Santa Monica College strives to create a learning environment that both challenges our students and supports them in achieving their educational goals. We prepare our students to contribute to the global community as they develop an understanding of their personal relationship to the world’s social, cultural, political, economic, technological, and natural environments.
School Highlights
Santa Monica College serves 23,453 students (40% of students are full-time).
The college's student-teacher ratio of 37:1 is lower than the state community college average of 44:1.
Minority enrollment is 72% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the state average of 77%.
Quick Facts (26-27)
Enrollment: 23,453 students
In-state tuition: $1,176
Out-state tuition: $7,836
Student-teacher ratio: 37:1
Minority enrollment: 72%
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
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College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Tuition & Financial Aid
The public in-state tuition of $1,176 is less than the state average of $1,238. The in-state tuition has stayed relatively flat over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $7,836 is more than the state average of $6,634. The out-state tuition has declined by 13% over four years.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Tuition Notes
$46 per unit for California residents, $398 per unit for non-residents (effective Fall 2025)
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Sports
School Mascot
Corsair
Source: 2025 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators
School Notes
To fulfill this mission, the College provides open and affordable
access to excellent associate degree and occupational certificate
programs. These programs prepare students for successful careers,
develop college-level skills, enable transfer to universities, and
foster a personal commitment to lifelong learning. We have an
impressive academic record. We are the leader among the state's 108
community colleges in transferring students to the University of
California , University of Southern California and other four-year
campuses. We also pride ourselves on preparing students for careers
of the 21st century – in such fields as nursing, computer
applications, early childhood education, business, accounting,
graphic design and other occupations. Set on a 38-acre main campus
less than two miles from the beach, Santa Monica College has
everything today's student needs to succeed – computer labs,
athletic facilities, performing and visual arts spaces, and active
student clubs. The SMC Library underwent a $23.6 million expansion
and modernization and reopened in August 2003 as a
state-of-the-art, architecturally praised facility. Our Science
Complex, which opened in fall 1999, features the latest in
equipment and high-tech labs. Our award-winning faculty works
closely with students to ensure their success, and we have numerous
student services to help students meet their goals. Santa Monica
College – a two-year community college accredited by the Western
Association of Schools and Colleges – opened in 1929 with just 153
students. It has now grown to a thriving campus with 25,000
students and offerings in more than 80 fields of study.
Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
Isaac Bruce - NFL player and Super Bowl Champion. -
Lenny Krayzelburg - Olympic swimmer and gold medalist. -
Evan Lysacek - Olympic figure skater and world champion. -
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Santa Monica College cost?
Santa Monica College's tuition is approximately $1,176 for In-State students and $7,836 for Out-State students.
Who are famous alumni from Santa Monica College?
Santa Monica College famous alumni include: Isaac Bruce - NFL player and Super Bowl Champion., Lenny Krayzelburg - Olympic swimmer and gold medalist. and Evan Lysacek - Olympic figure skater and world champion..
Learn how a full required course can delay graduation, how to navigate waitlists, and how to find approved alternatives that protect your community college degree timeline and financial aid eligibility.
Understand how catalog years determine community college graduation requirements, how enrollment breaks and major changes affect eligibility, and what to verify before choosing courses or switching to a newer catalog.
Learn what happens when your community college discontinues your program before graduation, including teach-out options, credit transfers, financial aid implications, student protections, and practical steps to finish your degree successfully.
Quick Facts (26-27)
Enrollment: 23,453 students
In-state tuition: $1,176
Out-state tuition: $7,836
Student-teacher ratio: 37:1
Minority enrollment: 72%
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Los Angeles County, CA community colleges have a diversity score of 0.64, which is lower than the national average of 0.74. The most diverse community college in Los Angeles County, CA is Theatre of Arts. Read more about community college diversity statistics in the USA.
