Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 56.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $54,172
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $14,695
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 25:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 56.1%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $156/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $74,576 | $14,715 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $46,478 | |
| Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services. | Associate | $22,420 |
Outcomes Overview
College of San Mateo graduates earn a median of $54,172 ten years after graduation, with typical monthly loan payments of $156. This creates a debt-to-income ratio of just 27%, well below the recommended 36% threshold. The $14,695 median debt load represents only 3.5% of annual earnings after a decade. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay virtually nothing out of pocket at just $127 net price. The 82.1% employment rate reflects strong job placement in the Bay Area's diverse economy. Many graduates transfer to four-year universities or enter healthcare, technology support, and skilled trades. For a community college in expensive San Mateo County, this represents a strong return on investment.