<p>If you are thinking transfer/education ONLY - then yes SMC would probably be better. Overall I prefer and would go to Sbcc, Sbcc has a better campus easily, and the social scene is obviously better if you live in Isla Vista. However, IV housing cost-wise is comparable to housing in Santa Monica, probably more. If you go to SBCC you won’t need a car since there’s a free bus for students that goes from IV to SBCC but you would definitely need a car in LA if you ever want to do something. </p>
<p>I live near SMC but i’m moving and going to SBCC next year. btw, you better hurry up - registration starts may 17 for new students and classes are filling up already 
and also you need to be at SBCC/SMC to take your assessment tests to register for math/english classes unless you have AP scores or SAT scores that can be used instead of placement tests. </p>
<p>SMC has TAP with UCLA and UCB, SBCC only has TAP with UCB i think. Honestly though, if you get good grades at either place you should be able to get into UCLA/CAL with no problems (for most majors). who knows ? If you like SBCC you might just transfer to UCSB. And for california community colleges if you don’t like one, just go another ! You can easily go to SMC if you don’t like SBCC (after 1 semester). If you like to party that may become a distraction since parties are big in IV. Overall I like the community better at sbcc. </p>
<p>You will most likely NOT be able to obtain residency status in CA for tuition purposes. It is almost impossible even if you are an independent, unless you went to a CA high school for 3 years and graduated there.</p>