College Scholarships for Literature Majors

Expert Answers to the Most Asked Literature Scholarship Questions

Literature Scholarships for College Students

Literature scholarships support students who study English, comparative literature, creative writing, or related humanities fields. These awards help cover tuition, books, and living expenses while encouraging the development of strong analytical, creative, and communication skills. Literature majors contribute to a wide range of industries — from publishing and journalism to marketing, education, and digital media — making scholarships an important resource for students preparing to enter diverse career pathways.

Many scholarships for literature majors reward academic excellence, creativity, leadership, or dedication to the arts. Others focus on specific writing forms such as poetry, fiction, nonfiction, scriptwriting, or literary criticism. With programs available at the undergraduate and graduate levels, students of all academic stages can find funding opportunities that support their intellectual and creative growth.

Are There Scholarships for Literature Majors?

Yes. A wide variety of scholarships are available for students pursuing degrees in literature, English, and creative writing. These awards come from universities, literary foundations, poetry associations, women’s organizations, and private companies invested in supporting the arts.

Literature majors are often eligible for both general academic scholarships and specialized writing awards. Some scholarships emphasize academic achievement, while others focus on creative potential, originality, and storytelling ability. Whether you specialize in poetry, fiction, or literary theory, there are opportunities designed to support your path.

Major Creative Writing & Literature Fellowships

Some of the most respected awards for literature students come from national literary organizations that honor exceptional talent. These fellowships and scholarships often provide significant financial support along with mentorship or publication opportunities.

What Is the Ruth Lilly and Dorothy Sargent Rosenberg Poetry Fellowship?

The Ruth Lilly and Dorothy Sargent Rosenberg Poetry Fellowship is one of the most prestigious and competitive awards in American poetry. It supports young poets committed to refining their craft and pursuing careers in literature.

Eligibility requirements include:

• Being between ages 21 and 31 at the time of application.
• Submitting up to 10 original poems for evaluation.
• Demonstrating exceptional poetic ability, creativity, and artistic promise.

Each fellowship awards $25,800, making it one of the most financially generous opportunities available to young poets. Winners gain national recognition, often launching careers in writing, editing, or academia.

What Is the Norman Mailer Writing Award?

The Norman Mailer Writing Award honors emerging writers in fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. Applicants may be high school students, undergraduates, or graduate students pursuing degrees in writing, literature, journalism, or related fields.

Eligibility typically includes:

• Submitting a writing portfolio containing essays, short stories, or creative nonfiction.
• Demonstrating originality, strong narrative voice, and literary excellence.

Awards range from $2,500 to $10,000 and may include publication opportunities or writing residencies that help students refine their skills.

University Literature Scholarships & Departmental Awards

Most universities offer scholarships tailored specifically to students majoring in literature, English, or creative writing. These awards recognize academic achievement, writing excellence, or commitment to the humanities.

Examples include:

• Harvard University Creative Writing Fellowships: Awards for undergraduate and graduate students demonstrating exceptional creative writing ability.
• Stanford Creative Writing Program Fellowships: Funding for MFA students studying fiction or poetry in one of the nation’s top programs.
• University of Iowa Literature & Writing Scholarships: Prestigious awards associated with the world-renowned Iowa Writers’ Workshop.

Students should check with their university’s English department, honors college, or creative writing program to find institution-specific awards, assistantships, and fellowships.

Are There Scholarships for Women in Literature?

Yes. Many organizations support women pursuing degrees in literature, creative writing, or the humanities, recognizing the importance of gender equity in the arts.

Examples include:

• P.E.O. International Scholarship for Women: Funding for women pursuing bachelor’s or graduate degrees in literature and related fields.
• Barbara Deming Memorial Fund: Supports female poets, fiction writers, and nonfiction writers who create socially engaged literary work.

These awards help amplify women’s voices in literature while providing financial and professional support.

Scholarships for High School Seniors Interested in Literature

High school students planning to major in literature can begin applying for scholarships even before entering college. These programs recognize young writers and encourage continued academic and creative growth.

Scholarships include:

• Scholastic Art & Writing Awards: Nationally recognized program with categories in poetry, fiction, memoir, and more.
• Signet Classics Student Scholarship Essay Contest: Awards students for insightful essays analyzing selected works of classic literature.

Winning early literary scholarships helps strengthen college applications and provides valuable recognition.

What Is the Academy of American Poets Prize?

The Academy of American Poets Prize is awarded at many colleges and universities to students who excel in poetry writing. Eligibility requirements include:

• Enrollment in an undergraduate or graduate program at a participating institution.
• Submission of original poems.

Winners receive cash awards, publication opportunities, and recognition within the poetry community. This prize often serves as a stepping stone for emerging poets pursuing MFA programs or professional writing careers.

Corporate & Foundation Scholarships for Literature Students

Corporate and nonprofit organizations also offer scholarships for literature majors, particularly those with strong writing, communication, or digital storytelling skills.

Examples include:

• Penguin Random House Creative Writing Awards: Supports high school and college writers demonstrating exceptional creativity.
• Amazon Literary Partnership Scholarships: Provides funding for aspiring authors and literature majors.
• Google Student Scholarship: Recognizes innovative storytelling, including digital and multimedia narratives.

These opportunities often connect students with industry professionals, offering valuable career exposure.

What Is the Beinecke Scholarship?

The Beinecke Scholarship supports college juniors planning to attend graduate school in literature, the arts, or humanities.

Eligibility includes:

• Majoring in literature or a closely related field.
• Demonstrating exceptional academic achievement.
• Showing financial need.

Recipients receive $34,000 toward graduate study, making it one of the most significant awards for humanities students.

Scholarships for Creative Writing Concentrations

Many students majoring in literature choose a concentration in creative writing. Scholarships specifically supporting creative writing include:

• AWP Intro Journals Project Awards: Recognizes creative writing students with publication in top literary journals.
• Poetry Society of America Awards: Includes fellowships and prizes for aspiring poets.
• YoungArts Writing Awards: Supports emerging young writers excelling in poetry, short story, or creative nonfiction.

These awards help emerging writers build strong portfolios for college admission, MFA programs, or publication.

Scholarships for Diversity in Literature & the Arts

Literature thrives when diverse voices are represented. As a result, many organizations fund scholarships specifically for underrepresented groups.

Examples include:

• Voices of Color Literary Scholarship: Supports BIPOC writers developing original literary work.
• Lambda Literary Emerging LGBTQ+ Writers Scholarship: Honors LGBTQ+ authors pursuing creative writing or literature degrees.
• Black Writers Fellowship Programs: Offered by multiple organizations to uplift Black storytellers.

These awards promote inclusion in the literary arts and ensure that diverse perspectives have a platform.

How to Apply for Literature Scholarships

Applying for literature scholarships requires strong writing skills, attention to detail, and thoughtful preparation. Students can increase their odds of winning by:

• Preparing polished writing samples: Poem collections, short stories, essays, or literary analyses.
• Crafting a compelling personal statement: Explaining your passion for literature, academic goals, and creative vision.
• Gathering strong recommendation letters: Preferably from English teachers, professors, or writing mentors.
• Researching multiple awards: Apply to scholarships offered by universities, foundations, and writing organizations.
• Meeting all deadlines: Most literature scholarships close applications months before the academic year begins.

Submitting applications to several programs increases the likelihood of securing financial support.

Myth: Literature Majors Don’t Qualify for High-Paying Scholarships

Fact: Many high-value scholarships — including the Beinecke Scholarship, Norman Mailer Awards, and Ruth Lilly Poetry Fellowship — provide tens of thousands of dollars in funding specifically to literature and writing students. Humanities students often receive substantial financial aid because reading, writing, and critical thinking remain essential skills across all industries.