Q. How do I register?
A. You will work one-on-one with our admissions representative to register for summer, as well as secure your fall 2023 schedule--beneficial to ensuring you have access to the courses in which you are most interested. Contact Lauren Hogan Casser at lhogan@saic.edu, or call us at 1.312.629.6100 during office hours (M–F 8:30 a.m. –4:30 p.m. Chicago time) with questions or to schedule a registration appointment.
Q. Can international students participate in the program?
A. Yes, international students may enroll in the Chicago Studio program. Please email intaff@saic.edu to inform International Affairs that you plan on attending the Chicago Studio program and they will work with you to obtain the proper immigration documentation and advise you on your next steps to enter the US in F-1 status. (Please note, international students entering the US for the first time may enter no more than 30 days prior to the program start date).
Q. What is the cost of the program and am I eligible for financial aid?
A. The cost of the program is the same as the cost of two degree courses — which is six credits that apply directly toward completing your degree. For the summer 2023 program, that cost is $10,710 USD. You are eligible to apply any merit or need-based aid you have received toward that tuition amount. Need-based aid is determined based on the results of the 2023-24 FAFSA which can be completed at fafsa.gov.
On-campus housing is an additional $2,030 for a double room for 6 weeks/ $3,090 for a single room for 6 weeks. There will be a meal plan required for students, which costs $425 and covers approximately 5-10 meals a week.
Q. Are there other costs affiliated with the program?
A. Our meal plan covers approximately 5-10 meals per week, so you should budget additional money for food, for example if you wish to eat in local restaurants or purchase groceries to prepare in the residence hall. Art supply costs will vary based on the work you will be doing, and you should budget an appropriate amount for your supplies. Additional incidental expenses could cost up to $200.
Q. Do I have to apply for merit scholarship/financial aid for this program if I was already awarded for the Fall 2023 semester?
A. No. Merit Scholarships are awarded at the time of admission based on your application materials, and no additional application is necessary. The merit scholarship and financial aid you received for the fall 2023 semester will be prorated toward the cost of tuition for this program.
Q. Will classes be taught in-person?
A. The program is designed to be taught entirely in person following COVID-19 safety protocols.
Q. What type of housing arrangements are available?
A. Students live on campus in our residence halls. Your plans for fall housing can be the same as your summer plan or can be changed.
Q. Which residence hall will I be living in?
A. All students will be living in the 162 N. State Street Residences.
Q. Can I stay in the same room after the summer session? Am I able to switch rooms?
A. Residence Life will make your fall housing placement based on the housing preferences listed in your housing application. You may keep your summer-assigned room and roommate for the academic year as long as you and your roommate notify Residence Life by July 23, 2023. If you will live in a different space for the academic year, you will be able to relocate to your academic year room assignment prior to the start of the Fall 2023 semester. Note: single rooms are not available to first-year students in the academic year, so if you have a single for the summer, you will likely have to move to a different space for the fall.
Q. Will there be professional staff in the Residence Halls available to students during the program?
A. Yes. Resident Assistants and Residence Life professional staff will be providing guidance to students participating in the program.
Q. When does the Fall semester begin?
A. The Fall 2023 semester is scheduled to begin on August 30. In the interim, students will have time to rest, prepare, and further enjoy summer in Chicago.
Q. Will I have access to the SAIC facilities and resources during the summer?
A. Yes! You will have the same access to all of the facilities and resources that you will in the fall term (this includes 24 hour studio classroom access, Advanced Output Center, Media Centers, Flaxman Library, and more!)
Q. What’s the workload requirement for this program?
A. This program runs from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. CT, offering an immersive in-person studio experience. Students should expect to have at least 1-3 projects in-progress at all times and present works for regular critiques.
