Santa Monica College

For more than 90 years, Santa Monica College (SMC) has been shaping futures through a smarter kind of higher education—one that’s affordable, relevant, and built for real-world success. Founded in 1929 and located in the vibrant coastal city of Santa Monica, California, SMC is recognized as one of the nation’s premier community colleges, offering both academic excellence and unmatched transfer opportunities.

As a pioneer in the American community college movement, SMC continues to lead the way in higher education innovation. The college offers more than 200 degrees and certificates, including a Bachelor’s Degree in Interaction Design, and provides an exceptional academic foundation for students beginning their journey toward a four-year degree. With a 24:1 student-to-faculty ratio, students receive individualized attention from distinguished professors who are leaders in their fields.

SMC is the #1 Transfer College to University of California campuses, Loyola Marymount University, the University of Southern California, and many more. Year after year, students successfully transfer to top institutions such as UCLA, UC San Diego, UC Irvine, and Columbia University, building on the strong academic and personal foundation they developed at SMC.

Beyond the classroom, Santa Monica College offers one of the largest student support networks of any community college in California—with more than 55 offices and programs dedicated to academic success, wellbeing, housing, nutrition, and career development. The college’s commitment to access and affordability is reflected in its $50 million in annual financial aid and scholarships, two years of free tuition for recent high school graduates, and tuition as low as $46 per unit for California residents.

With six unique campuses—including the Center for Media and Design, Malibu Campus, and Performing Arts Center—SMC provides an inspiring environment where creativity and opportunity meet. From first-generation students to those pursuing advanced degrees, SMC empowers learners to discover their passions, achieve their goals, and join a community that changes lives.

Santa Monica College — where education meets possibility.