Cost of Attendance

Cost of Atterndance (COA) is a college’s estimate of the total cost to attend for one academic year. It includes tuition and fees, books and supplies, housing, food, transportation, childcare, and personal expenses. COA is used as a budget to determine a student’s financial aid eligibility. Most students pay less than the full COA after financial aid is applied.

Below is the standard budget reflecting the Cost of Attendance at College of San Mateo. Some expenses—such as Enrollment Fees, Student Representation Fees, and Health Service Fees—are direct costs paid to the college. Your actual personal expenses may vary depending on your living arrangements, transportation method, and other personal factors.

These budgets are limits determined by federal and state agencies, with adjustments for the cost of living in the San Mateo County service area, and are provided for planning purposes. Fees are due to the college unless covered by waivers or financial aid. Allowances are not paid directly to the college but are included for budgeting purposes.

Additional costs (such as exams, licenses, or required supplies) may be added to a student’s Cost of Attendance if the expenses align with their Program of Study (POS). Adjustments to the Cost of Attendance will not be made if a student changes their POS at any time during the academic year.

The table below is based on full-time enrollment for the academic year. Enrollment fees will vary depending on the number of units enrolled. Please check with the Financial Aid Office for information regarding summer terms or less-than-full-time enrollment budgets.

College Costs for Aid Year 2025-2026