Kenyon College is widely recognized as a haven for aspiring creative writers, offering a vibrant literary community, respected faculty, and unique opportunities. However, downsides include its rural location, competitive admission, and a relatively high cost. Below, we unpack the advantages and drawbacks of attending Kenyon College as a creative writing student, along with practical considerations, comparisons, and frequently asked questions.
Background: Kenyon College and Its Literary Reputation
Founded in 1824 in Gambier, Ohio, Kenyon College is a small liberal arts institution that has carved out a national reputation for excellence in the literary arts. The college is perhaps best known for its association with The Kenyon Review, a prestigious literary magazine, and for producing notable alumni such as John Green, E.L. Doctorow, and Laura Hillenbrand. Its English and creative writing programs are among the most respected at the undergraduate level in the United States.
Strengths of Kenyon College for Creative Writers
- Renowned Faculty: Kenyon’s creative writing faculty includes accomplished poets, novelists, and essayists who are active in their fields. This means students learn directly from professionals with recent, real-world publishing experience.
- The Kenyon Review: Founded in 1939, The Kenyon Review is one of the country’s leading literary magazines. Students have opportunities to intern, assist in editing, and attend readings and workshops featuring prominent visiting writers.
- Intensive Workshop Culture: Kenyon’s creative writing courses are taught in small, workshop-style classes. This format fosters close mentorship, peer feedback, and a sense of literary community that many students cite as transformative.
- Summer Programs: The Kenyon Review Writers Workshops and the Young Writers Workshop for high schoolers attract talented writers from across the country, offering undergraduates extra chances to network and learn outside of the academic year.
- Strong Alumni Network: Kenyon graduates often remain engaged with the college, providing mentorship, job connections, and sometimes even publication opportunities for current students.
Drawbacks and Challenges
- Rural Location: Kenyon is located in the village of Gambier, Ohio, which can feel isolated. Access to major cities or literary scenes requires travel, and some students find the rural setting limiting for cultural activities.
- Competitive Admission: Both Kenyon and its creative writing classes are selective. Not every student interested in creative writing is guaranteed a spot in upper-level workshops, which are often capped.
- Cost: Kenyon is a private college with tuition and fees that are on the higher end for liberal arts schools. While financial aid is available, the sticker price can be a barrier for some families.
- Limited Course Offerings in Some Genres: While fiction and poetry are well represented, students interested in screenwriting, playwriting, or newer genres like graphic narrative may find fewer options compared to larger universities.
- Pressure and High Expectations: The literary culture is strong, but with it comes a sense of competition and high expectations, which can be stressful for some students.
How the Creative Writing Program Works
Kenyon offers an English major with a creative writing emphasis, rather than a standalone creative writing major. Students take a mix of literature and creative writing courses, culminating in advanced workshops. Admission to these workshops is often portfolio-based, meaning students must submit samples of their work and be selected by faculty. This ensures a high level of discussion but can be intimidating for newcomers.
Students are encouraged to participate in campus literary magazines, readings, and writing contests. The curriculum emphasizes both craft and critical analysis, preparing students for a range of literary careers or graduate study in writing.
Comparisons: Kenyon vs. Other Creative Writing Programs
Kenyon is often compared to other small liberal arts colleges with strong writing programs, such as Oberlin College, Sarah Lawrence College, and Wesleyan University. What distinguishes Kenyon is:
- The Kenyon Review connection, providing unparalleled access to the literary publishing world.
- Small class sizes and a close-knit campus culture.
- Focus on undergraduate teaching, rather than graduate writing programs or large research departments.
Larger universities, such as the University of Iowa or NYU, offer broader course selections and access to urban literary scenes, but often reserve the most intensive workshops for graduate students. Kenyon’s undergraduate focus ensures that creative writers are a central part of campus life.
How to Choose: Is Kenyon Right for You?
Consider these factors when deciding if Kenyon is a good fit for your creative writing ambitions:
- Do you thrive in small, discussion-based classes? Kenyon’s workshops are intimate and participatory.
- Are you comfortable in a rural setting? The campus is beautiful but remote; social life is campus-centered.
- Can you handle competition? Both admission and course enrollment can be selective.
- Are you interested in traditional literary forms? If you want to study poetry or literary fiction, Kenyon is a strong choice. For more experimental or multimedia writing, look carefully at course offerings.
- How important is cost? Review financial aid options and compare with other schools.
Common Issues and Student Experiences
Some students report that Kenyon’s strong literary culture can be both inspiring and intimidating. The pressure to produce high-quality work and to be published in campus or national outlets is palpable. While many thrive in this environment, others may feel overshadowed or discouraged if they do not immediately succeed.
Another common issue is the rural setting. While Gambier offers a peaceful place to focus on writing, students looking for frequent off-campus cultural events or industry networking may find it limiting. However, campus organizations often bring in visiting writers and host readings to help mitigate this isolation.
Finally, the selectivity of upper-level workshops can be a double-edged sword: while it raises the quality of discussion, it can leave some students feeling left out, especially if they are not accepted into the courses they want.
Costs and Financial Aid
Kenyon’s tuition and fees are in line with other private liberal arts colleges, typically exceeding $60,000 per year before financial aid. The college is committed to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need, and many students receive grants, scholarships, or work-study aid. However, the net price can still be high for families who do not qualify for significant aid, so it’s important to use Kenyon’s net price calculator and compare aid offers from other institutions.
Students interested in creative writing may qualify for additional scholarships, such as those offered by the Kenyon Review or the English department, but these are limited and highly competitive.
Safety and Student Life
Kenyon is considered a very safe campus, with low crime rates and a supportive residential environment. Most students live on campus all four years, and the college emphasizes community and inclusion. The rural location means fewer urban concerns, though students should still take standard precautions, especially when traveling off-campus.
Student life revolves around campus events, clubs, and organizations, with the literary scene playing a major role. Besides writing, students participate in theater, music, athletics, and various social groups.
Alternatives for Creative Writers
If Kenyon’s drawbacks seem significant, there are many other colleges with strong creative writing programs to consider:
- Oberlin College: Known for its progressive atmosphere and strong arts programs.
- Sarah Lawrence College: Offers a writing-intensive curriculum and proximity to New York City.
- Wesleyan University: Balances creative writing with a broader liberal arts education.
- University of Iowa: Home to the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, though its undergraduate program is large.
- Bard College: Emphasizes interdisciplinary arts and creative experimentation.
Each program has its own strengths and culture, so research thoroughly and, if possible, visit campuses or attend virtual info sessions to get a feel for the environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kenyon College good for creative writing?
Yes, Kenyon College is nationally recognized for its creative writing program, strong faculty, and the presence of The Kenyon Review. It is consistently ranked among the best undergraduate writing programs in the U.S.
How hard is it to get into Kenyon’s creative writing classes?
Admission to Kenyon is selective, and many creative writing classes—especially upper-level workshops—require a portfolio submission. Not all students are accepted into their first-choice courses, but most find opportunities to participate in some writing classes.
What kinds of writing can I study at Kenyon?
Kenyon offers courses in fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction. There are fewer options in playwriting, screenwriting, or digital/multimedia writing compared to some larger universities.
What are the career prospects for Kenyon creative writing graduates?
Kenyon graduates have gone on to successful careers as authors, editors, journalists, educators, and in other fields requiring strong writing skills. The alumni network and Kenyon Review connections can help with internships and job leads, but as with most writing careers, success often depends on individual initiative and perseverance.
How does Kenyon’s location affect the writing program?
Gambier, Ohio, is rural and quiet, which some writers find conducive to focus and creativity. However, those seeking frequent access to urban literary scenes or publishing houses may find the location limiting.
Is financial aid available for creative writers?
Kenyon offers need-based financial aid, and there are occasional merit scholarships related to writing, but these are limited. Most aid is based on demonstrated financial need rather than talent alone.
Conclusion: Weighing the Pros and Cons
For creative writers seeking a tight-knit, supportive literary community with access to renowned faculty and real-world publishing experience, Kenyon College is among the best undergraduate choices. Its drawbacks—high cost, rural setting, and selectivity—are significant but manageable for many students. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your preferred campus environment, financial situation, and personal writing goals. Exploring alternatives and visiting campuses can help ensure the best fit for your creative and academic ambitions.
See the main Kenyon College pros and cons.