Summer at Columbia - Admissions & Financial Aid - Columbia College Chicago Artwork: Justus Roe MFA ’08 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. REGISTER NOW Program Tuition - 2026 Tuition: $3,698 USD Includes academic courses, weekday lunch, and access to Columbia facilities and resources. Scholarships covering up to 50% of the program cost are available. All applicants are automtically considered “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: Participate in a program designed by our award-winning faculty and staff; Have the opportunity to earn college credit and get a head start on your freshmen year of college; Be mentored by leading professionals in the creative industries; Interact and collaborate with peers from around the world; Learn about unique student resources and support available at Columbia College Chicago; 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. Summer at Columbia Registration Courses FAQs Important Info for Summer at Columbia 2026 Program Dates June 29 - July 24 Open to Ages 15–18