I got my MFA from American University in 2024, at age 71. I am halfway through a memoir book project. I have a second memoir and a novel squiggling inside me. Thank you for writing this article! I relate to everything you experienced. My very first published essay was in Mary: A Journal of New Writing (Spring 2014) by the MFA program of St. Mary's College!
I’m in the middle of my MFA now. Not quite 40 but don’t feel young. It’s one of the best things I’ve done for myself as a writer. I love being a student and hope to teach. These kinds of articles pushed me to do it when I was debating!
This is such a timely piece for me - I’m knocking on fifty myself and have been deciding if I want to go back for my MFA (does it even make sense at my age?)
I enjoyed hearing your perspective and the passion that comes across clearly as you grew more comfortable with the program. ❤️
Love this! I went back in my 30s for my MFA and was nearly 40 when I did my doctorate. I had fellow students in their 50s and 60s. It is definitely daunting at first but you are an amazing writer & editor and so glad you shared this story!
Thanks Amy Shea! And so glad to watch you on the great ride of launching your book this year--Too Poor to Die-- a byproduct of your PhD in creative writing and a great read.
I would love to sign up but won't be able to make those times-- I live abroad and with any luck, I'll be sleeping. If I pay for my spot, is there a video I can watch later?
Hi Sophie. Sorry just saw your message now. I probably can organize a recording for you if you want. The class was recorded. Send me an email at andrea@andreafirth.com
Hi Rani. Yes I agree--the MFA is easier to rationalize as an investment in self--and how great is that to give back to yourself with a creative endeavor. But that's probably a big part of why I couldn't pursue the MFA until I was 50 after the many other things for kids and family had been taken care of and there was extra money in the bank. I didn't expect a financial ROI on my MFA, at my age. I was resigned to the cost, and I was also very privileged that I could afford and take that position.
But there are writers talking about how to make money, real money, in concrete ways as writer ( with our without an MFA)--Jane Friedman, Darien Gee, Allison K Williams. But it's usually in channels that are adjacent to one's creative writing (teaching, retreats, newsletters). Yes this is a ripe topic--lots to talk about.
Thanks for this piece on an MFA at midlife. While I can justify it as an investment in myself, I really struggle with the true ROI of it relative to the cost. Anyone else? I don't believe I'll get that money "back" in any way. Which wasn't the case when I got an MBA. I signed up for Andrea's workshop Monday night. Looking forward to it! Would love if we can discuss the idea of the adult MBA further.
I’m turning 65 soon and I’m in my second semester at the Solstice MFA program at Lasell University in Massachusetts. It’s wonderful being a student again and I’m fulfilling a life long dream!
That's great Adena. I recently attended AWP 2026 and I met the Solstice folks in the Exhibit Hall. Im pretty sure I signed up to get emails from them. And I think you guys are connected to th journal Solstice too, right? Looks great. Enjoy your time in the program--goes so fast.
I got my MFA from American University in 2024, at age 71. I am halfway through a memoir book project. I have a second memoir and a novel squiggling inside me. Thank you for writing this article! I relate to everything you experienced. My very first published essay was in Mary: A Journal of New Writing (Spring 2014) by the MFA program of St. Mary's College!
Started my MFA at Antioch LA at 50 and it changed my life.
I’m turning 40 this year and my twins are 12. I’ve considered going back for my MFA. Thank you for writing this. It was encouraging.
I’m in the middle of my MFA now. Not quite 40 but don’t feel young. It’s one of the best things I’ve done for myself as a writer. I love being a student and hope to teach. These kinds of articles pushed me to do it when I was debating!
I don’t think so because the money spent on said degree may not be cost effective.
This is such a timely piece for me - I’m knocking on fifty myself and have been deciding if I want to go back for my MFA (does it even make sense at my age?)
I enjoyed hearing your perspective and the passion that comes across clearly as you grew more comfortable with the program. ❤️
Jennifer and Bozhena--congrats and onward!
Getting my MFA at 55! Love it
I went back to get an MFA in creative nonfiction at 48. I am graduating next year.
46, and just started my MFA in creative writing and online teaching certification.
Ambitious Richard. Wish you all the best the best with both!
Love this! I went back in my 30s for my MFA and was nearly 40 when I did my doctorate. I had fellow students in their 50s and 60s. It is definitely daunting at first but you are an amazing writer & editor and so glad you shared this story!
Thanks Amy Shea! And so glad to watch you on the great ride of launching your book this year--Too Poor to Die-- a byproduct of your PhD in creative writing and a great read.
I would love to sign up but won't be able to make those times-- I live abroad and with any luck, I'll be sleeping. If I pay for my spot, is there a video I can watch later?
Hi Sophie. Sorry just saw your message now. I probably can organize a recording for you if you want. The class was recorded. Send me an email at andrea@andreafirth.com
Thx! ANdrea
This was a great read. Thanks for writing about your journey.
Hi Rani. Yes I agree--the MFA is easier to rationalize as an investment in self--and how great is that to give back to yourself with a creative endeavor. But that's probably a big part of why I couldn't pursue the MFA until I was 50 after the many other things for kids and family had been taken care of and there was extra money in the bank. I didn't expect a financial ROI on my MFA, at my age. I was resigned to the cost, and I was also very privileged that I could afford and take that position.
But there are writers talking about how to make money, real money, in concrete ways as writer ( with our without an MFA)--Jane Friedman, Darien Gee, Allison K Williams. But it's usually in channels that are adjacent to one's creative writing (teaching, retreats, newsletters). Yes this is a ripe topic--lots to talk about.
Thanks! for signing up for the class tomorrow--Writing About Writing--and Get Published. https://pwnwriters.org/course/write-about-writing-and-get-published/
(Excuse the self-promotion here ;-)
I think we'll have a lot to talk about on that topic alone, but if we can get to the late to the MFA, happy to talk about that too.
Thanks for this piece on an MFA at midlife. While I can justify it as an investment in myself, I really struggle with the true ROI of it relative to the cost. Anyone else? I don't believe I'll get that money "back" in any way. Which wasn't the case when I got an MBA. I signed up for Andrea's workshop Monday night. Looking forward to it! Would love if we can discuss the idea of the adult MBA further.
I’m turning 65 soon and I’m in my second semester at the Solstice MFA program at Lasell University in Massachusetts. It’s wonderful being a student again and I’m fulfilling a life long dream!
That's great Adena. I recently attended AWP 2026 and I met the Solstice folks in the Exhibit Hall. Im pretty sure I signed up to get emails from them. And I think you guys are connected to th journal Solstice too, right? Looks great. Enjoy your time in the program--goes so fast.
I’m so glad you met them. Yes there is a connection between the two. It IS going quickly!!!