10 Most Affordable Online Creative Writing Degrees 2025

Like many areas of liberal arts and humanities, creative writing is a skill that can serve you in numerous career fields. This type of degree not only provides you with writing skills, but can also help you hone your critical thinking too.

Many schools make creative writing degrees accessible by offering them online and at a low cost. Keep reading to discover some of the most affordable online creative writing degrees.

What Is an Online Creative Writing Degree?

A creative writing degree program focuses on training students to write creatively. These degrees are usually available as Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degrees at the bachelor's level. Sometimes, creative writing is available as a concentration within an English or liberal arts major.

These degrees are meant to prepare students for various creative writing roles. They also prepare students to pursue graduate degrees, like a Master of Arts (MA) or a Master of Fine Arts (MFA).

Earning a creative writing degree online means that your coursework is completed online through the school's portal. Usually, these courses are asynchronous, meaning you don't have to log in at a set time.

How Much Does an Online Bachelor's Degree in Creative Writing Cost?

The cost of a creative writing degree can vary significantly based on the school you choose, how many credit hours you need, whether you're an in-state or out-of-state student, and what type of financial aid you qualify for.

The cheapest online creative writing degree is less than $100 per credit hour for in-state students, while some schools charge close to or even over $1,000 per credit hour.

Cheapest Online Creative Writing Degrees

Several colleges and universities across the U.S. offer affordable online programs to creative writing students. We've highlighted some of the cheapest accredited programs below.

1. Fayetteville State University

Fayetteville State University is a public historically Black university (HBCU) in Fayetteville, NC. It offers a BA in English language and literature with a concentration in creative and professional writing.

The program allows students to develop their writing skills through a combination of writing workshops and literary study. Students will be prepared to pursue various writing jobs or continue on to an MFA in creative writing.

• Estimated tuition cost: $41.67 per credit hour (in-state); $104.17 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: FSU accepts aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), including the Pell Grant and the state's Next NC Scholarship. It also offers institutional aid and accepts private aid.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. Middle Georgia State University

At Middle Georgia State University, students can earn a BA in English online and choose the creative writing concentration. This option blends traditional English education with creative training.

MGA, a public university, is located in Macon, GA. It offers this degree program in eight-week to 15-week courses that cover creative nonfiction, poetry, and fiction writing.

• Estimated tuition cost: $174 per credit hour
• Financial aid: MGA accepts aid through FAFSA. It also offers institutional aid and accepts aid through private sources, such as scholarships for online students.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

3. University of Central Florida

The University of Central Florida offers an online BA in English with a concentration in creative writing. UCF is a public research university in Orlando, FL.

This program helps online students develop an understanding of rhetoric, communication, and literary structure. Students also hone their writing skills and learn how to think critically and construct persuasive arguments.

• Estimated tuition cost: $179.19 per credit hour (in-state); $715.80 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: UCF accepts FAFSA and private aid and offers its own financial aid options.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

4. University of Houston-Victoria

The online BA at the University of Houston-Victoria offers a creative writing concentration that prepares students for careers in writing, publishing, and teaching. Courses cover topics like poetry, narrative fiction, and literary analysis for writers.

UHV, located in Victoria, TX, is a public university. Its creative writing program also includes writing workshops in fiction and creative nonfiction.

• Estimated tuition cost: $212.94 per credit hour (in-state); $390 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: UHV offers institutional financial aid. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private organizations.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

5. Montana State University Billings

Montana State University Billings is a public institution in Billings, MT. It offers a BA in English with the option to specialize in creative writing.

This program includes courses to help students thrive in their chosen writing career, covering topics such as fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, and writing for stage and screen. Students also participate in writing workshops.

• Estimated tuition cost: $220.21 per credit hour (in-state); $444.74 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: MSUB accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private financial aid.
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

6. Arkansas Tech University

Students at Arkansas Tech University can earn a BFA in creative writing online through the school's English and World Languages department. This program provides a foundation of writing skills, editing techniques, and advanced composition work.

ATU, a public university, is located in Russellville, AR. Its creative writing bachelor's includes courses on editing, publishing, and literature, workshop options, and a senior creative writing project.

• Estimated tuition cost: $257.27 per credit hour (in-state); $514.54 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: ATU accepts aid through FAFSA. It also offers institutional aid and accepts aid through private sources.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

7. University of Arkansas

The University of Arkansas offers a BA in English with a creative writing concentration online. U of A is a public research institution in Fayetteville, AR.

The bachelor's degree program focuses on the theory, craft, and practice of creative writing. Students choose between a workshop in fiction or a workshop in poetry.

• Estimated tuition cost: $269.75 per credit hour
• Financial aid: U of A accepts FAFSA and private student aid and offers institutional financial aid.
• Accreditation: HLC

8. Southwest Minnesota State University

The English major at Southwest Minnesota State University offers a creative writing concentration. In this program, students will strengthen their writing skills through workshops and courses on writing techniques.

SMSU, located in Marshall, MN, is a public university. It also offers an online BA in professional writing and communication for those more interested in careers in public relations or technical writing.

• Estimated tuition cost: $305 per credit
• Financial aid: SMSU offers institutional aid. It also accepts aid through FAFSA, including the state's North Star Promise, and from private organizations.
• Accreditation: HLC

9. University of New Orleans

The University of New Orleans is a public research institution in New Orleans. It offers a BA in English with a few concentrations, including one in creative writing.

Courses cover literary analysis and different types of creative writing. Students also participate in two advanced writing workshops in creative nonfiction, fiction, poetry, or playwriting.

• Estimated tuition cost: $315.13 per credit (in-state); $476.33 per credit (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: UNO accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private financial aid.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

10. Southern New Hampshire University

Through Southern New Hampshire University, students can earn a BA in creative writing and English that helps them develop a unique voice and gain insight into the publishing industry. Four concentrations are available:

• fiction
• nonfiction
• poetry
• screenwriting

SNHU, a private, nonprofit university, is based in Manchester, NH. It's best known for its online courses, which run on eight-week terms and year-round admissions.

• Estimated tuition cost: $342 per credit
• Financial aid: SNHU accepts FAFSA. It also offers institutional aid and accepts aid through private sources.
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

How We Rank Schools

To choose the affordable creative writing online degrees listed above, we focused on:

• Accreditation: Every school on this list is regionally accredited.
• Affordability: We searched for the most affordable degree options; all programs have a tuition rate under $400 for in-state students.
• Program reputation: In addition to being accredited, all schools are nonprofit and offer high-quality writing degree programs.

What To Expect From a Creative Writing Online Degree

Online creative writing degrees usually require 120 total credit hours. Most bachelor's degrees take four years of full-time study to complete, but some schools allow you to finish faster by offering accelerated terms or summer courses.

Your coursework will include core courses on the English language, as well as courses to hone your writing skills. You may be able to select a focus like creative nonfiction, professional writing, or screenwriting.

Common Online Creative Writing Courses

Creative writing curricula usually cover many topics, including:

• the English language
• grammar
• literary analysis and theory
• editing and publishing

You'll also likely take courses covering the basics of writing fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, and/or screenwriting. Most programs require you to choose a workshop in one or more areas of these as well.

FAQs About Online Creative Writing Programs

Choosing the right online creative writing program can be tricky. We've answered some frequently asked questions about creative writing programs to help you out.

Is an Online Creative Writing Degree Worth It?

For many students, an online creative writing degree is worth it. This type of degree can lead to a variety of career opportunities or prepare you for a graduate program.

What Careers Can I Pursue With a Creative Writing Degree?

Many careers are available to those with a creative writing degree, including:

• author
• copywriter
• creative writer
• editor
• public relations specialist
• screenwriter
• technical writer

How Long Does It Take To Complete a Creative Writing Degree Online?

Most freshmen who study at a traditional pace can finish a bachelor's degree in four years. However, you may be able to finish faster if you have transfer credits, and many online learning programs offer accelerated courses or summer terms.

Discover Online Writing Degrees

Start your journey toward becoming a creative writer by exploring the programs featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual schools to request information on admissions, enrollment, and financial aid.