College of San Mateo
San Mateo, California
About College of San Mateo
A Legacy of Excellence and Innovation
Founded in 1922, College of San Mateo is a 2-year college serving students in San Mateo, California. With a tradition of academic excellence, College of San Mateo prepares graduates for success in Social Sciences, Business, Humanities, and more.
A Diverse Community in San Mateo
Students come from across the country and around the world, creating a campus culture rich in perspectives and experiences. With a 25:1 student-faculty ratio, professors know students by name and provide mentorship that extends beyond the classroom.
Commitment to Access and Affordability
College of San Mateo is committed to meeting full demonstrated financial need for admitted students. Families earning less than $30,000 per year typically pay $127, and those earning up to $48,000 contribute a portion of their income. This commitment-based policy ensures that talent and drive matter more than bank accounts, opening doors for first-generation and low-income students.
Research That Shapes the World
College of San Mateo emphasizes hands-on learning, internships, and close faculty mentorship. Students gain practical experience through internships, research projects, and co-ops, preparing them for immediate career success or graduate study. The focus on undergraduate teaching means professors prioritize your growth and development.
Outcomes for College of San Mateo students
| First-year retention rate | 77% |
|---|---|
| Median earnings 8 years after enrolling | $47,260 |
| Median earnings 10 years after enrolling | $54,172 |
| Median debt at graduation | $14,695 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Students at College of San Mateo
| Total enrollment | 9,208 |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate students | 9,208 |
| International students | 3% |
| First-generation students | 51% |
What you can study at College of San Mateo
85 programs, most of them in these fields:
Visual and Performing Arts (11)
Art/Art Studies, General, Cinematography and Film/Video Production, Commercial and Advertising Art, and more
Business Management Marketing Support (10)
Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping, Administrative Assistant and Secretarial Science, General, Business Administration and Management, General, and more
Computer Information Sciences (7)
Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance, Computer Graphics, Computer Programming/Programmer, General, and more
Health Professions (7)
Biomedical Technology/Technician, Dental Assisting/Assistant, Dental Hygiene/Hygienist, and more
Social Sciences (5)
Anthropology, General, Economics, General, Political Science and Government, General, and more
Physical Sciences (4)
Chemistry, General, Geology/Earth Science, General, Physical Sciences, General, and more
Communication Journalism (3)
Journalism, Radio and Television, Speech Communication and Rhetoric
Construction Trades (3)
Building/Home/Construction Inspection/Inspector, Electrician, Plumbing Technology/Plumber
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