Cuesta College
About Cuesta College
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Cuesta College teaches in San Luis Obispo, on California's central coast, next door to Cal Poly, into which many of its students transfer. Business and allied health are among its largest programs.
Founded
1963
Location
San Luis Obispo, California
Students
7,180
Institution
Community College
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
Open
Admits all qualified applicants
Graduation Rate
48.3%
Below national average
In-State Tuition
$1,350
Out-of-state: $11,010
Avg Net Price
$12,124
After financial aid
SAT Average
Not required
No test scores requested
Median Earnings
$46,047
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Open Admission
Every applicant who meets the basic requirements is admitted, so there is no acceptance rate
How to Apply
Test Policy
No test needed
Application Fee
Free
Early
N/A
Deadline
Rolling
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Below Average
48.3% complete their degree within three years
Retention
72.8%
Transfer Out
15%
Teaching Quality
27:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
31.5%
$/Student
$7.8K
Class Size
Large
While 48.3% finish in 4 years, 72.8% of freshmen do return for sophomore year. Many students here may take a bit longer, but they stick with it.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$1,350
In-State
$11,010
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
No on-campus housing
Books & Supplies
$1,062
Total Cost of Attendance
$20,192
After Financial Aid
$12,124
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$10,414
Receive Grants
17.6%
Take Loans
1.9%
Tuition is $1,350/yr, and after aid the average student pays about $12,124.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Cuesta College fund their education.
While in School
17.6%
Get Grants
Free money
1.9%
Take Loans
Must repay
$19,228
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$13,750
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$146/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
The median debt is just $13,750, and less than 0% of graduates default on their loans. Students here leave with very manageable financial obligations.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Cuesta College.
Gender
53.1%
Female
47%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
7,180
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
N/A
Graduates
42.9%
First-Gen
25 yrs
Avg Age
22%
Age 25+
The campus has a balanced gender split (53% women, 47% men). 42.9% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Rural: Fringe
Campus Quick Facts
7,180
Students
community
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
N/A
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
No
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
No
ROTC
No
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
No
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Cuesta College fields 11 varsity teams with 265 student athletes, about 4% of the student body.
Division
CCCAA
California Community College Athletic Association
Conference
Not reported
Only collected for NCAA and NAIA teams
Varsity Sports
11
Biggest: Water Polo
Student Athletes
265
4% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
56% / 44%
148
Men
117
Women
7
Men's Teams
9
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Cuesta Collegeearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$46,047
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
$39K
692 grads
4yr Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations
$30K
167 grads
1yr Earnings
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
—
144 grads
Psychology, General
—
99 grads
Economics
—
68 grads
Sociology
—
44 grads
Graduates earn about $39K six years out, growing to $46K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Cuesta College
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Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.