YOU’RE a writer, and you’ve decided to get your MFA. This choice will center writing in your life, give you a unique opportunity to develop your craft, and equip you with a degree for teaching or further education. I love this for you. Congratulations on making the first of many MFA-related choices. But there are scores of programs out there, each offering a distinct education. How do you decide where to apply?
My own MFA came from the threeyear fully funded program at Syracuse University. For a long time I couldn’t imagine a better MFA experience than the one I had. Since graduating I’ve directed a full-residency, partially funded MFA program, and I currently teach in the low-residency MFA in Writing at Vermont College of Fine Arts. I’ve come to realize that the MFA decision depends on considerations individual to you. Here are a few topics to think about as you seek out MFA programs that will serve you best.
Consider Cost
Finances are a limiting factor for many writers, and I’m sensitive to equity issues that accompany pricey tuition bills. Fully funded programs include tuition remission and a stipend, often linked to teaching assignments. In thea stipend of up to $30,000 annually for teaching classes. At Cornell University the current stipend is $32,494. Though many young writers crave a fellowship with no teaching strings attached, the teaching work can be an education in and of itself and a valuable aspect of fully funded programs. To finish your MFA with no debt a résumé of teaching experience is a real gift.
