Financial Aid/Scholarships

The Financial Aid Office at College of San Mateo is dedicated to the concept that no individual should be denied an education solely for financial reasons. Financial aid can assist students in paying for enrollment fees, books, transportation, room and board, and other educational expenses. Any student applying for admission to the College who has a financial need for assistance is urged to apply for aid.

The Financial Aid Office administers the Scholarship program and several federal grant, loan, and work-study programs. There are four types of financial aid:

  1. Grants
  2. Scholarships
  3. Employment
  4. Loans

There are two primary sources of financial aid - the Federal government and the State of California. For a full list of financial aid options, see the chart on the Types of Financial Aid page. 

For more information, visit the District Financial Aid website (College Center Building 10, Room 360, (650) 574-6146). Applications for small emergency loans are available through the Financial Aid Office.

Repayment of Federal Funds For Students Who Withdraw From School

College of San Mateo will determine the amount of federal financial aid that a student has earned in accordance with federal law. Students who receive federal financial aid and do not attend any classes will be required to repay all of the funds they received. Students who withdraw from all classes prior to completing more than 60% of the semester will have their financial eligibility recalculated based on the percentage of the semester completed and will be required to repay any unearned financial aid they received. 

At College of San Mateo a student's withdrawal date is:

  1. The date the student officially notified the Admissions Office of his or her intent to withdraw
  2. The midpoint of the semester for a student who leaves without notifying the college
  3. The student's last date of attendance at a documented academically-related activity