Fully Funded MFA Programs

Art is Expensive. Your Education doesn't have to be.

Find Your Program in 5 Minutes or Less

Many schools have rolling admissions, which means you can start a program in a few weeks!

>

Pursuing a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) is a significant step for artists, writers, and creatives aiming to deepen their craft and advance their careers. However, the financial burden associated with graduate education can be a major obstacle. Fully funded MFA programs offer a solution by providing financial support that covers tuition and living expenses, allowing students to focus entirely on their creative development.

What Are Fully Funded MFA Programs?

Fully funded MFA programs are graduate-level courses where the institution covers the cost of tuition and provides a stipend for living expenses. This support often comes through a combination of:

  • Tuition Remission: Full coverage of tuition fees.
  • Stipends: Monthly payments to assist with living costs.
  • Health Insurance: Medical coverage provided by the institution.
  • Assistantships and Fellowships: Opportunities to teach or focus solely on creative work, offering professional experience and financial support.

Benefits of Full Funding

Financial Relief: Eliminates or significantly reduces student debt.Professional Development: Teaching assistantships provide valuable experience.Creative Focus: Students can concentrate on their work without financial stress.

Related Online Master's Programs That Might Interest You

Fully Funded MFA Program Details

Fully Funded MFA Programs in Creative Writing

  1. University of Texas Michener Center for Writers
    • Funding Details:
      • Fellowship: All admitted students receive a fellowship of $30,000 per academic year.
      • Summer Stipend: An additional $4,000 stipend for the summer, totaling an annual award of $34,000.
      • Health Insurance Stipend: Approximately $4,000 annually to cover the cost of the individual student health insurance plan.
      • Tuition Coverage: Direct payment of required tuition, an approximate $9,000 annual value.
      • Conference Grant: Opportunity for a conference attendance grant of up to $1,000 per academic year.
      • Renewal: Support is renewed each year with satisfactory progress toward the degree.
    • Program Highlights:
      • Interdisciplinary study across genres.
      • No teaching duties required, allowing full focus on writing.
    • Source:
  2. University of Iowa Writers' Workshop
    • Funding Details:
      • First-Year Fellowship: The Iowa Arts Fellowship provides a $21,400 academic year stipend.
      • Tuition Coverage: Scholarship for full tuition and 50% of mandatory fees.
      • Restrictions: Recipients may not hold other paid appointments during their fellowship year.
      • Subsequent Years: The program provides additional financial support through a 25% or greater graduate assistantship or equivalent fellowship.
    • Program Highlights:
      • Oldest and highly prestigious writing program.
      • Emphasis on workshops and peer critique.
    • Source:
  3. University of Michigan Helen Zell Writers' Program
    • Funding Details:
      • First-Year Stipend: An annual stipend of $25,980 for the 2023-2024 academic year.
      • Summer Funding: An additional $6,000 in summer funding.
      • Tuition Coverage: Full tuition waiver.
      • Health Care Benefits: Comprehensive health insurance provided.
      • Second Year: Similar funding package with opportunities for teaching.
    • Program Highlights:
      • Intimate program with close faculty mentorship.
      • Includes a post-MFA residency year with a $25,000 stipend.
    • Source:
  4. Cornell University MFA in Creative Writing
    • Funding Details:
      • Stipend: Annual stipend of $33,930 for the 2024-2025 academic year through Teaching Assistantships (TAs), Graduate Assistantships (GAs), or Research Assistantships (RAs).
      • Tuition Coverage: Full tuition remission.
      • Health Insurance: Comprehensive coverage included.
      • Summer Stipend: An additional $11,310 for a 13-week summer term.
      • Workload: Standard assistantship involves 15 hours per week.
    • Program Highlights:
      • Emphasis on one-on-one mentorship.
      • Small cohorts for personalized attention.
    • Source:
  5. Brown University Literary Arts Program
    • Funding Details:
      • First-Year Fellowship:
        • Stipend: Projected at no less than $31,809 for the 2023-2024 academic year (approximately $3,534 per month for nine months).
        • Tuition Coverage: Full tuition remission.
        • Health Fee and Insurance: Included.
        • No Teaching Requirements: Fellowships do not require employment or teaching.
      • Summer Funding: Between the first and second year, a stipend of $4,712 (approximately $1,571 per month for three months).
      • Second-Year Assistantship:
        • Stipend: Projected at no less than $31,809.
        • Teaching Duties: Teach one undergraduate writing workshop per semester.
        • Tuition and Health Benefits: Full coverage continues.
    • Program Highlights:
      • Encourages experimental writing and cross-disciplinary projects.
      • Access to a vibrant literary community.
    • Source:

Fully Funded MFA Programs in Studio and Visual Arts

  1. Rutgers University MFA in Studio Art
    • Funding Details:
      • Teaching Assistantships:
        • Stipend: $40,000 for the 2025-2026 school year.
        • Tuition Coverage: Full tuition remission.
        • Availability: 7-8 teaching assistantships offered each year.
        • Application Note: All applicants are considered for assistantships automatically.
    • Program Highlights:
      • Close proximity to New York City art scene.
      • Emphasis on contemporary art practices.
    • Source:
  2. University of California, San Diego MFA in Visual Arts
    • Funding Details:
      • Guaranteed Support: All admitted MFA students are guaranteed three years of financial support.
      • Stipend:
        • Teaching Assistantships: A 50% appointment with a nine-month salary of $29,125 for first-time TAs.
      • Tuition Coverage: Includes coverage of most tuition and fee costs.
      • Non-Residents:
        • First-Year Support: Department pays Nonresident Supplemental Tuition (approximately $15,102).
        • Residency Expectation: Expected to establish California residency after the first year.
      • International Students:
        • Support Duration: Department pays Nonresident Supplemental Tuition for the first three years.
        • Additional Years: Students are responsible for the tuition after the third year.
    • Program Highlights:
      • Strong interdisciplinary focus.
      • Access to cutting-edge facilities and technology.
    • Source:
  3. University of Wisconsin-Madison MFA in Studio Art
    • Funding Details:
      • Assistantships:
        • Teaching Assistantships (TA): Assigned in the first year; assist faculty in courses like Art 100, Art 107, and Art 108/208.
        • Lecturing Student Assistantships (LSA): For rising second and third-year students; responsible for teaching undergraduate courses.
        • Project Assistantships (PA): Selected by faculty to assist with studio research.
      • Stipends: Generous monthly stipends (exact amounts vary).
      • Tuition Coverage: Full tuition remission.
      • Health Benefits: Access to UW-Madison health benefits.
      • Expectations: Students are expected to provide 20 hours of service per week during the 9-month academic year.
    • Program Highlights:
      • Commitment to high-level academic and professional performance.
      • Access to extensive studio spaces and resources.
    • Source:

Fully Funded Low-Residency MFA Programs

  1. Warren Wilson College MFA Program for Writers
    • Funding Details:
      • Scholarships and Fellowships:
        • Larry Levis Post-Graduate Stipends: Two stipends of $5,000 each (one in fiction and one in poetry) awarded to graduates completing their first books.
        • Annual Levis Prize: $5,000 awarded for a first book of poetry and a first book of fiction.
      • Conference Support: Opportunities for additional funding for conference attendance.
    • Program Highlights:
      • Pioneer in low-residency MFA programs.
      • Emphasizes a balance between writing, reading, and critical analysis.
    • Source:
  2. Vermont College of Fine Arts MFA in Writing
    • Funding Details:
      • Entering Students Scholarships:
        • Merit, Need-Based, and Diversity Scholarships: Ranging from $1,000 - $4,000 per semester.
        • Donor Scholarships:
          • Saddhā Scholarship Fund: $1,500 for students hindered by significant medical issues.
          • Upstreet Scholarship Fund: Up to $5,000 for students with strong financial need.
          • Phoenix Books Howard Frank Mosher Scholarship: $10,000 merit-based award for an emerging fiction writer from Vermont.
      • Continuing Students Scholarships:
        • Fowler-McCown Scholarship Fund: $1,500 for students over 45 years of age.
        • Lynda Hull Minority Scholarship Fund: Awards ranging from $500 - $1,500 for students of ethnic diversity with financial need.
        • The Writing Life Scholarship Fund: $1,000 awarded based on an essay about pursuing the writing life.
        • Fellowships:
          • Social Media Fellowship: $1,200 per semester for managing the program's social media platforms.
          • Mid-Semester Programming Fellowship: $800 per semester for coordinating mid-semester events.
    • Program Highlights:
      • Personalized mentorship from faculty.
      • Flexible structure suitable for working professionals.
    • Source:

Choosing the Right Program

  • Align with Artistic Goals: Select programs that match your creative vision and discipline.
  • Evaluate Faculty and Curriculum: Research faculty expertise and course offerings.
  • Consider Location and Community: Think about how the geographical setting and campus culture will impact your experience.

Application Process and Competitiveness

Fully funded MFA programs are highly competitive due to their limited spots and generous funding.

  • Application Requirements:
    • Portfolio or Writing Sample: Your best work showcasing your skills.
    • Personal Statement: Articulate your goals and fit for the program.
    • Letters of Recommendation: Choose recommenders who know your work well.
    • Transcripts: Official records of your academic history.
  • Tips for Strengthening Your Application:
    • Start Early: Give yourself ample time to prepare materials.
    • Revise Thoroughly: Edit your portfolio and statements multiple times.
    • Seek Feedback: Get input from mentors or peers.

Alternative Funding Options

If you don't secure a spot in a fully funded program, consider other financial aid opportunities.

  • Partial Scholarships and Grants: Many programs offer some level of financial support.
  • External Fellowships and Awards: Organizations like the Fulbright Program offer funding.
  • Work-Study Programs and Part-Time Employment: Balance work with your studies to offset costs.

Life as a Fully Funded MFA Student

  • Academic and Creative Balance: Juggle coursework, creative projects, and possibly teaching responsibilities.
  • Professional Development: Gain experience through assistantships and networking.
  • Financial Management: Budget wisely to make the most of your stipend.

Post-Graduation Opportunities

  • Diverse Career Paths: Teaching, publishing, exhibiting, or working in arts administration.
  • Leveraging Your MFA Degree: Use your skills and network for career advancement.
  • Alumni Networks: Stay connected for opportunities and support.

Pursuing a fully funded MFA program can be a transformative experience that propels your artistic career without the burden of debt. By carefully researching and applying to programs that align with your goals, you can find the right fit and take the next step in your creative journey.

Next Steps

  • Research Programs: Visit program websites and reach out to admissions offices.
  • Prepare Your Application: Start gathering materials and seek feedback.
  • Stay Informed: Keep track of deadlines and requirements.

Additional Resources

  • Recommended Reading:
    • MFA vs. NYC by Chad Harbach
    • The Creative Writing MFA Handbook by Tom Kealey
  • Contact Information for Program Inquiries:
    • Visit individual program websites for the most up-to-date contact details.

Citations

Disclaimer: Stipend amounts and funding details are based on information available as of October 2023 and are subject to change. Applicants should verify details with the respective programs, as funding packages and admission requirements may vary.

Notes:

  • Stipend figures are based on the most recent data available from each school's official website as of October 2023. Always consult the official university websites or contact admissions offices for the most current information.
  • Readers are encouraged to verify all details to ensure they have the most up-to-date information when making decisions about their education.

Related Online Master's Programs That Might Interest You

Take the next step toward your future with online learning.

Discover schools with the programs and courses you’re interested in, and start learning today.
crossmenuchevron-down