2007 MFA Rankings—Graduate Programs in Creative Writing (The Atlantic Monthly)

In 2007, The Atlantic Monthly produced the first official ranking of graduate programs in Creative Writing in ten years. You can find the article about the rankings here and here. You can also find an interview with the author of the article here. Note that the listing of the top ten programs is alphabetical.


Top Ten MFA Programs in Creative Writing

(listed alphabetically)

Boston University
University of California at Irvine
Cornell University
Florida State University
University of Iowa
Johns Hopkins University
University of Michigan
New York University
University of Texas, Michener Center
University of Virginia


Composite Ranking—The Atlantic Monthly and US News & World Report

Although The Atlantic Monthly does not officially rank the top ten programs, this is what their list would look like if the programs were ranked according to their US News & World Report Ranking.

1. University of Iowa
2. Johns Hopkins University
3. University of Virginia
4. New York University
4. University of California–Irvine
5. University of Michigan–Ann Arbor
6. Boston University
6. Cornell University
7. University of Texas, Michener Center
8. Florida State University


The author of The Atlantic Monthly article also included a series of smaller lists, which focus on specific categories. Note that these lists are also alphabetical and that they are not necessarily the five “best” or “most distinguished” programs in these categories. They are simply five programs that he chose to highlight.


Five Programs With Notable Alumni

Boston University
University of California at Irvine
Columbia University
University of Iowa
University of Virginia

Five Programs with Distinguished Faculty

Boston University
Columbia University
University of Iowa
New York University
University of Virginia

Five Highly Selective Programs

Brown University
University of California at Irvine
Johns Hopkins University
University of Texas, Michener Center
University of Virginia

Five Well-Funded Programs

Brown University
Cornell University
University of Michigan
University of Texas, Michener Center
University of Virginia

Five Innovative/Unique Programs

University of Arkansas
Brown University
Chatham University
University of Nevada at Las Vegas
University of North Carolina at Wilmington

Five Up-and-Coming Programs

Brooklyn College
University of Mississippi
Ohio State University
Rutgers University at Newark
University of Wisconsin

Five Top Ph.D. Programs in Creative Writing

Flordia State University
University of Houston
University of Nevada at Las Vegas
University of Southern California
University of Utah

Five Top Low-Residency M.F.A. Programs

Antioch University
Bennington College
Pacific Univeristy
Vermont College
Warren Wilson College

Continue to US News & World Report Rankings