An independent directory of dedicated creative writing degrees in the United States
Pacific Lutheran University · Rainier Writing Workshop (College of Liberal Studies)
A three-year low-residency MFA in poetry, fiction and nonfiction (44 credits) combining year-long one-on-one mentorships, an Outside Experience project, a 20-40-page critical paper and a creative thesis with four mandatory 10-day July residencies on the PLU campus. A two-year Advanced Standing track (36 credits) is available to applicants with a master's in English or creative writing. The 2026-27 program cost is $46,010, including residency room and meals.
Awarded degree is an MFA in Creative Writing.
Source: plu.edu · verified October 9, 2026We list dedicated creative writing degrees only. Eligibility rules
PoetryFictionCreative Nonfiction
Source: plu.edu · verified October 9, 2026Faculty list: not verified. We publish this only when the school states it on an official page.
| Genre | Length | Requirement as published |
|---|---|---|
| Poetry | up to 15 pages | 15 pages of poetryFormatting: Poetry may be single-spaced; 10 or 12 point font, numbered pages, name top rightSource: plu.edu · verified October 9, 2026 |
| Any / all genres | 30–40 pages | 30-40 pages of prose, or a genre mix not to exceed 40 pagesFormatting: Prose double-spaced; 10 or 12 point font, numbered pages, name top rightSource: plu.edu · verified October 9, 2026 |
GRE and English-language test policy: not verified. We publish this only when the school states it on an official page.
We do not publish acceptance rates or estimate competitiveness: programs rarely publish comparable figures.
Other deadline
December 1 (Early Action Date) · for Summer 2027
The school does not print a year with this date.
Source: plu.edu · verified October 9, 2026Application deadline
Rolling admission · for Summer 2027
The school does not print a year with this date.
Source: plu.edu · verified October 9, 2026| Category | Amount | Basis and year |
|---|---|---|
| All students — 2026-27 Program Cost (tuition for 44 credits plus residency accommodation and meals)Published for low-residency study | $46,010 | entire program · 2026-2027Source: plu.edu · verified October 9, 2026 |
Partial fundingPolicy year: 2026-2027
PLU Alumni Scholarship scholarship
$5,000 (one-time) · Not renewable
Eligibility: Graduate students who earned their bachelor's degree from PLU
How to apply: Automatically awarded in the first term
Source: plu.edu · verified October 9, 2026Graduate Academic Scholarships scholarship
$1,000-$4,000 (one-time) · Not renewable
Eligibility: Applicants who are not PLU alumni
How to apply: Automatic consideration; applied to the first term
Source: plu.edu · verified October 9, 2026Something out of date? Request a correction · Represent this school? Claim the profile
Same degree level, nearby or in the same format. Listed for discovery, not ranked.
Creative Writing Programs is independent and not affiliated with Pacific Lutheran University. Information is collected from official pages and can change; confirm requirements, costs and deadlines with the school.