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
Admission Chance Predictor
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College of San Mateo (CSM) SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. For the 2026 academic cycle, the landscape of standardized testing has shifted back toward Test-Required policies at the majority of highly selective and Ivy+ institutions. Following a multi-year "Test-Optional" pilot, data-driven results have led universities like Harvard, Yale, Brown, and the University of Texas at Austin to reinstate the SAT and ACT as mandatory components of the application.
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)
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.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2025, US Department of Education's latest 2025 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.