Santa Monica College SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
Because it is test-optional and open-admission, an SAT or ACT score is not the main admissions lever here. Your priority should be course placement, early advising, and building the GPA that keeps transfer or degree options open. The low in-state cost makes Santa Monica College a practical start if you plan your first semester carefully.
⬡ LangSmitha04f5930-3e94-48ab-a350-1d9d0815742dData on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
Santa Monica College facts and stats
Santa Monica College enrolls about 23,453 undergraduate students in an urban campus setting. Santa Monica College has a 6-year graduation rate of 81%. The student-to-faculty ratio is 27:1.
⬡ LangSmith7a1b7b9b-c238-4131-bdb0-c9c2d29cd429Santa Monica, CA
Key Santa Monica College application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
November 15
Early Action
Not offered
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
—
Financial Aid Priority
March 2
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
If you choose to submit SAT or ACT scores to Santa Monica College, plan to take your first test by the spring of junior year so you have time to compare results. Use the summer before senior year and the fall for retakes, especially if superscoring could improve your application; the October SAT or ACT is typically the last retake likely to arrive before the November 15 Regular Decision deadline.
⬡ LangSmith0668f62f-3fb4-462f-b735-3f0ccf8cff1aWant to improve your scores and unlock scholarships at Santa Monica College?
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What you'll actually pay
Santa Monica College is a public college with in-state tuition of $1,104 and out-of-state tuition of $10,656. To be considered for financial aid, submit the FAFSA by the March 2 priority deadline.
⬡ LangSmith1748d9e7-2136-4ebc-b611-5f5f7643bb02
Santa Monica College lists out-of-state tuition at $10,656, while in-state tuition is $1,104. As a public college, the final amount students pay can vary based on tuition classification, fees, books, transportation, and living costs. Financial aid may lower out-of-pocket costs, especially for students with demonstrated need.
⬡ LangSmith0c97c290-7480-4c15-90ec-39b3f4e8f544Student life at Santa Monica College
Campus housing details coming soon.
No fraternity or sorority life on campus.
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