We know cost is an important factor when choosing your MFA program. As an applicant or a current student, you can be considered for a variety of fellowships.
For information about student loans, please contact the Office of Financial Support and Scholarships.
Ask the Military-Connected Resource Center about potential aid for eligible students.
Graduate Studies Fellowships
The MFA in Writing Program Coordinator makes recommendations based on materials submitted by the applicant and feedback from the MFA application committee. Please see the link below for information on the many fellowship opportunities available through Graduate Studies.
Graduate Studies Scholarships, Fellowships, Awards, & Waivers
Graduate Assistantship (GA)
Graduate Assistantships (GAs) are awards to students who have demonstrated high academic potential at the graduate level. These positions are highly selective and contingent on availability from Graduate Studies. The assistantship is an average of 20 hours per week and includes the following assigned duties: teaching one undergraduate course per semester (fall and spring); meeting regularly with the Program Coordinator—or an assigned mentor—to discuss pedagogy; and contributing to programmatic research, as assigned by the Program Coordinator. Included with this assistantship are up to 12 hours of tuition toward graduate coursework during the fall and spring semesters. Monthly stipends are provided, and basic individual student health insurance is offered at a reduced rate.
Lied Lodge & Conference Center Scholarship for First-Semester Students
The Lied Lodge & Conference Center sponsors one new student each residency. The MFA in Writing supplements this sponsorship so that the meals and lodging fee is waived for the student's first semester. The Program Coordinator makes the final decision, based on feedback from the MFA application committee.
The Tonie Harrington Residency Assistant Scholarship
Each session, one student serves as Residency Assistant to the Associate Coordinator. Duties vary but are primarily clerical. The position was founded in honor of Tonie Harrington, a graduate of the first UN MFA in Writing graduating class who facilitated its formation during her tenure as a student and served as the first Residency Assistant. This program scholarship covers the entire residency meals and lodging fee and is renewable through a student's graduating residency. Award is typically for two to three semesters.
Richard Duggin Fellowship
Richard Duggin founded the MFA in Writing in 2005 and served as Program Coordinator until 2017. In 2020, the MFA in Writing, through a generous contribution from Richard Duggin, established the Richard Duggin Fellowship to reward excellence and/or address need for incoming or current students. Awards may be for one or more semesters.
Helen W. Kenefick Academy of American Poets University & College Poetry Prize
Each spring semester, all current students, regardless of genre track, will be encouraged to submit up to three poems to be considered for the UN MFA in Writing Helen W. Kenefick Academy of American Poets University & College Poetry Prize.
One poem by one winner and one runner-up, both of whom will receive notification from the Academy of American Poets, will be selected. The winner will receive an award check in the amount of $100 (plus a one-year membership to the Academy, which includes a subscription to the journal American Poet).
Students are notified of the specific deadline each spring semester.
Helen W. Kenefick Academy of American Poets University & College Poetry Prize
Graduate Research and Creative Activity (GRACA)
Graduate Research and Creative Activity (GRACA) grants support faculty-mentored graduate student research and creative activity. Grants of up to $5,000 per student are available to currently enrolled UNO graduate students.