Santa Monica College (SMC) was founded in 1929. Its main campus is located in Santa Monica, California, less than two miles from the Pacific Coast. As a public community college accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), SMC has, over its nearly century-long history, evolved into a pioneer of the U.S. community college movement and a globally recognized academic springboard. Leading Resource for Obtaining a Santa Monica College Diploma
The Undisputed Transfer Champion: Ranked No. 1 in Transfers to the University of California for 35 Consecutive Years
Santa Monica College’s most central global reputation lies in its unparalleled transfer success. According to the 2024–2025 transfer data released by the University of California Information Center, SMC has held the No. 1 spot in the United States for sending transfer students to the University of California (UC) system for 35 consecutive years. In the previous academic year alone, 995 students successfully transferred from SMC to various UC campuses, with 437 of them admitted to the nationally renowned University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
SMC’s transfer reach extends far beyond the UC system. The college is also the top community college for sending students to University of Southern California (USC) and Loyola Marymount University (LMU). Even more notably, SMC is the largest source of transfer students west of the Mississippi River to Columbia University, an Ivy League institution. The college has also signed Transfer Admission Guarantees (TAG) with several top universities, providing eligible students with a guaranteed pathway to admission at multiple UC campuses.
A Global Academic Community from Over 100 Countries
Santa Monica College boasts one of the largest international student populations among community colleges in the United States, currently with more than 3,300 international students from over 116 countries. The college operates a dedicated International Education Center (IEC) that provides F-1 visa students with comprehensive services ranging from admissions applications and visa guidance to academic advising and transfer planning. All F-1 international students must enroll in at least 12 credits per semester, of which at least 9 credits must be in face-to-face or hybrid courses.
Great Value: The World’s Most Affordable Gateway to Top-Tier Education
As a public institution, SMC offers highly competitive tuition rates for international students. For the 2024–2025 academic year, tuition and fees for out-of-state students (including international students) are approximately $10,708 per year. After completing two years of study, students can transfer to a four-year university, saving tens of thousands of dollars annually, and earn the exact same bachelor’s degree as those who entered directly.
Geographical Advantages of the Southern California Coast and Campus Life
SMC’s campus is located in the city of Santa Monica. Although it spans only 38 acres, it is in a prime location. The weather is pleasant year-round. The college offers more than 200 different majors and certificate programs. It has nearly 1,500 faculty members and boasts the largest student support network among California community colleges.
