Skip to main content

MFA Scholarships

MFA in Writing Scholarship Opportunities

We know cost is an important factor when choosing your MFA program. As an applicant, current student, or alum, you can be considered for a variety of scholarships.

To be considered for one or more of the scholarships listed below, please contact our Program Coordinator, Kevin Clouther at kclouther@unomaha.edu.  Please include any support documents including your resume or vita, additional recommendations, and any information you believe will bolster your application.

Deadlines

The MFA in Writing program must receive your email of interest by no later than the dates listed below. For new students, all MFA program application materials must also be submitted before a request will be reviewed. 

  • October 1 (for Spring semester)
  • May 1 (for Fall semester)

For information about student loans, please contact the Office of Financial Support and Scholarships.

Ask the Office of Military and Veteran Services about potential aid for eligible students.

Graduate College Scholarships

The MFA in Writing Program Coordinator makes recommendations based on materials submitted by the applicant and feedback from the MFA Application Committee. Each year, the Regents of the University of Nebraska make funds available in the form of the Regents Tuition Waiver to recruit highly qualified students. A resume or vitae is required.

Regents Tuition Waivers  

Lied Lodge & Conference Center Scholarship for First-Semester Students

The Lied Lodge & Conference Center sponsors one new student each residency.  This one-time award deducts $800 from the first Meals and Lodging fee. The Program Coordinator makes 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 UNO 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 & Lodging fee and is renewable through a student's Graduating Residency.  Award is typically for 2-3 semesters.

Alumni, Current Students, and Faculty Mentor Awards

Donations to the MFA Friends are made by alumni, mentors, students, and the community. Scholarships may be need- or merit-based, range from $300-$1100, and are applied towards tuition and/or Residency Meals and Lodging fees.  All new and returning students are eligible, and awards may be for one or more sessions/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 UNO 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.

Service to Students With Disabilities

Students with disabilities seeking financial assistance are required to complete all required applications for aid, meet published deadlines for submitting applications, and verify "need" for assistance. Assistance in completing all applications for financial aid will be provided by the Financial Aid Office upon request.

The Accessibility Services Center is committed to providing an equal educational opportunity for enrolled or admitted students who have documented disabilities under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. The coordinator serves as the primary contact for students wishing to discuss eligibility, policies and procedures, services offered, and/or personal concerns. The coordinator is also available to help arrange services for qualified students with disabilities; i.e., reasonable academic adjustments, sign language interpreters, alternative print format, note takers, use of the Testing Center, assistive technology and more.

Students must provide appropriate documentation regarding physical, emotional, learning, or other type of disability for consideration of services. Consultations with the coordinator may be scheduled at any time. For information, please call 402.554.2872 or stop by the Disability Services office in the Eppley Administration Building, Room 117.