verifiedCampus View

Santa Monica College

location_onSanta Monica, CA

PublicCity: Small
open_in_newVisit Site
100%
Acceptance Rate
21,440
Total Students
$11k
Sticker Price
36%
Grad Rate
$42k
Median Salary

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Data as of May 2026
🎯Can I Get In?
100%
Accessible
Acceptance Rate
100% accept rateNat'l avg: 66%
SAT RangeNot reported
ACT RangeNot reported
groups21,440 students enrolled
schoolPublic · City: Small
Your MatchPlus Feature
100% acceptance rate. Compare your scores against admitted students — is this a Match, Reach, or Safety for you?
💰Can I Afford It?
Sticker Price
$10,708
Net Price
Not reported
$6,450Avg Debt
≈ $54/mo for 10 yrs
Avg salary after graduation$42,193/yr
Debt-to-income ratio15% (healthy)
Avg debt below national average ($29,400)
Your Net Price EstimatePlus Feature
Most families overpay for college. See what Santa Monica College actually costs for your income level.
💜Why Go Here?
Graduation Rate36%
Nat'l avg: 62%
$42k
Avg Salary
Near $46k avg
27:1
Faculty Ratio
Large classes
21.4k
Students
Large
schoolPublic · City: Small
Your Fit ScorePlus Feature
Is this school right for you? Get a personalized fit score based on your major, location, and career goals.
🏆How Does It Stack Up?
infoNot in national rankings — may excel in regional or specialty rankings
Deal Score73
Good Value
diversity_150% First-Gen Students
trending_up100% Loan Repayment Rate
account_balance26% Pell Grant Recipients
CD Quality ScoresPlus Feature
See how Santa Monica College ranks on value, outcomes, and student satisfaction with our proprietary analysis
Get Plus →
154Days
scheduleApplication Countdown
Early Decision deadline is Nov 1, 2026
You have time to research and prepare thoroughly.
auto_awesomeAt a Glance
Located in sunny Santa Monica, California, Santa Monica College offers a unique opportunity for students seeking an accessible and enriching higher education experience. With a sizable enrollment of over 21,000 students, you'll find a diverse community ready to learn alongside you. Santa Monica College boasts a 50% acceptance rate, making it an accessible option for a wide range of students. Academically, while the student-to-faculty ratio isn't specified, the college focuses on providing accessible educational opportunities. Although graduation rates are currently unreported, the potential for future career success is evident with median earnings reaching over $42,000 ten years after graduation. Santa Monica College stands out as a particularly strong value with incredibly low tuition costs for both in-state students at $1,156 and an even more unbelievable $0 for out-of-state students. Additionally, the average net price is reported to be $0, making it an incredibly affordable option. If you're a motivated individual seeking an accessible, career-focused education in a vibrant California location, Santa Monica College could be the perfect fit. With a focus on affordability and future earning potential, it offers a great opportunity for determined students to begin their higher education journey.
Deal Score
73.42
/ 100
Good Value
Based on cost, earnings, & outcomes
Academics & Admissions
Faculty-Student Ratio
27:1
Test Score Ranges
Not reported
SAT
/
Not reported
GPA
Class Sizes
Large
based on faculty ratio
Application Deadline
Not reported
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price$10,708
Avg Grad Debt$6,450
boltThe Vibe

"Located in sunny Santa Monica, California, Santa Monica College offers a unique opportunity for students seeking an accessible and enriching higher education experience. With a sizable enrollment of over 21,000 students, you'll find a diverse community ready to learn alongside you. Santa Monica College boasts a 50% acceptance rate, making it an accessible option for a wide range of students. Academically, while the student-to-faculty ratio isn't specified, the college focuses on providing accessible educational opportunities. Although graduation rates are currently unreported, the potential for future career success is evident with median earnings reaching over $42,000 ten years after graduation. Santa Monica College stands out as a particularly strong value with incredibly low tuition costs for both in-state students at $1,156 and an even more unbelievable $0 for out-of-state students. Additionally, the average net price is reported to be $0, making it an incredibly affordable option. If you're a motivated individual seeking an accessible, career-focused education in a vibrant California location, Santa Monica College could be the perfect fit. With a focus on affordability and future earning potential, it offers a great opportunity for determined students to begin their higher education journey."

8
Rigor
5
Career
9
Social
7
Value
Signature StrengthGlobal Impact

Santa Monica College
Innovation Engine

A Tier-1 Research Powerhouse driving global discovery. Undergraduate students work alongside world-class faculty to solve humanity's toughest challenges.

attach_money
Funding
Federal + Private
science
Discovery
Research Centers
public
Impact
Patents & Innovations
R1
Carnegie Classification
person_search
Undergrad Research
Available Freshman Year
verifiedCollege Decoded Grades
CD Exclusive
C
Academics
C
Value
B
Diversity
C
Outcomes
B
Social
B+
Housing
See your real chances and true cost at Santa Monica College