Best Colleges for Creative Writing

Bookworms and aspiring writers can pursue an undergraduate degree in creative writing where they will tackle coursework covering the reading and writing fiction, nonfiction, and poetry as well as the theory and history of the craft. While becoming the next J.K Rowling, Stephen King, or George R.R. Martin may be the goal, holders of creative writing degrees end up on a variety career paths. This can include: publishing, editing, journalism, web content management, advertising, or for those who “make it” as writers—the next generation of literary superstars. Our list of Best Colleges for Creative Writing goes beyond the most famous writer-factories like the University of Iowa and Columbia University, providing you with more than 25 institutions known for their stellar programs in this field.

Click the links below for more information about each college's creative writing program. Click here to read our methodology. Finally, note that although some of the colleges featured below do not offer a formal major in creative writing, their undergraduate offerings in this subject area are so strong that they warrant inclusion on our list.