Cost Details
- In-State Tuition
- $1,156
- Out-of-State Tuition
- $9,316
- Average Net Price
- $3,600
- Students Receiving Financial Aid
- 26.3%
- Room & Board (Off Campus)
- $11,556
- Books & Supplies
- $1,746
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $6,450
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $68/mo
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 46.5%
- Students Taking Federal Loans
- 2.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 26.3%
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships. Source: U.S. Department of Education
| Family Income | Average Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 – $30,000 | $2,796 |
| $30,001 – $48,000 | $3,672 |
| $48,001 – $75,000 | $5,695 |
| $75,001 – $110,000 | $7,662 |
| $110,001+ | $8,622 |
Cost Estimator
Cost Overview
Families at Santa Monica College typically pay $3,600 per year after aid, making this one of California's most affordable pathways to higher education. Low-income students (under $30,000) pay just $2,796 annually, while wealthy families (over $110,000) pay $8,622. Over four years, costs range from $11,184 to $34,488 depending on family income.
The community college keeps debt minimal. Graduates carry a median debt of $6,450, translating to monthly payments of $68. With median earnings of $42,193 after ten years, loan payments represent less than 2% of income. Only 1.97% of students even take federal loans, reflecting the school's rock-bottom tuition of $1,156 for California residents.
Students from working-class Hispanic families get the strong deal here. They represent 41% of enrollment and benefit most from the combination of low costs, strong transfer pathways to UC and CSU systems, and proximity to entertainment industry internships.
The community college keeps debt minimal. Graduates carry a median debt of $6,450, translating to monthly payments of $68. With median earnings of $42,193 after ten years, loan payments represent less than 2% of income. Only 1.97% of students even take federal loans, reflecting the school's rock-bottom tuition of $1,156 for California residents.
Students from working-class Hispanic families get the strong deal here. They represent 41% of enrollment and benefit most from the combination of low costs, strong transfer pathways to UC and CSU systems, and proximity to entertainment industry internships.
Official Net Price Calculator
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