Best Creative Writing Programs 2026
by Anonymous
Compare creative writing programs for aspiring fiction and nonfiction writers. Iowa Writers' Workshop remains the most prestigious MFA program, Gotham Writers Workshop offers accessible online classes, MasterClass features best-selling authors, and Coursera partners with universities for structured creative writing specializations.
Iowa Writers' Workshop
$30,000+/year (tuition)
price
Full-time residential MFA
format
Intensive peer workshops
workshop component
MFA degree
credential
2 years
duration
Gotham Writers Workshop
$400-$500/class
price
Online and in-person, 10 weeks
format
Small group workshops
workshop component
Certificate of completion
credential
10 weeks per class
duration
MasterClass (Writing)
$10/month (annual)
price
Pre-recorded video lessons
format
No peer interaction
workshop component
None
credential
Self-paced (20+ lessons)
duration
Coursera (Wesleyan)
Free (audit); $49/month
price
Self-paced online
format
Peer review assignments
workshop component
Specialization certificate
credential
6-8 months
duration
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