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College of San Mateo

San Mateo, California · Public

$2k/yearCost after aid

FindU Grade

AValue
N/ACampus
B+Academics
C-Admissions
BStudent Life
B+Overall

About

College of San Mateo is located in San Mateo, California. It is a public institution. The university enrolls approximately 7,359 students.

collegeofsanmateo.edu
Hispanic-Serving

Cost and aid

True cost

Great value
$2kper year

Compared to $17k national average

Cost breakdown

In-state tuition$1,332
Out-of-state tuition$11,384
Avg aid package$5,157
Students receiving aid13%
Pell grant recipients13%

College of San Mateo offers affordable education with in-state tuition at $1,332 and out-of-state tuition at $11,384. 90% of students receive financial aid, making it accessible for many. The college also has a 'Free College' pilot program in San Mateo County, with efforts underway to make it permanent.

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Admissions

Application info

Student–faculty ratio25:1
Common AppNo
Application fee$0

College of San Mateo has an open admissions policy with a 100% acceptance rate. The college sets a minimum GPA requirement of 2.0 for students seeking admission. Students can enhance their chances of admission by actively participating in extracurricular activities and community services.

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Academics

Student–faculty ratio25:1
Full-time faculty42%

College of San Mateo is committed to academic excellence, fostering intellectual rigor and relevance. The college emphasizes mindful learning, information literacy, and independent thinking. With a student-faculty ratio of 20:1, students receive personalized attention and support in their academic journey.

Outcomes

Median earnings (10 yrs)$54,172
Avg starting salary$54,172
Earn more than HS grad67%
Loan default (3 yr)13%
Loan repayment (3 yr)56%

College of San Mateo prepares students for transfer to four-year universities and entry into the workforce. The college offers career and technical programs in fields like multimedia, green technologies, and nursing. CSM also provides resources like career services and employment assistance to support student success.

Student life

Demographics

Medium School
7,359Student size

Compared to 5,382 national average

BalancedGender ratio
Female 51%Male 49%
35% HispanicRacial diversity
Hispanic 35%White 26%Asian 21%Black 3%Other 16%
Campus housingYes

College of San Mateo offers a friendly and welcoming campus environment, though some students feel there isn’t much campus life beyond classes. The college has clubs, honor societies, and some campus activities such as health fairs and athletic events. The campus spirit is described as alive, and students find opportunities to connect through shared interests and programs.

Student reviews

Campus and vibes

Student

My overall experience with College of San Mateo has been pretty good. The campus is nice and the classes offered are quite varied, and even if some class are not offered at CSM can take at Skyline or CANADA colleges so it was good for transfer requirements. The food at campus wasn't the best probably like 3-4 out of 10 but public safety is good and I would give it around 8-9 out of 10.

Student

College of San Mateo is a great community college with lots of support for students. The Wellness Center offers 12 free therapy sessions per semester, which is amazing. Restrooms are clean, staff in the library and student center are super helpful, and professors are approachable.

About College of San Mateo

College of San Mateo strives for a vibrant, inclusive, and safe college community. The college is committed to creating a socially just campus climate where everyone is welcome and celebrated. The college also has a Public Safety department that can be contacted for emergencies.

College of San Mateo offers an Honors Project for students seeking advanced academic opportunities. The college also has transfer agreements with many UC and CSU campuses, providing pathways for students to continue their education at four-year institutions.

College of San Mateo welcomes international students and provides support through various resources. The college offers ESL programs and has a Center for Global Engagement. International students need to demonstrate English proficiency through tests like IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo, or PTE Academic.

Avg faculty salary$139,716

College of San Mateo FAQ

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76%Your chances
Match
Your SAT 1380Admit range 1230–1480
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