By Lookout Staff

December 12, 2025 -- The vast majority of Santa Monica College (SMC)students weren't born the last time the school failed to rank as the number one transfer college to the California University system.

On Thursday, college officials announced SMC topped the transfer list for the 35th year in a row, keeping alive a streak that started when George H.W. Bush was president and the first episode of The Simpsons aired on Fox.

According to transfer data released by the UC Information Center, 995 SMC students transferred to UC campuses in 2024-2025, with 214 of the transfer students Latino and 59 Black.

UCLA remained the most popular campus for SMC transfers, with 437 students headed to the Westwood campus, while UC San Diego and UC Santa Barbara ranked second and third, with 162 and 112 SMC transfer students respectively.

SMC ranked fourth in total combined transfers to the UC and California State University (CSU) systems, with 1,991 students combined heading to UC and CSU campuses, the data showed.

SMC Superintendent/President Dr. Kathryn E. Jeffery called SMC's transfer record "a testament to the limitless potential of our focused and motivated students and to the dedication of everyone who helps guide, teach, encourage, and inspire them on their road to success."

SMC also continues to be the leading transfer college to USC, with 126 students, and to Loyola Marymount University, with 90 students, based on annual data.

In addition, SMC maintained its long-time record of sending more transfer students to Columbia University than any other community college outside of New York.

The 23 SMC students who enrolled in fall 2025 brings the total number of current students admitted to the Ivy League institution to 41.

Each year, the SMC Transfer Center hosts a number of activities that help students find their ideal destination, including a Fall College Fair attended by 120 colleges and universities, with six Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) taking part in Fall 2024.

In Spring 2025, SMC also hosted an inaugural Nursing School Panel and Resource Fair, with participation from UCLA, Mount St. Mary’s College, Charles R. Drew University and CSULA.

In addition. the Transfer Admission Guarantees (TAGs) offered at SMC provide guaranteed admission for students who meet specific requirements to several universities, including six University of California campuses, Loyola Marymount University, Arizona State University (ASU), and many HBCUs, among others.

Minority students also receive help from the Scholars Program, which prepares them to transfer "to the colleges and universities of their choice," SMC officials said.

The program focuses on helping freshman, first-generation college students, students from under-served schools and communities, and non-traditional students prepare for university-level work, officials said.

"The program’s focus is on academic preparation and study for university-level work through writing, exposure to research, critical thinking, and analysis, along with intensive counseling and support."

For more information about SMC’s Transfer Center and its services, visit smc.edu/transfer or email Robinson_Janet@smc.edu.