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 gives you one of the cheapest paths to a solid mid-career income in California. At $1,504 a year net price against $54,172 median earnings a decade out, you recover your costs fast, and the $14,695 median debt is low enough that most graduates carry no serious repayment burden.
Nursing is the clear winner here. At $74,576, the associate nursing program pays roughly $28,000 more per year than criminal justice and more than three times what cosmetology graduates earn. If you can get into the nursing track, this school delivers a strong return in a Bay Area healthcare market that pays well and hires steadily. Cosmetology, at $22,420, barely clears part-time wages and doesn't justify the time even at these low costs. Criminal justice sits in the middle and works if you're targeting stable public-sector work.
The main risk is completion. With a 56.7% graduation rate, close to half of enrolled students don't finish, and the low earnings figures for programs like cosmetology mean picking the wrong track wastes the one thing this school can't refund: your time. The debt and price are so low that the financial danger isn't borrowing too much, it's leaving with credits that don't lead anywhere.
The net price tiers are gentle across the board. If your family earns under $30,000, you pay $127 a year. Even over $110,000, you pay $7,818, which is a fraction of most four-year options. That makes this school a good fit for you if you want a nursing credential or a cheap, low-risk start toward transfer. Look elsewhere if you're set on cosmetology and expecting it to pay off, because the numbers say it won't.
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.