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 25,948 students (39% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 21:1 is lower than the state community college average of 22:1.
Minority enrollment is 74% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is equal to the state average of 74%.
Quick Stats (2023-24)
Enrollment: 25,948 students
In-state tuition: $1,176
Out-state tuition: $7,836
Student:teacher ratio: 21:1
Minority enrollment: 74%
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
The student population of Santa Monica College has declined by 12% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 21:1 has decreased from 22:1 over five years.
The Santa Monica College diversity score of 0.80 is more than the state average of 0.70. The school's diversity has grown by 7% over five years.
Total Enrollment
25,948 students
7,899 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
21:1
22:1
# Full-Time Students
10,005 students
1,660 students
# Part-Time Students
15,943 students
6,239 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
194 students
302 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
10,005 students
1,580 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
54 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
15,943 students
6,239 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
10 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
140 students
% Asian
10%
14%
% Hispanic
35%
45%
% Black
5%
5%
% White
26%
26%
% Two or more races
4%
4%
% Non Resident races
17%
3%
% Unknown races
2%
3%
Diversity Score
0.80
0.70
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
30%
28%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
19.33%
1.92%
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 $1,246. 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 $6,603. The out-state tuition has declined by 8% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$1,176
$1,246
Out-State Tuition Fees
$7,836
$6,603
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
66%
86%
Median Debt for Graduates
$6,750
$10,500
Median Debt for Dropouts
$5,500
$6,239
Acceptance Rate
n/a
89%
Source: 2021 (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.
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.
Going to college is hard work but it’s even more challenging for nontraditional students who are working or raising a family at the same time. If you’re considering community college to improve your life or further your career, here’s everything you need to know.
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Quick Stats (2023-24)
Enrollment: 25,948 students
In-state tuition: $1,176
Out-state tuition: $7,836
Student:teacher ratio: 21:1
Minority enrollment: 74%
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
For Los Angeles County, CA public community colleges, the average tuition is approximately $1,211 per year for in-state students and $6,572 for out-of-state students. For private community colleges, the average yearly tuition is approximately $24,568 per year. Read more about average community college tuition costs across the country.
