10 Most Affordable Online MFA Degrees in 2025

A Master of Fine Arts (MFA) is a popular choice for students seeking advanced careers in creative fields, such as visual arts, theater, film, writing, and design. In these programs, learners develop the skills to qualify for top roles as art directors, screenwriters, gallery managers, professional writers, and beyond.

Students who want to pursue an MFA degree online and enjoy low tuition and fees can consider schools nationwide that offer cost-friendly distance programs. Keep reading to learn where you can find the most affordable online MFA degree programs.

What Is an MFA Degree?

A Master of Fine Arts is a graduate-level terminal degree designed to develop students' artistic skills and creativity in a range of disciplines. These programs explore the history, theory, and criticism of various fine arts, and incorporate studio work, workshops, and exhibitions to provide valuable practical experiences. To help students focus their studies, some MFA programs offer specializations in areas of study like:

• visual arts (graphic design, photography, and painting)
• creative writing (fiction, screenwriting, and poetry)
• design (fashion and industrial)
• media arts (filmmaking and animation)
• performing arts (directing, dance, and acting)

How Much Does an Online MFA Cost?

The cost of an online MFA degree varies by school and program. Where you live (in-state vs. out-of-state) and your enrollment status (part-time vs. full-time) can also impact the amount you pay. If you're looking for affordable online master's programs https://learn.org/articles/cheapest_online_masters_degrees.html], many schools nationwide charge less than $1,000 per credit and offer financial aid to increase savings. At schools like the University of Texas at El Paso and Mississippi University for Women, students pay under $500 per credit.

Cheapest MFA Degrees Online

Are you ready to pursue an affordable MFA degree? Explore the schools below to find low-cost online programs nationwide.

1. University of Houston-Victoria

The Master of Fine Arts in creative writing at the University of Houston-Victoria is a 36-credit program that students can complete entirely online or as a low-residency option. Enrollees study the creation, revision, critique, and publication of poetry, fiction, and/or creative nonfiction through writing workshop courses, electives, and a thesis project.

To apply, students must possess a bachelor's degree and submit two letters of recommendation and a 20- to 30-page writing sample. Official GRE scores and a letter stating personal and/or professional objectives are also required.

• Estimated tuition cost: $390 per credit (in-state); $795 per credit (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: Students can use federal aid and scholarships to make learning more affordable.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. Mississippi University for Women

At Mississippi University for Women, students who are interested in a flexible master's program can pursue the MFA in creative writing. This 48-credit low-residency program, designed for completion in two to three years, offers online coursework in nonfiction, writing for new media, poetry, translation, and more. It also includes two types of brief residency classes.

Before formally applying, learners should submit a one- or two-page letter of intent and a 10- to 30-page writing sample. For this program, students aren't required to submit GRE scores.

• Estimated tuition cost: $485.95 per credit (part-time); $4,373.50 per semester (full-time)
• Financial aid: Learners can save with scholarships, student employment, loans, and military-related benefits.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

3. University of Texas at El Paso

The University of Texas at El Paso offers one of the best creative writing MFA programs for the price. This affordable 100% online master's degree, led by world-renowned, award-winning faculty members, is designed for writers interested in deepening their understanding of fiction and poetry as they prepare to teach creative writing at the university level.

MFA students in this highly competitive program must complete workshops, literature classes, and a thesis culminating in a publishable manuscript. Learners can also study abroad via a low-residency opportunity offered every summer in Europe.

• Estimated tuition cost: $490 per credit hour (in-state): $575 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: Scholarships, loans, and student employment opportunities are available to increase affordability.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

4. Liberty University

Liberty University offers three 100% online Master of Fine Arts programs for students interested in writing, film, and design. The MFA in creative writing program teaches learners the processes of writing compelling stories, marketing projects, and pursuing writing opportunities.

In the MFA in script and screenwriting (with a feature film specialization) program, learners acquire the skills to become professional storytellers who focus on morals and ethics in the film industry. Students who enroll in Liberty's MFA in graphic design learn to tell stories through digital illustration, typography, and design techniques.

• Estimated tuition cost: $580 per credit (full-time); $645 per credit (part-time)
• Financial aid: Learners can reduce costs with federal financial aid, scholarships, tuition discounts, and military aid.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

5. Lindenwood University

Lindenwood University's award-winning MFA degree with a writing focus teaches students to refine this craft through workshop classes, literature classes, and craft classes taught by Lindenwood's experienced authors, editors, and journalists. Students explore writing genres such as fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and writing for young adult and middle grade readers.

Acceptance to this MFA in writing program is based upon approval of applicants' submitted creative writing sample and statement of purpose. Available in fully online, on-campus, or blended hybrid formats, this program doesn't have residency requirements.

• Estimated tuition cost: $595 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Federal loans, scholarships, and work-study are available to help graduate students save.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

6. Southern New Hampshire University

Students interested in learning to write a novel can acquire the necessary skills in Southern New Hampshire University's online MFA creative writing program. Courses teach storytelling, how to find and reach an audience, editing, coaching, and more. They also prepare learners to write and revise a novel in one of four genres: contemporary, young adult, romance, and speculative.

Admission to this graduate program requires no application fee, test scores, or college essay. However, applicants must submit a personal statement and a creative writing sample.

• Estimated tuition cost: $659 per credit
• Financial aid: Federal loans, scholarships, and employer tuition assistance can help students save.
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

7. Drexel University

The MFA in creative writing at Drexel University is a low-residency program requiring students to meet in person three times with authors, professors, and classmates for workshops and craft talks. The two-year degree also teaches through online workshops, reading tutorials, and one-on-one packet exchanges with notable published writers.

To gain admission, learners need a bachelor's degree, a personal statement, a resume, and a writing sample (e.g. a completed short story or a novel in progress). Accepted students may be able to earn college credits for a published novel.

• Estimated tuition cost: $733 per credit hour
• Financial aid: This MFA degree offers scholarships and other funding opportunities specifically for program enrollees. Federal student aid and employer reimbursement are also available to make learning more affordable.
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

8. University of New Orleans

The University of New Orleans offers a non-resident MFA in creative writing focused specifically on fiction writing, nonfiction writing, and poetry writing. This program, which offers courses online in the spring and fall semesters, can be completed in five semesters when attending full-time.

Coursework covers adaptation, LGBTQ literature and theory, poetry writing, the craft of fiction, and more. When applying, learners should submit a writing sample, a statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation.

• Estimated tuition cost: $962.12 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Scholarships, assistantships, and federal student aid can help lower the cost of tuition and fees.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

9. Adelphi University

New York is home to Adelphi University, where students can pursue a low-residency MFA creative writing degree with features like small online classes and an individualized mentorship. This 39-credit program, which lasts two years, concludes with a thesis project that enables students to write a book-length manuscript.

Enrollees can choose from concentrations in fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction. During in-person five-day residencies in New York City, students develop their knowledge of the field by working closely with editors, literary agents, and leaders at literary nonprofits.

• Estimated tuition cost: $965 per credit hour
• Financial aid: MFA enrollees automatically receive partial scholarships. Students can also qualify for institutional grants, state, and federal aid.
• Accreditation: MSCHE

10. University of Arkansas at Monticello

The MFA program in debate and communication at the University of Arkansas at Monticello is designed for secondary and post-secondary debate coaches who are ready to advance their careers. Students master coaching, administration, and research through coursework delivered in a non-residency, fully online format.

Admission to this program requires a writing sample, a personal essay, and proof of current employment as a primary or assistant coach for a competitive debate team. Learners can transfer up to nine semester hours of graduate credit to accelerate completion.

• Estimated tuition cost: $5,430 per year (in-state); $8,370 per year (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: Enrollees can apply for federal and state aid, private scholarships, and veterans benefits. Graduate assistantships are awarded to a small number of eligible students who teach the online sections of intro-level communication courses.
• Accreditation: HLC

How We Rank Schools

Our team thoroughly vetted the colleges and universities in this ranking list to confirm that each has met the following criteria for providing a quality learning experience:

• Accreditation: All schools in this list are accredited by a nationally recognized organization, such as the MSCHE or the HLC.
• Affordability: The institutions in this list offer online students low tuition rates or financial aid to make learning more affordable.
• Program reputation: Each school in this list has a quality reputation, and several offer programs taught by award-winning faculty members.

What To Expect From an Online MFA Degree

When enrolled in an online MFA program, students can expect the same coursework offered in campus-based programs. Depending on the school, learners might be required to visit the campus for in-person residencies.

On average, programs take two or three years to finish and require students to complete 36 to 48 credit hours of coursework. Classes might cover poetry, nonfiction, professional writing, and storytelling. Writing workshops, which provide practical experience, and a thesis project culminating in a full manuscript, could also be included.

One of the more common concentrations for online MFA programs is creative writing. However, you can also find programs with focus areas in graphic design, debate, and screenwriting.

FAQs About Online Master's in MFA Programs

Do you want to learn more about online master's degree programs leading to an MFA? Review the FAQs below for additional information.

Is an Online MFA Degree Worth It?

Yes, an online MFA degree is worth your time and effort. Programs offer the same quality academic experience and lead to the same careers as traditional in-person programs while providing more flexibility and the ability to study from anywhere with Internet access.

Read More: Free MFA Programs Online

How Long Is an Online MFA Degree Program?

The average time to complete an online MFA degree program varies by school. Transfer credits and your enrollment status can also impact the time needed to graduate (part-time study often takes longer). However, for most programs, you can expect to spend about two or three years completing all coursework and any residency requirements (if applicable).

Are There Any MFA Dual Degree Programs?

Yes, it's possible to earn an MFA alongside a master's degree in another field. A common graduate degree paired with the MFA is the Master of Business Administration (MBA), which prepares students to enter professional creative roles with a high-level business background. Another common dual degree for the MFA is the Master of Social Work (MSW), which enables students to integrate artistic methodologies into their social work practice.

Are Online MFA Programs Studio-Based or Lecture-Based?

Many online MFA programs combine lecture-based and studio-based learning experiences. To accomplish this, some programs offer virtual studio sessions and workshops for practical training. Learners might also participate in online discussion boards to offer and receive peer critiques and feedback.

What Are the Best Low-Residency MFA Programs?

Some of the best MFA creative writing programs offering a quality education, low tuition, and financial assistance are also low-residency programs with online courses and in-person meetings for practical training. A few to consider include MFA options at the University of Houston-Victoria and Mississippi University for Women.

Discover Online MFA Degrees

Take the next step toward an exciting journey in higher education by exploring the degree programs on Learn.org. Contact schools today to discover ways they can help you achieve your academic and career goals.