Santa Monica College is one of the leading performing arts venues and the academy of entertainment and technology. It began operations in 1929 with just 153 students. The college now manages approximately 30,000 students and offerings in more than 80 fields of study. Santa Monica College is one of the leaders among the states 110 community colleges in transferring students to the University of California, University of Southern California and other four-year campuses. It subjects offerings include nursing, solar technology, new media, computer technology, early childhood education, business and graphic design, to name a few. Western Association of Schools and Colleges has accredited the community college.