Santa Monica College
Santa Monica, California
About Santa Monica College
A Legacy of Excellence and Innovation
Founded in 1929, Santa Monica College is a 4-year college serving students in Santa Monica, California. With a tradition of academic excellence, Santa Monica College prepares graduates for success in Humanities, Business, Visual & Performing Arts, and more.
A Diverse Community in Santa Monica
Students come from across the country and around the world, creating a campus culture rich in perspectives and experiences. With a 27:1 student-faculty ratio, professors know students by name and provide mentorship that extends beyond the classroom.
Commitment to Access and Affordability
Santa Monica College is committed to meeting full demonstrated financial need for admitted students. Families earning less than $30,000 per year typically pay $2,796, and those earning up to $48,000 contribute a portion of their income. This need-aware policy ensures that talent and drive matter more than bank accounts, opening doors for first-generation and low-income students.
Research That Shapes the World
Santa Monica College emphasizes hands-on learning, internships, and close faculty mentorship. Students gain practical experience through internships, research projects, and co-ops, preparing them for immediate career success or graduate study. The focus on undergraduate teaching means professors prioritize your growth and development.
Outcomes for Santa Monica College students
| Median earnings 8 years after enrolling | $35,735 |
|---|---|
| Median earnings 10 years after enrolling | $42,193 |
| Median debt at graduation | $6,450 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Students at Santa Monica College
| Total enrollment | 23,164 |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate students | 23,164 |
| International students | 7% |
| First-generation students | 50% |
What you can study at Santa Monica College
71 programs, most of them in these fields:
Visual and Performing Arts (13)
Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics, and Special Effects, Art/Art Studies, General, Cinematography and Film/Video Production, and more
Business Management Marketing Support (12)
Accounting, Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping, Administrative Assistant and Secretarial Science, General, and more
Health Professions (6)
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Technician, Exercise Science and Kinesiology, Medical Administrative/Executive Assistant and Medical Secretary, and more
Social Sciences (6)
Anthropology, General, Economics, General, Geography, and more
Communication Journalism (4)
Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia, Journalism, Radio and Television, and more
Computer Information Sciences (4)
Computer Programming/Programmer, General, Computer Science, Data Entry/Microcomputer Applications, General, and more
Family and Consumer Sciences (3)
Child Development, Fashion/Apparel Design, Foods, Nutrition, and Wellness Studies, General
Natural Resources and Conservation (3)
Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Hazardous Materials Management and Waste Technology/Technician
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