Santa Monica College

Founded: 1929   Total Students: 30,000+

Overview

The end of the Roaring Twenties ushered in the Great Depression, the first Academy Awards were held, and a certain Santa Monica Junior College opened its doors to 153 students. Evolving missions led to new names - “Santa Monica City College” - and eventually “Santa Monica College,” to reflect the College’s service to the Westside, and to the Greater Los Angeles.

A pioneer of the uniquely American community college movement, SMC fulfills the educational needs of the broadest possible cross-section of its community. The first-generation college student who struggled with science and thought her dream of going to medical school would remain just a dream, the new immigrant wanting to learn English, or the single parent seeking to acquire skills for a better job, the College has fulfilled thousands of such aspirations, and more.

Today, SMC leads the nation in transferring students to the prestigious University of California system - a record unbroken for over 25 years - and serves more than 30,000 students. Set on a 38-acre main campus with five satellite locations across the sunny seaside city of Santa Monica, SMC offers students the collegial experience and educational quality typically found at a scholastically rigorous four-year college or university, at a fraction of the cost.

The 21st century rolled in with major growth for SMC: a new campus opened in a prime downtown location for its Emeritus, education for older adults; two bonds - Measure U and Measure S, totaling $295 million - passed by local voters; a modern library unveiled; and “equalization” funding gained, ending two decades of state funding inequality. Measure V, a $345 million bond was approved in 2016 to complete the SMC Master Plan.

Programs Offered in Santa Monica College

  • Associate Degree
  • Bachelor's Degree

    • Highlights

    SMC is the Place for You!

    Top 10 reasons Santa Monica College is the place to be. The best opportunities are at SMC.

    • #1 in Transfers
    • An Affordable, World-Class Education
    • Distinguished Faculty Who Believe in You
    • Largest Support Network in California = Your Success
    • Over 200  Degrees and Certificates
    • Training for Top Careers & Lifelong Education
    • A Vibrant Global Community
    • Online Education
    • A Quick ‘Pathway’ to Success
    • The Beach is Our Backyard

    Campus Detail

    Main Campus Address

    1900 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405, United States

    Outreach, A Student Referral Program by Canam

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