Financial Aid Office - Santa Monica College 1900 Pico Boulevard, Santa Monica, CA 90405

"they are somehow always closed even during business hours"

"The Financial Aid Office and the Cashier's Office are both stealing funds and neglecting to update students about their financial aid status. They do not notify students when these disbursements are sent to the office; instead, they attempt to keep the disbursement checks to pay for fees without students' permission, even if the difference they're supposed to pay to you is much larger than the outstanding balance you owe them. If you indicate that you want your money deposited to your account, they will ignore your request and have it mailed to their office without telling you."

"Usually not one to write a review but I 100% agree with all of the other reviews. I am a new student this semester, transferring from a public 4 year university to finish a few core classes before transferring again, I sent my financial aid loan in ONE MONTH before the due date yet my classes were dropped. Ive spent 3 weeks tracking down someone who can process my loan (usually it takes one day for the school to respond to the loan). 12 people, dozens of voicemails and emails later my loan is just now being processed. No one besides one person seemed to know what they are talking about, and rarely did anyone ever pick up the phone. I understand this is city college but this place needs to get it together."

"Worst service ever. I hope someone reads this and does something about it to change the finicial aid system at SMC because obviously I am not the only one feeling this way. I waited 2 hours to be spoken to and when it was finally my turn, the guy on the other line was on a call with someone else which is super unprofessional, after waiting so long I would expect a little respect. I didn’t understand him and he got frustrated with me & said “ are you going to listen to me or not” when I was obviously listening to him but I just couldn’t understand what the form he was talking about. He was super rude and unprofessional, he made me feel stupid and I never want to go through that again. Worst experience ever."

"DO NOT BOTHER CALLING. I've dealt with this for years and when I was on line in the office, I tried calling to see if these go anywhere. They mute all incomming phone calls or flat out ignore them. But, seriously? You won't pick up phones during your office hours? It's been the same issues for years with Fin. Aid. New building, same issues. I understand how busy it can be with all the students but it's as if they don't look into their current issues and try to solve them. Obviously they need a receptionist for phone calls. No one returns calls. These are financial, time sensitive issues and it should be treated with more care."