MFA in Writing Tuition and Financial Aid

Earning a 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 2024-2025

Tuition and fees are based on standard program enrollment. 

Year 1 tuition and fees: $24,400/year

Year 2 tuition and fees: $25,304/year

Find complete cost of attendance information:

Academic Year 2024-2025
Academic Year 2023-2024

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. 

MFA in Writing 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. No additional application is required.

These include a limited number of MFA Merit Scholarships, including:

• The MFA in Writing Endowed Scholarship, offered to talented, underrepresented writers in any genre who demonstrate financial need;
• The Marvin Bell Endowed Scholarship, offered to remarkable poets entering the program;
• The Kwame Dawes Mapmakers Scholarship, awarded to exceptional students of color in any genre;
• The Katherine Dunn Scholarship, named for the MFA faculty and celebrated novelist and journalist Dunn, and offered to extraordinary women writers who demonstrate financial need (FAFSA required); and
• The Washburn Scholarship, named in honor of beloved longtime program director Shelley Washburn, which recognizes talented writers in any genre.

Additional Financial Resources

• www.ed.gov
• www.fastweb.com
• www.finaid.org