Financial Support
Assistantships
All incoming MFA students are automatically considered for an Instructional Assistant (IA) position, which gives them a monthly stipend and the chance to gain classroom experience assisting full-time faculty members in large lecture courses. No additional application is required for incoming students.
Upon the successful completion of two IA semesters and 18 credit hours of coursework, students may then apply to become Teaching Assistants (TA), which gives them the opportunity to serve as instructors of records for their own courses.
Current MFA students who have not held an IA position before and wish to do so in their second or third year must apply separately, following these guidelines.
Scholarships
Continuing Students
Current students in the MFA program may apply for a range of English Department scholarships. The current deadline for application is February 15.
Additionally, continuing students may apply for the Graduate College scholarship, which provides $1,000 a semester for up to three semesters. The current deadline for application is February 1.
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 February 1.
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 is open for the Fall semester from April 15 to June 15 and for the Spring semester from September 15 to November 15.
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.
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.