campus to study. There's quite a bit of desk space in there too. Although it is a small campus, there is always an event of some kind. ... Read 65 reviews

Net price $8,048

IRONTON, OH ,

65 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars.

Featured Review: Niche User says I am a current student at OUS and I love it so far. The professors are great and it's an amazing environment to be in. I love going to the library on campus to study. There's quite a bit of desk... .

Read 65 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade : C ,

Net Price : $8,048 ,

Ohio University - Chillicothe

Chillicothe, OH •

Sophomore: The campus is inviting and easy to navigate. They're concerned with the safety of the students during the pandemic by implementing weekly covid tests or vaccination status and regardless are requiring mask usage. The advising and financial aid teams are always available for appointments and are immensely helpful. Class sizes are adequate and variety of classes for a regional campus is amazing. ... Read 134 reviews

Net price $7,985

CHILLICOTHE, OH ,

134 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.

Featured Review: Sophomore says The campus is inviting and easy to navigate. They're concerned with the safety of the students during the pandemic by implementing weekly covid tests or vaccination status and regardless are... .

Read 134 reviews.

Net Price : $7,985 ,

Art Academy of Cincinnati

Sophomore: My experience at the art academy was a challenging but very rewarding process everything that I've learned from the classes I had my ups and down about school but it provides student mental health counseling, art events, tutoring, and many more if you want to pursue your artistic career the AAC is the place. During freshman year I was feeling out of place numerous times but the community there is so tight you can get help right on the spot and many seniors offers help to those who need it and the school has a active alumni who are also there to help! ... Read 85 reviews

Acceptance rate 31%

Net price $24,933

SAT range 880-1070

85 Niche users give it an average review of 3.6 stars.

Featured Review: Sophomore says My experience at the art academy was a challenging but very rewarding process everything that I've learned from the classes I had my ups and down about school but it provides student mental health... .

Read 85 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 31% ,

Net Price : $24,933 ,

SAT Range : 880-1070 ,

The Ohio State University

Sophomore: I love THE Ohio State University. I fit in there all around. There are so many things that students can get involved in, from going to sporting events to volunteering your time to train dogs. The athletics at Ohio State are always fun to watch. I love watching volleyball and wrestling. There is something for everyone. I enjoyed my job at the coffee shop on campus, and really enjoyed my classes. My roommate and I really enjoyed the football games and getting to know everyone in our hall. My classes and professors that I have had are all great. I have learned so much, especially about myself already. The TA's are all very helpful and understanding, and usually always available. I have found different ways to study, and study groups have been successful. I have made lifelong friends at Ohio State. I knew that I could not go wrong with my choice. And I know after graduation, I will have a fraternity of Ohio State graduates supporting me around the world. Go Bucks! ... Read 5,675 reviews

Net price $18,884

SAT range 1210-1430

Sponsored Result, The Ohio State University

5675 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.

Featured Review: Sophomore says I love THE Ohio State University. I fit in there all around. There are so many things that students can get involved in, from going to sporting events to volunteering your time to train dogs. ... My classes and professors that I have had are all great. I have learned so much, especially about myself already. The TA's are all very helpful and understanding, and usually always available. I... I have made lifelong friends at Ohio State. I knew that I could not go wrong with my choice. And I know after graduation, I will have a fraternity of Ohio State graduates supporting me around the... .

Read 5675 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade : A+ ,

Net Price : $18,884 ,

SAT Range : 1210-1430 ,

University of the Pacific

Stockton, CA •

Senior: I really enjoy my university! The student to professor ratio is small which is perfect for getting to know your professors one-on-one and asking for help. There are also many resources available on campus for various things from career services to therapy counseling. I have held three on-campus jobs and I have enjoyed them all. My supervisors were super understanding of my course load and would allow me to plan my work schedule around that. I am also involved in a sorority on campus as well as a couple clubs which has made my college experience that much better. As a STEM student, I did not think I would have enough time for fun and leisure, but joining organizations on campus has helped me make that time for myself and it has been great. I am also a commuter student so joining these organizations has also helped me in a social aspect. ... Read 1,292 reviews

Acceptance rate 71%

Net price $32,780

SAT range 1080-1340

Sponsored Result, University of the Pacific

STOCKTON, CA ,

1292 Niche users give it an average review of 3.6 stars.

Featured Review: Senior says I really enjoy my university! The student to professor ratio is small which is perfect for getting to know your professors one-on-one and asking for help. There are also many resources available on... .

Read 1292 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 71% ,

Net Price : $32,780 ,

SAT Range : 1080-1340 ,

Showing results 1 through 25 of 26

2023 Best Creative Writing Schools in Ohio

In 2023, College Factual analyzed 9 schools in order to identify the top ones for its Best Creative Writing Schools in Ohio ranking. Combined, these schools handed out 287 degrees in creative writing to qualified students.

Jump to one of the following sections: * Degree-Level Rankings

Choosing a Great Creative Writing School

Best Creative Writing Schools in Ohio

You may want to choose one of the degree levels below to find the schools of most interest to you.

Pick Your Creative Writing Degree Level

The creative writing school you choose to invest your time and money in matters. To help you make the decision that is right for you, we've developed a number of major-specific rankings , including this list of the Best Creative Writing Schools in Ohio. More interested in schools in a specific area of the country? Filter this list by region or state .

To further help you make the college decision, we've developed a unique tool called College Combat that allows you to compare schools based on the factors that matter the most to you. Go ahead and give it a try, or bookmark the link so you can check it out later.

Read more about College Factual's methodology .

Featured Creative Writing Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

BA in Creative Writing & English

Develop your creativity and gain practical skills with a creative writing degree program –featuring 100% online classes – through a bachelor's from Southern New Hampshire University.

Southern New Hampshire University Logo

MFA in Creative Writing - Online

Embrace your passion for storytelling and learn the professional writing skills you'll need to succeed with our online MFA in Creative Writing. Write your novel or short story collection while earning a certificate in the Online Teaching of Writing or Professional Writing, with no residency requirement.

MA in English & Creative Writing

Refine your writing skills and take a step toward furthering your career with this online master's from Southern New Hampshire University.

Best Schools for Creative Writing in Ohio

The schools below may not offer all types of creative writing degrees so you may want to filter by degree level first. However, they are great for the degree levels they do offer.

Top Ohio Schools in Creative Writing

Miami University - Oxford crest

It is difficult to beat Miami University - Oxford if you want to pursue a degree in creative writing. Miami University - Oxford is a large public university located in the town of Oxford. A Best Colleges rank of #129 out of 2,241 colleges nationwide means Miami University - Oxford is a great university overall.

There were approximately 55 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at Miami University - Oxford in the most recent year we have data available.

Oberlin crest

Oberlin College is a wonderful option for students interested in a degree in creative writing. Located in the town of Oberlin, Oberlin is a private not-for-profit college with a small student population. A Best Colleges rank of #118 out of 2,241 colleges nationwide means Oberlin is a great college overall.

There were roughly 24 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at Oberlin in the most recent data year.

BGSU crest

Bowling Green State University - Main Campus is a good option for students interested in a degree in creative writing. BGSU is a large public university located in the fringe town of Bowling Green. This university ranks 24th out of 96 schools for overall quality in the state of Ohio.

There were roughly 26 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at BGSU in the most recent year we have data available.

UC crest

University of Cincinnati - Main Campus is a wonderful option for students pursuing a degree in creative writing. UC is a very large public university located in the large city of Cincinnati. A Best Colleges rank of #184 out of 2,241 schools nationwide means UC is a great university overall.

There were approximately 53 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at UC in the most recent data year.

OHIO Athens crest

OHIO Athens is a fairly large public university located in the distant town of Athens. A Best Colleges rank of #259 out of 2,241 colleges nationwide means OHIO Athens is a great university overall.

There were roughly 41 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at OHIO Athens in the most recent year we have data available.

University of Akron Main Campus crest

University of Akron Main Campus is a large public university located in the midsize city of Akron. This university ranks 28th out of 96 schools for overall quality in the state of Ohio.

There were approximately 4 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at University of Akron Main Campus in the most recent data year.

Baldwin Wallace College crest

Baldwin Wallace College is a small private not-for-profit university located in the suburb of Berea. This university ranks 23rd out of 96 colleges for overall quality in the state of Ohio.

There were approximately 6 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at Baldwin Wallace College in the most recent year we have data available.

Kent State crest

Kent State is a very large public university located in the suburb of Kent. This university ranks 19th out of 96 colleges for overall quality in the state of Ohio.

There were about 5 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at Kent State in the most recent year we have data available.

Cleveland State University crest

Located in the large city of Cleveland, Cleveland State University is a public university with a large student population. This university ranks 39th out of 96 colleges for overall quality in the state of Ohio.

There were roughly 9 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at Cleveland State University in the most recent year we have data available.

Related Programs

Learn about other programs related to Creative Writing that might interest you.

Low-Residency MFA in Fiction and Nonfiction

Harness your passion for storytelling with SNHU's Mountainview Low-Residency MFA in Fiction and Nonfiction. In this small, two-year creative writing program, students work one-on-one with our distinguished faculty remotely for most of the semester but convene for weeklong intensive residencies in June and January. At residencies, students critique each other's work face-to-face, meet with major authors, agents and editors and learn how to teach at the college level.

Best Creative Writing Colleges in the Great Lakes Region

Explore all the Best Creative Writing Colleges in the Great Lakes Area or other specific states within that region.

Other Rankings

Bachelor's degrees in creative writing, doctor's degrees in creative writing, master's degrees in creative writing.

View All Rankings >

Creative Writing Related Rankings by Major

Creative Writing is one of 4 different types of Writing Studies programs to choose from.

Majors Similar to Creative Writing

View All Creative Writing Related Majors >

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Notes and References

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13 Best colleges for Creative Writing in Ohio

Below is the list of best universities in Ohio ranked based on their research performance in Creative Writing. A graph of 79.1K citations received by 2.78K academic papers made by 13 universities in Ohio was used to calculate publications' ratings, which then were adjusted for release dates and added to final scores.

We don't distinguish between undergraduate and graduate programs nor do we adjust for current majors offered. You can find information about granted degrees on a university page but always double-check with the university website.

Please note that our approach to topical rankings is based on scientific outputs and heavily biased on art-related topics towards institutions with computer science profiles.

1. Ohio State University

For Creative Writing

Ohio State University logo

2. University of Cincinnati

University of Cincinnati logo

3. Miami University - Oxford

Miami University - Oxford logo

4. Case Western Reserve University

Case Western Reserve University logo

5. Ohio University

Ohio University logo

6. Kent State University at Kent

Kent State University at Kent logo

7. Bowling Green State University

Bowling Green State University logo

8. Cleveland State University

Cleveland State University logo

9. University of Dayton

University of Dayton logo

10. University of Toledo

University of Toledo logo

11. Wright State University

Wright State University logo

12. University of Akron

University of Akron logo

13. Oberlin College

Oberlin College logo

Closest to Ohio states to learn Creative Writing

Art & design subfields in ohio.

College of Arts and Sciences

Helpful Links

Navigate ohio, connect with us, creative writing graduate programs.

Poetry students with Visiting Writer Frank Bidart.

About the Program and Placement Record

Creative Writing M.A.

Creative Writing Ph.D.

One of the first universities in the country to offer a Ph.D. in Creative Writing, Ohio University continues as home to a thriving, widely respected graduate program with concentrations in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction.

Small by design, our graduate program offers a comprehensive curriculum, an award-winning faculty and the intimacy of small classes.

Placement Record

Over the past three years, seven of our nine graduating creative writing Ph.D. students have landed tenure-track jobs, post-doctorates, or prestigious visiting writer posts. Our MA graduates go on to study in the top MFA and Ph.D. programs.

Students in the Creative Writing M.A. and Ph.D. programs enjoy:

M.A. candidates complete two years of study and write a thesis of creative work in their genre. Doctoral candidates complete five years of study, comprehensive exams, a major critical essay, and a creative dissertation.

Literary Journals

The department and its students publish three literary journals:

Annual Events

The department hosts several annual events including an ambitious Spring Literary Festival that brings five nationally distinguished writers to campus for three-days of readings, craft talks, and student discussion. Recent visitors have included Tony Hoagland, Kathryn Harrison, Barry Lopez, Francine Prose, Peter Ho Davies, Kim Addonizio, David Shields, Robert Hass, Charles Simic, Yusef Komunyakaa, and Marilynne Robinson.

Visiting writers engage with our program year-round as well, appearing in both undergraduate and graduate classes, meeting one-on-one with select students, and offering evening readings in the intimate Galbreath Chapel.

In addition to a regular Dogwood Bloom reading series for our graduate students, the creative writing program hosts an annual Writers' Harvest benefit reading for the Southeastern Ohio Food Bank?s Second Harvest, a food distribution program serving Athens, Hocking, Perry, Vinton, Jackson, Gallia, Meigs, Morgan and Washington counties.

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College Info

best creative writing colleges in ohio

Finding a dedicated creative writing program at a school you're excited about can be a real challenge, and that's even before you start worrying about getting in. Nonetheless, there are some great options. In order to help you find the best school for you, this list rounds up some of the best colleges for creative writing in the United States .

The Best Creative Writing Programs: Ranking Criteria

You should never take college rankings as absolute truth —not even the very official-seeming US News ones. Instead, use these kinds of lists as a jumping-off place for your own exploration of colleges. Pay attention not just to what the rankings are but to how the rankings are determined.

To help with that, I'll explain how I came up with this highly unscientific list of great creative writing colleges. I started by narrowing my search down to schools that offered a specific creative writing major. (If you don't see a school you were expecting, it's likely because they only have a minor.)

In ranking the schools, I considered five major criteria:

The Best Creative Writing Schools

Now, let's get to the good stuff: the list of schools! The exact numbering is always arguable, so look at it as a general trend from absolutely amazing to still super great, rather than fixating on why one school is ranked #3 and another is ranked #4.

#1: Northwestern University

Northwestern's undergrad creative writing program boasts acclaimed professors and an unparalleled track record of turning out successful writers (including Divergent author Veronica Roth and short-story writer Karen Russell).

Outside the classroom, you can work on the student-run literary journal, intern at a publication in nearby Chicago, or submit to the Department of English's yearly writing competition . The university is also home to a top journalism program , so if you want to try your hand at nonfiction as well, you'll have plenty of opportunities to do so.

#2: Columbia University

Like Northwestern, Columbia is home to both a world-class creative writing program and a top journalism school (plus one of the best English departments in the country), so you have a wide range of writing-related course options. Columbia also benefits from its location in New York City, which is bursting at the seams with publishing houses, literary journals, and talented authors.

best creative writing colleges in ohio

#3: University of Iowa

The University of Iowa's big draw is the infrastructure of its graduate Writers' Workshop, which is often considered the best MFA program in the country.

As an English and Creative Writing major here, you'll take classes from great young writers and established professors alike, and get to choose from a wide range of topics. This major provides transferable skills important for a liberal arts major with a creative focus. You'll also have access to the university's impressive literary community, including frequent readings, writing prizes and scholarships, and the acclaimed literary journal The Iowa Review .

#4: Emory University

Emory is renowned for its dedicated undergrad creative writing program , which draws the very best visiting scholars and writers. Students here have the chance to attend intimate question-and-answer sessions with award-winning authors, study a range of genres, compete for writing awards and scholarships, and work closely with an adviser to complete an honors project.

#5: Oberlin College

A small liberal arts school in Ohio, Oberlin offers very different advantages than the schools above do. You'll have fewer opportunities to pursue writing in the surrounding city, but the quality of the teachers and the range of courses might make up for that. Moreover, it boasts just as impressive alumni, including actress and writer Lena Dunham.

#6: Hamilton College

Hamilton is another small college, located in upstate New York. It's known for giving students the freedom to pursue their interests and the support to help them explore topics in real depth, both inside and outside the classroom. Hamilton's creative writing program takes full advantage with small classes and lots of opportunities to intern and publish; it also has one of the best writing centers in the country.

#7: Brown University

Brown's Literary Arts program offers one of the top MFAs in the US as well as an undergraduate major . For the major, you must take four creative writing workshops and six reading-intensive courses, which span an array of departments and topics, from music and literature to Middle East studies and Egyptology.

best creative writing colleges in ohio

#8: Washington University in St. Louis

Washington University has an excellent creative writing MFA program, lots of super specific class options, and a number of scholarships specifically earmarked for creative writing students. This school’s undergraduate English program also offers a concentration in creative writing that allows students to specialize in a specific genre: poetry, fiction, or creative nonfiction. If you’re interested in exploring your potential in a specific writing genre, Washington University could be a great pick for you.

#9: Massachusetts Institute of Technology

MIT might not be a school you generally associate with writing, but it actually has an excellent program that offers courses in digital media and science writing, as well as creative writing, and provides plenty of guidance on how graduates can navigate the tricky job market.

Not to mention the school is located in Cambridge, a haven for book lovers and writers of all kinds. Though it probably isn’t a good fit for students who hate science, MIT is a great place for aspiring writers who want to build writing skills that are marketable in a wide range of industries.

#10: University of Michigan

University of Michigan is one of the best state universities in the country and has a top-notch MFA program. This school’s undergrad creative writing sub-concentration requires students to submit applications for admittance to advanced creative writing courses. These applications give students crucial practice in both building a writing portfolio and articulating their interest in creative writing to an audience who will evaluate their work. If you're looking to attend a big school with a great creative writing major, this is a fantastic choice.

#11: Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins is another school that's known more for engineering than it is for writing, but, like MIT, it has a dedicated writing program. As a major here, you must take not only courses in prose, poetry, and literature, but also classes on topics such as philosophy and history.

#12: Colorado College

Colorado College is a small liberal arts school known for its block plan , which allows students to focus on one class per three-and-a-half-week block. The creative writing track of the English major includes a sequence of four writing workshops and also requires students to attend every reading of the Visiting Writers Series.

Bonus School: New York University

I didn't include NYU in the main list because it doesn't have a dedicated creative writing major, but it's a great school for aspiring writers nonetheless, offering one of the most impressive creative writing faculties in the country and all the benefits of a Manhattan location.

body_nyu

How To Pick the Best Creative Writing School for You

Just because Northwestern is a great school for creative writing doesn't mean you should set your heart on going there. (The football fans are completely terrifying, for one thing.) So where should you go then?

Here are some questions to ask yourself when looking at creative writing programs to help you determine the best school for you:

Does It Have Courses You're Interested In?

Look at the course offerings and see whether they interest you. While you can't predict exactly what classes you'll love, you want to avoid a mismatch where what you want to study and what the program offers are completely different. For example, if you want to write sonnets but the school focuses more on teaching fiction, it probably won't be a great fit for you.

Also, don't forget to look at the English courses and creative writing workshops! In most programs, you'll be taking a lot of these, too.

What Opportunities Are There To Pursue Writing Outside of Class?

I touched on this idea in the criteria section, but it's important enough that I want to reiterate it here. Some of the best writing experience you can get is found outside the classroom, so see what kind of writing-related extracurriculars a school has before committing to it.

Great options include getting involved with the campus newspaper, working on the school's literary journal, or interning at the university press.

Who Will Be Teaching You?

Who are the professors? What kind of work have they published? Check teacher ratings on Rate My Professors (but make sure to read the actual reviews—and always take them with a grain of salt).

If you're looking at a big school, there's a good chance that a lot of your teachers will be graduate students. But that's not necessarily a bad thing: a lot of the best teachers I had in college were graduate students. Just take into consideration what kind of graduate program the school has. If there's a great creative writing MFA program, then the graduate students are likely to be better writers and more engaged teachers.

What Are the Alumni Doing Now?

If you have a sense of what you want to do after you graduate, see if any alumni of the program are pursuing that type of career. The stronger the alumni network is, the more connections you'll have when it comes time to get a job.

What About the Rest of the School?

Don't pick a school for which you like the creative writing program but dread everything else about it. Most of your time will be spent doing other things, whether hanging out in the dorms, exploring off campus, or fulfilling general education requirements.

Many schools require you to apply to the creative writing major, so make doubly sure you'll be happy with your choice even if you aren't accepted to the program.

What's Next?

Are you sure a creative writing major is the right fit for you? Read our post on the pros and cons of the major to help you decide what path to take in college.

For more general advice about choosing a college, check out our complete guide to finding the right school for you. Some major factors to consider include deciding whether you're interested in a small college or a big university , an in-state or out-of-state institution , and a public or private school .

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Alex is an experienced tutor and writer. Over the past five years, she has worked with almost a hundred students and written about pop culture for a wide range of publications. She graduated with honors from University of Chicago, receiving a BA in English and Anthropology, and then went on to earn an MA at NYU in Cultural Reporting and Criticism. In high school, she was a National Merit Scholar, took 12 AP tests and scored 99 percentile scores on the SAT and ACT.

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Best Creative Writing Graduate Programs & Schools in Ohio

What are creative writing graduate programs in ohio.

Creative Writing Graduate Programs teach the art of language. You could develop your writing through study and practice. Classes might cover both general English topics, craft classes, and even courses about the publishing industry. Workshops offer the chance to hone your work. And of course, gain peer feedback to help improve that short story or poem. Most MFA Creative Writing programs take the format of a two-year program. (In the second year, MFA students may work on crafting a thesis.) That said, you may be able to find a three-year program. And some students study part-time. So, they could earn their MFA on a different timeline.

Creative Writing Masters Programs in Ohio

MFA stands for Master of Fine Arts. An MFA in Creative Writing may be an especially common option. Most programs include courses in the department of English and courses about the craft of writing. In addition, programs strive to create a community of writers. They may do that by:

But these days, MFA students could pursue other paths. Like an online degree program. Or programs where you take most classes online but do a brief residency on campus. (Often called low residency.)

Wondering about admissions requirements? An MFA in writing often considers more than just your undergrad transcripts. The program may look at your past writing experience. And a big part of your application is the writing sample. Samples should likely be in the genre you’d like to study. It could be a novel chapter. Or a collection of poems. Even a play or movie script!

MFA Writing Workshops

Expect workshopping to be a large portion of your program. Workshops are writing intensive courses. Students develop new work for peer review. They submit drafts for peer feedback. Then it’s time for revisions to make the work as good as it can be.

These classes might be a great way to produce new work. Plus, learn from what your peers are writing. And, workshops could provide a safe place for students to give and get critical feedback.

There’s one other potential plus. Writing workshops often bring together students from different genres. So, you could get constructive feedback from many different perspectives. For example, students writing poetry could offer fresh insights into your creative nonfiction.

Workshop requirements may differ by graduate school. Want the specifics? Contact the program director for the MFA program you’re considering.

MFA Writing Courses

Practicing writing in workshop is just part of an MFA. You’ll also take core academic courses. These focus on the craft of writing. For instance, you might learn about point of view. Or different forms and styles of poetry. You’ll study how other writers achieved certain effects. And you’ll try your hand at new techniques. MFA writing courses could include:

PhD Creative Writing Degrees in Ohio

Creative Writing PhD Programs  are writing intense programs like the MFA. But they may have more of a research element along with coursework.

So how does this PhD program differ from other doctorate programs? One big difference may be the dissertation. Most doctoral programs ask students to write and present works of original research. In comparison, creative dissertations are usually long-form works. Like:

Due to the intensity of the above-mentioned writing requirements, students could potentially complete a PhD program in 3 to 5 years. Program length may vary by school and enrollment.

PhD programs in this field may require previous graduate experience, as well as a 3.5 graduate GPA. Additionally, writing schools may ask students to submit samples of their previous work. Check with intended programs for more admissions details.

Creative Writing Graduate Certificate Programs in Ohio

Graduate Certificate Creative Writing  programs might be a great way to quickly build your writing skills and knowledge. These programs typically do not require a minimum GPA for admissions. This may make them more accessible to a wide array of students, so that they can begin to hone their craft.

Many certificate programs only workshop one specific genre. For example, they might focus solely on children’s literature. This may provide a focused curriculum without unnecessary academic electives. So, graduate certificates are often on the shorter side. Full time students could potentially earn a Graduate Certificate in one year, although program lengths vary.

High vs. Low Residency Writing Programs

Residency requirements are common in many graduate writing programs. Biannually, students may be required to live and work on campus.

This is done to provide a space for students to concentrate on writing, reviewing, and revising their work. During this time, you could be sharing housing with other students from your program. Students are also encouraged to workshop pieces with others in the residency program to further refine the final product.

Typically, graduate writing programs either offer a low or high residency option. Low residency writing programs are shorter and may last around 10 days. High residency writing programs are often lengthier, lasting from 2 to 6 weeks. Residency lengths and details may vary by university.

Graduate Creative Writing Program Formats

Pinpointing MFA programs that complement your daily routine could be difficult. But, there are several different program types that could make it easier to study and write…even if you have other responsibilities.

On Campus MFA Programs

On campus programs are what you might picture when you imagine the traditional university experience.  Graduate creative writing schools  provide the opportunity to develop your work alongside your peers and mentors.

Things like workshops and office hours could make it easier to get help polishing your work. Additionally, this might be an opportunity to build professional relationships with classmates. You never know who might be your connection to a literary agent or publishing house.

Online Creative Writing Graduate Programs

Online MFA programs are a great way to stay in your own space while earning your degree. No matter where you live, you could attend classes on your own schedule. And, you could still receive valuable feedback from peers and professors via email or online forums.

An  online writing degree  may be a perfect option for students who work. This way, you could pursue your professional endeavors while honing your craft.

It’s important to note that online programs may require students to take part in residency programs. Typically, these are offered in the low-residency format but could require you try travel to campus or a nearby location.

Hybrid Programs

Hybrid Creative Writing degrees  offer a little taste of both the above programs. Depending on your personal schedule, you could choose to pursue one style of learning at any given time. For instance, you could take online courses while working. Or, take on campus courses in between jobs.

This might be great for current freelance writers because of their constantly changing work schedule. Depending on your future responsibilities, you could plan your semesters accordingly.

in Ohio Information about Creative Writing Graduate Programs

Bureau of Labor Statistics

Schools with Creative Writing Graduate Programs in Ohio

Gradschools.com offers 5 creative writing programs in ohio.

Southern New Hampshire University

Miami University

Northeast ohio master of fine arts consortium, bowling green state university, kent state university, tiffin university.

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2023 Best Colleges for Creative Writing Undergrad Degrees

Writer at a desk with a computer, magazines, coffee, headphones, iPhone, and a pad of paper reading "Pass It On."

Creative Writing is a field where writers explore their imagination and express ideas through words. Creative Writing is an excellent degree for anyone interested in writing, regardless of whether your passion lies in fiction, poetry, screenwriting, playwriting, or nonfiction. This flexibility is one reason why creative writing degrees have become very popular over the years. 

If you're here, you're probably wondering what college you should attend for writing. We've compiled an excellent lineup below highlighting colleges that offer an undergraduate degree in Creative Writing, colleges that offer English majors with an Emphasis in Creative Writing, as well as minors, certificates, and a smattering of MFA program shoutouts.

About the Best Creative Writing Degree Programs

The best creative writing programs are those that have been around for a while and have established themselves as leaders in the field. They also tend to be highly selective, which means they only accept students who are genuinely passionate about writing.

These programs are usually led and taught by distinguished professionals like award-winning novelists, short story writers, journalists, and poets. And they typically have thriving writing centers and options for students to enter writing competitions and grow alongside one another within their community. 

But there's also a degree of subjectivity to any "best" list. So we recommend reading through the schools and programs below and asking yourself some essential questions as you narrow your list.

Self-evaluate undergraduate writing programs:

Common Questions About Creative Writing Programs

Before we jump into our extensive list- we can't help it. We love writing, and there are a lot of great schools and programs out there- we want to answer a few common questions we hear. 

Is Creative Writing a BA, BFA, or BS Degree?

Generally, a creative writing degree is a BA degree. But occasionally, we've seen a few BFAs. In addition, technical writing programs sometimes offer BS degrees. 

What is the Best Creative Writing Degree?

The answer to this question is it depends. It depends on what you want to do with your skills and experiences when you graduate. As you read through our list, you'll see that some degrees and programs tailored toward poetry or prose, while others would set you up nicely for a career in nonfiction writing.

We recommend evaluating any program and college, as mentioned above, to make your decision on the best degree. 

How Much Does a Creative Writing Degree Cost?

Like any other degree program, the cost of tuition will vary wildly depending on the institution, location, and how much financial aid you're eligible for. 

Tuition and cost information is readily available across the internet, but what a student's family actually pays is based on a variety of factors. Cappex offers personalized tuition and cost estimations based on information like expected family contribution, location, and GPA. Click here to create a free Cappex account and learn how much you'd pay for a creative writing degree at these schools. 

Best Colleges for a Creative Writing Undergraduate Degree

Now for our list of best undergraduate programs for creative writing.  

University of Iowa

The University of Iowa offers a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in English and Creative Writing and a Literary Publishing Track. You'll also be earning your degree in writing in a UNESCO City of Literature which hosts an annual Book Fest, as well as numerous other opportunities to get involved with the flourishing literary community in Iowa City.

Most widely known for the famous Iowa Writers' Workshop, it's less known that you don't have to be a graduate student to take advantage of the boatloads of experience in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences. Better yet, this is one of the few public universities on the list. 

Northwestern University

Nestled within the English Department at Northwestern University , the Creative Writing Major is considered a concentration, but admission is very competitive. Students can study it as a major, minor, or sequence-only student. Benefits of majoring include one-on-ones with visiting writers, senior honors, and participation in the winter senior readings series.

Students can apply for admission no earlier than the spring semester of their sophomore year and must complete specific prerequisites to be considered. Accepted students will study with accomplished professors, and visiting writers from the Annual Writers' Festival held during the Evanston Literary Festival.

Columbia University

Columbia University in the City of New York offers an undergraduate Creative Writing program that combines intensive workshops with seminars to produce works of fiction, poetry, and nonfiction students can opt to major in a Single or Cross-Genre course of study. Students can also take workshops in dramatic writing and screenwriting.

The program is modeled after the graduate Writing Division of The School of the Arts, which offers a high-ranking MFA program. Any student may apply to join the program regardless of their major upon entering Columbia. Located in New York City, students also have the advantage of being close to the major publishing houses in the industry.

Emory University

Celebrating its 29th birthday this year, the Emory University undergraduate Creative Writing Program encourages students to approach the study of literature creatively, including through their own personal interests in specific genres such as poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, playwriting, and screenwriting.

Every year, the Creative Writing Program sponsors the Creative Writing Reading Series, bringing four to six internationally renowned and prize-winning authors to Atlanta, GA, to discuss writing with Emory students.

Oberlin College

Oberlin College's department of Creative Writing offers the program as both a major and a minor. With 57 courses and nine associated faculty, students can fully explore fiction, poetry, nonfiction, playwriting, and screenwriting. One of the standouts in this program versus others is the 5 Study Away program is the department collaborates with many Creative Writing programs that discourage students from heading abroad.

The program can be competitive, even once you've been accepted. Students must submit an application for all upper-level workshops with 12 pages of their best work. The students with the best applications will be rewarded with a seat in a classroom at the picturesque Peters Hall at this Ohio institution.

Hamilton College

Named for the now-famous-thanks-to-Lin-Manuel-Miranda Alexander Hamilton, Hamilton College's Literature and Creative Writing Department offers a creative writing curriculum that emphasizes small classes to go along with the development of superior reading and writing skills.

Students can take advantage of research opportunities in writing, as well, and apply for the college's Emerson Grants program. Located in Clinton, NY, Hamilton, students are just over four hours away from the publishing industry.

Stanford University

The Creative Writing Program at Stanford University was founded by Wallace Stegner, a noted writer, and environmentalist, in 1946. For students earning an undergraduate degree, Stanford offers a major in English with an Emphasis on Creative Writing. A minor in Creative Writing is also offered for students taking majors outside of English, featuring tracks in prose and poetry.

The Stegner Fellowship is a major offered by the Creative Writing Program, accepting five fiction and five poetry fellows per year. While there's no degree attached to this, it functions as a writer-in-residence opportunity and receives the guidance of Stanford faculty.

Brown University

The Literary Arts program at Brown University offers a concentration in Literary Arts within their English Department, but the primary focus is on MFA students. To complete the undergrad concentration, students need to take a mix of reading intensive and writing workshop classes. But as you'd expect from a liberal arts college with such a stellar reputation, an undergrad concentration in creative writing from Brown would be a worthwhile endeavor.  

The University of Pittsburgh

The University of Pittsburgh Writing Program is one of the oldest in the nation and offers three tracks for students to pursue: fiction, poetry, and nonfiction. Each track has three levels of classes and is topped off with a senior seminar capstone experience.

Undergraduate students are eligible for four writing awards at the University of Pittsburgh and can also participate in events such as the Pittsburgh Contemporary Writers Series. The institution also features an MFA program.

The University of Miami

The University of Miami College of Arts and Sciences features a Bachelor's in English with a Creative Writing Concentration. In addition, students can opt for a Thesis or non-thesis track. Still, both routes feature courses with a multilingual aspect, whether it's an entirely different language or an English vernacular from other communities. UM's MFA program is the only nationwide program with a broad, multilingual focus.

Mangrove, a national undergraduate literary magazine, allows students to get hands-on learning, and they can also utilize USpeak, UM's open mic night, to read original work aloud.

Kenyon College

Located in Gabier, OH, and home to the Kenyon Review, Kenyon College features an English major with an Emphasis on Creative WritinIn addition, tenTen faculty members teach workshops in fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction.

While at Kenyon College, students can apply for internships with the Kenyon Review Student Associates Program, apply for the Kenyon Review Writers Workshop, submit to The Kenyon Collegian, and more. Students can also take advantage of the Kenyon-Exeter program to study abroad.

Brandeis University 

Brandeis University also offers the whole enchilada: a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing. It's been taught at Brandeis since 1951 and became its own major in 2003, with classes offered entirely by established writers.

Workshops have a maximum of 14 students, and the program is very active, with sponsored reading series', student awards, panel discussions, publishing workshops, and journal and performance opportunities.

Bucknell University

Home to the Stadler Center for Poetry and Literary Arts, Bucknell University 's Creative Writing major, housed in the English department, gets support both on and off campus. Students can take workshops in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction, participate in a lively reading series, internship opportunities, and garner knowledge from writers-in-residence.

Located in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, students study contemporary texts just three hours from the publishing capital, NYC.

Washington University in St. Louis

Students at Washington University in St. Louis can earn a Certificate in Creative Writing comprised of 16 units. Acceptance to the MFA program is highly competitive but comes with several perks.

UT-Austin offers a Certificate in Creative Writing and an Honors option addition, the The New Writers Project is a 3-year MFA program that offers concentrations in poetry and fiction.

Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins has a writing program that allows you to explore many different writing styles, including poetry, literature, and prose. But the program also weaves in philosophy, history, and music courses, including amusing-sounding classes like "Reintroduction to Writing: On Bullshit," and "Reintroduction to Writing: The Cost of Free Speech."

University of Michigan

When you join the creative writing program at the University of Michigan , you're walking in the same footsteps as well-known American writers such as Theodore Roethke, Arthur Miller, Marge Piercy, and Jane Kenyon.

According to their website, courses are designed to expose students to essential works from the past and innovative new works. In addition, the University of Michigan English Department is home to the Avery Hopwood Awards , one of the country's most famous student writing prizes. All students enrolled in writing courses are eligible to enter the contests.

University of Virginia

The University of Virginia offers a fully-funded 2-year MFA program that is highly competitive — it only admits five poets and five fiction writers per year. However, through the English program, undergraduates can major in English and choose a concentration in poetry or literary prose. Going in the poetry direction allows writers to pursue serious study of the craft of poetry writing and poetics. In contrast, literary prose writing or literary prose allows English majors to specialize in the art of narrative writing.

Honorable Creative Writing Program Mentions:

University of Rochester: The Department of English offers a track in Creative Writing. Students must apply to a specific Creative Writing advisor and receive written approval to pursue the concentration.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology: In the Comparative Media Studies department, students can major in Writing. MIT offers several different writing genres but has several unique classes in science writing in particular.

Colorado College: A track within the English major, students at Colorado College can complete 15 courses to get awarded the distinction of Creative Writing at graduation.

Colby College: The Creative Writing concentration at Colby College is provided for English majors. Students can earn an Honors designation, as well.

University of Texas-Austin: UT-Austin offers a Certificate in Creative Writing, as well as an Honors option. The New Writers Project is a 3-year MFA program that offers concentrations in poetry and fiction.

Paying for Your Creative Writing Degree

Now that you have a good idea of what's out there in terms of degree options, you'll want to be sure to connect with scholarship money and accurate degree program cost details. That's where Cappex comes in. Create a free Cappex account to compare costs and access scholarships and our $1,000 easy-apply scholarship we offer every month. There’s no essay or GPA required to apply. Click the button below to get started. Here’s to the easiest $1000 you'll earn for college!

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  1. 2023 Best Colleges with Creative Writing Degrees in Ohio

    2023 Best Colleges with Creative Writing Degrees in Ohio · University of Cincinnati · University of Cincinnati · Oberlin College · Oberlin

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    Best Creative Writing Colleges & Universities in Ohio · Oberlin College · University of Cincinnati-Main Campus · Miami University-Oxford · Ohio Northern University.

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    13 Best colleges for Creative Writing in Ohio · 1. Ohio State University · 2. University of Cincinnati · 3. Miami University - Oxford · 4. Case Western Reserve

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    Ranked in 2023 ; Oberlin College Logo · Oberlin College. Oberlin · #1 · $55,052 ; Miami University-Oxford Logo. Miami University-Oxford. Oxford · #2 · $34,896.

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    Best Colleges for a Creative Writing Undergraduate Degree · University of Iowa · Northwestern University · Columbia University · Emory University · Oberlin College.