It is interesting to note that, every year, around 56% of students at CSM receive some kind of financial aid, while the total amount of assistance/loans provided is $350,844. At CSM, the total percentage of applicants who receive the Federal Grant stands at 21%. On the other hand, 56% of the candidates get the Student Grant, 41% receive the Institution Grant, and 21% get the Pell Grant. While the Federal Grant awardees receive an average aid of $5,469, the State Grant receivers and Institution Grant beneficiaries get $2,060 and $945, respectively. And, for the Pell Grant awardees, the average aid amount is $4,273. Among other things, the annual family income of the applicant plays a major role in determining the total financial aid they are actually eligible to receive. Apart from financial grants and scholarships, candidates can also avail of monetary benefits like student loans to fund their education. But, they should understand that student loans are borrowed at a certain rate of interest, unlike grants and scholarships. Candidates are also required to repay these loans within a given period. Every year, around 1% of the applicants to College of San Mateo opt for student loans.