Santa Monica College: $1,156 Tuition

$1,156Tuition

21,194Students

36%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$42,193Earnings

Public4-yearIndependentStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Santa Monica College

Santa Monica College serves as California's top transfer pipeline to four-year universities, with over 21,000 students choosing this coastal community college for its academic reputation and Hollywood connections. The campus sits in one of LA's most desirable beach cities, drawing students who want quality education near the Pacific Ocean. SMC has built a national reputation for successfully preparing students to transfer to top-tier universities, particularly the UC system.

Students pay an average net price of just $3,600 after financial aid, making this one of the most affordable college options in expensive Southern California. In-state tuition costs only $1,156 per year. Graduates earn a median of $42,193 ten years after enrollment, creating strong return on investment despite the modest $6,450 in typical debt. Monthly loan payments average just $68, reflecting the school's commitment to keeping education accessible.

The diverse student body is 41% Hispanic and 25% White, reflecting LA's multicultural character. With 18 varsity sports and teams known as the Corsairs, SMC competes as an independent in athletics. The 27:1 student-faculty ratio means larger classes, but the school's transfer success rate speaks to effective academic support systems that help students reach their four-year university goals.

Academics & Faculty

Santa Monica College serves as a top community college and transfer pathway to four-year universities, particularly the UC and CSU systems. The college enrolls 21,194 students with a 27:1 student-faculty ratio that reflects the challenges of large-scale community college education. Students complete their degrees at a 34% four-year rate, which is competitive for community colleges focused on flexible scheduling for working adults. SMC is nationally recognized for its strong transfer programs, especially to UCLA, and its robust entertainment industry connections in film, television, and media production. The college also maintains solid programs in nursing, business, and liberal arts. Most students benefit from affordable education with average net costs around $3,600 annually.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 27:1
Full-Time Faculty: 29.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 34.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 35.8%
Retention Rate: 0.0%
Median Earnings (10 years): $42,193

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$70,456

View all 92 programs →

Campus Life

Santa Monica College sits just blocks from the Pacific Ocean in one of LA's most desirable beach cities. The campus sprawls across multiple buildings within walking distance of Santa Monica Pier and Third Street Promenade. Students pack sunscreen year-round as temperatures hover in the 70s, with ocean breezes keeping things comfortable even in summer.

With 21,194 students and no dorms, this is a commuter school where most students drive in from across LA County. The 27:1 student-faculty ratio means large lecture halls are common, especially for general education requirements. Between classes, students grab coffee at the outdoor café or study in the library courtyard. Weekends empty out as students head home or to jobs, though many stick around for beach volleyball or surfing.

The diverse student body reflects LA's demographics, with 41% Hispanic and students from over 100 countries. Many use SMC as a transfer pathway to four-year universities, particularly UCLA and other UC schools. The Corsairs compete in 18 sports, giving the campus some traditional college energy despite its commuter nature.

Setting: City-Small
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1929

Campus Safety (2023)

9 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Aggravated Assault	4	0	0	0
Arson	2	0	0	0
Burglary	1	0	0	0
Fondling	1	0	0	0
Stalking	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 48°–66°F
July Avg: 62°–75°F
Annual Precipitation: 13.5"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

Santa Monica College draws primarily local students, with over 80% coming from California. The student body reflects the diversity of Los Angeles County, with Hispanic students making up the largest group at 41%. Women slightly outnumber men at 55%, typical for community colleges nationwide. About a quarter of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the school serves many working-class families seeking affordable education. This demographic mix aligns with SMC's mission as a transfer pathway to four-year universities, particularly attracting first-generation college students from the greater LA area.

Men: 44.7%
Women: 55.3%
White: 25.2%
Black: 9.2%
Hispanic: 41.2%
Asian: 8.6%
In-State Students: 80.8%
Pell Grant Recipients: 26.3%

Location

Santa Monica College sits in Santa Monica, California, just 15 miles west of downtown Los Angeles. The campus operates in one of the most desirable coastal cities in Southern California, where Mediterranean-style architecture meets Pacific Ocean beaches. Students can walk or bike to Santa Monica Pier and Third Street Promenade between classes. The college draws 80.84% of its students from within California, many attracted by the beachside location and proximity to Hollywood entertainment industry internships. Housing costs reflect the premium coastal location, with the area's median home price exceeding $2 million. Students considering colleges in California may also compare Santa Monica College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Santa Monica, California 90405-1628

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $42,193
Median Earnings (5 years): $44,107
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $27,900
Loan Repayment Rate: 46.5%
Monthly Loan Payment: $68/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $6,450

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Santa Monica College?

Santa Monica College has an open enrollment policy as a community college, meaning all students with a high school diploma or equivalent can enroll. With over 21,000 students enrolled, SMC serves as a popular transfer pathway to four-year universities. The college maintains a 27:1 student-faculty ratio across its diverse student body.

How much does Santa Monica College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $3,600 per year after financial aid at Santa Monica College. In-state tuition starts at just $1,156 annually, making it one of the most affordable college options in California. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay only $2,796 on average after aid.

What are the graduation rates at Santa Monica College?

Santa Monica College has a 6-year graduation rate of 35.8% and a 4-year rate of 33.98%. These rates reflect the college's role as a transfer institution where many students complete their general education before moving to four-year universities. The college is known for its strong transfer programs to UC and CSU schools.

What do graduates from Santa Monica College earn after finishing?

Graduates earn a median of $42,193 ten years after enrollment at Santa Monica College. The college's proximity to entertainment and tech industries in Los Angeles provides diverse career opportunities. With a 100% employment rate and median student debt of only $6,450, graduates enter the workforce with manageable financial obligations.

Where is Santa Monica College and what is the campus like?

The college sits in Santa Monica, California, just blocks from the Pacific Ocean and Santa Monica Pier. With 55.3% women and 44.7% men, the campus serves a diverse population that is 41% Hispanic and 25% White. The small city setting combines beach culture with academic opportunity in one of California's most desirable locations.

Does Santa Monica College offer athletic programs?

Santa Monica College fields 18 varsity sports with 358 total athletes competing as the Corsairs. The athletic programs compete independently rather than in a major conference. Despite offering no athletic scholarships, SMC maintains competitive teams while focusing primarily on academics and transfer preparation.