College of San Mateo SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
College of San Mateo combines an accessible 80% acceptance rate with very low in-state tuition, so your opportunity starts after admission. Since it is test-optional, focus on placement readiness, course momentum, and a clear transfer or career plan so you get full value from the first year.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
College of San Mateo facts and stats
College of San Mateo enrolls about 9,901 undergraduate students in an urban campus setting. College of San Mateo has a 73% freshman retention rate, which is above the national average of roughly 70%. The student-to-faculty ratio is 24:1.
San Mateo, CA

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Key College of San Mateo application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
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Early Action
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Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
—
Coming soon
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
If you choose to submit SAT or ACT scores to College of San Mateo, aim for your first test by the spring of junior year, then use the summer before senior year and the fall for retakes. Because College of San Mateo does not offer Early Decision, work backward from its regular application deadline and choose the last fall retake only if those scores will arrive in time.
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What you'll actually pay
College of San Mateo is a public college with in-state tuition of $1,104 and out-of-state tuition of $9,912. Students can explore federal, state, and campus aid options to help plan their costs.

At this public college, out-of-state tuition is $9,912, while in-state tuition is $1,104. Students should also budget for fees, books, transportation, and living costs, which can change the total price substantially. Financial aid may reduce what students pay, so applicants should review their aid eligibility and net price rather than focusing on tuition alone.
Student life at College of San Mateo
Campus housing details coming soon.
No fraternity or sorority life on campus.
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