2018 MFA Index: 59 Low-Residency Programs
Genres
The program offers tracks in these genres.
P = Poetry; F = Fiction; N = Nonfiction; T = Translation; NGS = Not Genre-Specific; + = Additional Genres, such as playwriting/drama, screenwriting, TV writing, writing for children and young adults, popular-genre fiction, comics and/or graphic narratives, travel writing, environmental writing, libretto, narrative-poetic medicine, writing for new media, and radio drama, among others. Note: Some programs offer translation as a concentration or as required coursework; only translation tracks are noted here. Many programs offer dual-genre or cross-genre tracks or opportunities, which are not noted here.
Duration
The number of years it takes a typical student to complete a degree. Many programs offer more flexible residency options and do not require students to graduate in this time.
Size
The total number of students in the incoming class each year across all genres. Many programs start two or more cohorts each year. XS = 2–9 students; S = 10–19; M = 20–30;
L = 31–49; XL = 50+
Residency Requirements
The number and duration of residencies a typical student is required to attend each year. Students are not always required to adhere to this residency schedule; many low-residency programs offer more flexible residency options. Many programs also require students to attend an additional graduation residency; these are not noted here.
Location
The city where each residency takes place; most residencies are held on the campus of the host university.
App. Fee
The lowest application fee (postal or online) for U.S. students. Note: Many programs charge a higher fee for non–U.S. students.
Next Deadline
The next application deadline on or after September 1, 2017, whether that be a priority deadline, funding deadline, or final deadline. Lowresidency programs often set priority or funding deadlines and then accept students thereafter on a rolling basis or until a final deadline. Lowresidency programs, usually those that host two or more residencies a year, typically have two or more application cycles (one for each residency).