- College of San Mateo, the first community college in San Mateo County, is an open-access, student-focused, teaching and learning institution which serves the diverse educational, economic, social and cultural needs of its students and the community. By offering comprehensive, quality programs and services and by measuring student learning, College of San Mateo educates students to participate successfully in a changing world.
School Highlights
College of San Mateo serves 12,934 students (16% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 36:1 is higher than the state community college average of 32:1.
Minority enrollment is 74% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the state average of 77%.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Enrollment: 12,934 students
- In-state tuition: $1,418
- Out-state tuition: $6,206
- Student:teacher ratio: 36:1
- Minority enrollment: 74%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Top Rankings
College of San Mateo ranks among the top 20% of public schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
School Overview
The teacher population of 355 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
College of San Mateo
(CA) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges: High Transfer-Mixed Traditional/Nontraditional
Baccalaureate/Associate's Colleges: Associate's Dominant
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Total Faculty
355 staff
315 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of College of San Mateo has grown by 58% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 36:1 has increased from 21:1 over five years.
The College of San Mateo diversity score of 0.76 is more than the state average of 0.70. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
12,934 students
9,796 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
36:1
32:1
# Full-Time Students
2,115 students
1,259 students
# Part-Time Students
10,819 students
8,537 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
129 students
242 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
2,115 students
1,250 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
63 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
10,819 students
8,299 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
10 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
121 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
n/a
n/a
% Asian
25%
13%
% Hispanic
32%
47%
% Black
2%
7%
% White
26%
23%
% Hawaiian
2%
1%
% Two or more races
7%
5%
% Non Resident races
3%
1%
% Unknown races
3%
3%
Diversity Score
0.76
0.70
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
0.4707%
0.4221%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
0.4286%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$44,000
$34,700
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $1,418 is less than the state average of $1,516. The in-state tuition has stayed relatively flat over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $6,206 is less than the state average of $6,779. The out-state tuition has declined by 40% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$1,418
$1,516
Out-State Tuition Fees
$6,206
$6,779
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
54%
85%
Median Debt for Graduates
$12,000
$10,500
Median Debt for Dropouts
$5,500
$6,239
Acceptance Rate
n/a
93%
Source: 2024 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Notes
- College of San Mateo, the first community college in San Mateo County, is an open-access, student-focused, teaching and learning institution which serves the diverse educational, economic, social and cultural needs of its students and the community. By offering comprehensive, quality programs and services and by measuring student learning, College of San Mateo educates students to participate successfully in a changing world. College of San Mateo is part of the San Mateo County Community College District (SMCCCD), along with Canda College in Redwood City and Skyline College in San Bruno. College of San Mateo is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Commission on Recognition of Postsecondary Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does College of San Mateo cost?
College of San Mateo's tuition is approximately $1,418 for In-State students and $6,206 for Out-State students.
What is College of San Mateo's ranking?
College of San Mateo ranks among the top 20% of community college in California for: Diversity in US community colleges.
In what neighborhood is College of San Mateo located?
College of San Mateo is located in the Western Hills neighborhood of San Mateo, CA.
Recent Articles
Is Contraception the Answer for College Completion Rates?
This article discusses the "Make it Personal: College Completion" campaign launched by the American Association of Community Colleges. The initiative aims to reduce unplanned pregnancies among community college students to improve completion rates. It explores the campaign's approaches, including curriculum integration and student services, and presents statistics on the impact of unplanned pregnancies on college success.
How a Community College Apprenticeship Improves Your Resume
Learn about the benefits of an apprenticeship during your time at community college and how it can benefit your resume and future career.
Careers: Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Logistics
Explore the dynamic world of customs brokerage and freight forwarding, where precision meets strategy in global logistics. This article delves into the critical role of customs brokers and freight forwarders, who navigate complex regulations and ensure the smooth transit of goods across international borders. Discover the skills and expertise required to excel in this field, from understanding tariff codes to managing documentation and customs clearance. Learn about the impact of these professionals on supply chain efficiency and the opportunities available in this growing industry.
