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Key facts
- TypePublic
- International students3300
- Nationalities100
- Total programs78
- University rankingNot ranked
Study abroad at Santa Monica College
Santa Monica College (SMC) is a leading public community college situated in Santa Monica, a breathtaking beach resort town in the US state of California. In addition to its main campus, SMC has four other sites in Santa Monica.
The College has been delivering academic excellence in Santa Monica since 1929. SMC’s dynamic staff has fostered an empowering teaching approach, enabling students to forge thriving lives and careers - it’s a fabulous place to learn.
When it comes to choosing a program, there’s so much choice at SMC. International students can choose innovative courses across 180 subjects. There’s everything from accounting to film production - there’s a program for every passion at SMC.
SMC’s gorgeous campuses have everything students need to succeed. International students attending SMC have access to high-tech computer labs, creative spaces, collaborative zones, and a range of student services to name a few.

Why study at Santa Monica College
- Top transfer rate
SMC transfers the most students to UC and CSU universities in the US
- World-class staff
Learn from award-winning professors, including ivy-league graduates
- Excellent student support
SMC has the largest number of counselors of any community college in California
- Great location
Santa Monica is an awesome place with lots to see and do
Location
Santa Monica College
1900 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405, United States
Santa Monica boasts an exciting nightlife scene, a wealth of outdoor activities, a lovely beach, countless restaurants, chic shopping outlets, world-famous attractions, and so much more.

Programs
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Fees and funding
Funding
SMC Foundation Scholarships
- Amount
From US$250 to US$50,000
- Requirements
All Majors. Scholarships for continuing students only. Full-time 12+ units students are eligible. 2.5 GPA or higher. Financial need - some scholarships require financial need, others do not.
Fee information
- Undergraduate tuition
US$10,656 per year

What is the cost of living near Santa Monica College?
| Category | Cost (in United States Dollar) |
|---|---|
| Rent, 1-bed apartment in city centre | $2,482 |
| Rent, 1-bed apartment outside centre | $2,257 |
| Utilities (electricity, heating, water, refuse) | $257 |
| Internet (60 Mbps unlimited) | $80 |
| Mobile phone plan (data + calls) | $65 |
| Monthly public transport pass | $105 |
| Monthly grocery basket | $242 |
| Coffee shop drink | $6 |
| Cinema or cultural event ticket | $18 |
| Gym membership | $63 |
Indicative monthly costs per person.
Data sourced from numbeo.com (Crowdsourced).
Visa requirements for Santa Monica College
Many international students will require a visa to study in the US, and this is a vital step of your study abroad journey. Make sure you understand the requirements you may need to meet before applying.
Life at Santa Monica College
The College is a beautiful melting pot of different cultures, languages, and traditions. Over 26,000 students are enrolled at SMC and over 2,000 are international students from 100 countries - the campus is truly diverse.
There’s plenty of housing options available in and around Santa Monica. SMC’s helpful IEC team is always available to provide housing guidance to help international students find a comfortable and secure place to live.
Students can get involved in campus life and make lifelong friends in so many ways. There are over 60 students clubs and regular trips to local sporting events and attractions like the Hollywood Sign and Magic Mountain.

Facilities
- Machines
- 1 Climbing Walls
- Fitness Classes
- Free Weights
- Dance Studio
- Loan Laptops
- Campus Wireless Connectivity
- Emergency Contraception
- Family Planning
- Travel Vaccinations
- Counselling & Mental Health Services
- Campus Doctor
- Group Study Rooms
- Computer labs
- Quiet Areas
- Campus Bus Service
- Campus parking
- Bike Rental
- Academic Tutoring & Support
- Student Tutoring & Support
- 2 volleyball courts
- 1 Athletics Track
- 2 Swimming pools
- 2 Basketball Courts
- Sport facilities
- 65 Clubs & Organizations
- 5 Restaurants
Student reviews for Santa Monica College
What Santa Monica College says
Denise KinsellaDenise Kinsella says:With dedicated, engaging professors, state-of-the-art labs and classrooms, and the largest network of student support counselors in the state of California, the SMC team is here to help you succeed academically and personally.
Our location in Los Angeles county puts you close to many resources and internship opportunities to help you explore your interests and develop your professional skills.
All of our support has made us the #1 transfer institution for over 30 years!
The international education center has wrap-around services to support you both with your academic needs and with your personal needs. We are your home-away-from-home! We provide academic counseling, immigration support, housing support, student activities, and many other services to ensure your success. Most students transfer on to university after graduating from Santa Monica College.

