Costs and Scholarships

• Tuition

  SiLA students are subject to the same tuition and fees Columbia College Chicago charges all full-time students at its main campus.  In addition, the semester-long programs incur a SiLA program fee which covers student activities such as a welcome dinner, field trips, networking events, and table reads. 

  • Fall 2024/Spring 2025:            $550
  • Summer 2025:                         $275

   

  Please know that:

  • You are expected to maintain full-time status during the SiLA program.
  • If you are a non-Columbia student, you will be charged a non-degree seeking fee of $50 for domestic students and $100 for international students.
  • Your billing will be handled by Columbia Central. 

   

  In addition to Columbia’s charges, you should consider the following estimated living expenses while at SiLA:

  • Airfare: $350 round trip between Chicago and Los Angeles
  • Food:  $400/month
  • Gas/Transportation:  $125-$150/month
  • Personal Expenses:  $1600, depending on your personal spending habits

   

  Columbia Central has up-to-date information on tuition and costs and is your source for any questions about your financial awards while in Los Angeles. 

   

• Housing

  SiLA offers housing at Park La Brea, a gated community near Sunset Las Palmas. Visit Housing and Transportation for more information. Because Los Angeles is one of the most expensive rental markets in the country and is currently experiencing a housing crunch, the cost of SiLA housing is NOT tied to Chicago housing.

  Housing Rates

  All rates are for a shared room in a shared apartment at Park La Brea. A single room in a shared apartment is double the shared rate, and dependent on availability. Single room costs may not qualify for financial aid—please check your eligibility with Columbia Central.

  FALL 2024 Shared Room: $6,795 Single Room: $13,590

  SPRING 2025 Shared Room: $6,795 Single Room: $13,590

  SUMMER 2025 Shared Room: $4,625 Single Room: $9,250

• Scholarships

  Columbia Internship Award

  The Columbia Internship Award was established to defray the costs associated with an unpaid internship. A separate application and faculty or employer letter of recommendation is required to be considered for this award.

  More Information

  Bob Enrietto Scholarship

  The Bob Enrietto Scholarship was created in honor of SiLA’s founder, Robert F. Enrietto Jr., to provide undergraduate students in Cinema and Television Arts with tuition funds to defray the additional living expenses associated with SiLA. The scholarship, based on academic achievement, is available for fall, spring, and summer semesters.

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  Osmond SiLA Success Award

  TThe Osmond SiLA Success Award was established to assist with financial need who are participating in Columbia College Chicago’s Semester in LA program with expenses not included in the cost of tuition. Please note: Students who apply to a Semester in LA Program Semester in LA application deadline will automatically be considered for this scholarship upon acceptance into the program.

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  Michael and Francie Niederman TV Writing Scholarship

  The Michael and Francie Niederman TV Writing Scholarship was established to assist in defraying tuition and fee expenses for students on the TV Writing Track who are participating in Columbia College Chicago’s Semester in LA program. Please note: Students who apply to a Semester in LA Program Semester in LA application deadline will automatically be considered for this scholarship upon acceptance into the program.

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  Semester in LA Opportunity Scholarship

  The SiLA Opportunity Scholarship was established to assist students with financial need who are participating in Columbia College Chicago's Semester in LA program. The funds are for non-tuition, out-of-pocket expenses associated with the fall and spring programs. All successfully admitted applicants are considered for this award.

  More Information

• On-Campus Work Opportunities

  Office Agent

  In the fall and spring semesters, SiLA hires one or more Columbia students to provide administrative support. Responsibilities may include general clerical tasks, social media posts, creating event flyers, general office and classroom housekeeping, and other such duties assisting the staff. Some nights and weekends may be required. This position requires friendly and communicative interpersonal skills, along with strong organizational and computer skills. You must be eligible for Federal Work Study to be considered for this position.

  Community Assistant

  Under the supervision of the Program Manager, the Community Assistant provides an essential role between the students and SiLA during the Fall and Spring semesters. Primary duties include prepping student apartments before check-in, supporting with the check-in/check-out process, planning and executing two student activities per month, and providing peer support to housing residents as necessary. The ideal candidate is proactive, reliable, organized, enjoys social engagement and has a positive can-do attitude. Having a car is not required but strongly preferred. This position requires arriving to Los Angeles early and departing late at the end of the semester. Compensation is a $2,500 award toward on-site housing costs and is offered for the Fall and Spring semesters only.