univstats

University of California-Santa Cruz vs. Santa Monica College

Total CostsUndergraduateGraduateLiving Costs

Cost of Attendance (COA)

The following table compares the 2025 costs of attendance between selected colleges. For state residents, the average COA is $36,415 when living on campus and $38,349 when living off campus. For out-of-state students, the average COA is $57,135 when living on campus and $59,069 when living off campus. The COA includes tuition, fees, books & supplies, room & board costs, and other living expenses.
2025 Cost Of Attendance Comparison Between Selected Colleges
NameTuition & FeesBooks & SuppliesLiving Costs
In-StateOut-of-StateOn-CampusOff-Campus
University of California-Santa Cruz
$15,035$46,923 $1,192 $26,850 $27,398
Santa Monica College
$1,156$10,708 $1,746 - $30,170
Average$8,096$28,816$1,469$26,850$28,784

Undergraduate Tuition & Fees

The following table compares 2024-2025 undergraduate tuition & fees between selected colleges. The average undergraduate tuition & fees is $8,096 for in-state students and $28,816 for out-of-state students. The 2024-2025 undergraduate tuition & fees of selected colleges are increased by 5.45% compared to the previous year.
Among the selected colleges, University of California-Santa Cruz requires the most expensive tuition & fees of $44,148 and Santa Monica College has the lowest tuition & fees of $10,656 for undergraduate programs.
Undergraduate Tuition & Fess Comparison Between Selected Colleges
Name2023-20242024-2025
In-StateOut-of-StateIn-StateOut-of-State
University of California-Santa Cruz
$14,560$45,337$15,035$46,923
Santa Monica College
$1,156$9,316$1,156$10,708
Average$7,858$27,327$8,096$28,816

Graduate Tuition & Fees

The following table compares 2024-2025 graduate tuition & fees between selected colleges. The average graduate tuition & fees is $15,410 for state residents and $30,512 for out-of-state students. The 2024-2025 graduate tuition & fees of selected colleges are increased by 1.85% compared to the previous year.
Among the selected colleges, University of California-Santa Cruz requires the most expensive graduate tuition & fees of $27,864 and University of California-Santa Cruz has the lowest graduate tuition & fees of $27,864.
Graduate Tuition & Fess Comparison Between Selected Colleges
Name2023-20242024-2025
In-StateOut-of-StateIn-StateOut-of-State
University of California-Santa Cruz
$14,855$29,957$15,410$30,512
Santa Monica College
The graduate tuition information is not available.
Average$14,855$29,957$15,410$30,512

Room & Board, Other Living Expenses

The following table compares living costs including room, board, and other expenses between selected colleges. Each cost is in average and may vary by room types, meal plan, and other living styles. For academic year 2024-2025, the average living costs of selected colleges is $26,850 when a student lives on campus and $28,784 when living off campus.
Living Costs Comparison Between Selected Colleges
NameOn-CampusOff-Campus
Room & BoardOther ExpensesRoom & BoardOther ExpensesOther Expenses (living with family)
University of California-Santa Cruz
$19,948$6,902 $19,560$7,838$8,657
Santa Monica College
-- $25,908$4,262$4,262
Average$19,948 $6,902$22,734 $6,050$6,460