42 University lit mags/journals + why to submit

If you’re a poet/writer looking to share your work, university literary magazines and journals are some of the most welcoming and rewarding places to submit. I’ve gathered this list of university-affiliated publications that accept submissions with no fees. They all accept poetry and many also accept prose and art.

The value of university journals

University journals are often run by passionate editors—students, faculty, and alumni—who care deeply about literature and the creative process. Submitting to these magazines offers several unique benefits:

• Supportive Editorial Teams: Many university journals are staffed by emerging writers and editors who are eager to discover new voices. Their feedback can be thoughtful and encouraging, and their selections often reflect a genuine love for poetry.
• Diverse Perspectives: University magazines frequently seek work that explores a wide range of experiences, backgrounds, and styles. Whether you’re writing about identity, place, or the everyday, you’ll find journals open to your perspective.
• Community Connection: Publishing in a university journal can connect you with vibrant literary communities—both on campus and beyond.
• Professional Growth: Having your work appear in a respected university publication is a great addition to your writing resume. It shows editors and publishers that your poetry resonates with a discerning audience.

What’s in the list?

Below, you’ll find university-affiliated journals and magazines that welcome submissions with no fees, including Arkana, Jet Fuel Review, Penn Review, Salt Hill Journal and many more! Each entry includes the journal name, university affiliation, website, submission windows (if available, please double check specific dates), and any special notes (such as themed issues, eligibility, or payment details).  A few are paying.

How to Use This List

Browse the journals, check their websites for guidelines, and find the ones that resonate with your work. Pay attention to submission windows and any eligibility requirements (some are open only to undergraduates, or focus on specific themes or communities).

Trish Hopkinson is a poet and advocate for the literary arts. You can find her online at SelfishPoet.com and in western Colorado where she runs the regional poetry group Rock Canyon Poets. Her poetry has been published in Sugar House Review, TAB: The Journal of Poetry & Poetics, and The Penn Review; and her most recent book A Godless Ascends was published by Lithic Press in March 2024. Hopkinson happily answers to labels such as atheist, feminist, and empty nester; and enjoys traveling, live music, and craft beer.