Are you dreaming of becoming a professional writer, but hate the idea of a student loan? There’s good news!
You can explore some of the best fully funded MFA creative writing programs designed to pay you to write!
These programs cover tuition and often offer a stipend to cover living expenses.
In return, you may be asked to teach undergraduate courses, help with literary journals, or be part of other academic duties.
Here’s a curated list of some of the best fully funded MFA Creative Writing Programs in the United States.
10 Best Fully Funded MFA Creative Writing Programs
Here are the best fully funded Master of Arts programs in creative writing:
1. University of Iowa – Iowa Writers’ Workshop
- Program Type: MFA in Poetry or Fiction
- Location: Iowa City, Iowa
- Funding: Full tuition coverage plus annual stipend (Up to $20,000)
Why Explore This:
The Iowa Writers’ Workshop is usually regarded as the gold standard of MFA creative writing programs.
It was founded in 1936. It’s the oldest writing program in the United States and arguably the most prestigious and selective.
The program is renowned for producing literary giants such as John Irving, Flannery O’Connor, Raymond Carver, Carmen Maria Machado, and Marilynne Robinson.
The two-year program focuses on poetry and fiction, enabling students to learn from some of the leading scholars and authors in the field.
In the workshop, students critique each other’s work in a thorough but supportive environment to sharpen technique, voice, and storytelling instincts.
Participants in this course will receive full tuition funding and a stipend for a teaching assistantship.
This involves leading undergraduate courses in literature or writing.
Iowa is precise and nearly unmatched for passionate writers seeking a rich, high-caliber program that leads them to publishing, academic careers, and fellowships.
2. University of Michigan – Helen Zell Writers’ Program
- Program Type: MFA in Creative Writing (Fiction or Poetry)
- Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Funding: Full tuition plus $25,000 annual stipend and paid third-year residency
Why Explore This:
The Helen Zell Writers’ Program at the University of Michigan is one of the country’s best fully funded MFA creative writing programs.
It provides a two-year MFA with a third-year paid residency for qualified graduates—an unusual feature that offers writers an additional year of financial support, focused writing time, and mentorship.
The program offers full funding for all students, including teaching experience, healthcare, and a $25,000 stipend.
Hence, this is one of the most generous MFA packages.
Students running this program can expect one-on-one mentorship from a diverse faculty that includes award-winning fiction and poetry authors.
The program emphasizes professional development, offering courses that help students prepare for careers as agents, publishers, and writers after graduation.
Michigan also offers a vibrant literary scene, with impressive opportunities to participate in reading series, publishing internships, and visiting and writing events.
You can also work on literary journals like Michigan Quarterly Review.
This program is ideal for writers who want to grow their craft while preparing for real-world literary success.
3. University of Texas at Austin – Michener Center for Writers
- Program Type: MFA in Poetry, Fiction, Screenwriting, or Playwriting
- Location: Austin, Texas
- Funding: Fully funded for 3 years plus annual stipend of over $30,000
Why Explore This:
Many aspiring authors desire the Michener Center for Writers—and rightly so!
This program is one of the few MFA programs in the country that offers full funding and has no teaching obligations.
What does that mean for you?
It means that you will get paid to write—literally—with zero pressure to grade papers or balance teaching duties.
With an annual stipend of over $30,000, access to health insurance, and full tuition coverage, students are financially supported throughout the program, allowing them the time and space to focus on their craft truly.
Another intriguing feature of Michener is its flexibility across multiple genres. Students can specialize in one genre (poetry, fiction, playwriting, or screenwriting) or work across genres, which isn’t common in MFA programs.
That cross-pollination enriches a dynamic, creative environment.
Another important aspect is its location. Austin is a city known for its literary scene and creative energy.
Students can also enjoy the cultural vibrancy of these artistic cities in the US.
With world-class faculty, visiting writers, and a low acceptance rate, the Michener Center is the perfect location for those seeking generous support and maximum artistic freedom.
4. Cornell University
- Program Type: MFA in Creative Writing (Fiction or Poetry)
- Location: Ithaca, New York
- Funding: Full tuition plus nearly $30,000 annual stipend and health insurance
Why Explore this:
Cornell University’s MFA in Creative Writing is ranked among the country’s most elite programs.
Only eight students (four in poetry and four in fiction) are admitted to the program annually. This makes it one of the most intimate and selective MFA cohorts in the U.S.
Due to its small size, it provides opportunities for in-depth collaboration and mentorship with peers and faculty.
Students obtain full tuition coverage, comprehensive health insurance, and a generous annual stipend of nearly $30,000.
Funding often comes from teaching assistantships—an excellent opportunity for those who want to build academic experience.
The program is known for its literary theory coursework, in-depth writing workshops, and stellar faculty, which includes fiction writers and nationally recognized poets.
Additionally, Cornell offers resources for publishing guidance, professional development, and opportunities to read publicly and attend literary events.
The scenic town of Ithaca has tranquil surroundings offering a peaceful retreat for focused writing.
Cornell is the answer if you seek a tight-knit writing community and financial security.
5. Brown University
- Program Type: MFA in Literary Arts
- Location: Providence, Rhode Island
- Funding: Full tuition plus annual stipend
Why Explore This:
Brown University’s MFA in Literary Arts is an excellent place for avant-garde, cross-genre, and experimental writers who want to push the boundaries of language, form, and storytelling.
Unlike several traditional MFA programs focusing on poetry or fiction, Brown presents a more open—ended interdisciplinary approach, encouraging writers to explore performance writing, hybrid genres, and multimedia texts.
Students are fully funded through teaching assistantships, fellowships, or research assistant roles.
Hence, they receive tuition coverage and a competitive stipend.
The program is well designed to offer writers maximum creative autonomy.
It offers flexible opportunities and course requirements, allowing students to work one-on-one.
Coupled with a vibrant literary environment in Providence and strong ties to other departments, such as digital media, theatre arts, and visual arts, this program is excellent for writers who don’t want to fit into a box.
6. Washington University in St. Louis
- Program Type: MFA in Creative Writing (Poetry or Fiction)
- Location: St. Louis, Missouri
- Funding: Full tuition plus approximately $22,000 stipend plus health benefits
Why Explore This:
Washington University in St. Louis presents a small, fully funded MFA program that combines rigorous literary training with creative freedom and personal attention.
The program admits a small number of students (Around 10–12 each year).
This ensures a low student-to-faculty ratio and a tight-knit writing community.
Funding includes a living stipend, full tuition, and health insurance.
It doesn’t come with a significant teaching load in the first year.
This allows students to focus on writing. In the second year, students often take on light teaching responsibilities, which offer them valuable classroom experience while not overwhelming their creative process.
What truly sets Washington University apart is its global outlook?
The program offers travel and research funding to support student writing projects, making it ideal for writers whose work focuses on historical themes, international topics, or site-based narratives.
With a supportive environment, renowned faculty, and additional perks like access to literary journals, public reading series, and cross-disciplinary opportunities, Washington University is an excellent choice for writers seeking individualized mentorship and practical support.
7. University of Wisconsin–Madison
- Program Type: MFA in Creative Writing (Fiction or Poetry)
- Location: Madison, Wisconsin
- Funding: Fully funded, plus annual living stipend, plus health insurance
Why Explore This:
The University of Wisconsin–Madison presents a fully funded two-year MFA program in creative writing.
This is followed by a remarkable opportunity: Fully sponsored postgraduate fellowships that allow selected students to continue writing and teaching for an additional year.
A small, talented group of writers is welcomed annually, and all obtain a competitive stipend, full tuition coverage, and comprehensive health benefits.
Students typically teach undergraduate writing courses, gaining valuable classroom experience while pursuing their academic work.
The program is highly known for its comprehensive, workshop-focused curriculum, a strong emphasis on craft, and excellent faculty mentorship.
Its small size emphasizes individualized attention and students are motivated to develop their unique voices while paying close attention to their professional literary portfolios.
Additionally, the institution offers up to a full year of paid writing time.
Realistically, this is a rare and highly sought-after bonus in the MFA world.
Additionally, Madison is frequently ranked as one of the leading places to live in the U.S., presenting a lively arts scene, a strong sense of community, and lakeside beauty.
8. Vanderbilt University
- Program Type: MFA in Creative Writing (Poetry or Fiction)
- Location: Nashville, Tennessee
- Funding: Full tuition plus approximately $30,000 annual stipend
Why Explore This:
This fully funded MFA program is one of the most generous in the country.
It offers a two-year experience that is creatively enriched and financially secure.
All admitted students receive an annual stipend of nearly $30,000, and there is no mandatory teaching in the first year.
The program admits just six students each year (three in poetry and three in fiction), making it a deeply personal and exceptionally selective experience.
This small size fosters close mentorship with faculty, including many nationally acclaimed writers, and allows for robust relationships within the cohort.
Vanderbilt also offers support to its writers with professional development opportunities.
This includes editorial work with Nashville Review, visiting writer series, and an active reading and literary culture within the vibrant city of Nashville.
If you are seeking financial support, serious mentorship, and a peaceful yet inspiring environment to focus on your work, Vanderbilt is the answer.
9. Florida State University
- Program Type: MFA in Creative Writing (Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry)
- Location: Tallahassee, Florida
- Funding: Fully funded plus teaching assistantship (stipend varies by experience)
Why Explore This:
Florida State University holds one of the largest and most genre-diverse MFA programs you can find in the country.
The school offers tracks in fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction.
This institution is an excellent choice for writers seeking a dynamic, well-rounded environment where diverse styles and voices are encouraged.
All admitted students should receive full tuition coverage and a graduate assistantship that includes a stipend and health benefits.
The assistantship often involves teaching undergraduate writing courses, offering valuable teaching experience, and financial support.
Are you wondering what sets FSU apart? It’s the size and diversity. So, it’s not just in genre, but in backgrounds and aesthetics.
The program offers a diverse range of perspectives and voices, fostering a vibrant workshop atmosphere. Faculty members are supportive and award-winning, with a strong emphasis on helping students refine their craft while navigating the literary world.
Furthermore, FSU presents a robust support for literary journal involvement, publishing, and visiting writer events. These events are impressively set in the warm and relaxed atmosphere of a college in Tallahassee.
If you are a writer and are looking for flexibility and a rich literary community, this institution is a solid, fully funded choice.
10. University of Oregon
- Program Type: MFA in Creative Writing (Poetry or Fiction)
- Location: Eugene, Oregon
- Funding: Full tuition waiver plus teaching stipend and health insurance
Why Explore This:
The University of Oregon offers students a fully funded, three-year MFA program in poetry and fiction with a strong national reputation for student support and faculty excellence.
It is one of the best fully funded MFA Creative Writing Programs.
The program offers full tuition waivers, coupled with assistantships that include a stipend and comprehensive health benefits, ensuring access to financial support for aspiring writers.
Students can teach introductory creative and composition, gaining professional experience that gets them ready for teaching positions post-graduation.
Nonetheless, the curriculum is deeply ingrained in small, intensive workshops and critical seminars that are designed to be deeply rooted in literary craft and analysis.
It’s situated in a lush, artsy city in the Pacific Northwest, which helps the program thrive in an environment ideal for reflection and creativity.
The setting is inspiring and tranquil as it is nestled between rivers, mountains, and forests—excellent for writers seeking space and peace.
The University of Oregon is also home to public readings, multiple literary events, and the chance to work on Unbound.
With an emphasis on community and artistic growth, Oregon is excellent for writers seeking a conducive, place-based MFA experience.
Final Thoughts
Yes, you can gain admission to a fully funded MFA program at any of these institutions.
While they are highly competitive, if you’re serious about your craft, it can be life-changing.
You will gain not only financial support but also space, time, community, and mentorship.
To apply, don’t skip the personal statement section. Need help crafting one?
Consult The Exquisite Writers today to stand out!