College of San Mateo: $1,332 Tuition

$1,332Tuition

7,359Students

57%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$54,172Earnings

Public2-yearIndependentStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About College of San Mateo

The College of San Mateo serves 7,359 students in the heart of Silicon Valley's tech corridor. Founded in 1922, this community college has built a reputation as a gateway to both four-year universities and high-paying careers in technology and healthcare. The campus sits in San Mateo, where students benefit from proximity to major employers like Google, Facebook, and countless startups. Nearly 93% of students come from California, drawn by strong transfer programs and career training that connects directly to regional job markets.

Students pay an average net price of just $1,504 after financial aid, making this one of the most affordable paths to higher education in expensive California. Low-income students pay only $127 per year, while even families earning over $110,000 pay just $7,818. Graduates earn a median of $54,172 ten years after starting, with typical monthly loan payments of only $156. The return on investment proves strong in a region where housing costs are high but salaries match.

The student body reflects California's diversity, with 35% Hispanic students and 21% Asian students. The Bulldogs compete in 15 varsity sports with 234 total athletes. With a 57% six-year graduation rate and 82% employment rate, students find clear pathways to their next steps.

Academics & Faculty

College of San Mateo serves as a transfer pipeline to top California universities, with many students moving on to UC Berkeley, Stanford, and San Jose State. The college enrolls 7,359 students who benefit from strong programs in nursing, automotive technology, and business administration. With a 25:1 student-faculty ratio, students get decent access to instructors despite the college's size. The 56.7% six-year graduation rate reflects the reality that many community college students attend part-time while working. CSM's location in the heart of Silicon Valley creates unique opportunities for internships and job placement in tech companies. The college particularly excels at helping first-generation college students navigate the transfer process to four-year universities.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 25:1
Full-Time Faculty: 42.3%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 56.7%
Median Earnings (10 years): $54,172

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$74,576
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Associate	$46,478
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Campus Life

Campus life at College of San Mateo centers around a commuter experience just 20 miles south of San Francisco. With 92.96% of students coming from in-state, most drive to the hilltop campus each day rather than living nearby. The Bay Area's Mediterranean climate means you'll need layers for foggy mornings but rarely a heavy coat.

The 7,359 students split nearly evenly between men and women create a diverse community where 34.92% are Hispanic and 20.90% are Asian. With 234 athletes competing in 15 varsity sports as the Bulldogs, games draw modest crowds but build school spirit. The semester calendar keeps students busy during weekdays, while weekends often mean heading home or exploring nearby San Francisco and Silicon Valley. Students frequently work part-time jobs given the area's job market, with an 82.1% employment rate reflecting both necessity and opportunity. Study groups form naturally with the 25:1 student-faculty ratio encouraging collaboration. The campus feels more like a launching pad than a destination, preparing students for transfer or immediate career entry.

Setting: City-Midsize
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1922

Campus Safety (2023)

3 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

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 44°–58°F
July Avg: 55°–72°F
Annual Precipitation: 19.6"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

College of San Mateo draws heavily from the Bay Area's diverse communities, with nearly all students coming from California. The student body reflects the region's demographics, with significant Hispanic and Asian populations alongside white students. This community college serves as an affordable gateway for local residents seeking career training or transfer preparation. The balanced gender split mirrors the school's full program offerings. Students typically come from middle and working-class families, taking advantage of the college's low costs and proximity to Silicon Valley opportunities.

Men: 49.0%
Women: 51.0%
White: 25.7%
Black: 2.7%
Hispanic: 34.9%
Asian: 20.9%
In-State Students: 93.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 12.7%

Location

San Mateo sits in the heart of the San Francisco Peninsula, just 20 miles south of San Francisco. The college serves a diverse community where 35% of students are Hispanic and 21% are Asian, reflecting the Bay Area's multicultural population. Students find themselves in Silicon Valley's backyard, surrounded by tech companies and innovation centers. The Mediterranean climate and proximity to both San Francisco's urban attractions and the Pacific Coast make this an appealing location. Nearly 93% of the 7,359 students come from California. The suburban setting offers a blend of residential neighborhoods and commercial districts typical of mid-Peninsula communities. Students considering colleges in California may also compare College of San Mateo with similar schools in the region.

Address: San Mateo, California 94402-3784

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $54,172
Median Earnings (5 years): $64,327
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $36,500
Loan Repayment Rate: 56.1%
Monthly Loan Payment: $156/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $14,695

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at College of San Mateo?

College of San Mateo operates with open enrollment as a community college, meaning qualified students are generally admitted. The school serves 7,359 students and maintains a strong pipeline for students looking to transfer to four-year universities or gain practical skills for immediate employment.

How much does College of San Mateo cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of just $1,504 annually, making it one of the most affordable higher education options in the Bay Area. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay only $127 per year, while in-state tuition stands at $1,332 before aid.

What is the student-faculty ratio at College of San Mateo?

The student-faculty ratio is 25:1, which is typical for community colleges but higher than most four-year institutions. Despite larger class sizes, the school has built a reputation for practical, career-focused programs that prepare students for Silicon Valley's tech economy.

What are the career outcomes for College of San Mateo graduates?

Graduates earn a median salary of $54,172 ten years after enrollment, reflecting the school's strong connections to Bay Area employers. The employment rate reaches 82.1%, and typical monthly loan payments are just $156 due to the school's affordability.

Where is College of San Mateo located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in San Mateo, a mid-sized city in the heart of Silicon Valley between San Francisco and San Jose. With 234 student-athletes competing in 15 varsity sports as the Bulldogs, the school offers a surprising level of athletic competition for a community college.

Does College of San Mateo serve a diverse student population?

The student body is 34.92% Hispanic, 25.66% White, and 20.90% Asian, reflecting the demographics of the diverse Bay Area community. Founded in 1922, the college has evolved into a crucial stepping stone for first-generation college students and career changers in one of America's most expensive regions.