Iowa Young Writers' vs Kenyon Review Workshop: Which Program Is Right for You?
The two most respected high-school writing workshops. Iowa carries the Writers' Workshop lineage and a quieter, craft-seminar feel; Kenyon is generative and volume-oriented — you draft new work daily. Apply to both; acceptance at either is a real literary credential.
Below is a side-by-side comparison of Iowa Young Writers' Studio and Kenyon Review Young Writers Workshop. A blank row is a fact we do not hold — not a zero, and not a no.
| Iowa Young Writers' | Kenyon Review Workshop | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $2,400 | $2,575 |
| Application deadline | ||
| Grade eligibility | Grades 9–12 | Grades 10–12 |
| Format | Hybrid | In person |
| Location | Iowa City, IA, USA | Gambier, OH, USA |
| Program dates | ||
| Application destination | iyws.program.uiowa.edu | kenyonreview.org |
| Organizer | University of Iowa | Kenyon Review |
Iowa Young Writers' Studio
Full Iowa Young Writers' details, FAQs, and application link
Kenyon Review Young Writers Workshop
Full Kenyon Review Workshop details, FAQs, and application link
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, Iowa Young Writers' or Kenyon Review Workshop?
Iowa Young Writers': $2,400. Kenyon Review Workshop: $2,575. Confirm each figure on the program's official page before budgeting.
Can I apply to both Iowa Young Writers' and Kenyon Review Workshop?
The application destinations are evaluated independently. Iowa Young Writers': iyws.program.uiowa.edu. Kenyon Review Workshop: kenyonreview.org. Review each provider's current instructions before assuming either application is open or compatible with the other.
Which is better for college applications, Iowa Young Writers' or Kenyon Review Workshop?
We do not rank enrichment programs by admissions value. Use the comparison to assess whether each program's documented constraints fit your situation, and check the details that decide it for you on each program's official page.
What grades can apply to Iowa Young Writers' and Kenyon Review Workshop?
Iowa Young Writers': Grades 9–12. Kenyon Review Workshop: Grades 10–12. Eligibility can change between cycles, so confirm it on each program's official page before applying.
