A Bachelor’s in Writing degree sharpens students’ writing abilities and prepares them for employment in a number of industries, including advertising and publishing. The need for writers and editors is expected to moderately grow over the next 10 years, and nearly every organization and business needs writers in some capacity to produce presentations, copy, or other customer-facing deliverables. In this article, we profile 15 of the most affordable bachelor’s degrees in creative and professional writing to help students choose the best school and program to meet their needs, budget, and career goals.
Methodology
We developed this list with the goal of helping students narrow down their options in terms of online and on-campus bachelor’s degrees in writing. We based our ranking on data obtained from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) as well as each school’s website. Using the NCES’s College Navigator database, we conducted a search for the term “Bachelor’s in Writing degree” and narrowed down the initial pool of 30 schools into the top 15 universities and colleges. We then awarded points based on categories such as student-to-faculty ratios and the average cost of undergraduate attendance. We listed the schools in order from the lowest total points to the highest total points.
Average Cost of Attendance
When considering Bachelor’s in Writing degrees, cost can play a huge part in which school a student chooses. It is important to ensure you are receiving a high-quality education for the price of the program. Keep in mind that some of the most expensive programs may not provide you with the appropriate education for your career path, and some of the most affordable bachelor’s degree programs might provide a better academic experience. For the purpose of this list, we awarded points based only on the average of the in-state and out-of-state tuition costs, but we provided all three tuition rates for your reference.
Points:
Under $15,000: 3 points
$15,001 to $25,000: 2 points
$25,001 or more: 1 point
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
Many students find that larger colleges and universities offer a number of benefits, such as more available majors, more student clubs, and better academic opportunities. However, larger institutions may not be able to provide the close-knit learning environment of many smaller colleges and universities. In addition, some smaller schools may provide more individualized or specialized studies as well as more opportunities for one-on-one mentoring. For the following list, we awarded the most points to schools with the lowest student-to-faculty ratios.
Points:
10:1 or lower: 3 points
11:1 to 15:1: 2 points
Higher than 15:1: 1 point
Ranking Top 15 Most Affordable Bachelor’s Degrees in Writing
15. Marshall University
Huntington, West Virginia
Points: 3
Program Website
Marshall University offers a Bachelor of Arts in English with an emphasis in creative writing that consists of 36 hours of study in the core curriculum. Students choose from coursework in either teaching creative writing or form and theory of creative writing as well as a nine-hour writing sequence that involves a specific genre such as creative nonfiction, fiction, or poetry. A minimum of 120 hours of study is required for graduation. Students may also pursue a double major in literary studies and creative writing that consists of nine hours of core English courses, nine hours of foundation courses, and 18 hours in a specialization.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in English – Creative Writing
Double Major in Literary Studies and Creative Writing
Average Program Cost: $13,371
In-State Tuition: $8,128
Out-of-State Tuition: $18,614
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
14. Stephen F. Austin State University
Nacogdoches, Texas
Points: 3
Program Website
A Bachelor of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from Stephen F. Austin State University provides students with the training they need to succeed in a wide range of professions. Designed to prepare students for employment in fields such as corporate communications, public relations, or media, the B.F.A. in Creative Writing is the only program of its kind in the state and one of only 16 in the country. Throughout the curriculum, students develop fundamental and advanced skills in the technique and craft of writing for different genres. Students can expect to take coursework in literary publishing, screenwriting, and playwriting, and they are required to complete a capstone sequence of six hours of a senior thesis that culminates in the creation of a substantial work of original creative nonfiction, fiction, and/or poetry. B.F.A. students are also required to minor in literature.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Creative Writing
Average Program Cost: $13,296
In-State Tuition: $8,316
Out-of-State Tuition: $18,276
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
13. San Francisco State University
San Francisco, California
Points: 3
Program Website
The Department of Creative Writing at San Francisco State University confers a Bachelor of Arts in English degree with a focus on creative writing that combines the experiential needs of the writing student with the academic specifications of the traditional English major. The 42-unit B.A. balances 15 semester hours of literature courses with 27 semester hours of writing courses designed to increase the student’s breadth and depth of knowledge. Students must take nine semester hours of creative process classes in areas such as short stories, style in fiction, contemporary world poetry, American poetics, personal narratives, and plays. Creative writing majors must also choose a class from either Theory and Language or Writing From the American Experience, which includes a selection of classes from the departments of Ethnic Studies, English, and Women Studies.
Degree Options:
B.A. in English: Creative Writing
Average Program Cost: $13,200
In-State Tuition: $7,260
Out-of-State Tuition: $19,140
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 23:1
12. Wichita State University
Wichita, Kansas
Points: 3
Program Website
Wichita State University offers a 33-hour Bachelor of Arts major in creative writing with classes in nonfiction, poetry, fiction, and playwriting. Students are prepared for careers as librarians, copywriters, public relations coordinators, teachers and professors, video producers, scriptwriters, and training specialists. Students must complete a total of 124 credits of study to graduate, including 12 hours in basic requirements, six hours in electives, three hours in major requirements, and 12 in creative writing skills requirements, including workshops in one of four genres such as poetry, playwriting, fiction, and nonfiction. Students in other majors may choose to pursue the 12-hour creative writing minor.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts
Average Program Cost: $12,861
In-State Tuition: $8,270
Out-of-State Tuition: $17,452
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 20:1
11. University of Houston-Downtown
Houston, Texas
Points: 3
Program Website
The College of Humanities & Social Sciences at the University of Houston-Downtown confers a four-year Bachelor of Arts in English with a concentration in creative writing. Designed to prepare students for a variety of writing and related careers, students must complete 120 credit hours with a minimum of 36 courses in the major, including a capstone portfolio. Areas of study include creative writing, playwriting, literary translation, and the study of language as well as workshops in creative nonfiction, poetry, and fiction. Twelve hours in literature and theory and three hours in publishing coursework are also required. Students may also choose to pursue a 120-semester-hour Bachelor of Science in Professional Writing which aims to provide students with the skills they need to design information for electronic and print formats as well as produce documents that meet the needs of diverse audiences.
Degree Options:
B.A. in English – Concentration in Creative Writing
B.S. in Professional Writing
Average Program Cost: $11,480
In-State Tuition: $6,500
Out-of-State Tuition: $16,460
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
10. Missouri State University
Springfield, Missouri
Points: 3
Program Website
Missouri State University offers both a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science in Professional Writing. Throughout both programs, students learn to write websites, proposals, manuals, brochures, advertisements, and online help systems. The curriculum teaches students how to improve their written communication skills through coursework in literature and medicine, language skills, and contemporary American poetry and fiction. Students may also specialize in areas of writing like military, law, healthcare, education, or business, and they are required to complete a capstone experience by taking three courses in advanced technical writing, career focus in professional writing, and a technical writing internship. B.A. and B.S. students must also select either a second major or a minor.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Professional Writing
Bachelor of Science in Professional Writing
Average Program Cost: $11,351
In-State Tuition: $7,376
Out-of-State Tuition: $15,326
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 21:1
9. Weber State University
Ogden, Utah
Points: 3
Program Website
Weber State University offers two bachelor’s degrees in creative writing. The first, a B.A. in English with a creative writing emphasis, prepares students to develop skills in the writing of nonfiction, fiction, and poetry. Beginning, intermediate, and advanced workshops address writing through instructor-led peer discussion, and students are required to produce a creative writing portfolio consisting of a collection of their original poetry, nonfiction, and fiction in addition to completing the mandatory courses for the program. WSU also confers a B.A. in English with a professional and technical writing emphasis that teaches students how to communicate technical, and often complex, information to different audiences. Undergraduates of either program must complete general education courses, a minimum of 120 credit hours, and complete a minor before graduating.
Degree Options:
B.A. in English With Creative Writing Emphasis
B.A. in English With Professional and Technical Writing Emphasis
Average Program Cost: $10,752
In-State Tuition: $5,859
Out-of-State Tuition: $15,646
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 21:1
8. Murray State University
Murray, Kentucky
Points: 4
Program Website
Murray State University’s bachelor’s programs in creative writing, offered by the College of Humanities and Fine Arts and the Department of English and Philosophy, combine workshop experience with courses in form and literature to give students a broad, well-rounded approach to the craft. Students can choose from either a Bachelor of Arts in English/Creative Writing or a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Creative Writing. Both programs prepare students for various career options such as teaching, publishing, law, journalism, editing, communications, and advertising, and the course requirements are nearly identical. However, the B.A. requires 21 to 24 hours for a minor, the B.F.A. has 13 hours of restricted electives, and the B.F.A. offers more unrestricted electives. The B.A. also requires an additional hour for a course in professional engagement. Students pursuing these programs may benefit from a variety of opportunities such as the English Student Organization and Notations, Murray State’s student-run literary magazine.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in English/Creative Writing
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Creative Writing
Average Program Cost: $16,812
In-State Tuition: $9,084
Out-of-State Tuition: $24,540
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
7. Rhode Island College
Providence, Rhode Island
Points: 4
Program Website
Rhode Island College confers one primary undergraduate degree in creative writing: the Bachelor of Arts in English with a concentration in creative writing. This program allows students to pursue writing careers that require strong research, critical analysis, creative thinking, and communication skills in fields such as technology, healthcare, consumer research, business, journalism, publishing, social media, advertising, and more. Students must complete a minimum of 40 hours in the major, studying topics such as British literature, theory and criticism, literary studies analysis, and intermediate creative writing in genres such as nonfiction prose, poetry, and fiction. An optional advanced workshop in creative writing is offered as well. Students in other majors looking to study creative writing may earn one of two 20-hour minors: one in rhetoric and writing and one in creative writing.
Degree Options:
English B.A. With a Concentration in Creative Writing
Average Program Cost: $15,310
In-State Tuition: $8,929
Out-of-State Tuition: $21,692
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
6. Indiana University East
Richmond, Indiana
Points: 4
Program Website
Indiana University East offers an affordable online Bachelor’s in Writing program that is comprised of 60 semester hours of study, assuming the student has completed at least 60 semester hours of transferable college credit. All courses are available online and taught by the same faculty who instruct the on-campus program. Courses include technical editing, studies in American culture, professional digital writing, writing skills, American fiction, studies in American culture, an introduction to critical practices, grammar and usage, advanced technical writing, and advanced composition. A senior seminar is also required for graduation. Throughout the program, students learn how to think critically and to communicate ideas and thoughts effectively in various media. Graduates are prepared for careers in a variety of fields from public relations and advertising to writing for publications or social services.
Degree Options:
Online B.A. Degree in English, Technical & Professional Writing
Average Program Cost: $13,372
In-State Tuition: $7,344
Out-of-State Tuition: $19,400
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
5. Arkansas Tech University
Russellville, Arkansas
Points: 4
Program Website
Offered through the College of Arts & Humanities at Arkansas Tech University, the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Creative Writing provides a foundation of advanced composition work, editing techniques, and writing skills to help writers find their unique voice. Consisting of a minimum of 45 credits in the English subject area, students take courses in poetry, American and British literature, poetry, and creative writing. A senior project in creative writing is also required. Graduates are prepared for careers in technical writing, journalism, and prose or poetry authorship as well as in copyediting, marketing, and public relations. The program is also popular among pre-law students looking to apply to law school after earning their bachelor’s degree.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Creative Writing
Average Program Cost: $9,966
In-State Tuition: $7,254
Out-of-State Tuition: $12,678
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
4. University of Arkansas-Fort Smith
Fort Smith, Arkansas
Points: 4
Program Website
The University of Arkansas-Fort Smith confers a 120-credit-hour Bachelor of Arts in Rhetoric and Writing degree that focuses specifically on effective communication skills through intensive editing and writing classes. Students are prepared to write as a profession, and the program is comprised of a research-oriented curriculum taught by dedicated, highly qualified faculty. Offered by the College of Communication, Languages, Arts, and Social Sciences, the curriculum emphasizes problem-solving and critical thinking, and graduates develop a broad understanding of the world in which they live by demonstrating effective presentational, interpretive, and interpersonal communication skills. Possible career options include technical writers, sales representatives, publishers, producers, public relations specialists, marketers, freelance writers, teachers, editors, and copywriters.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Rhetoric and Writing
Average Program Cost: $9,129
In-State Tuition: $5,593
Out-of-State Tuition: $12,666
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
3. Nicholls State University
Thibodaux, Louisiana
Points: 4
Program Website
Through its Department of Languages and Literature, Nicholls State University offers a Bachelor of Arts in English degree with concentrations in writing and rhetoric as well as creative writing. The B.A. curriculum emphasizes analytical, writing, and critical thinking skills through its humanities, advanced grammar, and world, American, and British literature course requirements. The 18-hour creative writing concentration is designed for students looking to develop and discover their writings through courses in fiction writing and poetic styles, and graduates are prepared for careers as novelists, writers, teachers, and scriptwriters. The 18-hour writing and rhetoric concentration, formerly the technical writing concentration, includes courses in the teaching of writing, current trends in rhetoric and composition, and the history of rhetoric. Students are also required to complete a capstone project that prepares them for a successful transition into graduate-level study or a writing-based career.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in English Creative Writing Concentration
Bachelor of Arts in English Writing and Rhetoric Concentration
Average Program Cost: $8,498
In-State Tuition: $7,952
Out-of-State Tuition: $9,045
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
2. Bemidji State University
Bemidji, Minnesota
Points: 4
Program Website
The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Creative and Professional Writing at Bemidji State University is one of only 15 programs of its kind in the country, and more than half of the undergraduate English majors at Bemidji State are pursuing this degree. Students may tailor the program to meet their needs and career goals, and possible concentrations may include media writing, web content writing, or freelancing. Workshops in which students can learn how to translate their passion into a career or learn how to hone their writing talent are offered, and students are prepared for graduate-level study as well as careers in marketing, grant writing, and English education.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Creative & Professional Writing
Average Program Cost: $8,696
In-State Tuition: $8,696
Out-of-State Tuition: $8,696
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 21:1
1. Dickinson State University
Dickinson, North Dakota
Points: 6
Program Website
Dickinson State University offers both a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science in Writing. Both degrees provide students with a high level of writing, critical thinking, and critical analysis skills, preparing them for careers across a number of industries such as law, business, social media, education, advertising, and marketing. Both programs require 128 semester hours of study, including 22 hours of core writing courses and 40 hours in journalism, creative writing, or professional writing. The main difference between the two programs lies in the foreign language requirement. Through the senior project or capstone experience, students develop a proficiency in specialized writing with attention to rhetorical and aesthetic conventions that reflects what they have learned throughout the program.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts Degree – Writing
Bachelor of Science Degree – Writing
Average Program Cost: $8,157
In-State Tuition: $6,768
Out-of-State Tuition: $9,546
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Career Options for a Bachelor’s in Writing Degree?
As the name of the major implies, those studying writing, either professional or creative, tend to be more creatively inclined. These students may also show strengths in reasoning, problem-solving, logic, and organization, making them ideal for careers in a variety of disciplines, not just in the humanities. Below are several of the most common occupations for those with a degree in writing.
- Court Reporter: Court reporters possess strong listening and writing skills as they keep details reports and records of hearings, depositions, and trials. They may also transcribe captions for news stations and television programs. This career often requires specialized training.
- High School Teacher: High school teachers educate students in grades nine through 12, and those with degrees in writing primarily teach subjects like composition, reading, language arts, and English.
- Public Relations Specialist: Working directly with corporations or public figures ensures a positive relationship between these entities and the public. Public relations specialists use their communication skills to speak with the media, craft press releases, and create content about those they represent.
- Writer and Author: This industry accounts for writers employed in all types of settings, including travel, nonfiction, fiction, and freelance writers. Freelance writers generally work from home, creating content for corporations, blogs, and websites on their own schedule.
- Technical Writer: Technical writers work on projects like academic journal articles, how-to guides, textbooks, and manuals, and they also conduct research on their work to ensure accuracy. They may also edit others’ articles, checking for diction, syntax and grammar that align with the style of a specific project.
What is the Salary and Career Outlook for This Field?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of writers and authors is expected to grow 8 percent from 2016 to 2026, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Online services and publications are growing in sophistication and number, spurring the demand for authors and writers with multimedia and Web experience. Some writers may find work in the public relations departments of nonprofit organizations and corporations. Freelance or self-employed writers may find work with journal publishers, magazines, and newspapers, and some will choose to write books.
Strong competition is expected across this industry, given that many people are attracted to the flexibility that a writing degree provides. Competition for jobs with established magazines and newspapers will be particularly strong, mainly because employment is expected to decline within the publishing industry. Writers and authors who have adapted to social and online media and who are comfortable working with a variety of digital and electronic tools should have an advantage in seeking employment. The growing popularity of electronic books and the declining costs of self-publishing will allow many freelancers to become published writers.
The BLS indicates that writers and authors earned an average of $61,820 per year as of May 2017. The highest 10 percent earned more than $118,760, while the lowest 10 percent earned less than $30,520. In May 2017, the median annual wages for professional writers and authors in the top industries in which they worked were:
- Technical, scientific, and professional services: $63,520
- Professional, civic, grantmaking, and similar organizations: $63,490
- Spectator sports, performing arts, and related industries: $62,590
- Information: $59,580
How Do You Choose a Bachelor’s Degree in Writing Program?
When it comes to choosing a bachelor’s degree in writing program, it is normal to feel overwhelmed by all the schools and degrees available; however, choosing the one that best meets your needs and career goals might prove easier than you think. Creating a program checklist that includes important factors such as online or on-campus learning, independent or cohort-based study, and length can allow you to easily compare and choose between a variety of programs.
Depending on whether you enroll part- or full-time, some programs may last longer than others, but most writing bachelor’s degrees take approximately four years to complete, including core courses and general education requirements. Universities may also provide concentrations for these programs such as an emphasis on literature, poetry, or nonfiction.
Consider whether you would like to pursue your degree on-campus or online. Online writing programs offer working professionals a flexible way to pursue their degree without the hassle or worry of traveling to the campus. Online degrees are sometimes more cost effective as well. When thinking about on-campus programs, take into account the school’s location as well as the cost of living and available employment opportunities both on-campus and in the surrounding area.
Finally, look into whether the school requires students to complete a capstone or written thesis in order to graduate, and make sure that the program is nationally or regionally accredited by a body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
What Else Can You Expect From a Bachelor’s in Writing Degree?
When choosing a bachelor’s degree in writing program, keep in mind that the concentrations offered and the course requirements will vary depending on the specific school and program you choose to attend. For instance, students may be able to further focus their writing degrees by pursuing concentrations in technical writing, rhetoric, literature, poetry, or fiction writing. We have provided sample courses below to give future students an idea of what they can expect to study while pursuing a bachelor’s degree in writing. Actual requirements and courses may differ depending on the school chosen.
- Technical Writing: A technical writing course covers the element of editing and writing technical publications, including professional journals, textbooks, informational guides, and how-to manuals. This course typically emphasizes grammar and copyediting skills, as editing is critical in the technical writing process.
- American Literature: Many writing majors take at least one course in American literature as part of their degree, looking specifically at literature from certain time periods in American history. This class may also act as a broader survey course, depending on the program requirements.
- Poetry: A class in poetry may include simply studying the art and craft of poetry, or it may require students to write their own poetry based on what they have learned through studying the work of famous poets. Students may also craft a final portfolio of original poetry, practice different poetic forms, and workshop original work.
- Fiction Writing: This course examines the elements of fiction and offers students the opportunity to apply what they have learned by creating their own works of fiction. Many fiction writing classes include peer workshops that allow students to receive constructive criticism from their classmates before they make their revisions.
- Composition: Most undergraduates can expect to take a class in composition, regardless of their major. This course provides foundational skills in textual analysis, rhetoric, and essay writing.
Are There Any Professional Organizations for Graduates With a Bachelor’s Degree in Writing?
Becoming a member of a professional organization while earning a bachelor’s degree in writing can result in a number of job opportunities and internships. These organizations provide opportunities for recent graduates and current students to network with current working professionals and fellow students, attend annual conferences related to writing, explore continuing education programs, and access members-only job boards and career services. The following organizations cater specifically to graduates and current students of writing programs:
- Modern Language Association
- Rhetoric Society of America
- Linguistic Society of America
- American Communication Association
- Association of Writers & Writing Programs
Whether you are an incoming freshman searching for a writing degree in hopes of becoming a well-known author or you are making a midlife career change and looking for a degree that can be applied to a number of industries and professional paths, we hope that our list of the top 15 most affordable bachelor’s degrees in writing helps you narrow down your options as you set out in this exciting yet rewarding field.
AS Staff
April 2019
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