Financial-Support
Assistantships
Assistantship applications are awarded once per year, and are due for MFA applicants on January 31. Recipients gain teaching experience (as assistants in large lecture courses, and teachers of record in their own writing classes) while receiving a monthly stipend.
Current MFA students should follow these guidelines when applying for an Instructional Assistantship. Beginning in Spring '22, there are different IA application guidelines for incoming and current students.
Scholarships
Continuing Students
Current students in the MFA program may apply for a range of English Department scholarships. The tentative deadline for application is 2/1/22.
Additionally, continuing students may apply for various Graduate College scholarships, including the Celebrity Classic and Graduate Merit Scholarships, which cover a substantial portion of tuition. The deadline for application is 2/1/22.
The University also provides a variety of scholarships, including from the Student Government and University Bookstore. These are typically announced early in the Spring semester, via student email, and applications are typically due 2/1/22.
Need-based grants and loans are available as well, and can be applied for through the FAFSA.
Thesis and Research Support
Thesis
The Graduate College offers a scholarship of up to $2000 for student travel in support of Thesis work. The application deadlines are 11/15/21 for Spring '22 and 6/1/22 for Fall '22,
Additionally, the MFA program affords each Thesis student an opportunity to receive feedback on their manuscript from a renowned writer, chosen by the student from our extensive Adjunct Thesis Faculty.
Conference Travel
The Department of English, the College of Liberal Arts, and the Graduate College offer support for Graduate student conference travel for up to two conferences per academic year.
MFA Fellowships for Graduating Students
The MFA program provides two Fellowships to graduating Texas State MFA students. The Katherine Anne Porter House residency in Kyle, Texas, provides housing and support for up to three years. The Clark House Fellowship provides housing and support in Smithville, Texas for one year. A call for applications is distributed via email in the Spring semester.