Santa Monica College has maintained its position as the leading transfer college to the University of California system for the 35th consecutive year, according to 2024-2025 transfer data released by the UC Information Center.
The college sent 995 students to UC campuses during the prior academic year, continuing a record that dates back more than three decades.
SMC also retained its top ranking for African American and Latinx transfers to the UC system and remained the leading transfer institution to the University of Southern California and Loyola Marymount University. Additionally, the college maintained its longstanding position as the top feeder to Columbia University among institutions outside of New York.
Among the 995 UC transfers, 214 were Latinx students and 59 were African American students. UCLA remained the most popular destination, accepting 437 SMC students, followed by UC San Diego with 162 and UC Santa Barbara with 112.
SMC also led all community colleges in transfers to USC and LMU, with 126 and 90 enrolled students respectively.
The college ranked fourth overall in combined transfers to UC and California State University systems, sending 1,991 students to those institutions.
SMC's transfer success extends to the Ivy League, with 23 students enrolling at Columbia University in fall 2025 out of 41 admitted—more than any other community college outside New York.
"SMC celebrates another landmark year as the leading California community college transferring students to the University of California, as well as to USC and Loyola Marymount University," said SMC Superintendent/President Dr. Kathryn E. Jeffery. "It is a testament to the limitless potential of our focused and motivated students."
Dr. Janet Robinson, Transfer Center faculty leader, expressed appreciation "to the entire SMC campus community, including our amazing students, for the latest transfer achievements."
The SMC Transfer Center supports students through various programs and services. Each fall, the center hosts a College Fair, with 120 colleges and universities participating in 2024, including six Historically Black Colleges and Universities. In spring 2025, SMC hosted its inaugural Nursing School Panel and Resource Fair.
The college offers Transfer Admission Guarantees providing guaranteed admission to students who meet specific requirements at several universities, including six UC campuses, LMU, Arizona State University and multiple HBCUs.
The Scholars Program prepares students—particularly freshmen, first-generation college students and those from underserved communities—for transfer through intensive academic preparation and counseling.
For more information about SMC's Transfer Center, visit smc.edu/transfer.
Edited by SMDP Staff