2026 Best Value Creative Writing Schools in Missouri
[Creative Writing](/majors/english-language-literature/writing-studies/creative-writing/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong creative writing education at a price that pays off.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 13 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for creative writing students.
What’s on this page:
2026 Best Value Creative Writing Schools in Missouri
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in creative writing, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Creative Writing Schools
University Of Missouri St Louis tops our 2026 list of the best value creative writing schools in Missouri. University Of Missouri St Louis is a large public school located in the suburb of Saint Louis. Students from in state pay about $15,120 in tuition and fees, compared with $37,620 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for creative writing graduates is $25,943. Soon after graduation, creative writing degree recipients from University Of Missouri St Louis generally make around $53,079. Set against $25,943 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Missouri St Louis admits about 63% of applicants.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Truman State University earned it the #2 place for creative writing. Set in the town of Kirksville, Truman State University is a mid-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,838 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,566. Creative Writing graduates carry a median of $26,899 in student loans. Soon after graduation, creative writing degree recipients from Truman State University generally make around $16,569. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted.
Students looking for strong value in creative writing will find it at University Of Missouri Kansas City, which ranked #3. Located in the city of Kansas City, University Of Missouri Kansas City is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $13,371 in tuition and fees, compared with $32,271 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,741 to complete the creative writing program here. Early-career creative writing graduates make about $60,324. Set against $23,741 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted.
Students looking for strong value in creative writing will find it at Missouri State University Springfield, which ranked #4. Set in the city of Springfield, Missouri State University Springfield is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,502 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,770. Typical student debt for creative writing graduates is $26,500. Creative Writing graduates of Missouri State University Springfield earn a median of $47,377 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%.
Lindenwood University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in creative writing, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the city of Saint Charles, Lindenwood University is a large private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $21,600 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $28,663 to complete the creative writing program here. Creative Writing graduates of Lindenwood University earn a median of $48,018 early in their careers. Set against $28,663 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Lindenwood University admits about 57% of applicants.
Washington University In St Louis placed #6 among the best values for creative writing. Set in the suburb of St. Louis, Washington University In St Louis is a large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,790. Students borrow a median of $17,553 to complete the creative writing program here. Creative Writing graduates of Washington University In St Louis earn a median of $32,350 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 12%.
More Creative Writing Rankings
View All Creative Writing Rankings >
Notes and References
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 13 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 3 ranked schools only.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
More about our data sources and methodologies.
