Study at Santa Monica College from Nepal 

If you’re dreaming of studying in the USA but feeling overwhelmed by the fee structure and competitive league environment, then you should stop worrying.

Start at Santa Monica College (SMC) and get transferred to the big leagues later.

Santa Monica College (SMC) is a public community college in California, known globally for its top university transfer programs, affordable tuition, and a wide range of career-focused courses.

Most programs of SMC are designed in such a ways that aims to help students get transferred directly into top universities in the USA, like UCLA and UC Berkeley, meaning that students from Nepal can start their international academic journey at an affordable price and graduate from a world-renowned university later.

The 180 career-focused programs offered by the SMC span associate degrees, certificates, and university transfer pathways.

Offering programs in business, computer science, arts and design, engineering, and health sciences, this college is ideal for learners seeking both academic and practical skills.

The college is recognized globally for its diversity, teaching pedagogy, and student satisfaction and success rates.

The college consistently ranks at number 1 in California for transfers to UCLA and other UC campuses. So if you’re a student dreaming big from a country like Nepal, applying for Santa Monica College could be the smartest choice.

And if you’re still confused about where to start, Goreto Education Consultancy is here to help you through every step of your journey.

From SOP writing to visa processing, we can guide you in every step.

Learn more about how to study in the USA from Nepal and start your journey with the best educational consultancy in Nepal.

Campuses

• Main Campus (Santa Monica, CA) – academics, labs, library, and student services.
• Bundy Campus – nursing and health sciences.
• Emeritus Campus – lifelong learning and continuing education.
• Center for Media & Design – film, animation, and design programs.
• Performing Arts Center – theatre, dance, and music.

Source: https://www.smc.edu/student-support/academic-support/campuses.php

Number of Courses & Levels

• 180+ Programs
• Associate Degrees
• Transfer Pathways (to UC/CSU system)
• Certificates of Achievement

Source: https://www.smc.edu/academics/areas-of-interest/index.php

Scholarships for Nepali Students

• SMC Foundation Scholarships – merit & need-based.
• California College Promise (CCP) – free tuition for eligible California residents (international students not directly eligible, but some pathways exist).
• Transfer Scholarships – through UCLA, USC, and CSU partner schools after successful transfer.
• External Scholarships – Fulbright, EducationUSA, and Nepali government scholarships.

Source: https://www.smc.edu/admission-aid/financial-aid-scholarships/scholarships/

Campus Life

• Student residences (limited on-campus, most live off-campus).
• 50+ student clubs including International Student Forum & Nepali student groups.
• Wellness Center, athletics, and recreation.
• Events: cultural festivals, art shows, theatre, music.

Source: https://www.smc.edu/student-support/

Notable Alumni

• Dustin Hoffman – Academy Award winning actor.
• James Dean – Iconic Hollywood actor.
• Hilary Swank – Actress & producer.
• Sean Penn – Actor & filmmaker.
• Gisele Bündchen – Model.

Source: https://www.smc.edu/about/our-stories/alumni.php

Rankings

• #1 in California for transfers to UCLA & UC system.
• Consistently ranked among top 10 community colleges in the U.S. for international students.

Source: https://www.smc.edu/about/our-stories/facts-figures.php

Tuition Fees

• Associate Degree/Transfer Programs: $9,840 per year (~NPR 13.1 lakhs)
• Certificate Programs: $8,400 per year (~NPR 11.2 lakhs)

Exchange Rate: 1 USD ≈ NPR 133.50 (Sept 2025).

Source: https://www.smc.edu/admission-aid/tuition-and-fees/international.php

Living Expenses (Santa Monica/LA)

Source: https://www.smc.edu/admission-aid/international-education/fees-and-expenses.php

Library

• Over 100,000 books, e-books, and journals.
• Computer labs and study areas.
• Online research databases.

Source: https://www.smc.edu/student-support/library/

Placements & Career Support

• Career Services Center connects students with internships and job fairs.
• Transfer Counseling helps students secure spots at UC, CSU, and private universities.
• Many Nepali students successfully transfer to UCLA, USC, and UC Berkeley.

Source: https://www.smc.edu/student-support/career-services/

Top Companies Hiring / Transfer Pathways

• Transfer → UCLA, UC Berkeley, USC, Stanford.
• Employers: LA tech startups, healthcare centers, creative industries.

Source: https://www.smc.edu/about/our-stories/facts-figures.php

Graduate Average Salaries

• Associate Degree Graduates: ~$40,000/year (NPR 53 lakhs).
• Transfer graduates (Bachelor’s completed at UCLA/UC): ~$70,000/year (NPR 93 lakhs).

Source: https://www.smc.edu/about/our-stories/facts-figures.php

Part-Time Jobs

• On-campus jobs (library, labs, cafeteria) – $15–$18/hr.
• Off-campus: allowed under CPT/OPT rules.

Source: https://www.smc.edu/student-support/career-services/student-employment.php

Upcoming Intakes

• Fall: August
• Spring: January
• Summer: June

Source: https://www.smc.edu/admission-aid/international-education/apply/international-application-deadlines.php

Eligibility Criteria for Nepali Students

Associate Degrees / Transfer Programs (UG)

• Completion of +2/NEB or A-Levels with minimum GPA 2.5.
• Strong grades in English and Mathematics preferred.

Certificate Programs

• Completion of +2/NEB or equivalent.

Transfer Pathways to UC/CSU

• GPA 2.8+ recommended for smooth transfer to UC/CSU system.

Source: https://www.smc.edu/admission-aid/international-education/apply/requirements.php

Required Documents

Source: https://www.smc.edu/admission-aid/international-education/apply/international-application-checklist.php

Contact Details

• Website: https://www.smc.edu
• Phone: +1 310-434-4000
• Email: [email protected]
• Address: Santa Monica College, 1900 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405, USA
• Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/d7XhN2rFFLE2

Source: https://www.smc.edu/admission-aid/international-education/contact.php

English Language Requirements

(Students who don’t meet English proficiency can apply for SMC’s ESL program and then transition into degree programs.)

Source: https://www.smc.edu/admission-aid/international-education/apply/english-proficiency.php

Admission Timeline & Deadlines

Source: https://www.smc.edu/admission-aid/international-education/apply/international-application-deadlines.php

Program Details