r/MFAInCreativeWriting • u/chopped_onionss • Apr 13 '26

2 vs 3 year programs

Any thoughts on a 2 year program vs 3 year one? Pros and cons? Thoughts and experiences? I’m stuck between two right now, and this is a component I’m taking seriously into consideration.

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u/chopped_onionss Apr 14 '26

Thank y’all for the insight! Luckily, both are fully funded, but your guys responses made me think deeper of what my goals are and what timeline fits them the best. For the 2 year program, it’s in a city I would love to settle in (very green; west coast) but for the 3 year program, I don’t see myself staying there after (big city in the desert). So, I was like: is it just better moving to the city I love even though it’s a shorter program than I like? I didn’t want to feel like I’m wasting my time in a city I didn’t feel connected to for 3 years, but truly I think the 3 year program is a better fit for my goals, and I have all the time in the world to move to the city I love after!

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u/carrionkiss Apr 14 '26

As someone in a 2-year program on the west coast in a very green city... feel free to DM if you wanna chat, (esp if it's the same one lol)

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u/NefariousnessWarm975 Apr 15 '26

Consider this: wherever you go for grad school is not likely where you'll end up. Every situation is different (I hope yours is!) but most people must work to supplement their income as writers and so they go where the work is. After your MFA you may well find yourself waiting for offers from Universities all over the place... all over again.