Suggested Focus: For this type of institution, we recommend prioritizing the Outcomes Score (D) which measures graduation and job placement rates — the most relevant metrics for career programs.
Graduation Rate: 36%
Two ratings: the overall grade compares colleges the conventional way (outcomes, cost, resources, experience, reputation). The Outcome Rating asks what students earn: 60% wage-adjusted earnings 10 years after enrolling, 25% graduation, 15% retention. Methodology
Quick Stats
Earnings, Debt & Completion
What happens to students who enroll at Santa Monica College, from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
Typical debt at graduation equals about 15% of one year’s median earnings ten years after entry.
Earnings rank: 31st percentile among associate-degree-focused colleges after a partial adjustment for local wage levels (CA wage index 1.21). This drives the Outcome Rating.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, retrieved Oct 2026. Earnings are for federally aided students who enrolled, whether or not they graduated.
Earnings by Major at Santa Monica College
Median pay of associate's degree graduates by field of study, and how each program ranks against every college reporting that major — by raw pay and adjusted for state wage levels. Same school, very different paychecks.
| Major | 1 yr after | 4 yrs after | vs. national | Rank (pay) | Rank (wage-adj.) | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | — | $95,831 | +19% | #127 of 962 | #308 | — |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | — | $49,091 | +1% | #271 of 547 | #385 | — |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | — | $46,864 | +6% | #231 of 947 | #573 | — |
| Communication and Media Studies | — | $29,371 | -32% | #52 of 53 | #52 | — |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study data. Earnings are for graduates who received federal aid and were working; small programs are not reported.
The Santa Monica College Town Property Report
- Avg home value near campus: $1,934,558
- Avg rent near campus: $3,200/mo
- Top nearby ZIP by cap rate: 90404 (2.5% cap, Santa Monica)
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🏆 Where Santa Monica College Ranks
Rankings based on Repit College Grade among schools offering each program.
Costs & Financial Aid
Tuition & Fees
| Category | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $1,104 | $9,264 |
Financial Aid
Net Price by Family Income
| Family Income | Average Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $2,796 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $3,672 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $5,695 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $7,662 |
| $110,001+ | $8,622 |
Programs & Career Paths
Top Degree Programs
Programs ranked by number of degrees awarded annually.
Related Career Paths
Careers that graduates from Santa Monica College's top programs commonly pursue.
Student Demographics
👥 Race & Ethnicity
🏠 Living Arrangements
💻 Learning Mode
📊 Age Distribution
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Santa Monica College?
How much does it cost to attend Santa Monica College?
What is the graduation rate at Santa Monica College?
Is Santa Monica College a good school?
- Outcomes (D): Graduation and retention rates
- Affordability (B+): Net cost and financial aid access
- Resources (C): Class sizes and selectivity
- Experience (D): Campus life and learning format
- Prestige (D): Reputation and recognition
How many students attend Santa Monica College?
Is there rental demand near Santa Monica College?
Deciding between a dorm and buying near campus? Run the numbers for Santa Monica College — four years of dorm costs vs. owning, including what you’d recover at resale. Buy vs Dorm calculator →
🎓 Similar Colleges to Santa Monica College
Compare with other 4-Year public institutions of similar size.
Data source: IPEDS 2023-24 | Last updated: October 2026 | Methodology