Looking for Colleges with Strong Creative Writing Programs

Hey y'all, I'm super into writing and spent most of my high school years scribbling stories and participating in workshops. I'm pretty sure I want to major in creative writing in college. Any suggestions on colleges that have strong creative writing programs?

Absolutely, there are several institutions renowned for their creative writing programs.

Let's start with the Ivy League. Columbia University, Yale University and Princeton University have some highly praised programs. They are selective, but they offer students the chance to work closely with distinguished faculty and notable writers.

Outside of the Ivy League, Stanford University has a top-notch program, as it regularly brings in professional authors and literary agents to work with students. The University of Iowa is another noteworthy mention, as it is home to the first creative writing degree program in the U.S., the prestigious Iowa Writers’ Workshop.

Furthermore, Kenyon College, a small liberal arts college in Ohio, features a particularly strong creative writing department. Each year, Kenyon hosts a literary festival, where students can interact with renowned authors. It even publishes its own literary magazine, The Kenyon Review.

Oberlin College in Ohio is another institution boasting a highly robust creative writing program. It's the two-time recipient of the Association of Writers and Writing Programs (AWP) award.

Among other colleges with well-regarded programs are Emory University (which has previously featured a Distinguished Writer in Residence, like Salman Rushdie), and the University of Virginia, known for its selective program.

Each of these colleges has a somewhat different approach to the study of creative writing, and you may find that one program's philosophy speaks to you more than another's. Review their individual offerings, connect with professors or alumni, if possible, and take into account other aspects such as location, size, and culture to find the best fit for you.

Keep in mind that all these are competitive programs, so continue cultivating your writing skills and looking for writing-related opportunities to strengthen your application. Best of luck!