Why We 💙 SMC
#1 in Transfers
Santa Monica College has transferred more students to the University of California campuses than any other college in the country—for 30 years straight. SMC also tops in transfers to UCLA, USC, and Loyola Marymount University, and is the top feeder west of the Mississippi to the Ivy League Columbia University.
See how SMC can help you get where you want to be. Visit the Transfer Center.
An Affordable, World-Class Education
SMC offers the same lower-division courses as UC, California State University, and other four-year campuses—in general education and more than 80 fields of study—at a fraction of the cost. Students who start at SMC save tens of thousands of dollars while benefitting from rigorous smaller classes, personalized counseling and great professors whose focus is teaching, not research.
Take a look at Comparison Stats against universities.
Distinguished Faculty Who Believe in You
Santa Monica College's academic excellence is driven by nearly 1,500 professors and instructors with distinguished credentials, representing the best in their fields: award-winning authors, filmmakers, scientists…you name it. They teach at SMC because they believe in the power of the student-teacher connection—and in your ability to fulfill your dreams and make a difference.
See what classes SMC Departments offer.
Largest Network of Counselors = Your Success
Counselors across 55 offices and programs at SMC form the largest student support network in California to support your needs and ensure that you get to your goal of transfer or a career, ASAP. From the Veterans Success Center to Guardian Scholars, EOPS, Black Collegians, Latino Center and many more—SMC is here to help you succeed.
Make an appointment with the Counseling Center today!
Over 180 Certificates and Degrees
The breadth of choices at SMC is mind-blowing! From liberal arts to sciences, accounting to film production, SMC's career- and transfer-oriented programs rival the nation's best universities. New courses are constantly being developed, including career-focused ones developed with direct input from industry advisors. Just in the past 10 years, SMC faculty crafted over 300 new courses in 58 subject areas—and the list keeps growing!
See what SMC Degrees and Certificates are available.