MFA in Writing Tuition & Financial Aid

Earning an MFA in Writing at Pacific University is an opportunity to develop a writing practice that balances the life you lead with the art you make. We are here to help you plan for the financial commitment of this education.

The Financial Aid Office determines eligibility for all federal loan and employment programs and provides resources for students interested in borrowing through private and alternative loan programs. The Financial Aid Office is committed to making the process of financing your graduate education as manageable as possible.

Review MFA in Writing tuition, program costs, and financial aid below.

MFA in Writing Tuition 2025-2026

Tuition and fees are based on standard program enrollment.

Estimated tuition for the academic year: $22,624 ($11,312 per semester)

Residency fees for the academic year: $2,200 ($1,100 per semester)

Student Service Fee: $408 ($204 per semester)

Fifth/Thesis residency: $2,828 (+ $1,100 residency fee)

Find complete cost of attendance information:

Academic Year 2024-2025
Academic Year 2023-2024

Featured Scholarships

MFA Scholarships

Each year Pacific offers partial scholarships to selected students entering the MFA program. All scholarships are based on the quality of the creative manuscript and supporting application materials and are awarded at the time of acceptance. Except in one case—the Robert Kelleher “A Room of One’s Own” Scholarship For Mothers—no additional application materials are required.

Learn More

Financial Aid

To apply for financial aid, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is available annually beginning October 1. To explore and understand available financing options, we recommend that you file the FAFSA no later than February 15, prior to the start of the academic year. It is not necessary to be accepted for admission prior to submitting a FAFSA.

Loans

Federal Student Loan Programs

Federal student loan programs offer:

Fixed interest rates, set annually by the federal government
Income-driven repayment plans
Loan forgiveness plans

Private Loans

Alternative loans are available through private lenders. Eligibility is generally based on a borrower’s employment history, credit score, debt-to-income ratio, and enrollment status. Students are encouraged to explore federal student loan options before applying for alternative student loans.

Learn more about federal student loans for graduate and professional programs.

Additional Financial Resources

Financial Aid Office
503-352-2863 | financialaid@pacificu.edu
Toll Free: 877-722-8648, ext. 2863

MFA in Writing Graduate Program

MFA in Writing Curriculum

Meet the Faculty

Residency Writers Conference

Stacks Of Books Written By Pacific MFA In Writing Alumni

Grand Conversations: Pacific's MFA In Writing Celebrates 20 Years

Formative Moments: Kwame Dawes Named Jamaica Poet Laureate

Related News

MFA in Writing

Care Is Currency: Bhopla Gives Back Through Service

The Pacific University Alumni Association 2024 Emerging Leader Award winner is no stranger to service, giving back both to women in her local community and fellow alumni in the Master of Fine Arts in Writing program.

Read more about Care Is Currency: Bhopla Gives Back Through Service

Pacific Mourns Passing Of MFA In Writing Professor Jack Driscoll

A member of the MFA in Writing faculty since 2006, Driscoll passed away on June 25 at his home in Mystic, Connecticut at age 78.

Read more about Pacific Mourns Passing Of MFA In Writing Professor Jack Driscoll

Grand Conversations: Pacific's MFA In Writing Celebrates 20 Years

The university's low-residency Master of Fine Arts in Writing program looks to its acclaimed faculty and dedicated alumni to guide the program into its next 20 years.

Read more about Grand Conversations: Pacific's MFA In Writing Celebrates 20 Years

Formative Moments: Kwame Dawes Named Jamaica Poet Laureate

The longtime faculty member in Pacific's Master of Fine Arts in Writing program receives "one of the most important honors" of his career. He hopes to use the post to further exposure to poetry and create a registry of Jamaican poets.

Read more about Formative Moments: Kwame Dawes Named Jamaica Poet Laureate

Pacific University To Honor Seven Distinguished Alumni

Seven outstanding alumni will be presented with Pacific Unversity Alumni Association's Outstanding Alumni Achievement Award, David & Sandy Lowe Outstanding Alumni Service Award and Emerging Leader Award this October during Homecoming and Family Weekend.

Read more about Pacific University To Honor Seven Distinguished Alumni

Media Mentions

MFA in Writing

Kwame Dawes Celebrates & Promotes Poetry In Jamaica

Feb. 21, 2025 | The Jamaica Observer profiled Master in Fine Arts in Writing Professor Kwame Dawes and his goals as the recently appointed Poet Laureate in Jamaica. "We will celebrate poetry, remember the legacy of the poets, bring the gift of poetry to our people and encourage our people to recognize poetry in their everyday lives."

Hail The New Poet Laureate: Professor Kwame Dawes

Jan. 24, 2025 | The Gleaner newspaper in Kingston, Jamaica, covered the investiture ceremony for Kwame Dawes, a professor in Pacific's Master of Fine Arts in Writing program, who has been named the Poet Laureate of Jamaica.

Upcoming Events

MFA in Writing

Jun28

June Commencement

4 pm | Saturday, June 28, 2025

Forest Grove, Taylor-Meade Performing Arts Center, McCready Hall

June Commencement celebrates degree candidates in the Master of Fine Arts in Writing Program, during its annual summer residency in Forest Grove. Pacific University celebrates the Class of 2025 on June 28.