At $1,504/yr net price, College of San Mateo graduates earn $54,172/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $20,172/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $1,504 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $6,016 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $54,172/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$20,172/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 0.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 56.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $14,695 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $127/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $646/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $3,951/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $6,489/yr |
| $110,001+ | $7,818/yr |
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 |
The Risk Factor
56.7% of students at College of San Mateo graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
College of San Mateo delivers strong value with a net price of just $1,504 annually and median 10-year earnings of $54,172. The math works strongly in your favor, creating one of the most attractive cost-to-earnings ratios in California higher education.
The nursing program stands out as the clear financial winner, generating $74,576 in median earnings with manageable debt of $14,715. This represents a 5-to-1 return on your total educational investment within the first decade after graduation. Criminal justice graduates earn $46,478, still delivering solid returns given the minimal upfront costs.
Cosmetology presents the weakest financial outlook at $22,420 in median earnings. While the low school costs help, you'll face income limitations that make this program suitable only if you have strong personal motivations beyond pure financial return.
The biggest risk lies in the 56.7% graduation rate. Nearly half of students don't complete their programs, which eliminates any potential return on investment. Your success depends heavily on staying enrolled and finishing your degree.
Only 12.7% of students receive financial aid, suggesting most can afford the low costs without borrowing. This works in your favor if you can pay the minimal tuition upfront and avoid debt entirely.
College of San Mateo makes financial sense for career changers, working adults, and students seeking practical skills without massive debt loads. Skip this school if you need extensive student support services or want a traditional four-year college experience, as the completion rates suggest many students struggle to finish their programs here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is College of San Mateo worth the cost compared to other schools?
College of San Mateo offers exceptional value with a net price of just $1,504 per year and graduates earning $54,172 annually after 10 years. The low cost and decent earnings make it one of the better ROI options among community colleges.
What are the best paying programs at College of San Mateo?
Nursing programs at College of San Mateo lead to the highest earnings at $74,576 annually, making them the clear winners for ROI. Criminal Justice graduates earn $46,478, while Cosmetology graduates make only $22,420, which may not justify the investment.
How much debt do College of San Mateo graduates typically have?
College of San Mateo graduates carry a median debt of $14,695, which is manageable given the low annual costs. The debt-to-income ratio works out favorably for most programs, especially nursing.
What is the graduation rate at College of San Mateo and does it affect value?
College of San Mateo has a 56.7% graduation rate, meaning nearly half of students don't complete their programs. While the low costs reduce financial risk for non-completers, the moderate completion rate is something to consider when evaluating the school's value.