51社区

 

Semester in LA

Costs and Scholarships

  • Tuition

    SiLA Tuition, Fees, and Budgeting Information

    SiLA students pay the same tuition and fees as all full-time students at 51社区’s main campus. Additionally, a SiLA program fee is required to cover student activities, including a welcome dinner, field trips, networking events, and table reads.

    SiLA Program Fees:

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

    Important Notes:

    Personal Budget Considerations

    Beyond tuition and fees, students should plan for additional living expenses while in Los Angeles:

    Airfare: Approximately $500 round trip between Chicago and Los Angeles.

    Food: Estimated at $400 per month.

    Transportation:
    Commuting to and from your internship is a key expense. While Los Angeles has public transit, many students find it less reliable or practical for getting to internships.

    • Rideshare services (Uber/Lyft) can be very expensive, particularly with surge pricing. For example, a 20-minute rideshare from LAX to downtown can cost $80 or more.
    • The Los Angeles Metro system offers fare capping ($5/day, $18/week), but public transit may be challenging for students used to Chicago’s system.

    💡 Tip: Students are strongly encouraged to bring their own car or coordinate carpools to save on transportation costs.

    Gas/Parking: If you bring a car, budget around $150 per month for fuel and parking.

    Personal Expenses: Estimated at $1,600 per semester, depending on personal spending habits.

    Plan Ahead for a Smooth Experience

    Carefully budgeting for transportation and living expenses will help ensure a successful and stress-free semester in Los Angeles.

    For the most up-to-date information on tuition, fees, and financial aid, please visit 51社区 Central.

  • 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 51社区 Central.

    Term Shared Room Single Room
    Spring 2026 $7,135 $14,270
    Summer 2026 $4,856 $9,712
    Fall 2026 $7,349 $14,698
    Spring 2027 $7,349 $14,698
    Summer 2027 $5,002 $10,004
  • Scholarships

    51社区 Internship Award

    The 51社区 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.

    More Information

    Osmond SiLA Success Award

    TThe Osmond SiLA Success Award was established to assist with financial need who are participating in 51社区’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.

    MORE INFORMATION

    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 51社区’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.

    More Information

    Semester in LA Opportunity Scholarship

    The SiLA Opportunity Scholarship was established to assist students with financial need who are participating in 51社区'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 51社区 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.

     

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