If you're interested in receiving updates about the application for the 2025 Summer at Columbia program and other information on Columbia College Chicago, please fill out this form.
Summer at Columbia is an intensive four-week program for high school students interested in exploring the arts, media, and communications fields.
This experience gives you the chance to take a college-level course with Columbia College Chicago faculty while learning about the creative industries. The best part? If you enroll as a student at Columbia, the credits you earn during Summer at Columbia count toward your degree.
Summer at Columbia courses are taught by Columbia’s faculty of filmmakers, artists, designers, and other creative practitioners. They bring their experience as working professionals into the classroom every day.
The course offerings for 2025 will include:
- Sustainable Fashion Practice
- Introduction to Game Development
- Introduction to Illustration
- Cinema and Television Production
- Foundations of Digital Music Production
- Creative Technology: Sound and Light
Program Tuition - 2024 (2025 rates will be published when available)
Application Fee:
$100 USD
Commuter:
$3,650 USD
Includes academic courses, weekday lunch in the Student Center, and access to Columbia facilities and resources.
Residential
$5,820 USD
Includes the same elements as Commuter tuition + a shared suite in University Center, an additional 15 meals per week, and dorm amenities. (Dedicated RA team, 24-hour staffed security desk, fitness center, game rooms, practice spaces, rooftop garden, and more.)
“It absolutely changed my life... I cannot wait to see what the future holds for me because of this experience.” -Mya, Summer at Columbia Alum
Summer at Columbia Program Components
Coursework in Your Creative Discipline
Explore your creativity in a freshmen-level college course taught by Columbia faculty. Courses are open to all experience levels.
Unique Access to Columbia College Chicago
Engage with the Columbia community during on-campus events and learn about the various resources at Columbia College Chicago like the Career Center, Student Financial Services, Admissions, Student Employment, and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
“Before this course, I knew close to nothing on the subject. Now, I am confident in my work and in my career path that I’ve chosen.” -Alina, Summer at Columbia Alum
Why participate in a pre-college program at Columbia?
If you’re a high school student interested in exploring your creativity and career paths this summer, the Summer at Columbia program may be for you. As a Summer at Columbia student, you will:
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Participate in a program designed by our award-winning faculty and staff;
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Have the opportunity to earn college credit and get a head start on your freshmen year of college;
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Be mentored by leading professionals in the creative industries;
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Interact and collaborate with peers from around the world;
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Learn about unique student resources and support available at Columbia College Chicago;
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Gain classroom experience at the college level and better prepare yourself for academics after high school.
Do you have more questions about Summer at Columbia?
Drop us an email at summer@colum.edu, and an Admissions Representative will be happy to assist you.