College Costs in San Mateo, CA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 5 colleges in San Mateo, California. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$14,500
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$42,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$4,050
per month
Colleges & Universities
5
institutions
San Mateo Overview
Population
105,661
Student Population
6,093 (5.8%)
Cost of Living Index
188.2 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
46/100
Transit Score
23/100
Unemployment Rate
4.3%
College Cost Calculator for San Mateo
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$131,788
Total After Financial Aid
$131,788
Annual Cost
$32,947
Annual After Aid
$32,947
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $131,788 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,496 |
| Total Interest | $47,783 |
| Total Loan Cost | $179,571 |
Universities in San Mateo
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| San Mateo State University | Public | $14,952 |
| University of San Mateo | Public | $16,042 |
| San Mateo Community College | Community | $7,417 |
San Mateo has 5 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in San Mateo vs. National Average
| Category | San Mateo | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,500 | $10,940 | +$3,560 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $4,050 | $1,050 | +$3,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 188.2 | 100 | +88.19999999999999 |
San Mateo's cost of living is above the national average. Students should budget accordingly and consider off-campus housing options to reduce expenses.
Student Life in San Mateo
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
6,093 students
San Mateo has a total population of 105,661, with approximately 6,093 college students (5.8% of the population). While not primarily a college town, San Mateo offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in San Mateo
$62,286
Starting Salary
4.3%
Unemployment Rate
57%
Graduation Rate
~5 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in San Mateo earn a median starting salary of $62,286, which is $27,286 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $131,788 (including room and board), it would take approximately 5 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $9,357 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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