Low-Residency Creative Writing MFA Programs: The Basics

Pro Writing Opportunities
Written By Peter Mountford

Here are some questions I’ve encountered from prospective students wondering about pursuing a low-residency MFA. There are quite a few advantages to these programs. Looking back, I wish I pursued a low-res degree.

How Much Does a Low-Residency MFA Cost?

According to my assistant’s research, a low-residency MFA typically costs between $45,000 and $55,000. However, it can be challenging to compare costs due to varying fee and required-credit or unit structures. You can attempt the math yourself, or you can contact the school and ask for the current year’s costs, including all tuition, residency costs (room and board), books, and fees. Remember, you’ll still need to pay for a plane ticket, too. 

One bonus—most programs don’t charge different tuition fees for in-state, out-of-state or international students. It’s the same rate across the board. 

One of the bigger downsides to a low-residency MFA in creative writing is that there isn't a large amount of financial aid, in general. That said, some programs do offer scholarships, grants, stipend-paying graduate assistantships, and other tuition-saving measures. 

Is 30 too old for an MFA?

No, and certainly not at a low-res MFA. Most students at low-res programs are anywhere between their 20s and 60s. Lasell University near Boston claims that nearly 70% of writing MFA students and alumni are age 40 and older. Even at the highly selective Warren Wilson college’s low-res MFA, the average age is 36.

After a low-res MFA can you get a teaching job?

Yes, you can teach creative writing at a community college, university, or writing center. If you already have a teaching license, you could also teach writing to teens or youth in public schools. 

One drawback is that you’re not getting teaching experience. Residential programs typically offer teaching assistantships and classroom experience. UNRT has a class devoted to creative writing pedagogy, so you won’t walk in without any background knowledge. 

A caveat: There aren’t that many tenure-track jobs in creative writing, but there are many other types of creative writing jobs where you can teach at writing centers, community colleges, or with organizations. 

Can you have a full-time job and be in a residency program?

Yes, sort of. People do it, but you could be overwhelmed with the amount of work you have. It really depends on your job. One student had an unusually intense period at work and couldn’t do it. If your job is on autopilot to some degree, you’ll probably be okay. Short answer: Startup job + low-res MFA = no good. 

Are there online-only MFAs that don’t require residencies?

Yes, there are several. Be mindful that while this might be tempting, you will likely lose a significant benefit of the low-res model, namely building a strong community with peers. It’s very hard to do on Zoom. In any case, carefully investigate any programs that say they’re “online,” though. Some may take place online for most of the semester, like any other low-residency MFA—but still expect you to travel for residencies. 

Some online programs offer synchronous classes online, so you still get that class feeling. Others are totally asynchronous. OSU-Cascades provides weekly virtual classes, along with asynchronous coursework. Weekly synchronous virtual classes

These creative writing MFA programs are 100% online: 

Some of these may be worth investigation. For example, at The University of Texas at El Paso, classes and discussions are held in English, but you can also submit any creative assignments in Spanish. 

How to Get Into a Low-Residency MFA

No, you probably won’t need a GRE. Instead, you’ll could be asked to supply the following: 

  • Online application: Including the fee, which may not be cheap

  • Transcript: Yes, you already need to hold a bachelor’s degree. Some may require a minimum GPA of 2.75 or higher. 

  • Resume: Or CV, in the academic world

  • Statement of Intent or Artist’s Statement: Your background, experiences, and goals that led you to apply to a low-residency MFA

  • Writing sample: Depending on your genre, this might be a sample of fiction, poetry, playwriting, or other work. This is by far the most important aspect of your application—if you have a great sample but terrible grades and a confusing statement, a great program will still likely want to have you join them. 

  • Letters of recommendation: From someone who can attest to your writing aptitude and dedication or a combination of the above

Is There Financial Aid Available for Low-Residency MFAs?

While scholarships and teaching assistantships used to be unheard of, you may be able to find some today.

Many residential MFA programs in Creative Writing offer a financial aid package covering tuition plus a small salary or stipend for 1-2 years. Typically, the student is expected to teach undergraduate courses in a teaching assistantship (TA) position in exchange for the tuition break and stipend. 

This full-freight coverage is still extremely uncommon in low-residency MFA programs, but it’s not unheard of. For example, Drexel University’s low-residency MFA in creative writing offers one such TA position per year. You might also find GA positions at Western Connecticut State University, full or partial TA positions at New England College, and six graduate assistantships at Wilkes University. All are low-residency MFA programs in creative writing.  

If you can’t get a TA role, what else is available?

Federal financial Aid

You’ll complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the deadline date. Based on the information you provide, you could qualify for low-interest or deferred-interest loans. 

Post 9/11 GI Bill or the Yellow Ribbon Program

Available to eligible military veterans and may pay full in-state tuition and fees at public schools, and up to a capped amount at a private school’s MFA program.

Grants, fellowships and scholarships

Many low-residency MFA programs in creative writing offer scholarships, although often of limited amounts—so it only erases a bit of the expense. Other schools may pay for your entire MFA pursuit. A few examples: 

  • New England College: 25% tuition discount applied to graduate level classes for NEC alumni

  • Lasell University: $1,000-$1,500 tuition discount for various demographics, including mothers, underrepresented writers, students 40 and older, and native and indigenous writers, in addition to genre-based fellowships

  • Farleigh Dickinson University: $7000 toward the tuition bill for someone who shows promise  

  • Warren Wilson College: All students demonstrating need via the FAFSA receive a renewable MFA grant to reduce tuition costs, and other tuition + stipend scholarships are available.  

Many non-profit private colleges offer scholarships and tuition waivers. The cost of a low-residency MFA is about the same at a public versus private institution, so consider whether assistance might help out. 

Peter Mountford https://mountfordwriting.com
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