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Tuition and Fees

Semester tuition is $9675; an additional mandatory residency fee of $600 covers room/board/facilities use and other fees. In January residencies at Blue Ridge Assembly, rooms with a private bath are available for an additional $200. The MFA Program for Writers provides substantial need-based aid. Given the high standards set for admission into our MFA Program, we are equally eager for all admitted students to attend. All students who demonstrate need as determined by the FAFSA receive MFA grants and are considered for all scholarships for which they are eligible.

Tuition

In order to satisfy degree requirements, students are required to successfully complete four semesters and participate in five residencies. For the academic year beginning in July 2021, the six-month semester tuition is $9675 with an additional mandatory residency fee of $600 toward room (single-occupancy), board, and facilities use while on campus. Additional variable expenses include travel to and from Asheville twice a year, books (15-20+ each semester), and possibly postage.

Please note that the Free Tuition Plan for qualifying NC residents initiated in 2018 at Warren Wilson College applies to undergraduate students only.

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Financial Aid

The MFA Program for Writers provides only need-based aid. Support for those who qualify include program-provided MFA grants which reduce the cost of tuition and scholarships provided by Friends of Writers. A limited number of work-study internships are also available. Any student may apply for federal loans.

Because MFA students are on campus only during two residency periods each year, we do not offer teaching assistantships. The low-residency format, however, allows students to attend a graduate writing program without moving or changing jobs, and to continue to work full-time while completing their graduate studies. Thus, in comparing the costs of graduate writing programs, one should recognize the absence of the multiple expenses of moving, and the advantage of maintaining income during the period of enrollment.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) serves as the application for financial aid. Students are encouraged to apply online prior to the application deadline (March 1 or September 1) at ttps://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa. The Federal School Code for Warren Wilson College is 002979, Asheville, NC. The FAFSA processor will send you the results by email, and the results will be received electronically by Warren Wilson College but admitted students should also send a copy of the Student Aid Report (SAR) to the Program Director. 

Admission into the MFA Program for Writers is need-blind. Once a student is offered admission, the Program will request your Student Aid Report (SAR), determine eligibility for grants, and will notify you or the aid offered. Supplemental Friends of Writers scholarships are all determined by the end of March or September.