How much does Santa Monica College cost?

The average net price at Santa Monica College is about $3,600. That's what students actually pay per year after grants and scholarships. Published in-state tuition is $1,156.

How big is Santa Monica College?

Santa Monica College enrolls about 21,194 students.

What is the graduation rate at Santa Monica College?

Santa Monica College has a graduation rate of about 34%.

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Santa Monica College

Santa Monica, California · Public

$4k/yearCost after aid

Nov 15Application deadline

FindU Grade

Value

Campus

Academics

Admissions

Student Life

Overall

About

Santa Monica College is located in Santa Monica, California. It is a public institution. The university enrolls approximately 21,194 students.

smc.edu

Hispanic-Serving

Cost and aid

True cost

Great value

$4kper year

Compared to $17k national average

Cost breakdown

In-state tuition$1,156

Out-of-state tuition$9,316

Avg aid package$1,785

Students receiving aid26%

Pell grant recipients26%

Santa Monica College offers an affordable education, especially for California residents, with tuition at $46 per unit. The college provides over $50 million in financial aid and scholarships, with 44% of California residents receiving a fee waiver. Recent high school graduates can also benefit from two free years of college through the SMC Promise Program.

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Admissions

Application info

Student–faculty ratio27:1

Application fee$75

Application dates

Regular DecisionJun 16

Santa Monica College has an open admissions policy, requiring a high school diploma or equivalent. The college aims to prepare students for transfer to four-year colleges and universities through academic preparation and study. The Scholars Program is available for talented students seeking specialized academic preparation.

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Academics

Graduation rate34%

Student–faculty ratio27:1

Full-time faculty29%

SMC provides a challenging yet supportive academic environment with distinguished faculty and a curriculum that focuses on the basics. The college offers more than 200 degrees and certificates, including a Bachelor's Degree in Interaction Design. Students appreciate the quality of professors and the support they receive, particularly in preparing for transfers to four-year institutions.

Outcomes

Median earnings (10 yrs)$42,193

Job placement rate91%

Earn more than HS grad53%

Economic mobility439%

Loan default (3 yr)11%

Loan repayment (3 yr)47%

SMC is renowned for its transfer rates to top universities like UCLA, UC Berkeley, USC, and Columbia University, leading California community colleges in this regard for over 35 years. The college also focuses on preparing students for careers in fields like nursing, computer applications, and early childhood education, offering career counseling and on-campus job opportunities.

Student life

Demographics

Large School

21,194Student size

Compared to 5,382 national average

More femaleGender ratio

Female 55%Male 45%

41% HispanicRacial diversity

Hispanic 41%White 25%Black 9%Asian 9%Other 16%

Campus housingYes

Student reviews

Professors

Current Student

So far my experience at Santa Monica collage has been great , the professor are really skilled and the classes are engaging , the amount of work assigned can get overwhelming at times if you are a Full time student like my self but the resources for help are in abundance, for example there is a tutor lounge for most main subjects , like English , Math , and multiple clubs that have tutors for exp.

Current Student

I appreciated how most of my professors were approachable and genuinely wanted their students to learn and succeed, provided they showed effort and put in the work.

Campus and vibes

Current Student

I’m currently a student at Santa Monica College majoring in mechanical engineering. I’ve only been going for a couple of weeks and overall it’s been great. There is a lot of help from the staff and they’ll guide you in the right direction if you ask. I’d recommend as a student, you need to put in a lot of effort for your classes so you don’t fall behind but also with your social circumstances.

About Santa Monica College

Santa Monica College maintains a safe campus environment with security measures in place. The college has a campus police department located at 1718 Pearl St. and is committed to providing a secure and welcoming atmosphere for students.

The Scholars Program at Santa Monica College is a demanding honors program designed to prepare students for transfer to four-year colleges and universities. It offers dedicated counseling services, English tutoring, and UCLA library privileges. The program aims to enhance skills in writing, research, and critical thinking.

Santa Monica College welcomes international students, recognizing SMC as one of the best community colleges in California and the nation. The college provides support for international students, helping them to study in California and achieve their academic goals.

Endowment$15,819,634

Avg faculty salary$164,784