Colleges / CA / Santa Monica

Santa Monica College

Public Santa Monica, CA · Urban · Far West · 80% data reported · Agent Insights

36%

Graduation Rate

$42,193

Earnings (10yr)

$2,779

Net Price

21,440

Enrollment

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Overview

Santa Monica College serves over 21,000 students and offers a remarkably low net price of just $2,779 per year. This affordability makes it an attractive option for those looking for a quality education without the burden of excessive debt.

Graduates of Santa Monica College earn a median income of $42,193 after ten years, which indicates a solid return on investment for many students. Although the graduation rate sits at 36%, the college plays a crucial role in helping students from lower-income backgrounds access higher education and improve their economic situation.

Students who thrive here typically seek practical, career-oriented programs in fields like Humanities, Business & Marketing, and Visual & Performing Arts. With 26% of students receiving Pell Grants, Santa Monica College supports a diverse student body, making it an ideal choice for those looking to balance affordability with quality education.

Rankings

#14 Most Affordable Colleges in California #28 Most Affordable Master's Programs #39 Most Affordable Hispanic-Serving Institutions

How Santa Compares

Dot right of center = above national average.

Net Price by Family Income

What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.

The Mobility Equation

Mobility = Access x Success. How many low-income students get in, and how many reach the top 20%?

Cost & Financial Aid

$1,156

In-State Tuition

$10,708

Out-of-State

$2,779

Avg Net Price

$6,450

Median Debt

26%

Pell Grant Rate

Federal Loan Rate

What Families Actually Pay

$1,896

Family Income $0–$30K

$2,442

Family Income $30K–$48K

$4,440

Family Income $48K–$75K

$8,395

Family Income $110K+

Graduate Outcomes

$31,977

6 Years After Entry

$35,735

8 Years

$42,193

10 Years

0.15x

Debt-to-Earnings

44%

Earning > $25K

Earnings Trajectory

Social Mobility

Data: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card · 30M+ anonymized tax records

438.51%

Mobility Rate

Bottom 20% → Top 20%

1932.6%

Success Rate

If bottom 20% get in

2269.1%

From Bottom 20%

Share of students

$51,300

Parent Median Income

Social Capital

Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

1.13

Economic Connectedness

Cross-class friendships

0.15

Friending Bias

Lower = more inclusive

4.6%

Volunteering Rate

0.88

Support Ratio

Community support

Innovation

Data: Opportunity Insights Patent & Innovation Data

0.163%

Inventor Rate

Total Patents

Total Citations

Academics & Admissions

Full-Time Faculty 29%

Faculty Salary (mo) $14,243

Diversity Index 0.74

First-Gen Students 50%

Top Programs

Humanities 70%

Business & Marketing 6%

Visual & Performing Arts 5%

Social Sciences 3%

Communications 2%

Computer Science & IT 2%

Psychology 1%

Culinary & Personal Services 1%

Related Rankings

By State (Affordable)Most Affordable Colleges in California MastersMost Affordable Master's Programs HSIMost Affordable Hispanic-Serving Institutions

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Quick Facts

Setting Urban

Region Far West

Accreditor Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges

Predominant Degree Associate's

Hispanic-Serving Yes

Student Body

Female

54%

White

26%

Hispanic

41%

Black

Asian

Data Sources

U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard

Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card

Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

Opportunity Insights Patent Data

Our methodology →