Free College. Forever.
Free College is now a permanent part of life in San Mateo County. On June 29, 2026, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 968, removing the 2028 sunset date on the program first established under Senate Bill 893 (Becker, 2022) as a five-year pilot. Since launching in 2023, more than 35,000 students have enrolled at Cañada College, College of San Mateo, and Skyline College without paying tuition or fees!
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Measurable Impact. Real Results.
Data-driven proof that Free College works for students and communities
See how Free College changes lives
Real stories from students who are transforming their futures
Michael
Free College Allowed Me to Focus on My Classes
College of San Mateo
Nisha
Free College Removed Financial Stress
Cañada College
Foreign
Free College Saved My Life
Skyline College
Ciara
Free College Let Me Learn About My Career Path
College of San Mateo
Cena
Free College Let Me Pursue My Passion
Cañada College
Audrey
Free College Made it Possible to Study Abroad
Skyline College
Our Investment in Student Success
Free College is made possible through the San Mateo County Community College District's ongoing investment in student success. Each year, the District dedicates $12 million in local funds to remove financial barriers and make higher education accessible to San Mateo County residents. This strategic investment fuels opportunity, supports economic mobility, and keeps local talent learning, growing, and thriving close to home.
On June 29, 2026, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 968, permanently authorizing Free College and removing the program's 2028 sunset date. Authored by State Senator Josh Becker and coauthored by Assemblymembers Diane Papan and Marc Berman, SB 968 ensures that current and future generations of San Mateo County residents will be able to count on tuition-free access to Cañada College, College of San Mateo, and Skyline College, without relying on state general fund dollars. Free College is now a permanent cornerstone of access and economic strength in San Mateo County.
