Santa Monica College California

Public community college in Santa Monica serving over 23,000 students with low in-state tuition of $1,104 annually.

College statistics

Address:
1900 Pico Blvd
Santa Monica, CA
90405
Sector Group:
Public 4-Year or Above
Official Website:
https://www.smc.edu/
Setting:
City
Research Activity Tier:
No research designation
Economic Mobility Index:
Higher Access, Lower Earnings
Primary Undergraduate Major:
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities

Santa Monica College is a public community college located in Santa Monica, California, serving the broader Los Angeles area. The college enrolls over 23,000 students and offers a broad curriculum centered on liberal arts and sciences, general studies, and humanities. As an open-enrollment institution, SMC accepts students from its service region and beyond.

In-state tuition is $1,104 annually, making SMC one of California's most affordable higher education options. Out-of-state tuition runs $10,656 per year. With total enrollment exceeding 23,000, the college operates as a high-volume institution designed to serve working adults, recent high school graduates, and students seeking affordable pathways into four-year degree programs.

Santa Monica College functions primarily as a transfer institution, with many students completing general education and major prerequisites before moving to four-year universities. The college works best for students seeking low-cost entry into higher education, those balancing work and study, and California residents preparing to transfer. For more information, visit smc.edu.