Best Creative Writing Schools in California (2026)

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California Creative Writing At a Glance

Earning an online creative writing degree in California offers a flexible path into creative writing careers. California offers competitive wages for creative writing professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. Whether you’re looking for an affordable in-state option or a nationally available program, California students have access to a variety of accredited online choices that balance quality and cost.

Online Creative Writing Schools in California

The following schools offer accredited online creative writing programs and are ranked based on affordability, graduation rates, and student outcomes in California.

#1

University of California-Irvine

📍 Irvine, CA

• 4 year
• Offers a fully online program
• Accredited

90.2 BOC Score

Acceptance rate 29%

Graduation rate 86%

Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $80,735

Avg net price $14,251/yr

Tuition

In‑state$15,722

Out‑of‑state$49,922

Contact

• 501 Aldrich Hall Irvine, CA 92697
• (949) 824-5011
• Visit website

Key stats

• Retention rate: 94%
• Programs offered: 134

Source:Accreditor: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission · IPEDS · College Scorecard

#2

University of California-Davis

📍 Davis, CA

• 4 year
• Offers a fully online program
• Accredited

90.0 BOC Score

Acceptance rate 42%

Graduation rate 85%

Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $80,838

Avg net price $14,741/yr

Tuition

In‑state$16,774

Out‑of‑state$50,974

Contact

• One Shields Avenue Davis, CA 95616-8678
• (530) 752-1011
• Visit website

Key stats

• Retention rate: 93%
• Programs offered: 153

Source:Accreditor: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission · IPEDS · College Scorecard

#3

San Jose State University

📍 San Jose, CA

• 4 year
• Offers a fully online program

86.3 BOC Score

Graduation rate 78%

Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $78,988

Avg net price $13,760/yr

TuitionContact school for pricing

Contact

• One Washington Square San Jose, CA 95192-0186
• (408) 924-1000
• Visit website

Key stats

• Retention rate: 87%
• Programs offered: 118

Source:IPEDS · College Scorecard

#4

Chapman University

📍 Orange, CA

• 4 year

61.4 BOC Score

Graduation rate 82%

Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $70,070

Avg net price $46,555/yr

TuitionContact school for pricing

Contact

• One University Dr. Orange, CA 92866
• (714) 997-6815
• Visit website

Key stats

• Retention rate: 91%
• Programs offered: 77

Source:IPEDS · College Scorecard

#5

Antioch University-Santa Barbara

📍 Santa Barbara, CA

• 4 year

58.7 BOC Score

Graduation rate 85%

Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $51,541

TuitionContact school for pricing

Contact

• 602 Anacapa Street Santa Barbara, CA 93101
• (805) 962-8179
• Visit website

Key stats

• Programs offered: 6

Source:IPEDS · College Scorecard

#6

Cypress College

📍 Cypress, CA

• 4 year

49.5 BOC Score

Graduation rate 30%

Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $43,533

Avg net price $4,606/yr

TuitionContact school for pricing

Contact

• 9200 Valley View Cypress, CA 90630-5897
• (714) 484-7000
• Visit website

Key stats

• Programs offered: 84

Source:IPEDS · College Scorecard

#7

California College of the Arts

📍 San Francisco, CA

• 4 year

46.4 BOC Score

Graduation rate 73%

Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $49,414

Avg net price $53,909/yr

TuitionContact school for pricing

Contact

• 145 Hooper Street San Francisco, CA 94107-2247
• (415) 703-9500
• Visit website

Key stats

• Retention rate: 90%
• Programs offered: 25

Source:IPEDS · College Scorecard

#8

Antioch University-Los Angeles

📍 Culver City, CA

• 4 year

43.4 BOC Score

Graduation rate 62%

Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $51,541

TuitionContact school for pricing

Contact

• 400 Corporate Pointe Culver City, CA 90230-7615
• (310) 578-1080
• Visit website

Key stats

• Programs offered: 5

Source:IPEDS · College Scorecard

Career Outlook and Salaries in California

Creative Writing professionals in California experience a dynamic job market with competitive wages. Below are the median annual salaries for key roles in the field, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for California.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2025 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.

Why Pursue an Online Creative Writing Degree in California?

Choosing a program in California can provide several advantages:

• In-State Tuition: Many public universities in California offer lower tuition rates for residents, even for online programs.
• Local Networking: Attending a school within your state can make it easier to connect with local employers and professional organizations.
• Regional Relevance: Curriculum often incorporates data and case studies relevant to the California economy and job market.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are online creative writing programs in California accredited?

The schools in our directory hold institutional accreditation from agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education - that is a condition of inclusion. Verify any specific school and program in the Department’s DAPIP database before enrolling.

How does Creative Writing pay in California compare to other states?

California offers competitive wages for creative writing professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. This makes California a strong choice for students looking to maximize their ROI after graduation.

What is the primary licensing board for creative writing in California?

The California Professional Licensing Board oversees professional standards and licensure for the field in California. Most accredited programs are designed to align with their specific requirements.

Related Creative Writing Resources

• Main Creative Writing Degree Guide
• Creative Writing Programs by State Index
• Affordable Creative Writing Programs

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