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 27,497 students (40% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 22:1 is lower than the state community college average of 24:1.
Minority enrollment is 77% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is equal to the state average of 77%.
Quick Stats (2022-23)
Enrollment: 27,497 students
In-state tuition: $1,176
Out-state tuition: $7,836
Student:teacher ratio: 22:1
Minority enrollment: 77%
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
The student population of Santa Monica College has declined by 8% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 22:1 has decreased from 45:1 over five years.
The Santa Monica College diversity score of 0.75 is more than the state average of 0.70. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
27,497 students
8,365 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
22:1
24:1
# Full-Time Students
10,987 students
2,015 students
# Part-Time Students
16,510 students
6,350 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
140 students
% Asian
9%
12%
% Hispanic
41%
47%
% Black
8%
6%
% White
23%
23%
% Two or more races
4%
4%
% Non Resident races
10%
2%
% Unknown races
4%
6%
Diversity Score
0.75
0.70
College Completion Rate
30%
28%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$38,100
$34,700
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $1,176 is less than the state average of $1,997. 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 $7,123. The out-state tuition has stayed relatively flat over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$1,176
$1,997
Out-State Tuition Fees
$7,836
$7,123
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
57%
79%
Median Debt for Graduates
$7,250
$10,376
Median Debt for Dropouts
$5,500
$6,000
Acceptance Rate
n/a
89%
Source: 2020 (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.
Nearby Schools
The nearest community college to Santa Monica College is West Los Angeles College (4.9 miles away)
No matter where you choose to go to college you'll have to take some kind of standardized test. The GRE is often required for graduate programs, but it may also benefit your community college application.
Education becomes more expensive with each passing year so it is important to make smart use of your student loans and to minimize your debt while you are in school whenever possible.
Quick Stats (2022-23)
Enrollment: 27,497 students
In-state tuition: $1,176
Out-state tuition: $7,836
Student:teacher ratio: 22:1
Minority enrollment: 77%
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
