For those of you who are searching for scholarships for creative writing, you have come to the right place. Below, you will find a comprehensive list of the many accredited colleges and universities that offer generous arts and letters scholarships for talented students.
The Top Ten Colleges That Offer Creative Writing Scholarships
It is no secret that the cost of an education is increasing. Thanks in part to the COVID-19 pandemic, many schools have stopped offering in-person classes. Because of this, students are finding themselves searching for ways to pay for their education. One of the best options is through an arts and letters scholarship. There are many reputable colleges that offer these types of awards, allowing undergraduates to focus more on their studies and less on their financial situations.
Below, you’ll find a list of the top ten colleges that offer the most lucrative arts and letters scholarships for creative writing. The list is based on data collected from the Federal Government’s Department of Education and the school’s own websites.
University of California, Berkeley
The University of California, Berkeley, is one of the most prestigious universities in the United States. Established in 1868, Berkeley is regarded as the “birthplace of the American dream.” It is known for its academic excellence and environmental sustainability. In fact, Berkeley has been ranked as the #2 university in the nation by U.S. News and World Report.
The University of California, Berkeley, offers some of the most prestigious scholarships for creative writing. These awards are available to full-time undergraduate students and cover tuition, fees, and living expenses. The school also awards several hundred thousand dollars in individual prizes for poetry and short story writing.
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, is one of the most reputable public universities in the country. Established in 1795, the university is considered a “super-power” among North Carolina schools. Its flagship campus is considered one of the most beautiful in the country, not to mention the fact that it is situated on a bluff overlooking the campus green. The beautiful architecture and idyllic Southern setting make it a popular destination for tourists. In fact, more than 100,000 visitors come to the school annually to take in the scenic views and buy souvenirs at the on-campus shops.
N.C. State offers many scholarships for creative writing, including the prestigious Pat Summitt Grant. There is also the Sidney Kimmel Creative Writing Award, which is given to high school seniors who plan to attend an undergraduate university. The award covers tuition, room and board, and provides a stipend. This is one of the most generous scholarships offered for creative writing.
The Ohio State University
Another top-ten school that offers a generous arts and letters scholarship for creative writing is The Ohio State University. One of the country’s largest universities, Ohio State is located in Columbus. It was established in 1833 and is one of the most popular universities in the country. Notable alumni include writer Sherwood Anderson and business magnate Henry Ford.
The Ohio State University awards several hundred thousand dollars in tuition remission through its highly acclaimed Arts & Letters Program. This program covers tuition and provides a stipend for full-time undergraduate students. The college also offers several endowment-funded scholarships for exceptional students. In fact, Ohio State has one of the most generous admissions policies among American colleges and universities. In 2020, the university is offering a $40,000 unrestricted merit-based scholarship to incoming freshmen.
University of Florida
The University of Florida, founded in 1851, is considered one of the “big three” schools in the state of Florida. The state itself is famous for its beautiful beaches and wildlife, which attract tourists and students from across the country. The university offers many prestigious fellowships and scholarships for creative writing and authorship. It is one of the few schools that offer a creative writing minor.
The University of Florida provides many student-athletes with an opportunity to receive a full scholarship. However, for those seeking an arts-and-letters education, the main draw is the school’s generous financial aid programs. UF awards over $33 million in scholarships each year and has one of the nation’s most prestigious libraries.
Stanford University
Stanford University, one of the most prestigious private universities in the country, was founded in 1885. Its campus is situated in the beautiful Bay Area of California. Notable alumni include author John Steinbeck and Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor.
Like many other universities on this list, Stanford offers an abundance of scholarships for creative writing and authorship. Its primary literary awards include the Stanford Writers’ Prize and the Lenore Parker Prize. Notable faculty members include novelist John McTiernan and poet Robert Hass. In addition, the university has a Creative Writing MFA program that provides full financial support to students. All undergraduates can apply for the Stanford-Stanford Merit Based Aid, which awards between $7,000 and $20,000 in each year of study.
New York University
New York University, the largest university in the state of New York, was founded in 1831. It is well-known for its artsy, bohemian atmosphere and commitment to excellence. Notable alumni include author F. Scott Fitzgerald and actress Edwina McCaughrehan. The school awards many prominent literary prizes and fellowships, including the Arthur Miller Medal, the Frank O’Connor International Short Story Award, and the T.S. Eliot Prize. Some of the most generous scholarships offered by New York University are available for creative writing. Notable faculty members include novelist Richard Price and poet Robert Heidegger.
The New York University School of Medicine offers several scholarships for medical students. However, those seeking an arts-and-letters education should look into the university’s many lucrative arts and letters awards. NYU awards between $7,000 and $15,000 per year in tuition remission to students.
Duke University
Duke University, founded in 1838, is the third-largest university in the state of North Carolina. It is regarded as one of the most prestigious universities in the Southeast. Notable alumni include author John Steinbeck, astronaut Charles Duke, and basketball player Bill Russell. In addition, the school’s annual fundraiser “Battle of the Bands” is one of the largest and most popular music festivals in the country. The festival is usually held in April and features many top-notch bands and artists. In recent years, Duke has been the subject of several documentary films and has worked tirelessly to promote inclusivity and equality in all areas of campus life. One of the most reputable schools for creative writing, Duke offers the Duke Arts Award, which provides full tuition and fees for four years of study. The school also offers several thousand dollars in cash prizes for short story, play, and novel writing. In 2020, the Duke University Graduate School of Arts and Sciences will launch a brand new M.F.A. in Creative Writing.
Emory University
Emory University, founded in 1841, is a private, research university in Atlanta, Georgia. It is well-known for the quality of its teaching and research, as well as for being the alma mater of author John Steinbeck, actor and comedian Bill Murray, and astronaut Rusty Schweikert. Emory is also the site of the annual PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction, presented to an American writer for a novel or collection of short stories. In 2020, Emory University will launch a brand new M.F.A. in Creative Writing.
Princeton University
Founded in 1746, Princeton University is the fourth-oldest university in the country and the largest campus in New Jersey and the state of New York. With its lovely Gothic buildings and sprawling, tree-lined campus, it is an absolutely stunning school. Notable alumni include author Herman Melville, scientist Marie Curie, and comedian Billy Connolly. Princeton provides many awards and fellowships for promising students, including the Benjamin A. Goldwater Scholarship, the John D. MacArthur Award for Creative Writing, and the Thomas Jefferson Award for Literary Translation. In 2020, the Princeton University Graduate School of Arts and Sciences will launch a brand new M.F.A. in Creative Writing.
Rutgers University
Rutgers University, founded in 1866, is the fourth-largest university in New Jersey. As the name would suggest, this is a school that encourages its students to explore their creative side. Some of the school’s most prestigious fellowships and awards are available for creative writing. These awards cover tuition and provide a modest living stipend. The university also offers several thousand dollars in prizes for short story, novel, and playwriting.