Student Enrollment

Current student body demographics and enrollment patterns at College of San Mateo

San Mateo, CA

Total Enrollment

16,864

Currently enrolled students

Program Options

73

73 career programs

Full-Time Students

8,154

16,864 part-time

Total FTE

3,658

Full-time equivalent students

What Is the Student Body Size?

Training Capacity & Scale

Large
Major vocational institution
16,864
Total Students
Size compared to other trade colleges:
200 1K 2K 5K+
Program Diversity 73
High diversity
~231 students per program
Training Capacity
High
Can handle large cohorts across multiple programs
Market Position
Major Player
Among largest trade schools nationally
Resource Level
Extensive
Multiple campuses, labs, and equipment

What This Means

College of San Mateo operates as a large trade college with 16,864 students across 73 career programs. This size typically offers extensive resources, diverse program options, and comprehensive career services.

With 16,864 students, College of San Mateo is a large vocational institution offering diverse career training programs and extensive facilities. The school offers 73 specialized career programs designed for immediate workforce entry.

How Do Students Attend?

Attendance Status Distribution

Full-Time Students 8,154 (32.6%)
32.6%
Part-Time Students 16,864 (67.4%)
67.4%
Total Students 25,018

Majority part-time students (67.4%), serving working professionals and those with other commitments.

Full-Time
Part-Time

Students are split between full-time (48.4%) and part-time attendance, reflecting flexible scheduling for working professionals.

Who Are the Students?

Student Demographics

Gender Distribution

Gender Split
Women
51.6%
8,706 students
Men
48.4%
8,158 students

Race/Ethnicity Distribution

Primary Ethnic Group
Hispanic/Latino
34.8%
5,871 students
Hispanic/Latino
34.8% (5,871)
White
25.3% (4,275)
Asian
22.4% (3,777)
Two or More Races
6.7% (1,126)
International Students
3.3% (550)
Black/African American
2.5% (425)
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
2.2% (369)
American Indian/Alaska Native
0.1% (12)

Demographics Summary

Gender: Balanced gender distribution across 16,864 students

Largest Ethnic Group: Hispanic/Latino students make up 35% of the student body (5,871 students)

The student body reflects diverse backgrounds and demographics.

Interested in Academic Quality & Learning Environment?

Explore retention rates, student-faculty ratios, distance education options, and academic intensity on our dedicated Academics page.

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How Are Students Distributed by Level?

Undergraduate students

25,018 students

50% Men, 50% Women
8,154 Full-time
Diversity Index: 77% • Minority Students: 61%

What Are the Attendance Patterns?

Full-Time Students

All Full-Time

2,072
All full-time students
1,125 men, 947 women
Diversity: 78%

FT Undergraduate

2,072
Full-time undergraduate
1,125 men, 947 women
Diversity: 78%

FT Degree-Seeking

2,005
Full-time degree/certificate-seeking
1,096 men, 909 women
Diversity: 78%

FT First-Time

691
Full-time first-time students
350 men, 341 women
Diversity: 78%

FT Continuing

1,314
Full-time continuing students
746 men, 568 women
Diversity: 78%

Part-Time Students

All Students

9,208
All students total
4,474 men, 4,734 women
Diversity: 76%

Transfer

956
Transfer-in students
425 men, 531 women
Diversity: 76%

Continuing

4,851
Continuing students
2,394 men, 2,457 women
Diversity: 76%

Non-Degree

1,849
Non-degree/certificate-seeking
865 men, 984 women
Diversity: 75%

Understanding Student Categories

First-Time: Students starting their first postsecondary program

Continuing: Students who previously enrolled and are returning

Transfer: Students who transferred from other institutions

Degree-Seeking: Students enrolled in certificate or degree programs

Non-Degree: Students taking courses without pursuing a formal credential

What Is the Diversity Picture?

Undergraduate students

5,999
White
655
Black/African American
8,817
Hispanic/Latino
5,181
Asian
1,304
International
Diversity Index: 77% Minority Students: 61%

Want to See Student Success & Outcomes?

Explore completion rates, transfer patterns, and detailed 8-year student outcome tracking on our dedicated Student Outcomes page.

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Student Life & Campus Experience

Diverse Student Community

Students from various backgrounds come together to learn career-focused skills in a supportive environment.

Flexible Scheduling

Many students balance work and family commitments with their studies through part-time and evening programs.

Career-Focused Learning

Students are goal-oriented, seeking practical skills and credentials that lead directly to employment opportunities.

AI-generated illustration of diverse students on a college campus with enrollment statistics, charts showing student demographics, attendance patterns, and campus life activities

Key Takeaways About College of San Mateo's Student Body

Training Environment: Large vocational institution with 16,864 students offering extensive career programs and state-of-the-art facilities.
Study Patterns: Flexible scheduling with many part-time students balancing work and education.
Academic Intensity: 3,658 FTE students indicates flexible scheduling accommodating working students.
Learning Format: Traditional in-person education with online components for flexibility.
Student Diversity: Highly diverse student body with excellent representation across ethnic and racial groups.
Learning Environment: Students benefit from career-focused education with hands-on training, experienced instructors, and support services designed to help them achieve their professional goals.
Community: The student body includes diverse learners from various backgrounds, creating a rich learning environment where students can network and learn from each other's experiences.

Contact Information

Address

1700 W Hillsdale Blvd

San Mateo, CA 94402-3784

Student Success

The student body at trade colleges often includes:

  • • Working adults seeking career changes
  • • Recent high school graduates
  • • Military veterans using education benefits
  • • Students upgrading skills in their field
  • • Individuals seeking fast-track credentials