Public

Large

Santa Monica College SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements

SAT RangeN/A

ACT RangeN/A

Average GPAN/A

Acceptance Rate100%

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.

Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.

Santa Monica College facts and stats

Quick Facts

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.

Location

Santa Monica, CA

Undergrad Enrollment23,453

Freshman RetentionN/A

SettingUrban

Student to Faculty Ratio27:1

Graduation Rate81%

Test PolicyTest-optional

SAT score card showing a 1520 score with an unlocked lock

Unlock your future with Acely

Adaptive SAT and ACT practice that meets you where you are and gets you to your target score.

Start your free trial

Key Santa Monica College application dates

Key dates

Application deadlines

Regular Decision

November 15

Early Action

Not offered

Early Decision

Not offered

Priority Deadline

—

Financial aid deadlines

Financial Aid Priority

March 2

Test dates

SAT 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

ACT test dates

September 19, 2026

Registration deadline: August 14, 2026

October 17, 2026

Registration deadline: September 11, 2026

December 12, 2026

Registration deadline: November 6, 2026

Take tests early for the best outcomes

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.

Want to improve your scores and unlock scholarships at Santa Monica College?

Higher test scores can mean bigger merit awards. Acely helps you get there faster.

Start your free trial

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.

In-State Tuition$1,104

Out-of-State Tuition$10,656

Room and BoardN/A

Average Merit AwardN/A

Application FeeN/A

Students on AidN/A

Average Aid PackageN/A

Average Debt at GradN/A

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.