Head-to-head · 2026
College of San Mateo vs Santa Monica College
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 4 wins for College of San Mateo, 1 for Santa Monica College — College of San Mateo has more metric-level advantages.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric, winner flagged
9 metrics, side by side. The colored cell wins. Green = lower-is-better wins, indigo = higher-is-better wins.
| Metric | College of San Mateo | Santa Monica College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 252.67 ✓ | 37.96 |
| Avg net price | $536 ✓ | $2,779 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $54,172 ✓ | $42,193 |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 60.8% ✓ | 36.3% |
| Median debt | $14,695 | $6,450 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 7,977 | 21,440 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | — |
| Wins | 4 | 1 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Santa Monica College costs $2,243 more per year than College of San Mateo ($2,779 vs $536). College of San Mateo graduates report $11,979 higher median earnings after ten years ($54,172 vs $42,193). On EduGradify's model that puts College of San Mateo ahead on projected ROI (252.67 vs 37.96, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (College of San Mateo) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, neither school reports a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data, so this matchup should lean on price, outcomes and fit instead.
Frequently asked
College of San Mateo vs Santa Monica College, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is College of San Mateo or Santa Monica College the better value?
College of San Mateo has the higher EduGradify ROI score (252.67 vs 37.96), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
College of San Mateo is cheaper — average net price $536 per year vs $2,779 at Santa Monica College. The annual difference of $2,243 adds up to about $8,972 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
College of San Mateo reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $54,172 vs $42,193 at Santa Monica College. The annual gap in the federal data is $11,979.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. College of San Mateo reports a A+ value grade; Santa Monica College reports A+.