Your Smart
Choice
"SMC is the smart choice, not a second choice."
— California High School Counselor
Interested in a proven transfer path to a UC, CSU, or other 4-year college of your choice? Or maybe you’re looking to hit the job market sooner with skills to set you on a successful career path? We have got you covered at Santa Monica College. Learn more about the programs we have to help you succeed, and other reasons for considering SMC.
Programs to help you succeed
SMC Promise
The Santa Monica College Promise (SMCP) program is a collection of services and benefits for first-time college students who graduated from a California high school.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
SMC offers over $50 million in financial aid & scholarships to help you attain your education goals.
Transfer Admission Guaranteed (TAG)
Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) is a program that offers students from SMC guaranteed admission to a variety of UC, CSU, and private colleges.
Adelante Program
The Adelante Program provides counseling and academic advisement to help students strengthen their skills, acquire the information, and develop the support system to confidently and successfully navigate college.
Black Collegians Program
The Black Collegians Program/Umoja Community at SMC is designed to assist students of African descent in transferring to four-year universities and obtaining their Associate degree.
Men of Color Action Network
The Men of Color Action Network (MOCAN) is an active support network which advocates for SMC’s Men of Color while focusing on the systemic (academic, political, social) change needed to cultivate a learning environment that optimizes the success of male students of color.
“I think what we have here is a jewel and it's so rare. There's a reason why Santa Monica community college is the #1 community college. They're your vehicle. And they make it a priority to really embrace you in whatever you need.”
Nicole Rojas / SMC Alumnus
Top Reasons to Attend SMC
Affordable
SMC offers the same lower-division courses as UC, California State University, and other four-year campuses at a fraction of the cost ($46 per unit/credit). Plus, we offer over $50 million in financial aid and scholarships, as well as free tuition to first-year students who are California residents with SMC Promise.
Path to a Four-year College
SMC is #1 in transfers to UC campuses, USC, and LMU for 34 years straight. SMC offers dozens of transfer admission guarantee agreements to a variety of UC, CSU, and private colleges. Our network of counselors and staff in 55 offices and programs at SMC form the largest student support network in California to meet your educational needs.
Workforce Training
SMC’s 200+ career education degrees and certificates are the launchpad for your future. Recent SMC students saw a 65% increase in their wages on average after program completion.* Through strong industry partnerships, exceptional faculty with professional expertise, and dynamic programs, we train our students to excel in their dream careers. We’ve got you covered in areas ranging from healthcare and design, to business and cosmetology, and more!
* 2023 Career & Technical Education Outcomes Survey (CTEOS)
Flexibility
SMC offers hundreds of classes online, and is a leader among California Community Colleges. New in-demand classes are constantly being modified for online delivery.
Why Choose SMC
$46
Cost per unit/credit
200+
Degrees and Certificates
12
Earn a certificate in under 12 months