Heading to Santa Monica College (SMC) for your studies? As one of the biggest and best community colleges in California – especially when it comes to university transfers – SMC has a lot going for it!

It doesn’t have on-campus housing, though, so if you’re moving to the area for college, you’ll have to arrange your own accommodation. Luckily, we offer an excellent range of student housing near SMC.

Start exploring our student housing in Los Angeles – or continue reading to learn more about student life at SMC and the best areas to live nearby.

Where is Santa Monica College located?

Santa Monica College is based in the coastal city of Santa Monica, approximately 13 miles west of downtown Los Angeles. It has a stunning, modern campus which occupies 38 acres in the residential neighborhood of Sunset Park.

The college is just 2 miles from the iconic Santa Monica Pier and some of the best beaches in LA – a major draw for many students. Heading in the other direction, it’s roughly an hour’s trip via public transport to downtown LA.

Beyond its main campus, SMC operates several satellite facilities across Santa Monica and Malibu, including the Performing Arts Center and the Center for Media and Design.

How is Santa Monica College ranked?

You won’t find Santa Monica College in the traditional university ranking systems, though it is considered one of the best community colleges in the US, owing to its high standard of teaching, small class sizes, and excellent facilities.

It’s one of only a limited number of community colleges authorized to offer bachelor’s degrees, while it also has one of the largest international student bodies of any community college in the country.

Where SMC really excels is transfers. For over 30 years, SMC has been top for transfers to the University of California, Los Angeles, with transfers to other leading universities like California State University and Loyola Marymount University also common.

Study programs at Santa Monica College

Santa Monica College offers over 180 degree and certificate programs across 26 different academic departments. These courses cover pretty much all bases, from science and engineering to art and humanities.

The college's academic structure primarily revolves around associate degrees and transfer programs, providing high-quality education at a fraction of four-year university costs.

Many programs include transfers to the likes of UCLA and CSU, whereby students complete their first two undergraduate years at SMC before completing their degree at a four-year institution, saving thousands of dollars in the process.

Student life at Santa Monica College

Santa Monica College has a vibrant campus life that more closely resembles a major university rather than a community college, with the Associated Students organization sponsoring over 60 different student clubs.

The college has an international flavour with over 100 countries represented in the student body. There's plenty of support available for international students too through groups like the International Student Forum, Chinese Student Assocation and Latino Student Union.

The college’s athletics programs – known as the Corsairs – is a big part of student life, with teams in basketball, soccer, volleyball, swimming and more competing in the Western State Conference.

How much does it cost to study at Santa Monica College?

As a community college, Santa Monica College offers exceptional value compared to four-year universities. Tuition fees across a full year of study are typically around $1,345 for domestic students, while international students can expect to pay roughly $11,200.

Combined with living costs and other mandatory fees like health insurance, the college estimates that domestic and international students will generally need around $22,000 and $32,000 respectively to cover the costs of a full year.

Many students attending the college receive financial aid, which can bring these costs down. Generally, though, there are fewer scholarships available to international students compared to domestic students. 

Best neighborhoods to live near Santa Monica College

Given its location in a predominantly residential area, there’s no shortage of apartments near Santa Monica College. The surrounding neighborhood of Sunset Park is an obvious choice and has lots of excellent amenities.

Downtown Santa Monica is one of the most coveted parts of the city and offers easy access to the beach as well as lots of shops, cafes, and restaurants along the Third Street Promenade. That said, it’s one of the more expensive areas to live.

Adjacent to the downtown area, Ocean Park is another solid option for those looking to be close to the beach – though again it can be pricey. If you're looking for something cheaper, the Pico neighborhood offers great value. 

Frequently asked questions

When should I start looking for housing at Santa Monica College?

If you’ve secured your place at Santa Monica College, it’s generally best to start looking for housing at least three months before your start date. That way, you’ll have enough time to assess your options, potentially view a few apartments, and secure a space in what can be a competitive market.

How much does it cost to rent an apartment near Santa Monica College?

Rental prices for apartments in the areas around Santa Monica College vary widely. Those closer to LA and downtown Santa Monica tend to be pricey, but you can find some cheaper options in other parts of Santa Monica. The properties we list near the college typically range from $700–$1,700 per month.

Where are some of the best areas to live near Santa Monica College?

There are plenty of great areas for students to live near Santa Monica College. The surrounding neighborhood of Sunset Park offers the quickest route to campus, while Downtown Santa Monica and Ocean Park are close to the beach. For more affordable student housing, Pico is a great option. 

Do I need a visa to study at Santa Monica College?

If you want to study at Santa Monica College as a non-US citizen, you’ll need to obtain a student visa from a US embassy or consulate in your home country – this will generally be an F-1 visa. Read more on the requirements and your eligibility here. 

What if I didn’t find the answer to my question here?

For information on how the booking process works, click here. We also have answers to a range of other questions on our FAQ page. If you still haven’t found what you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to contact us!