Top 10: The Northwest’s Best Creative Writing Programs

The Pacific Northwest, celebrated for its rich literary heritage and artistic vibrancy, is home to some of the nation’s most prestigious creative writing programs. While there is ongoing debate about whether Boise, Idaho falls within this culturally and geographically distinct region, its dynamic literary and arts scene undeniably aligns with the Pacific Northwest’s creative ethos. Similarly, Moscow, Idaho, known for its progressive spirit and artistic community, offers a unique cultural environment that contrasts sharply with the identity often associated with the broader state of Idaho.

Both Boise and Moscow stand out as cultural hubs, fostering innovation, artistic collaboration, and progressive thought. These cities attract writers, artists, and thinkers drawn to their thriving arts scenes, eclectic communities, and strong academic institutions. Creative writing programs in these cities benefit from this stimulating environment, providing students with unparalleled opportunities for artistic development, literary networking, and cultural engagement. For aspiring novelists, poets, and storytellers, these programs offer a supportive and inspiring foundation where creative potential can be fully realized.

University of Washington (Seattle, WA)
University of Idaho (Moscow, ID)
Seattle Pacific University (Seattle, WA)
Pacific Lutheran University (Tacoma, WA)
Pacific University (Forest Grove, OR)
Pacific Northwest College of Art (Portland, OR)
Washington State University (Pullman, WA)
Boise State University (Boise, ID)
University of Oregon (Eugene, OR)

University of Washington (Seattle, WA)

While this list is not ranked in any specific order, the University of Washington stands out as one of the premier creative writing programs not only in the Pacific Northwest, but in North America. Recognized as a literary powerhouse, the program combines a rigorous curriculum with access to Seattle's vibrant arts scene. For the Creative Arts and Design, the University of Washington ranks #9 in North America and #8 in the United States, reflecting its excellence across creative disciplines. With accomplished faculty and a dynamic learning environment, the University of Washington’s Creative Writing Program continues to shape the next generation of literary talent, and it is for this reason–among others–that we consider this to be the crème de la crème of creative writing programs within the region.

Location: 4000 15th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98195
Genres of Study: Fiction, Poetry, Creative Nonfiction
Top Authors: Heather McHugh, David Wagoner, Linda Bierds
Average Cost of Attendance: $12,076 (in-state), $39,906 (out-of-state) per year
Funding Opportunities: Teaching Assistantships, Fellowships, Research Grants
Residency Options: Full residency (on-campus)

University of Idaho (Moscow, ID)

The University of Idaho’s Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing program offers intensive writing workshops, in-depth literary analysis, and research-driven creative projects designed to cultivate each student’s unique voice and artistic vision. The program fosters a supportive literary community where emerging writers can explore, experiment, and refine their craft.

Students engage in rigorous workshops focusing on Fiction, Poetry, and Creative Nonfiction, receiving personalized feedback from award-winning faculty and peers. Seminars in literary theory, craft, and contemporary literature broaden their critical understanding and inform their creative process.

The MFA curriculum emphasizes the completion of a book-length creative thesis under close mentorship from faculty advisors. Students also have the opportunity to participate in cross-genre exploration, interdisciplinary research, and collaborative literary projects.

The program’s vibrant literary culture is enriched by its Visiting Writers Series, which features nationally acclaimed authors, poets, and scholars who lead workshops, give public readings, and offer career-focused guidance.

Location: 875 Perimeter Dr, Moscow, ID 83844
Genres of Study: Fiction, Poetry, Creative Nonfiction
Top Authors: Kim Barnes, Robert Wrigley
Average Cost of Attendance: $9,396 (in-state), $29,112 (out-of-state) per year
Funding Opportunities: Full Tuition Waivers, Teaching Assistantships, Fellowships
Residency Options: Full residency (on-campus)

For more information on the University of Idaho's Creative Writing Programs, explore the university's profile in the Directory of Education: From the Rolling Hills of the Palouse: Celebrating the University of Idaho’s Creative Legacy.

Seattle Pacific University (Seattle, WA)

Seattle Pacific University's low-residency MFA program blends intensive residencies with distance learning, creating a flexible yet immersive literary experience for working professionals. This innovative structure allows students to pursue their writing ambitions while balancing personal and professional commitments. Each year, students participate in intensive, on-campus residencies featuring workshops, craft lectures, and one-on-one mentoring with award-winning faculty.

Between residencies, students engage in individualized distance learning, submitting creative work and receiving detailed feedback from faculty mentors. The program's curriculum emphasizes rigorous creative development in Fiction, Poetry, Creative Nonfiction, and Young Adult Fiction.

The supportive and collaborative literary community at Seattle Pacific encourages lifelong connections through workshops, peer reviews, and faculty engagement. Students graduate with polished portfolios ready for publication or further academic pursuits.

Location: 3307 3rd Ave W, Seattle, WA 98119
Genres of Study: Fiction, Poetry, Creative Nonfiction, Young Adult Fiction
Top Authors: Patricia Raybon, Jeffrey Overstreet
Average Cost of Attendance: $20,000 per year
Funding Opportunities: Limited Scholarships, Work-Study Options
Residency Options: Low-residency (hybrid)

Pacific Lutheran University (Tacoma, WA)

Pacific Lutheran University offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Creative Writing with a strong emphasis on literary craft, publication, and professional development. The program encourages students to refine their creative voice through immersive workshops in Fiction, Poetry, and Creative Nonfiction. Students also gain valuable editorial experience by contributing to Saxifrage, the university's student-run literary journal.

The curriculum is designed to balance creative exploration with critical analysis. Students engage in intensive writing workshops, craft-focused seminars, and literature courses that explore diverse voices and global literary traditions. Faculty members are published authors and experienced mentors dedicated to guiding students through the creative process and helping them develop publishable work.

Professional development is a core component of the program. Students participate in literary events, readings, and internship opportunities with local presses and arts organizations. The program also hosts visiting writers and industry professionals who provide insight into the literary world.

Location: 12180 Park Ave S, Tacoma, WA 98447
Genres of Study: Fiction, Poetry, Creative Nonfiction
Top Authors: Rick Barot, Nancy Pagh
Average Cost of Attendance: $46,264 per year
Funding Opportunities: Merit-Based Academic Scholarships, Creative Writing Fellowships
Residency Options: Full residency (on-campus)

Pacific University (Forest Grove, OR)

Pacific University’s low-residency MFA program emphasizes mentorship and intensive residencies, helping students grow creatively while balancing personal and professional lives. The program is designed for writers seeking a flexible structure that supports artistic development while accommodating work and family commitments.

Students attend biannual residencies, which include workshops, craft talks, and one-on-one sessions with accomplished faculty and visiting writers. Between residencies, students work closely with faculty mentors through a guided, individualized study plan, allowing for continuous creative progress.

The program offers specialized tracks in Fiction, Poetry, and Creative Nonfiction, with opportunities for cross-genre exploration. Students develop a final thesis project consisting of a polished manuscript ready for publication or further career advancement.

Pacific University also fosters a vibrant literary community through public readings, networking events, and alumni mentorship programs. Graduates have gone on to publish award-winning books, earn fellowships, and teach at respected institutions.

Location: 2043 College Way, Forest Grove, OR 97116
Genres of Study: Fiction, Poetry, Creative Nonfiction
Top Authors: Kwame Dawes, Claire Davis
Average Cost of Attendance: $15,000 per residency semester
Funding Opportunities: Scholarships for Literary Excellence, Residency Grants
Residency Options: Full-residency (on-campus) and low-residency (hybrid)

Pacific Northwest College of Art (Portland, OR)

Pacific Northwest College of Art offers an interdisciplinary Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Creative Writing that merges writing with visual arts, encouraging experimentation across mediums. The program’s unique structure allows students to explore storytelling through both written and visual narratives, fostering a dynamic creative practice that bridges literature, visual art, and multimedia forms.

The curriculum includes intensive writing workshops, literature courses, and studio art classes, providing students with a comprehensive artistic education. Students craft poetry, fiction, and hybrid forms while also creating visual projects such as illustrated books, graphic novels, and multimedia installations.

Faculty members are acclaimed writers, artists, and interdisciplinary creators who provide mentorship and individualized guidance. Visiting artists and writers regularly conduct lectures and workshops, further enriching the creative environment.

Students gain real-world experience through internships with literary journals, publishing houses, and arts organizations. They also have opportunities to showcase their work in gallery exhibitions, public readings, and literary festivals in Portland’s thriving arts scene.

Location: 511 NW Broadway, Portland, OR 97209
Genres of Study: Fiction, Poetry, Creative Nonfiction, Hybrid Forms
Top Authors: Jay Ponteri, Emily Kendal Frey
Average Cost of Attendance: $41,200 per year
Funding Opportunities: Merit-Based Scholarships, Need-Based Financial Aid
Residency Options: Full residency (on-campus)

Washington State University (Pullman, WA)

Washington State University’s English Department offers a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Creative Writing, providing students with a well-rounded literary education through workshops, literary theory courses, and hands-on publication opportunities. The program fosters creative development while building strong analytical and critical thinking skills essential for literary and professional success.

The curriculum includes workshops in Fiction, Poetry, and Creative Nonfiction, where students receive personalized feedback and develop their unique writing voices. Courses in literary history, genre studies, and contemporary literature deepen students' understanding of the craft and its cultural impact.

Students gain professional experience by contributing to LandEscapes, WSU’s award-winning literary journal, where they can work as editors, designers, and contributors. The department also hosts an annual Visiting Writers Series, featuring renowned authors who lead workshops and give public readings.

Faculty members are published authors, poets, and literary scholars dedicated to mentoring students and guiding them toward successful careers in writing, publishing, and academia. Alumni have gone on to publish books, secure editorial roles, and pursue graduate studies at top MFA programs.

Location: 14204 NE Salmon Creek Ave, Vancouver, WA 98686
Genres of Study: Fiction, Poetry, Creative Nonfiction
Top Authors: Buddy Levy, Linda Russo
Average Cost of Attendance: $11,386 (in-state), $26,506 (out-of-state) per year
Funding Opportunities: Fellowships, Teaching Assistantships, Academic Scholarships
Residency Options: Full residency (on-campus)

For more information on the University of Idaho's Creative Writing Programs, explore the university's profile in the Directory of Education: Cultivating a Creative Spirit on the Palouse: WSU’s Expansive Writing Programs

Boise State University (Boise, ID)

Boise State University’s Creative Writing Program is recognized for its fully-funded MFA tracks, competitive literary internships, and award-winning faculty dedicated to mentoring emerging voices. The program fosters an innovative and supportive learning environment that encourages creative exploration and professional development.

The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Program in Creative Writing is a fully-funded, three-year program specializing in Poetry and Fiction. Each MFA student receives a full tuition waiver, comprehensive health insurance, and a Graduate Assistantship, which includes teaching one undergraduate fiction or poetry writing course per semester. This teaching experience provides valuable professional development while allowing students to focus on their creative projects.

The MFA curriculum emphasizes intensive writing workshops, craft-based seminars, and professional development courses designed to prepare students for literary careers. Students work closely with accomplished faculty and visiting writers, gaining personalized mentorship and critical feedback on their creative work.

Undergraduate students interested in Creative Writing can pursue a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree. The program offers workshops in Fiction, Poetry, and Creative Nonfiction, supported by a comprehensive study of literary history and theory.

Location: 1910 University Drive, Boise, ID 83725
Genres of Study: Fiction, Poetry, Creative Nonfiction
Top Authors: Anthony Doerr, Brady Udall
Average Cost of Attendance: Fully-funded for MFA students
Funding Opportunities: Full Tuition Waivers, Graduate Assistantships
Residency Options: Full residency (on-campus)

For more information about Boise State University’s Creative Writing Programs, explore the university’s profile in the Education Directory: Boise State University's Blossoming Creative Writing Program in Idaho's City of Trees.

University of Oregon (Eugene, OR)

The University of Oregon’s MFA in Creative Writing is renowned for its rigorous workshops, strong literary community, and comprehensive curriculum. Designed to challenge and inspire, the program fosters creative growth through intensive writing workshops in fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction. Students engage deeply with their craft while benefiting from personalized mentorship by award-winning faculty members.

The program emphasizes the development of original creative work while encouraging critical analysis through literary seminars and craft-based courses. Students are immersed in a supportive yet demanding environment that promotes artistic exploration and professional development.

A hallmark of the University of Oregon’s MFA is its vibrant literary community. Students participate in readings, conferences, and collaborative projects, while having access to a rich network of visiting authors, editors, and industry professionals. The program also hosts a renowned reading series featuring distinguished writers from around the world.

Graduates leave the program with a polished manuscript, a strong professional network, and the skills needed for careers in writing, publishing, academia, and beyond. The University of Oregon’s MFA in Creative Writing continues to be a distinguished destination for writers seeking to refine their craft and shape the literary landscape.

Location: 1585 E 13th Ave, Eugene, OR 97403
Genres of Study: Fiction, Poetry, Creative Nonfiction
Top Authors: Garrett Hongo, Karen Thompson Walker
Average Cost of Attendance: $13,857 (in-state), $39,309 (out-of-state) per year
Funding Opportunities: Fellowships, Teaching Assistantships, Grants
Residency Options: Full residency (on-campus)

For more information about the University of Oregon’s Creative Writing Programs, explore the university’s profile in the Education Directory: Creative Writing at the University of Oregon in Eugene: A Hub for Aspiring Writers in the Mountains

Whether you’re pursuing the dream of publishing your first novel, crafting a compelling memoir, or exploring new storytelling mediums, the creative writing programs in the Pacific Northwest provide the foundation for literary success. With supportive faculty, immersive workshops, and opportunities for real-world experience, these programs offer more than just an education—they create transformative journeys where ideas flourish and stories come to life. Surrounded by inspiring landscapes and dynamic artistic communities, these schools are where creativity ignites, voices are discovered, and lasting literary careers begin.