College of San Mateo, founded in 1922, is the oldest institution in California's San Mateo County Community College District. The 153-acre hillside campus features stunning Bay views and architecturally significant buildings including the College Center designed by John Carl Warnecke. CSM excels in transfer preparation, career technical education, and community enrichment programs, with particular strengths in biotechnology, aviation, and digital arts.
The college's 'Center for Innovation and Excellence in Teaching and Learning' supports pedagogical advancement, while its 'STEM Center' provides comprehensive support for science and math students. CSM's 'Skyline College to College of San Mateo' program facilitates reverse transfers for bachelor's degree seekers. The campus also houses the San Mateo County Historical Museum and hosts the annual 'CSM Authors Series,' reflecting its deep community connections.
College of San Mateo Acceptance Rate
College of San Mateo (CSM) maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 100%, the institution prioritizes accessibility and opportunity for all qualified students.
Admissions Guidelines
- Inclusive Enrollment: Emphasis is placed on meeting basic eligibility and high school completion.
- Launchpad Policy: Ideal for students looking to build a GPA for future transfer or career certification.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem .
College of San Mateo Admission Requirements
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College of San Mateo (CSM) Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2025 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
CSM Profile
Name: College of San Mateo (CSM)
City: San Mateo
State: California
Type: Public
Zip: 94402-3784
Campus: Branch Campus
Accredited by: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (WASCJC)
Can I Get Into CSM Without SAT Or ACT?: The admission test score (SAT/ACT) policy for College of San Mateo is unknown. But it is better to submit the test score if you have performed well in the test. It gives an extra opportunity to showcase your skills and competencies and hence will improve your chances of admission. Check the schedule of the test and plan accordingly. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students, as given below. Normally, students may appear in the test 4 to 5 times to improve their scores. But if your score is not up to the mark and is less than the national or state average, then it is better not to submit the score as it will impact negatively.
Does a degree from CSM Worth It?
Getting into CSM can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. CSM offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision. Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at CSM is USD: 91605.26 and unemployment rate is 2.37%.
How much does a degree from CSM Cost?The average annual cost of the degree at College of San Mateo is USD: 11875. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at College of San Mateo is USD: 1504
How can I get a scholarship?
12.71% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 0.55 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to CSM and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At College of San Mateo, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist CSM as your choice in the form.
How much a CSM Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 54172. An average CSM graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595
Degree Programs
Associate Degree Programs
- Accounting and Related Services
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Anthropology
- Architectural Sciences and Technology
- Biological and Physical Sciences
- Biology, General
- Building/Construction Finishing, Management, and Inspection
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Business Operations Support and Assistant Services
- Business/Commerce, General
Frequently Asked Questions About College of San Mateo Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $54172 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
Question: What is the tuition fee?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $11875 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship ?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are lower, 50% or less. It's important to apply early and showcase a strong academic profile.
Question: Is it possible to transfer from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting Admissions?
Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
Full list of All degree programs offered by College of San Mateo.
Last Updated: Saturday February 07, 2026
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in November 2025, US Department of Education's latest statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.