by our College Data Analytics TeamIs CSM worth the money? College Factual’s value analysis weighs the quality of education against the cost. Here is the verdict.
CSM is ranked #9 out of 3,211 schools for value nationwide, earning a value grade of D+. Within California, it ranks #1 of 304 for value.
Below is the detailed CSM value breakdown: state and national value rankings, the real cost of a degree, and how the price stacks up against the aid most students receive.
College of San Mateo is ranked #11 out of #213 in California for quality and #1 out of #304 for California value.
Do you qualify for in-state tuition? Check the CSM financial aid page to be sure.
College of San Mateo is ranked #9 out of 3,211 for value nationwide.
Based on our analysis of other colleges at similar price points, College of San Mateo is overpriced for the quality of education it provides.
Averaged across all students — those who receive aid and those who pay full price — a year at CSM costs about $3,730. Over a standard four-year bachelor's program, that adds up to an estimated $14,922 for the degree.
| Amount | |
|---|---|
| Sticker Price (before aid) | $10,216 / year |
| Net Price (students receiving aid) | $536 / year |
| Average Cost (all students) | $3,730 / year |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $14,922 |
*The average cost weights the net price paid by aid recipients against the sticker price paid by everyone else. The 4-year figure assumes the standard bachelor's length; your actual time to graduate and price may differ.
There are many ways to lower the cost of a college education. Consider in-state tuition, transfer credits, or finishing your degree faster. Learn more about CSM net price and the factors that affect it.
What CSM costs you depends on how much aid you receive, so few students fit perfectly into averages.
Here is how the estimated 4-year cost of a CSM degree breaks down by aid group, against its national value ranking.
| Nationwide Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $40,864 | — | — |
| All Students | $14,922 | #9 | D+ |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $2,144 | — | — |
| In-State Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $40,864 | — | — |
| All Students | $14,922 | #1 | D |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $2,144 | — | — |
*College Factual publishes a single overall value ranking (the All Students row). The cost rows show what each aid group pays toward the same degree.
You can also see how the average net price at CSM shifts with family income:
| Family Income | Avg Net Price / Year |
|---|---|
| $0–$30K | $127 |
| $30K–$48K | $646 |
| $48K–$75K | $3,951 |
| $75K–$110K | $6,489 |
| Over $110K | $7,818 |
About 67% of CSM undergraduates receive grant or scholarship aid, averaging $2,349 per year. Get more details on the CSM financial aid you may qualify for.
College Factual determines value by weighing a school’s average total cost against its educational quality, then comparing it to other schools in the same quality tier. See the CSM net price page for the cost detail.
Read the full Best for the Money Ranking Methodology.