San Mateo County’s public community-college district operates Cañada College in Redwood City, College of San Mateo in San Mateo and Skyline College in San Bruno. CSM Coastside in Half Moon Bay extends educational services to the coast. Each site has a different program mix and service layout, so first choose a career or transfer goal and confirm where the required courses meet.
The colleges grew from local needs across the Peninsula: College of San Mateo traces its roots to 1922, Cañada opened its current campus in 1968 and Skyline began in 1969. Their programs include transfer study, associate degrees, certificates and selected bachelor’s-level training. Health and technical programs may have prerequisites, limited cohorts or courses based at one campus.
Most first-time applicants start with the online district application, then complete account setup, orientation, placement or guided self-placement, counseling and registration. Requirements differ for international students, transfer applicants and selective programs. Request transcript review early if you have prior college work. College of San Mateo, Cañada College and Skyline College publish campus-specific guidance.
For 2026–27, the district lists $46 per semester unit for associate-level enrollment. A three-unit class therefore starts at $138 before other fees, books and program costs. Free College Level 1 may waive the per-unit charge for San Mateo County residents pursuing a degree or certificate, including undocumented residents. Level 2 may help with other fees, books, transportation or technology if separate income or College Promise Grant criteria are met. This requires an application and is not automatic.
Other aid may include federal Pell and grants, California Cal Grant, the College Promise Grant waiver, work-study, scholarships and Promise Scholars. Promise Scholars is a separate cohort-based program with its own eligibility and added advising or material support. Submit FAFSA or CADAA, check priority dates and ask Financial Aid to estimate your award. An associate degree commonly takes about 60 units and around two years full time, but course sequencing and part-time study affect completion time.
English learners have distinct routes. Cañada offers staged ESL placement from foundational study toward transfer-level English. CSM uses ESL placement for credit classes and directs beginning learners to Cañada or San Mateo Adult School. Skyline offers ESOL/ESL and English Learner Services through SparkPoint. Ask whether each class carries credit and how it fits a credential. CSM Coastside adds local literacy, college-access, career guidance and community learning in Half Moon Bay.
Facilities differ by campus. CSM’s map identifies a gymnasium, pool, stadium, planetarium, library, health and wellness services, child development center and parking. Cañada has its library, counseling, transfer support, ESL and technical programs. Skyline’s directory locates ESL Connect, Learning Center, library, STEM and MESA resources, SparkPoint, athletics and wellness. Check current maps and office hours before travelling.
CSM reports a free weekday shuttle linking Millbrae BART and Hillsdale Caltrain, plus SamTrans connections and passes for eligible students. Cañada, Skyline and Coastside publish separate directions and transit information. Use the exact campus address and current schedule rather than assuming the same shuttle or parking rules apply everywhere.
To plan, identify the credential, count units, compare campuses, submit an aid application and ask about English placement before registering. Start with the district application, read the 2026–27 aid handbook and review Free College eligibility. Existing Promise Scholars and scholarship pages address narrower opportunities; this guide focuses on general admissions, tuition, aid and campus choice.
Check current details and choose according to your budget, time and way of travelling.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
College of San Mateo — Main Campus
1700 W Hillsdale Blvd, San Mateo, CA 94402
College of San Mateo sits at 1700 W. Hillsdale Boulevard on a hillside west of downtown San Mateo. Founded in 1922, the college brings classrooms, laboratories, the library and student services together on a large campus. Visitors should check the map before arriving to locate admissions or the offi
CSM main campus provides transfer degrees, certificates and programs in health, aviation, biotechnology and technology.
Cañada College — Main Campus
4200 Farm Hill Boulevard, Redwood City, CA 94061
Cañada College opened its Redwood City campus in 1968 on a hillside beside Farm Hill Boulevard. The campus serves the mid-Peninsula with academic programs, student services and technical training. Its map is useful for locating admissions, counseling, the library, ESL offices and classrooms before a
Cañada offers transfer, applied health, radiologic technology, paralegal, automotive and engineering pathways.
Skyline College — Main Campus
3300 College Drive, San Bruno, CA 94066
Skyline College is at 3300 College Drive in the San Bruno hills. Its campus directory helps visitors find admissions, counseling, Financial Aid, the library, Learning Center, ESL Connect, SparkPoint and athletic and wellness spaces. The official aerial image provides a clear view of the campus setti
Skyline offers transfer programs and career training, including nursing, Respiratory Care, media, automotive and STEM.
College of San Mateo Coastside — Half Moon Bay
650 Mill Street, Units 101 & 102, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
College of San Mateo sits at 1700 W. Hillsdale Boulevard on a hillside west of downtown San Mateo. Founded in 1922, the college brings classrooms, laboratories, the library and student services together on a large campus. Visitors should check the map before arriving to locate admissions or the offi
CSM main campus provides transfer degrees, certificates and programs in health, aviation, biotechnology and technology.
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Official website of College of San Mateo — Main Campus ↗
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College of San Mateo · Accessed October 27, 2026
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Official website of College of San Mateo — Main Campus ↗
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College of San Mateo · Accessed October 27, 2026
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College of San Mateo · Accessed October 27, 2026
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College of San Mateo · Accessed October 27, 2026
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Official website of College of San Mateo — Main Campus ↗
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College of San Mateo · Accessed October 27, 2026
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transportation options ↗
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College of San Mateo · Accessed October 27, 2026
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Official website of College of San Mateo — Main Campus ↗
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College of San Mateo · Accessed October 27, 2026
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Official website of College of San Mateo — Main Campus ↗
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CSM News · Accessed October 27, 2026
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Official website of College of San Mateo — Main Campus ↗
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College of San Mateo · Accessed October 27, 2026
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Official website of Cañada College — Main Campus ↗
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Cañada College · Accessed October 27, 2026
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Official website of Cañada College — Main Campus ↗
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Cañada College · Accessed October 27, 2026
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current fees ↗
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Cañada College · Accessed October 27, 2026
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admissions ↗
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Cañada College · Accessed October 27, 2026
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the ESL pathway ↗
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Cañada College · Accessed October 27, 2026
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Official website of Cañada College — Main Campus ↗
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Cañada College · Accessed October 27, 2026
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Official website of Cañada College — Main Campus ↗
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Cañada College · Accessed October 27, 2026
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Official website of Cañada College — Main Campus ↗
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Cañada College · Accessed October 27, 2026
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Official website of Skyline College — Main Campus ↗
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Skyline College · Accessed October 27, 2026
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Official website of Skyline College — Main Campus ↗
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Skyline College · Accessed October 27, 2026
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fees ↗
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Skyline College · Accessed October 27, 2026
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admissions ↗
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Skyline College · Accessed October 27, 2026
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English Learner Services ↗
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Skyline College · Accessed October 27, 2026
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Official website of Skyline College — Main Campus ↗
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Skyline College · Accessed October 27, 2026
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Official website of Skyline College — Main Campus ↗
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Skyline College · Accessed October 27, 2026
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Official website of Skyline College — Main Campus ↗
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Skyline College · Accessed October 27, 2026
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Official website of College of San Mateo Coastside — Half Moon Bay ↗
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College of San Mateo · Accessed October 27, 2026
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Official website of College of San Mateo Coastside — Half Moon Bay ↗
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College of San Mateo · Accessed October 27, 2026
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current fees ↗
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College of San Mateo · Accessed October 27, 2026
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admission steps ↗
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College of San Mateo · Accessed October 27, 2026
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Official website of College of San Mateo Coastside — Half Moon Bay ↗
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College of San Mateo · Accessed October 27, 2026
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transportation options ↗
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College of San Mateo · Accessed October 27, 2026
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Official website of College of San Mateo Coastside — Half Moon Bay ↗
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College of San Mateo · Accessed October 27, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of College of San Mateo Coastside — Half Moon Bay ↗
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CSM News · Accessed October 27, 2026
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Official website of College of San Mateo Coastside — Half Moon Bay ↗
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College of San Mateo · Accessed October 27, 2026
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Official website ↗
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San Mateo County Community College District · Accessed October 27, 2026
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Official website ↗
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SMCCCD · Accessed October 27, 2026
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SMCCCD · Accessed October 27, 2026
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Official website ↗
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SMCCCD · Accessed October 27, 2026
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Official website ↗
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SMCCCD · Accessed October 27, 2026
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Official website ↗
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SMCCCD · Accessed October 27, 2026
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Official website ↗
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California Community Colleges · Accessed October 27, 2026
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