Student Enrollment

Current student body demographics and enrollment patterns at Santa Monica College

Santa Monica, CA

Total Enrollment

23,164

Currently enrolled students

Program Options

133

133 programs

Full-Time Students

9,464

13,700 part-time

Total FTE

15,832

Full-time equivalent students

Student-Faculty Ratio

27:1

Students per faculty member

What Is the Student Body Size?

Training Program Focus

3609
Certificate Graduates
Short-term specialized training
8808
Total Recent Graduates

With 23,164 students, Santa Monica College is a large institution offering diverse educational programs and extensive facilities. The school offers 133 specialized programs designed for immediate workforce entry.

How Do Students Attend?

Attendance Status Distribution

Full-Time Students 9,464 (40.9%)
40.9%
Part-Time Students 13,700 (59.1%)
59.1%
Total Students 23,164

Majority part-time students (59.1%), serving working professionals and those with other commitments.

Full-Time
Part-Time

Students are split between full-time (40.9%) and part-time attendance, reflecting flexible scheduling for working professionals.

Who Are the Students?

Student Demographics

Gender Distribution

Gender Split
Women
55.2%
12,783 students
Men
44.8%
10,381 students

Race/Ethnicity Distribution

Primary Ethnic Group
Hispanic/Latino
40.8%
9,447 students
Hispanic/Latino
40.8% (9,447)
White
26.2% (6,067)
Black/African American
9.0% (2,092)
Asian
8.5% (1,972)
International Students
7.3% (1,685)
Two or More Races
5.5% (1,271)
American Indian/Alaska Native
0.1% (31)
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
0.1% (23)

Demographics Summary

Gender: Balanced gender distribution across 23,164 students

Largest Ethnic Group: Hispanic/Latino students make up 41% of the student body (9,447 students)

The student body reflects diverse backgrounds and demographics.

Interested in Academic Quality & Learning Environment?

Explore retention rates, student-faculty ratios, distance education options, and academic intensity on our dedicated Academics page.

View Academics Page

How Are Students Distributed by Level?

Undergraduate students

23,164 students

45% Men, 55% Women
9,464 Full-time 13,700 Part-time
Diversity Index: 74% • Minority Students: 59%

What Are the Attendance Patterns?

Full-Time Students

All Full-Time

9,464
All full-time students
4,540 men, 4,924 women
Diversity: 77%

FT Undergraduate

9,464
Full-time undergraduate
4,540 men, 4,924 women
Diversity: 77%

FT Degree-Seeking

9,332
Full-time degree/certificate-seeking
4,474 men, 4,858 women
Diversity: 77%

FT First-Time

3,241
Full-time first-time students
1,566 men, 1,675 women
Diversity: 74%

FT Continuing

6,091
Full-time continuing students
2,908 men, 3,183 women
Diversity: 78%

FT Transfer

691
Full-time transfer students
349 men, 342 women
Diversity: 75%

FT Continuing

5,400
Full-time other continuing
2,559 men, 2,841 women
Diversity: 78%

FT Non-Degree

132
Full-time non-degree seeking
66 men, 66 women
Diversity: 77%

Part-Time Students

All Part-Time

13,700
All part-time students
5,841 men, 7,859 women
Diversity: 71%

PT Undergraduate

13,700
Part-time undergraduate
5,841 men, 7,859 women
Diversity: 71%

PT Degree-Seeking

11,862
Part-time degree/certificate-seeking
5,006 men, 6,856 women
Diversity: 71%

PT First-Time

1,477
Part-time first-time students
692 men, 785 women
Diversity: 72%

PT Continuing

10,385
Part-time continuing students
4,314 men, 6,071 women
Diversity: 71%

PT Transfer

1,390
Part-time transfer students
542 men, 848 women
Diversity: 72%

PT Continuing

8,995
Part-time other continuing
3,772 men, 5,223 women
Diversity: 70%

PT Non-Degree

1,838
Part-time non-degree seeking
835 men, 1,003 women
Diversity: 70%

Understanding Student Categories

First-Time: Students starting their first postsecondary program

Continuing: Students who previously enrolled and are returning

Transfer: Students who transferred from other institutions

Degree-Seeking: Students enrolled in certificate or degree programs

Non-Degree: Students taking courses without pursuing a formal credential

What Is the Diversity Picture?

Undergraduate students

6,067
White
2,092
Black/African American
9,447
Hispanic/Latino
1,972
Asian
1,685
International
Diversity Index: 74% Minority Students: 59%

Want to See Student Success & Outcomes?

Explore completion rates, transfer patterns, and detailed 8-year student outcome tracking on our dedicated Student Outcomes page.

View Student Outcomes

Student Life & Campus Experience

Diverse Student Community

Students from various backgrounds come together to learn career-focused skills in a supportive environment.

Flexible Scheduling

Many students balance work and family commitments with their studies through part-time and evening programs.

Career-Focused Learning

Students are goal-oriented, seeking practical skills and credentials that lead directly to employment opportunities.

AI-generated illustration of diverse students on a college campus with enrollment statistics, charts showing student demographics, attendance patterns, and campus life activities

Key Takeaways About Santa Monica College's Student Body

Training Environment: Large institution with 23,164 students offering extensive programs and state-of-the-art facilities.
Study Patterns: Flexible scheduling with many part-time students balancing work and education.
Academic Intensity: 15,832 FTE students indicates flexible scheduling accommodating working students.
Learning Format: Hybrid learning approach with 41% taking some online courses.
Academic Environment: Standard class sizes (27:1) with structured learning environment.
Student Diversity: Highly diverse student body with excellent representation across ethnic and racial groups.
Learning Environment: Students benefit from career-focused education with hands-on training, experienced instructors, and support services designed to help them achieve their professional goals.
Community: The student body includes diverse learners from various backgrounds, creating a rich learning environment where students can network and learn from each other's experiences.

Contact Information

Address

1900 Pico Blvd

Santa Monica, CA 90405-1628

Student Success

The student body at colleges often includes:

  • • Working adults seeking career changes
  • • Recent high school graduates
  • • Military veterans using education benefits
  • • Students upgrading skills in their field
  • • Individuals seeking fast-track credentials
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