
Santa Monica College (SMC) is a leading two-year community college located in Santa Monica, California. SMC has an award-winning faculty and ranks number one in California for community colleges that successfully transfer students to the University of California, University of Southern California or other four-year institutions. SMC also has a large international student population as compared to other community colleges.
SMC ranks high in its career preparation and certification programs in nursing, solar technology, new media, computer technology, early childhood education, business, graphic design and many other occupations.
The 38-acre main campus of SMC has state-of-the-art facilities and several highlights such as the John Drescher Planetarium, the Broad Stage for performing arts, and the Academy of Entertainment & Technology. The award-winning public radio station, KCRW (89.9 FM) is also part of SMC's main campus.
History
Santa Monica College was established in 1929 with just over 150 students.
Academics
Santa Monica College offers the Associate in Arts Degree, as well as Certificates of Achievement in several departments, which can be completed online. There are also "pre-professional" courses at SMC that students may take for certain careers that may require further specialized study. The Pre-Professional programs include such careers as Pre-Chiropractic, Pre-Dental/Dental Hygiene, Pre-Law, Pre-Medical, Pre-Pharmacy, Pre-Veterinary and Teacher Preparation.
Students hoping to transfer to a four-year institution can follow the Transfer programs offered at SMC.
SMCOnline offers education in many disciplines on the Internet for students who are working or otherwise cannot study on campus. There is 24/7 technical support available for online students.
Colleges and Schools
Santa Monica College offers degree and certificate programs in many of its different departments, which are:
- Art
- Business
- Chemistry
- Communication
- Computer Science and Information Systems
- Cosmetology
- Counseling
- Dance
- Design Technology
- AET
- Graphic Design
- Interior Architectural Design
- Earth Science
- Education/ECE
- Engineering
- ESL
- English
- Fashion Design and Merchandising
- Health Sciences
- Nursing
- Respiratory Therapy
- History
- Kinesiology and Athletics
- Life Sciences
- Mathematics
- Modern Languages
- Music
- Photography
- Physical Sciences
- Physics
- Psychology
- Philosophy and Social Sciences
- Theatre Arts
Student Life
There are many cultural and recreational activities offered at Santa Monica College including athletics, concerts, plays, art exhibits and lectures.
Student activities and clubs are offered through the Associated Students. There are many student resources on campus including computer labs, counseling, the Health Services Center, Child Care Services, Student Employment, and many others.
Athletics
The Santa Monica "Corsairs" teams compete in 16 different sports throughout the year. The sports that Santa Monica teams compete in are:
Men's Sports:
- Basketball
- Cross Country
- Football
- Swimming
- Track & Field
- Volleyball
- Water Polo
Women's Sports:
- Basketball
- Cross Country
- Soccer
- Softball
- Swimming
- Tennis
- Volleyball
- Water Polo
Satellite Campuses
Santa Monica College has several satellite campuses near its main campus, including classes offered in community facilities in downtown Santa Monica.
Community Life
Santa Monica College offers its Emeritus College classes to seniors and Continuing and Community Education Programs to all community members.
The Corsair is a student-run newspaper that is supervised by faculty and open to all registered students.
Estimated Costs & Financial Aid
The average "out of pocket" cost of attendance, after any grants and scholarships are considered, is around $6,800. The figures listed below are for informational purposes only and do not represent current or future tuition, fees, and expenses.
Tuition & Fees Information
- Annual tuition estimates are:
- State Residents: $1,100-$1,300
- Out-of-State: $8,000-$9,648
- Part-time students are charged:
- State Residents: $46-$55 per credit unit
- Nonresidents: $340-$400 per credit unit
Financial Aid Details
The table below breaks down the types of financial aid, the percent of students receiving aid, and average amount of aid per student per year.
Percent of Students | Average Amount | |
---|---|---|
Any Financial Aid | 57% | - |
Receiving Grants & Scholarships | 56% | $4,886 |
Receiving Student Loans | 2% | $4,543 |
Admissions, Academics, & Student Services
Student Services
To help students and alumni, Santa Monica College may offer student services including:
- Online course work available
- Classes offered on nights and weekends
- Remedial courses
- Academic counseling for students
- Student employment
- Employment search assistance
Graduation & Transfer Rates
Many community colleges are not only a source of technical or career training but also a stepping stone for students to transfer-out to a 4-year college, therefore we have included both graduation and transfer rates below and how SMC compares against other community colleges in Los Angeles County and the community colleges in California as a whole.
SMC | Los Angeles County | California | |
---|---|---|---|
Graduation Rate | 30.2% | 22.2% | 24.3% |
Transfer-out Rate | 16.4% | 12.0% | 13.8% |
Specialized Programs & Accreditations
- Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) Program
- Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. ? May 6, 2013 Formerly: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (since 1989)
- See a list of all associate's degree in nursing (ADN) programs in California
Programs Offered
The program list below is organized by areas of study. The programs that have a link will direct you to the program's profile page where you can learn more about education requirements and career pathways.

Get more information about the programs offered by Santa Monica College by clicking the request information to the right.
(C) Certificate or Award | (A) Associate's | (B) Bachelor's | (M) Master's Degree | (D) Doctorate (PhD,...)
Business and Marketing Studies
- Business Administration (A)
- Bookkeeping (A, C)
- Sales (A, C)
- Office Management and Supervision (C)
- Sales Manager (C)
- International Business (C)
- Small Business Management (C)
- Logistics and Supply Chain Management (A, C)
- Administrative Assistant (A)
- Insurance (A)
Communication Technology
- Animation (A, C)
- Photographic and Film Technology (A, C)
Communications and Journalism
- Communications (A)
- Radio and Television (A, C)
- Journalism (A)
- Advertising (A)
Computer and Information Sciences
- Computer Programming (A, C)
- Data Entry and Microcomputer Applications (A, C)
- Computer Science (A, C)
- Data Modeling & Database Administration (DBA) (A)
Education
- Education, Early Childhood Special Education Programs (A, C)
Engineering Technology
- Hazardous Materials Management and Waste Technology (A, C)
- Energy Management (A, C)
Ethnic Cultural and Gender Studies
- Women's Studies (A)
- Ethnic Studies
Family and Consumer Sciences
- Child Care Provider (A, C)
- Apparel and Textiles Management (A, C)
Foreign Languages and Literature
Health and Clinical Professions
- Nursing (A)
- Respiratory Therapy (A)
- Medical Executive Assistant (A, C)
- Medical Assistant (A, C)
History
- History (A)
Interdisciplinary Studies
- Biological and Physical Sciences (A)
Legal Professions and Studies
Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Liberal Arts (A, C)
- Humanistic Studies (A)
Mathematics and Statistics
- Math (A)
Natural Resources and Conservation
- Environmental Studies (A, C)
- Environmental Science
Personal and Culinary Services
- Cosmetology (A, C)
Recreation and Fitness Studies
Social Sciences
- Political Science (A, C)
Visual and Performing Arts
- Film Studies (A)
- Graphic Design (A, C)
- Music (A)
- Drama and Theatre Arts (A)
- Art Studies (A)
- Interior Design (A, C)
- Fashion Design (A, C)
- Theatre Design and Technology (C)
- Visual and Performing Arts (A)
- Dance (A)
Other Community Colleges Nearby
The list of nearby schools has been selected by researching which schools offer similar programs to Santa Monica College.
- West Los Angeles College in Culver City, CA (5 miles away)
- Los Angeles Valley College in Valley Glen, CA (11 miles away)
- Los Angeles City College in Los Angeles, CA (11 miles away)
- Los Angeles Southwest College in Los Angeles, CA (11 miles away)
- Los Angeles Trade Technical College in Los Angeles, CA (12 miles away)