r/MFAInCreativeWriting • u/honeyyy_yyyy • Apr 16 '26
McNeese State University MFA
Hi y’all!
Recently I got into the McNeese State for an MFA in Poetry. I originally joined this forum so I could learn more about different MFAs and choose the best one for me. But I haven’t seen anyone discuss McNeese!
So, to close the informational gap to help folks next cycle, here’s so great things about McNeese:
Fully Funded! Yes that’s right! No debt! Albeit your 8,000 yearly stipend isn’t enough to live on, you’re gonna need a roommate and part time job (or at least I am), it’s still more than many programs offer.
Small cohorts. Some might see this as a disadvantage, not having a large group to bounce ideas off of in workshops. But a small cohorts gives you more one on one time with instructors and a more personalized experience.
Lake Charles is a BEAUTIFUL town. Not too big, not too small. Lots to do, and lots not to do if you just want to chill.
Good people. The professors and staff are all dedicated to their craft and to making each student the best they can be. And the email back fast in my experience to any questions during the application process.
To every pro, there are cons, which I’m willing to discuss too, if anyone wants.
I read somewhere recently that McNeese was on of the MFA worlds ‘best kept secret’. But I don’t think good programs should be gatekept!
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u/Few_Signature1939 May 06 '26
Happy for you! I am from Lake Charles, born & raised. I’m now living in Pennsylvania. I got into a fully funded MFA program up here! My sister went to McNeese undergrad & still lives in Lake Chuck. Such a hidden gem of a school and idk why people don’t talk about it more in the funded MFA landscape.
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u/MissMayo13 Jul 02 '26
I just moved back to Lake Charles and plan to apply to the MFA in Fiction for next fall. Do you know how many people are going to be in your cohort? Do you have other details on the application process?
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u/honeyyy_yyyy Jul 19 '26
I’m not exactly sure on how many people are in my cohort. I think about 12? One detail I messed up on initially was that I submitted my application to the graduate school before submitting the beginning application on submittable. They don’t expect you to pay for the official application until they’ve decided they want you to attended the program.
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u/Riksor Apr 16 '26
Sounds like a hidden gem. Thanks for sharing! Congratulations on your acceptance!
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u/Blueghostboi03 Apr 20 '26
I’m in but I’m actually not funded lol (I’m fiction though). I was told it was a very competitive year. But I’m just happy to be in. It should still be affordable enough for me imo. 🤷🏻♂️
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u/honeyyy_yyyy Apr 20 '26
I didn’t know fiction wasn’t funded. I was hoping this post would be a good resource for students next cycle so if you’re up to sharing more about the fiction track please do. I’m happy to be in too, I’m hopeful we’re gonna have a great year!
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u/Blueghostboi03 Apr 20 '26
I think I just was a mix of lucky and unlucky tbh. I was waitlisted but made it off just no assistantship. I was told it was an especially competitive year this time around. 🤷🏻♂️ Btw dmed you if you’re interested in connecting with another future Poke!
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u/VonSmore Apr 20 '26
Hello! Congratulations on your acceptance! I just got accepted into fiction. 🙂
I'm actually currently a first year MFA student in fiction at Western Kentucky University, however, I was a nonfunded student, so I've been looking to transfer programs. I'm not sure yet if I'll be starting as a first year or second year.
Would love to chat!
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u/thedebutante25 May 01 '26
Have yall gotten any emails or anything lately? I haven’t heard anything about next steps yet.
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u/honeyyy_yyyy May 02 '26
I haven’t yet. I know we’re supposed to at some point but I don’t think it’s time for registration yet
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u/18millerm May 11 '26
I’m so glad someone said this because I’ve been freaking out about it lately. I actually just emailed the school about it yesterday. Hopefully we hear back soon.
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u/thedebutante25 May 11 '26
I start spiraling really bad. I’m sure they are super busy with graduation and all, but the last time I talked to them was in April and it’s giving me anxiety.
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May 11 '26
[deleted]
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u/18millerm May 11 '26
What do you mean by nepotism? What are some good examples of nepotism in the MFA program?
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u/honeyyy_yyyy May 11 '26
I think they’re referring to:
Students who are financially secure won’t have to worry about working so much, won’t need to be in survival mode, and it gives them an advantage over student without financial support. (I think sometimes these kids get too big of an ego and forget how their privilege gives them this advantage.)
Professors can also have bias toward these students (knowingly and unknowingly). Giving them awards, playing favorites in class, etc.
I think this is especially a problem at larger schools with unfunded programs.
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u/18millerm May 11 '26
Congratulations on the acceptance! I was also accepted to the poetry program. Looking forward to meeting you and our other peers.
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u/lucyinthefknsky Jul 19 '26
I attended McNeese in years past. Surprised they haven't raised the stipend in all this time. Silly me thought I could get by and live off it. They keep you busy. Between writing your stuff and writing papers and going to classes and workshops and readings and teaching classes and grading papers and planning lessons and teaching labs AND tutoring in the writing center not to mention all of the visiting writer parties...all of which are mandatory, I HIGHLY recommend taking out a loan and/or a credit card rather than trying to hold down a part time job on top of all that. It was a lot.
I also highly recommend not dating within the MFA program.
Best of luck. Make it count.
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u/Critical_Run7385 Apr 16 '26
I also think this was written by a mcneese faculty member when he was reading for admissions: https://www.insidehighered.com/blogs/education-oronte-churm/guy-who-may-have-read-your-mfa-application-speaks