It’s no secret that being a full-time student is extremely challenging, but it’s also the opportunity of a lifetime. You get to travel the world and see it through a fresh set of eyes, all while being inspired by things that interest you, all while building a foundation for the rest of your life. So it’s no wonder why so many people, including myself, are so passionate about education and pursuing higher learning. The catch is oftentimes the cost is prohibitive. There are so many financial pressures that come with becoming a full-time student that make securing a grant extremely competitive, especially if you’re trying to become an established writer without having had any recent publications.
Fortunately, there are scholarships and grants available that can help make higher education more attainable for artists and writers, and here’s a breakdown of the basics you need to know if you’re interested in pursuing your creative writing degree.
The Difference Between A Bachelor’s And A Master’s Degree
Nowadays, most universities don’t require you to specialize in one area to graduate. Even in the case of a traditional four-year liberal arts program, you’re expected to gain a broad foundation of knowledge in a number of fields, including literature, linguistics, philosophy, and history. This being said, a bachelor’s degree usually provides you with the skills and hands-on experience necessary to enter the workforce, while a master’s degree typically involves more focused study in a specific area of interest, such as creative writing.
What’s more, a master’s degree requires a longer commitment. Typically, it takes two to three years to complete a bachelor’s degree, while it takes more like four to five years to complete a master’s degree. This being said, the investment in time and money is definitely worth it.
How Much Does It Cost To Study In The U.S.A.?
One of the major considerations when choosing a university to further your education is how much does it cost to study there? The short answer is that it varies widely, but overall, the cost of higher education in the U.S. is soaring. In 2020, the average cost of attendance at a public university, including room and board, is $37,524 per year. For private universities, the average cost is around $52,000 per year. These numbers don’t include the cost of books and supplies, which can add up quickly if you’re not paying for them yourself. At a public university, the cost is often covered by financial aid, but you still have to pay for supplies, parking, and some of the bills associated with getting a degree. If you’re looking for a cheap alternative, consider going to a for-profit college or university. The average cost of attendance is usually less than $25,000 per year.
What To Look For In A Good University
Now when you’re looking at the various universities that offer a degree in your desired field, you’ll want to set some criteria for the selection process. First off, you want to consider the tuition fees, as well as the additional fees you’ll need to pay. Another important factor to consider is the quality of the education you can expect to receive. Is the faculty qualified and experienced in their area of specialization? Is the curriculum rigorous and up-to-date? Are the overall grades decent? Is there a decent sized library in which you can do extensive research? Do they offer any specializations that you’re particularly interested in? These are all important questions to ask yourself before making a decision.
As for the location of the university, it’s important to find a city that you feel comfortable in. You’ll be spending a lot of time there, so you want to find a place that has a good vibe and supports your chosen degree program.
Scholarships And Grants For Creative Writing
As mentioned, many universities don’t require you to specialize in one area to graduate. Even in the case of a traditional four-year liberal arts program, you’re expected to gain a broad foundation of knowledge in a number of fields, including literature, linguistics, philosophy, and history. This being said, a bachelor’s degree usually provides you with the skills and hands-on experience necessary to enter the workforce, while a master’s degree traditionally involves more focused study in a specific area of interest, such as creative writing. This is why a bachelor’s degree in creative writing isn’t exactly uncommon, while a master’s degree in the same field is.
Fortunately, there are numerous scholarships and grants that can help make higher education more attainable for artists and writers. To name a few, the New York State Council on the Arts, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the W.P. Carey School of Business at Fordham University all offer fellowship grants that can help with tuition fees and even provide some cash to supplement your education.
The Requirements For Different Degrees
Depending on which degree you’re planning to pursue, you’ll have to meet with the department of education and get registered for classes. Once you’ve gotten your degree and started your new career, you can look back and say “thanks” to all those who helped you along the way.