Columbia College Moved Semester in LA to New Studio
The program relocated to Sunset Gower Studios on September 29, 2026, to accommodate expanded enrollment and new academic majors.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Higher Education
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Columbia College transitioned its Semester in LA program to a new facility at Sunset Gower Studios on September 29, 2026. The move provides significantly more space for the program, which is opening its curriculum to students beyond film and television majors.
Why it matters
The college aims to boost program participation by overcoming previous space limitations that hindered growth. Relocating to a larger facility allows for more students and a broader range of academic fields to utilize the Hollywood site.
The new facility at Sunset Gower Studios features three classrooms and 12 sound stages, a significant upgrade from the previous single 15-seat classroom. Housing costs for the program are estimated at $7,349 per semester.
The players
Shantay Bolton
She serves as the President and CEO of Columbia College and presided over the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new studio.
Hudson Pacific Properties
This real estate company manages Sunset Gower Studios, the new location for the college program.
The details
The relocation to the larger studio space, managed by Hudson Pacific Properties, was funded using existing departmental budgets. The program currently charges a $550 fee for fall and spring sessions, with a $275 fee for summer semesters.
Timeline
The college moved out of Raleigh Studios in 2022.
Enrollment totaled 3,958 students during the Spring 2026 semester.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new space occurred on September 29, 2026.
The Fall 2026 semester is currently in progress.
Applications for the Fall 2027 semester are due by October 16, 2026.
Culture Shift
This expansion reflects a broader trend of private colleges establishing permanent, professional-grade footprints in industry hubs to compete for students. It marks a shift toward integrating academic curriculum directly into major commercial production centers.
Students participating in the program can expect a larger learning environment with more sound stages and classrooms available for use. Those planning to enroll for upcoming cycles should prepare for housing costs estimated at $7,349 per semester.
The takeaway
The move to a larger studio indicates an effort to diversify the student population beyond traditional film majors. Prospective students should carefully budget for the $7,349 housing cost alongside the mandatory semester program fees.
Further reading
Learn more about local academic initiatives at the Higher Education section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Columbia Chronicle.
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