College of Marin: $1,558 Tuition

$1,558Tuition

3,928Students

36%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$42,654Earnings

Public2-yearIndependentData: 2023-24

About College of Marin

College of Marin serves as a stepping stone for students looking to transfer to four-year universities throughout California. This community college enrolls 3,928 students in Marin County's affluent suburbs. The school has built a solid reputation for preparing students for transfer to UC and CSU campuses. Nearly all students come from California, with 98.42% being in-state residents.

The financial picture makes sense for most students. In-state tuition costs just $1,558, though the average net price reaches $15,517 when factoring in living expenses. Graduates earn a median of $42,654 ten years after enrollment, which easily covers the typical debt load of $10,062. Students from lower-income families pay around $13,784 net price, making this an affordable path to higher education. Only 16.84% of students receive federal financial aid, reflecting the relatively wealthy local population.

The graduation rate tells an important story about community college realities. Just 36.30% of students complete their programs within six years, typical for two-year schools where many attend part-time or transfer before graduating. The school fields ten varsity sports teams with 150 total athletes. Women make up 56.77% of the student body, and the campus reflects California's diversity with significant Hispanic and Asian populations.

Academics & Faculty

College of Marin serves as a stepping stone for students planning to transfer to four-year universities, with strong pathways to UC and CSU campuses. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio provides decent access to instructors for a community college of nearly 4,000 students. However, the 36% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work, family, and school. The college offers solid foundation courses in liberal arts and sciences, plus career-focused programs in areas like nursing and business. Most students are California residents (98%) seeking affordable education close to home before transferring or entering the workforce.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Full-Time Faculty: 44.4%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 36.3%
Median Earnings (10 years): $42,654

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$90,412

View all 67 programs →

Campus Life

The College of Marin campus sits in affluent Kentfield, just 20 miles north of San Francisco across the Golden Gate Bridge. With 3,928 students spread across a suburban setting, you'll find plenty of parking and a relaxed pace compared to urban campuses. The Mediterranean climate means mild, wet winters and dry summers - pack layers for morning fog that burns off by afternoon, but you won't need heavy winter coats.

As a community college, there's no on-campus housing, so the 98.42% in-state student body commutes from around Marin County. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio creates smaller class sizes where professors know your name. Weekends often involve exploring nearby hiking trails in Mount Tamalpais State Park or heading into San Francisco for city adventures. The Mariners field 10 varsity sports with 150 total athletes, though athletic scholarships aren't available. Many students work part-time while attending - the 94.7% employment rate reflects both necessity and opportunity in expensive Marin County, where even entry-level jobs pay well above national averages.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1926

Campus Safety (2023)

5 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Burglary	3	0	0	0
Domestic Violence	1	0	0	0
Motor Vehicle Theft	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 41°–56°F
July Avg: 53°–82°F
Annual Precipitation: 44.4"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

College of Marin draws overwhelmingly from Marin County itself, with 98% of students coming from California. The student body reflects the county's demographics, with White and Hispanic students making up the largest groups at 45% and 36% respectively. Women slightly outnumber men at 57% to 43%, typical for community colleges where many students pursue health sciences and liberal arts transfer programs. Only 17% receive Pell Grants, reflecting Marin County's affluent character even as the college serves as an accessible entry point to higher education for local residents seeking career training or university transfer pathways.

Men: 43.2%
Women: 56.8%
White: 44.8%
Black: 3.4%
Hispanic: 36.1%
Asian: 6.2%
In-State Students: 98.4%
Pell Grant Recipients: 16.8%

Location

College of Marin sits in Kentfield, California, about 20 miles north of San Francisco. The campus occupies a scenic spot in affluent Marin County, where rolling hills meet coastal influence. Nearly 99% of the 3,928 students come from in-state, reflecting the college's role as a local community resource. The area blends suburban comfort with natural beauty, offering easy access to both the Golden Gate Bridge and Mount Tamalpais State Park. Marin County's reputation for environmental consciousness and outdoor recreation shapes campus culture. The region's proximity to Silicon Valley and San Francisco creates strong job markets for graduates, who earn a median of $42,654 ten years after enrollment. Students considering colleges in California may also compare College of Marin with similar schools in the region.

Address: Kentfield, California 94904-2590

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $42,654
Median Earnings (5 years): $54,326
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $32,600
Loan Repayment Rate: 27.5%
Monthly Loan Payment: $107/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $10,062

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at College of Marin?

College of Marin maintains an open enrollment policy typical of California community colleges, welcoming students regardless of high school GPA. The school serves 3,928 students and focuses on providing accessible higher education to Marin County residents. Nearly all students are California residents, with 98.42% coming from in-state.

How much does College of Marin cost after financial aid?

In-state students pay $1,558 in tuition, while the average net price reaches $15,517 when including living expenses. Only 16.84% of students receive financial aid, reflecting the relatively affluent Marin County demographics. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay a net price of $13,784.

What academic programs is College of Marin known for?

College of Marin operates as a transfer-focused community college with a 16:1 student-faculty ratio. The school has served Marin County since 1926, building strong pathways to four-year universities. Students benefit from small class sizes and personalized attention in their academic preparation.

What are the employment outcomes for College of Marin graduates?

Graduates achieve a 94.7% employment rate, demonstrating strong job market preparation. The median earnings reach $42,654 ten years after enrollment, while recent graduates earn $49,096 after one year. Students typically graduate with manageable debt of $10,062 and monthly loan payments of $107.

Where is College of Marin located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in Kentfield, a large suburban area in affluent Marin County north of San Francisco. With 150 athletes competing in 10 varsity sports as the Mariners, the school offers modest athletic programs without scholarships. The student body is 56.77% female and reflects Marin's diversity with 44.83% white and 36.10% Hispanic students.

Does College of Marin offer good value for transfer students?

The school provides exceptional value with a 36.30% six-year graduation rate that reflects typical community college transfer timelines. Students benefit from low tuition costs and the opportunity to complete general education requirements before transferring. The location in expensive Marin County makes it an affordable option for local students seeking university preparation.