How to Afford Your MFA

THE TRUTH ABOUT COST

You deserve to know exactly what you'll invest in your MFA— and what you'll receive in return. Here's our promise: Every admitted student receives significant financial aid. No surprises. Just honest numbers and real support.

Substantial Scholarships, Myriad Opportunities

What EVERYONE Receives

Guaranteed institutional aid: $18,000/year = $36,000/2 years

What You Might Receive

Competitive students may qualify for:

- Merit scholarships (3-5 awarded): $26,000/year

- Full-tuition scholarship (1 awarded): $44,160/year

-Chair's Scholarship: up to $24,000/year

WHAT THIS MEANS

CCA's net cost is competitive with other private programs both nationally and locally. For approximately the same investment as USF or Saint Mary's, you receive:

→ Smallest cohorts in the Bay Area (8-10 students)

→ Only MFA at a premier arts college

→ Four semesters of one-on-one faculty mentorship

→ Teaching assistantships available from

semester 1

→ Cross-disciplinary collaboration with filmmakers, designers, visual artists

Earn While You Learn

Teaching Assistantships at CCA MFA Writing

Unlike programs where teaching opportunities are limited or delayed, CCA offers TA positions to all interested students—as early as your first semester.

WHAT TAs DO: - Assist faculty in undergraduate creative writing courses - Lead small-group discussions and provide feedback - Hold office hours and mentor undergrad writers - Develop teaching materials under faculty supervision

WHAT YOU GAIN:

Income to offset living expenses
Real teaching experience for your CV
Preparation for academic job market
Deeper understanding of craft through teaching
Strong letters of recommendation from faculty

WHY IT MATTERS: Many MFA graduates pursue teaching careers. CCA students graduate with 2 years of teaching experience—a significant advantage when applying for academic positions, writer-in-residence programs, or teaching fellowships. Interested in teaching? Indicate this in your application or during your admissions interview. No prior teaching experience required.