Creative Writing Degree - Best Colleges?

I'm passionate about creative writing and planning to major in it. Can anyone recommend some top colleges in the US with strong creative writing programs?

Certainly! There are several colleges in the US with strong creative writing programs. I've compiled a list of some top schools that offer creative writing as a major or have exceptional creative writing concentrations or offerings within their English or Comparative Literature departments:

1. Iowa Writers' Workshop, University of Iowa: The two-year graduate-level program offers an MFA in Creative Writing and is widely regarded as one of the best programs in the country.

2. Kenyon College: Kenyon is known for its English program with creative writing courses. The school hosts the prestigious Kenyon Review Literary Magazine and holds the annual Kenyon Review Young Writers Workshop.

3. Oberlin College: Oberlin offers a Creative Writing major within its English department, where students can take courses in a variety of genres and work with published faculty members.

4. Emory University: Emory allows English majors to specialize in creative writing, taking workshops and literature classes in various genres. The school houses an impressive Creative Writing Program Reading Series, bringing renowned writers for readings and lectures.

5. Columbia University: Within the School of the Arts, Columbia offers an MFA in Writing, which includes both Fiction and Creative Nonfiction. Undergraduates can choose the Creative Writing track in the Department of English and Comparative Literature.

6. New York University: NYU offers an MFA in Creative Writing program through the Tisch School of the Arts. Undergraduates can take creative writing courses and pursue a creative writing minor through the College of Arts and Sciences.

7. University of Michigan: The Helen Zell Writers' Program is a two-year, fully-funded MFA program in creative writing. Undergraduates can major in English and pursue a sub-concentration in creative writing.

8. Stanford University: The Stegner Fellowship at Stanford is a prestigious and selective two-year program that offers writers the opportunity to focus on their craft. Though it is not a degree program, Stanford's undergraduate English program also offers courses in creative writing for undergraduates.

These are just a few examples of the numerous schools throughout the US that have strong creative writing programs. In addition to considering the above schools, you could also research liberal arts colleges, as they often have solid creative writing programs with opportunities for smaller class sizes and close interaction with faculty. Good luck on your journey as a writer!