Welcome to Santa Monica College...

Welcome!

You've come to a special place. We believe that Santa Monica College offers an outstanding and unique educational experience. We also believe that we provide the community a wealth of resources. 

What makes us special? Aside from our academic excellence, we have features unique to us – ranging from the state-of-the-art John Drescher Planetarium to our Academy of Entertainment & Technology with strong ties to Hollywood. 

Santa Monica College – a two-year community college accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges – opened in 1929 with just 153 students. It has now grown to a thriving campus with approximately 30,000 students and offerings in more than 80 fields of study. 

We have an impressive academic record.  We are the leader among the state's 109 community colleges in transferring students to the University of California, University of Southern California and other four-year campuses. 

We also pride ourselves on preparing students for careers of the 21st century – in such fields as nursing, computer technology, new media, early childhood education, business, graphic design and other occupations. 

Santa Monica College is one of the most affordable institutions of higher education in the world. Tuition is only $20 a unit for California residents. And we have an active Financial Aid office that will help you get the funds you need to pay for your college education. 

Set on a 38-acre main campus less than two miles from the beach, Santa Monica College has everything today's student needs to succeed – computer labs, athletic facilities, performing and visual arts spaces, and active student clubs. The SMC Library recently underwent a $23.6 million expansion and modernization and reopened as a state-of-the-art, architecturally praised facility. Our new Theatre Arts Building, which opened in fall 2006, features a state-of-the-art, 264-seat theater with full backstage capabilities, a “black box” performance space, classrooms and more. Our award-winning faculty works closely with students to ensure their success, and we have numerous student services to help students meet their goals. 

Our academic excellence and prime location in a vibrant urban area attract students from all over the world. Santa Monica College boasts one of the largest international student populations of any community college in the nation, with approximately 2,500 from more than 100 countries. 

Members of our community are invited to take advantage of a wealth of cultural and recreational offerings, including concerts, plays, art and photo shows, and lectures. The college has attracted world renowned speakers, including President Clinton. 

Our Community Services/Extension (Continuing Education) program offers year round a broad range of classes – in such fields as computers, career enhancement, the arts, self development, and fitness. 

Our widely praised Emeritus College was founded in 1975 to serve people 55 and older by offering classes in downtown Santa Monica and conveniently located community facilities. 

SMC also brings the best of public radio to Southern California through the award winning college station KCRW (89.9 FM). 

We invite you to browse our home page to get more detailed information on the exciting programs and rich resources at Santa Monica College. We're delighted you chose to visit us.

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