Head-to-head · 2026
College of San Mateo vs West Valley College
Compare average net price ($536 at College of San Mateo; $3,423 at West Valley College), ROI score (252.67 vs 37.75), ten-year median earnings ($54,172 vs $51,688), and admissions context (Open / not reported at College of San Mateo; Open / not reported at West Valley College) using federal College Scorecard data. College of San Mateo has a 4-0 metric-level edge. College of San Mateo has the stronger ROI signal here, though the final choice should still account for aid, major and campus fit.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | College of San Mateo | West Valley College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 252.67 ✓ | 37.75 |
| Avg net price | $536 ✓ | $3,423 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $54,172 ✓ | $51,688 |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 60.8% ✓ | 50.7% |
| Median debt | $14,695 | — |
| Enrollment | 7,977 | 6,416 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | — |
| Metric advantages | 4 | 0 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
West Valley College costs $2,887 more per year than College of San Mateo ($3,423 vs $536). College of San Mateo graduates report $2,484 higher median earnings after ten years ($54,172 vs $51,688). On EduGradify's model that puts College of San Mateo ahead on projected ROI (252.67 vs 37.75, 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 West Valley College, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is College of San Mateo or West Valley College the better value?
College of San Mateo has the higher EduGradify ROI score (252.67 vs 37.75), 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 $3,423 at West Valley College. The annual difference of $2,887 adds up to about $11,548 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
College of San Mateo reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $54,172 vs $51,688 at West Valley College. The annual gap in the federal data is $2,484.
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; West Valley College reports A+.