What is your writing dream worth? It’s worth pursuing in a graduate program where you’ll thrive.
The Spalding University MFA was one of the nation’s first low-residency MFA in Writing programs, and it’s known as one of the best. You’ll write more here and receive more one-on-one faculty feedback than in nearly any other MFA program. Our students thrive with this extra attention in our encouraging, non-competitive environment. Friendships form at our “dormitory,” the elegant 1920s-era Brown Hotel, a short walk from campus in downtown Louisville. Our summer study-abroad option takes us to Québec City this June, where you can explore further literary and cultural riches.
Even with these abundant offerings, our tuition is among the most affordable of any top-tier low-residency MFA. We also offer an MA in Writing (MAW) and a graduate certificate—and you can roll those credits into the MFA program, earning two degrees for about the cost of one.
Enrich your writing with cross-genre exploration.
You’ll focus on your own writing in an in-depth, one-on-one mentorship with a different faculty member each semester. At residency, you’ll workshop in your area of concentration—or stretch creatively with a workshop in another area. You’ll learn about every genre we teach: fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, writing for children and young adults, and writing for TV, screen, and stage. Cross-genre exploration will make you a better writer and, if teaching is your goal, a more prepared instructor.
Lifelong writing practice, lifetime community.
During independent study, you’ll build writing into your daily life at home (where real writers write), working one-on-one with a faculty mentor. This practice gives you the discipline to keep writing long after you’ve earned your degree. And our tight-knit, active alumni community will sustain you for a lifetime.
Publish, produce, and find professional success.
Our alums have careers as editors, professors, nonprofit administrators, media professionals, content developers, podcasters and more. They publish creative work with top presses, write for the television and film industries, and have plays produced nationally and beyond. Our students learn about the business of writing through virtual seminars, with actionable advice from writing, editing, and publishing professionals. And students in our certificate and MAW programs can choose a professional writing and editing track, focusing on workplace writing for career advancement.
This year, receive a special $2,500 scholarship.
Thanks to a generous grant from the Renau Foundation, we’re awarding $2,500 scholarships to incoming students who complete the FAFSA and demonstrate need. Other scholarships are available as well.
Apply by February 1, our early-decision deadline.
Email us at SchoolofWriting@spalding.edu to request an application fee waiver code. It will save you $30 when you apply.
Begin your studies with our Spring residency (May 27 – June 3 in Louisville) or Summer residency (June 25 – July 3 in Québec City). Learn more at our website, or drop us an email. We’re always happy to talk.