SMC Tuition Fees for International Students: A Comprehensive Overview
For international students aspiring to study at Saint Mary's College (SMC), understanding the tuition fees and associated costs is crucial for financial planning. This article provides a detailed breakdown of the various expenses involved, including tuition, fees, housing, and other essential costs.
Understanding the Sticker Price: Tuition and Fees
The sticker price represents the total cost of tuition and fees. For out-of-state students, the tuition is $10,656 per year. It's important to note that these figures do not include lab fees, material fees, library fines, parking fees, student loan fees, or any other miscellaneous fees.
Total Cost of Attendance: On-Campus Living
For the academic year 2026-2027, the estimated total cost of attendance for undergraduate students living on campus is $87,612. This figure encompasses several components:
- Tuition: $61,416 ($30,708 per semester) for a full-time rate (12-18 units per semester, with a maximum of 36 units per year).
- Food & Housing: $18,900.
- Annual Student Body Fee (student activity fee): $216.
- Annual Student Enhancement Fee: $320.
- Annual Student Experience Fee: $100.
- Books & Supplies: $1,304.
- Personal Expenses: $3,970.
- Transportation: $1,386.
Important Considerations:
- Medical/Health Insurance: All full-time undergraduate students are required to have medical/health insurance. The school-negotiated insurance with United HealthCare was $2,179 for the 2025-2026 academic year. The premium for 2026-2027 is yet to be determined and is billed upfront in the fall semester. This requirement also applies to U.S. citizens with a primary residence abroad.
- Payment Due Dates: For undergraduate students, the fall payment due date is August 15, 2026, and the projected spring payment due date is January 15, 2027. These dates are subject to change.
Total Cost of Attendance: Off-Campus Living
For students opting to live off-campus, the total cost of attendance for the 2026-2027 academic year is estimated at $95,278. The breakdown is as follows:
- Tuition: $61,416 ($30,708 per semester).
- Food & Housing: $24,560.
- Annual Student Body Fee: $216.
- Annual Student Enhancement Fee: $320.
- Annual Student Experience Fee: $100.
- Books & Supplies: $1,304.
- Personal Expenses: $5,706.
- Transportation: $1,656.
Important Considerations:
- The same medical/health insurance requirements and payment due dates apply as with on-campus living.
Total Cost of Attendance: Off-Campus Living with Family
Students who choose to live off-campus with their families can expect a lower total cost of attendance, estimated at $81,662 for the 2026-2027 academic year:
Read also: Affording ECU
- Tuition: $61,416 ($30,708 per semester).
- Food & Housing: $12,538.
- Annual Student Body Fee: $216.
- Annual Student Enhancement Fee: $320.
- Annual Student Experience Fee: $100.
- Books & Supplies: $1,304.
- Personal Expenses: $4,562.
- Transportation: $1,206.
Important Considerations:
- The same medical/health insurance requirements and payment due dates apply as with on-campus living.
Housing Options and Costs
SMC offers a variety of on-campus housing options with varying costs. These costs are generally calculated annually and include meal plans. Here's a breakdown of some of the options:
- Traditional Double with meal plan (Augustine, Assumption, De La Salle, Justin): $18,900 (previous year: $18,198)
- Traditional Single with meal plan (Augustine, Aquinas, De La Salle, Assumption): $TBA (previous year: $19,336)
- Renovated Traditional Double with meal plan (Mitty Only): $TBA (previous year: $19,749)
- Deluxe Traditional Single with meal plan (Justin Only): $19,749
- Suite Double with meal plan (Marjorie David Ageno (Ageno B), Claeys North, Claeys South, Aquinas): $TBA (previous year: $18,509)
- Suite Single with meal plan (Marjorie David Ageno (Ageno B), Claeys North, Claeys South, Aquinas): $TBA (previous year: $19,749)
- Renovated Suite Double + with meal plan (Michael E Ageno (Ageno A), Ferdinand & Camille Ageno (Ageno C)): $TBA (previous year: $19,232)
- Renovated Suite Single + with meal plan (Michael E Ageno (Ageno A), Ferdinand & Camille Ageno (Ageno C)): $TBA (previous year: $20,473)
- Deluxe Suite Single with meal plan (Claeys North Only): $20,473
- Suite Doubles with base 175 Block meal plan (Becket/More Only): $TBA (previous year: $17,888)
- Lower Townhouse Double with base 75 Block meal plan (Syufy, Sabatte, Thille, Freitas, Guerrieri East, Guerrieri West): $TBA (previous year: $13,856)
- Upper Townhouse Double with base 75 Block meal plan (Ageno East, Ageno West): $TBA (previous year: $14,062)
Students also have the option to add off-campus commuter student meal plans via the StarRez Housing Portal.
Financial Aid Opportunities
While the initial cost of attendance might seem daunting, SMC offers financial aid to eligible students. Financial aid can include grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study jobs. These packages vary depending on the student's financial need, which is typically determined based on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
- Average Aid Package Awarded: $3,830
- Average Net Price: $6,656 per year
The net price is the cost of attendance minus grants and scholarships, providing a more personalized estimate of what a student will actually pay. It's recommended to use the college's Net Price Calculator for the most accurate estimate.
Important Financial Aid Dates:The last day to apply for financial aid or turn in related paperwork is Not available.
Applications received prior to this date will be given the strongest consideration is Not available. Still apply for financial aid if you don’t make this due date.Students receive a letter with the amount and types of aid the college is offering is Not available.The deadline for students to respond to the college’s aid offer is Not available.
Read also: Tuition for International Students at ECU
Non-Standard Enrollment Fees
For students who are not enrolled full-time, the following fees apply:
- Part-time per unit rate (fewer than 12 units per long semester): $2,200/unit. Part-time students are billed per unit for Fall, Jan, and Spring terms and must be enrolled in less than 12 units per semester, or less than 24 units for the year (including Jan term).
- Additional units (over 18 units per term, requires advisor approval, or over 36 units for the year): $2,200/unit (over 5 units for Jan term).
- Open Enrollment (per unit): $1,318/unit (maximum of 8 units per long term, 3 units for Jan term; lifetime maximum of 32 units).
Important Considerations:
- Part-time students must attempt fewer than 12 units per long semester or fewer than 24 units for the year to be considered part-time and will be billed unit by unit, including Jan term.
- There is no undergraduate tuition charge for Jan term for full-time undergraduate students.
SMC's Financial Structure
Saint Mary's College is an independent institution that does not receive operating support from public funds. Student tuition fees cover approximately three-quarters of the cost of the general education services provided by the College. The remaining balance is offset by endowment, support from the Brothers of the Christian Schools, and gifts from trustees, parents, alumni, other friends, corporations, and foundations.
Important Note on Tuition Rates
Tuition rates are set irrespective of the modality of course delivery. There are no refunds, partial or otherwise, if there is a change in course delivery modality.
Comparison with Other Institutions
Santa Monica College's tuition is $1,156 for in-state and $10,708 for out-of-state students. Compared with the national average cost of in-state tuition of $12,436, Santa Monica College is cheaper. For students coming from out of state, the tuition is cheaper than the national average cost of out-of-state tuition of $29,815.
Read also: NYU Costs Explained
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