Scholarships and Financial Aid

At Western, we believe that financial barriers should not stand in the way of your creative and professional goals. Whether you are crafting a screenplay, launching an independent press, or writing as an agent of change for the environment, we are committed to helping you find the resources you need to succeed.

Direct-Funding Scholarships

The Graduate Program in Creative Writing is deeply committed to supporting our community through substantial scholarship opportunities.

• Awards: We offer scholarships of up to $5,000 per year, depending on available funding.
• The Process: Upon admission to your chosen concentration, you will be invited to complete the program’s scholarship application.
• Sustainability: To maintain your scholarship, we ask that you remain in good academic standing and maintain full-time enrollment.

The June Advantage: Securing Your Funding Future

Because our classes begin in June 2026, our incoming students benefit from a unique opportunity to secure their financial aid before significant federal changes take effect.

• The Legacy Provision: By starting your program and receiving a loan disbursement before July 1, 2026, you fall under a “Legacy Provision” of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). This means you will generally remain grandfathered into current borrowing limits and programs for up to three years or until you complete your degree.
• Accessing Grad PLUS: While the Grad PLUS Loan program (which allows students to borrow up to the full cost of attendance) is being eliminated for new borrowers on July 1, our June cohort retains access to these vital funds.
• Avoiding New Caps: New borrowers starting after July 1 will face a lifetime federal borrowing limit of $100,000 for graduate programs. By starting in June, you ensure your education is funded under today’s more flexible parameters.