Santa Monica College

What is the cost of studying for a year at Santa Monica College?

Santa Monica College's published tuition is relatively low for California residents, but tuition alone is not an annual attendance budget. IPEDS 2025-26 figures report the following full-time undergraduate tuition and required fees:

• California resident: $1,104 in tuition and $52 in required fees, or $1,156 combined.
• Nonresident: $10,656 in tuition and $52 in required fees, or $11,353 combined.
• Reported part-time tuition: $46 per credit for residents and $444 per credit for nonresidents.

These figures describe the reporting year, not a quote for a future term. Students must also budget for books and supplies, transportation, personal expenses and housing or food. Reported books and supplies costs are about $1,746, but actual spending depends on courses and whether lower-cost materials are available. Nonresident and international students should check the current per-unit schedule and any additional charges before estimating their bill.

Financial aid can substantially change the amount a student pays. In IPEDS 2024-25 reporting, 65% of students received financial aid and 3% had student loans. Average net price varied with family income; it was $2,442 for the lowest reported income band, covering families earning up to $48,000. Net price is an average after grant aid, not an individual award or a substitute for a housing budget.

Eligible students may seek federal Pell Grants, California state aid, the California College Promise Grant, SMC scholarships and other assistance. Federal aid generally starts with the FAFSA; eligible students who use California's alternative process may need the California Dream Act Application instead. SMC's financial-aid office can explain current deadlines and whether a student meets a particular program's rules. Students eligible for veteran or military education benefits should also confirm how those benefits apply to their courses.

What are the work-study opportunities at Santa Monica College?

Santa Monica College students can seek part-time work while studying, and eligible financial-aid recipients may qualify for Federal Work-Study. Work-Study is an aid-supported job opportunity, not money automatically credited to a tuition bill: students must obtain a position and earn wages for hours worked.

Eligibility depends on the student's aid application, financial need and available funding. Students should check SMC's financial-aid and student-employment instructions for openings and hiring steps; ordinary campus or off-campus part-time jobs need not be Work-Study positions. Career services offer a separate set of resources, including career exploration, individual counseling, résumé assistance, interview preparation, job listings and employer events. An internship may offer experience or academic credit, but the college does not require one of every student.