Natural storytellers looking to hone their skillset into a career will likely benefit from an online bachelor’s in writing program. These programs offer flexibility and prepare graduates for in-demand careers with competitive salaries. Technical writers, for example, have a median salary of $80,050, creating clear documentation across industries. Copywriters earn a median salary of $73,690 writing content for advertising and marketing. Editors make a median salary of $75,020, refining written materials for clarity and impact. Pursuing an online degree in writing is an excellent way to nurture your enthusiasm for writing while providing you with practical skills sought after in today’s job market.
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The Intelligent.com Higher Education Team is dedicated to providing students with independent, equitable school and program rankings and well-researched resources. Our expert-driven articles cover topics related to online colleges and programs, paying for school, and career outlooks. We use data from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard, the National Center for Education Statistics, and other reputable educational and professional organizations. Our academic advisory team reviews content and verifies accuracy throughout the year for the most current information. Partnerships do not influence rankings or editorial decisions.
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How we rank schools
Our list features the best online Writing degree programs at top colleges nationwide. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions.
We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, reputation, and the student resources provided for online students. We collected data from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics, individual school and program websites, school admissions counselors, and other data sources. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100 based on the following criterion:
Academic Quality:
- Admission rate versus enrollment rate
- Retention rate of students who return after year one
- Accreditation status (regional and programmatic)
- Nonprofit status, both private and public institutions
Graduation Rate
- Overall graduation rate
- Total number of currently enrolled students, including diversity metrics
- Student-to-faculty ratio
Cost and ROI
- In-state and out-of-state per-credit tuition rates and fees
- Required credits to graduate
- Earning potential after graduation
- Availability of federal student loans, scholarships, and other financial aid options
Student Resources
- Available student services for online-only and hybrid programs
- On-campus amenities like tutoring centers and the number of libraries
Read more about our ranking methodology.
Best 28 Online Bachelor's in Writing Programs
FiltersInstitution Type
Status
- Intelligent Score
- Alphabetically By University Name
- Acceptance Rate
- Enrollment
- In-state Graduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Graduate Tuition
- In-state Undergraduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Undergraduate Tuition
Indiana University East
Intelligent Score: 99.63In-state: $9,815
Out-of-state: $36,194
In-state: $9,786
Out-of-state: $9,786
SAT: 1120-1350
ACT: 24-31
In-State: $235.59 per credit
Out-of-State: $664.21 per credit
Online, On-Campus
Higher Learning Commission
120 credits
Southwestern Assemblies of God University
Intelligent Score: 98.02In-state: $20,496
Out-of-state: $20,496
In-state: $10,710
Out-of-state: $10,710
SAT: 900-1120
ACT: 16-22
$499 per credit
Online, On-Campus
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
120 credits
Southern New Hampshire University
Intelligent Score: 96.96In-state: $9,600
Out-of-state: $9,600
In-state: $18,810
Out-of-state: $18,810
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$320 per credit
Online, On-Campus
New England Commission of Higher Education
120 credits
Central Washington University
Intelligent Score: 96.8In-state: $6,475
Out-of-state: $22,551
In-state: $9,822
Out-of-state: $9,822
SAT: 930-1150
ACT: 17-24
$230 per credit
Online, On-Campus
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
74 credits
University of Central Florida
Intelligent Score: 95.37In-state: $4,478
Out-of-state: $19,810
In-state: $6,916
Out-of-state: $6,916
SAT: 1160-1340
ACT: 25-30
In-State: $179.19 per credit
Out-of-State: $715.80 per credit
Online, On-Campus
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
120 credits
Nicholls State University
Intelligent Score: 94.25In-state: $4,922
Out-of-state: $6,015
In-state: $5,686
Out-of-state: $5,686
SAT: 990-1170
ACT: 19-24
$934.08 per credit
Online, On-Campus
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
120 credits
Regent University
Intelligent Score: 94.22In-state: $17,220
Out-of-state: $17,220
In-state: $15,552
Out-of-state: $15,552
SAT: 940-1220
ACT: 21-29
$395 per credit
Online, On-Campus
Commission of the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
120 credits
University of Colorado Denver
Intelligent Score: 93.07In-state: $10,728
Out-of-state: $34,930
In-state: $11,826
Out-of-state: $11,826
SAT: 1130-1350
ACT: 25-31
$330 per credit
Online, On-Campus
Higher Learning Commission
120 credits
University of Wisconsin-Superior
Intelligent Score: 92.64In-state: $9,273
Out-of-state: $37,161
In-state: $10,728
Out-of-state: $10,728
SAT: 1260-1460
ACT: 27-32
$305 per credit
Online, On-Campus
Higher Learning Commission
120 credits
Florida International University
Intelligent Score: 91.2In-state: $4,721
Out-of-state: $16,529
In-state: $8,912
Out-of-state: $8,912
SAT: 1110-1260
ACT: 23-29
In-State: $228.81 per credit
Out-of-State: $345.71 per credit
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
120 credits
Arizona State University
Intelligent Score: 88.65In-state: $10,710
Out-of-state: $28,800
In-state: $11,720
Out-of-state: $11,720
SAT: 1100-1320
ACT: 21-28
$608 per credit
Online
Higher Learning Commission
120 credits
The University of Iowa - BAS & BLS
Intelligent Score: 86.08In-state: $8,073
Out-of-state: $30,036
In-state: $10,079
Out-of-state: $10,079
SAT: 1110-1310
ACT: 22-29
$337 per credit
Online
Higher Learning Commission
120 credits
Chaminade University of Honolulu
Intelligent Score: 85.25In-state: $26,800
Out-of-state: $26,800
In-state: $24,720
Out-of-state: $24,720
SAT: 960-1140
ACT: 18-23
$565 per credit
Online, On-Campus
Western Association of Schools and Colleges
120 credits
The University of Memphis
Intelligent Score: 85.03In-state: $8,208
Out-of-state: $12,048
In-state: $9,216
Out-of-state: $9,216
SAT: 990-1200
ACT: 19-26
$413 per credit
Online, On-Campus
National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement
120 credits
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Intelligent Score: 83.14In-state: $7,568
Out-of-state: $24,056
In-state: $7,752
Out-of-state: $7,752
SAT: 1090-1280
ACT: 23-29
$280 per credit
Online, On-Campus
Higher Learning Commission
120 credits
National University
Intelligent Score: 81.45In-state: $13,320
Out-of-state: $13,320
In-state: $15,480
Out-of-state: $15,480
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$370 per quarter unit
Online, On-Campus
WASC Senior College and University Commission
180 quarter units
Eastern Oregon University
Intelligent Score: 80.96In-state: $7,830
Out-of-state: $20,520
In-state: $17,550
Out-of-state: $17,550
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$265 per credit
Online, On-Campus
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
180 credits
Antioch University
Intelligent Score: 79.95In-state: $69,040
Out-of-state: $69,040
In-state: $62,538
Out-of-state: $62,538
SAT: Not Required
ACT: Not Required
$375 per credit
Online, On-Campus
Higher Learning Center
120 credits
What You Should Know About an Online Bachelor’s in Writing Degree
If you’re considering a career in writing, it’s important to determine the type of writing you want to pursue before you choose a degree program. If you’re a storyteller, a degree in creative writing might be right for you. On the other hand, if it’s technical writing you’d like to make a career of, you might want to enroll in a program that’s more specific to your needs. If you’re not quite sure what type of writing you’d like to do, a bachelor’s in English program can help lay a solid foundation for a career in writing.
Regardless of the path you choose in your writing career, obtaining your degree from an accredited university is vital. Look for schools that have been approved by a regional accrediting organization, such as SACSCOC or HLC, to ensure your degree is recognized by prospective employers and other educational institutions.
Finding the Right Online Program
Here are some questions to ask when researching online bachelor’s in writing programs:
- Are courses offered synchronously or asynchronously? Most writing degree programs are flexible, offering part-time and distance learning options that enable students to learn at their own pace. Full-time options are also available for students looking to earn their degree quickly.
- Am I eligible for this program? Bachelor’s degree programs in writing are typically open to anyone with a high school education; however, there may be certain requirements for high school classes and your GPA. Be sure to check the admission requirements of the program you’re applying to before you submit your application.
When researching bachelor’s in writing programs, it’s important to pay close attention to the application process at each school. Ensure you submit everything the school requests, including high school transcripts, writing samples, and letters of recommendation. Keep track of application deadlines, usually obtained by visiting the school’s website or contacting the admissions department.
You might require financial aid for your education as well. Do your research before you apply and find out what’s available to you. Depending on your situation, you might qualify for need-based financial aid, merit-based scholarships, and tuition assistance from your employer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Bachelor’s in Writing Programs
What career opportunities are available with an online bachelor’s in writing degree?
Earning your bachelor’s in writing allows you to pursue multiple in-demand careers with strong salary potential. A few top options include:
- Technical writer, who simplifies complex information for user manuals, guides, and technical documentation
- Editor, who refines and polishes written materials for clarity and coherence
- Public relations specialist, who writes speeches, press releases, and other materials to help clients maintain a positive reputation
These options all offer average salaries that are well above the national median.
Are online bachelor’s in writing degree programs as credible as on-campus programs?
These programs are often as credible as their on-campus counterparts, offering the same curriculum, faculty, and access to academic resources. Many reputable institutions ensure their online degrees meet standards identical to those of in-person programs, which can generally be verified by checking the program’s accreditation status. Accreditation affirms the program meets educational standards, providing you with a quality education and a degree respected by employers.
How long does it take to complete an online bachelor’s in writing degree program?
An online bachelor’s in writing takes about four years to complete. However, the flexibility of online learning allows you to tailor the pace to your schedule. You may accelerate your studies and finish sooner if you have more availability. Conversely, if you’re balancing a full-time job or other commitments, you can extend the timeline to fit your needs.
Are there specialization options within online bachelor’s in writing degree programs?
Many online bachelor’s in writing programs offer specialization options, allowing you to center your degree around your interests. Popular options include:
- Copywriting and Content Writing, where you’ll learn to create persuasive marketing content, preparing you for positions in advertising, digital marketing, or social media management
- Journalism, allowing you to focus on investigative writing, reporting, and editing, providing a foundation for careers in media, news outlets, or freelance journalism
- Technical Writing, helping you develop skills for writing manuals, guides, and technical documentation, leading to roles in industries in tech or engineering
- Creative Writing, where you can focus on fiction or poetry, preparing for careers in publishing or scriptwriting
What is the cost of an online bachelor’s in writing degree?
According to the most recent data from the National Center for Education Statistics, the average annual tuition for an undergraduate program is $14,688. This figure can vary significantly from program to program, with factors like residency status, whether you’re attending part- or full-time, and choosing a public or private institution all impacting costs. For example, an in-state public school student will likely see a lower tuition bill than other types of students.