Overview
Cuesta College is a public 2-year community college based in San Luis Obispo County and serves the Central Coast of California. Cuesta offers associate degrees as well as technical and professional certifications. Noted programs include health service preparatory studies, mathematics and statistics, and psychiatric mental health services. Cuesta College has an open admissions policy.
Average Net Price:
$7,790
Campus Setting:
Suburb or town
Tuition, Cost & Aid
Affordability & Cost
Tuition
| In-State Tuition In-state tuition is the tuition charged by institutions to those students who meet the state's or institution's residency requirements. In-district tuition is the tuition charged by the institution to those students residing in the locality in which they attend school and may be a lower rate than in-state tuition if offered by the institution. | $1,340 |
| Out-of-State Tuition Out-of-state tuition is the tuition charged by institutions to those students who do not meet the state’s or institution’s residency requirements. Out-of-district tuition is the tuition charged by the institution to those students not residing in the locality in which they attend school. | $11,000 |
Additional Costs
Room and Board The weighted average for room and board and other expenses is generated as follows:
| $13,293 |
| Books and Supplies | $1152 |
Average Net Price By Family Income
Financial Aid: visit page
Financial Aid Email: [email protected]
Aid & Grants
Students Receiving Gift Aid Percent of undergraduate students awarded federal gift aid. Federal gift aid includes any grant or scholarship aid awarded, from the federal government, a state or local government, the institution, and other sources known by the institution. Students Receiving Grants Percent of undergraduate students awarded grant aid. Grant aid includes any grant or scholarship aid awarded, from the federal government, a state or local government, the institution, and other sources known by the institution.
18%
Average Aid Per Year
$4,559
18%
Average Federal Grant Aid Per Year
$4,064
Average Institution Grant Aid Per Year
$281
Students receiving state aid Students receiving federal aid
72%
Average State Grant Aid Per Year
$1855
61%
Average Federal Grant Aid Per Year
$4,064
Student Loans
Students Borrowing Loans Loans to students - Any monies that must be repaid to the lending institution for which the student is the designated borrower. Includes all Title IV subsidized and unsubsidized loans and all institutionally- and privately-sponsored loans. Does not include PLUS and other loans made directly to parents.
3%
Average Loan Amount Per Year
$4,192
Average Debt at Graduation The median federal debt of undergraduate borrowers who graduated. This figure includes only federal loans; it excludes private student loans and Parent PLUS loans.
$8,500
Median Monthly Loan Payment The median monthly loan payment for student borrowers who completed, if it were repaid over 10 years at a 5.05% interest rate.
$100
Students receiving federal loans
3%
Average Federal Loans Per Year
$4,192
Admissions
Key Admissions Stats
Institution Type
Public
- Not for Profit
- Coed
Need Aware
This school may consider an applicant’s financial situation when deciding admission
Level of Institution
2 Year
Campus Setting
Suburb or town
1088
Transfer Students Admitted
Admissions Requirements
SAT
No
ACT
No
Transcript
Yes
Test Optional
No
SAT Subject Tests
No
AP Course Credit
Yes
Dual Enrollment
Yes
Important Deadlines
| Application Type | Application Deadline | Reply Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Fall Regular Decision | August 13 |
Rolling Admissions
The college has rolling admissions, which means applications are accepted any time throughout the year.
Applications Accepted
Admitted Student Stats
Students Enrolled By Household Income
Admissions Resources
For International Student Services: visit page
For Students with Disabilities: visit page
For Veteran Services: visit page
Academics
Key Academic Stats
Highest Degree Offered
At least 2, but less than 4 academic years
Total Number of Students
9,908
Total Number of Undergrads
9,908
0
100
33%
Graduate in 6 Years US National: 52%
Student:Faculty Ratio
27:1
US National: 21:1Non Traditional Learning
- Online Classes
- Online Undergrad Degrees
- Summer Sessions
Learning Options
- Honors Program
Degrees and Majors
MAJORS
74
Faculty Overview
Gender
Ethnicity
Campus Life
Key Campus Stats
Student Gender
Residency
Size of Town
Suburb or town
Countries Represented
Ethnicity
Percent of First Generation Students
43%
Student Organizations
21
LGBTQIA Student Resource Groups
Yes
On Campus Women's Center
No
Cultural Student Resource Groups
Yes
Housing
On-campus living required of freshman
No
Disability Housing Available
No
Athletics
Divisional Sports Nickname
Cougar
Varsity Athletics Association
NJCAA
Varsity Athletics Conference Primary
Not applicable
Total Male Athletes
109
Total Female Athletes
105
Sports Team (Men)
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Cross Country
- Swimming
- Track and Field
- Water Polo
- Wrestling
Sports Team (Women)
- Basketball
- Cross Country
- Soccer
- Softball
- Swimming
- Water Polo
Cuesta College Athletics: visit page
Campus Safety
24-HR security patrol
Yes
Campus emergency phones
Yes
24-HR escort safety rides
Yes
Mobile campus emergency alert
Yes
After Graduation
Post Grad Stats
Average Salary
6 years after graduation
$42,100
Top 5 Cities
San Luis Obispo
San Francisco
Los Angeles
Sacramento
San Diego
Top 5 Employers
Cuesta College
MINDBODY, Inc.
County of San Luis Obispo
California Polytechnic State University
Dignity Health
Top 5 Sectors
Operations
Business Development
Sales
Arts and Design
Education
Average Debt at Graduation The median federal debt of undergraduate borrowers who graduated. This figure includes only federal loans; it excludes private student loans and Parent PLUS loans.
$8,500
Loan Default Rate
7%
National: 8%
Median Monthly Loan Payment The median monthly loan payment for student borrowers who completed, if it were repaid over 10 years at a 5.05% interest rate.
$100
REVIEWS
Read What Students Are SayingCuesta College is one of the top community colleges in California, located just outside of Beautiful San Luis Obispo, CA. If you are interested in Nursing, Music and the Arts, History, or Engineering, Cuesta college is a great great place to start your college career!!! I have had the luck to spend a year singing at Cuesta under the direction of John Knutson and Dr. Jill Anderson. They have a wealth of knowledge and skill in their areas.
I also have had the chance to take History Classes at Cuesta with some top teachers. The US history teachers, Dr. Anthony Koeinger and Johnathan Wilson are wonderful Charismatic teachers and are a great addition to the School.
I also have had the chance to take History Classes at Cuesta with some top teachers. The US history teachers, Dr. Anthony Koeinger and Johnathan Wilson are wonderful Charismatic teachers and are a great addition to the School.
Jacob from Atascadero, CA
College is intended to be an eye opening, real life experience for young adults. At Cuesta the experience is certainly full of learning opportunities and I also have a lot of fun expanding my knowledge. Professors are generally excited about their jobs and are very willing to help you get the information you need.
Kasey from Avila Beach, CA
Cuesta has a beautiful small campus. The teachers here will challenge you, it is a good transition school to get you ready fro a 4 year. Most people that attend Cuesta and work there are friendly and helpful.
Elina from San Luis Obispo, CA
As a single mother of four children, age 37 I have found returning to college quite challenging. I will say that I am happy where I am in school, I am enjoying the classes I am taking and really feel determined to get to my long term goal.
Student from Atascadero, CA
Great one on one. Awesome community to be involved with. Welding program is very good.
Luis from Pismo Beach, CA
Great College! I would recommend it to anyone. It is a small campus with amazing teachers and students.
Isabel from Shandon, CA
There is a nice, broad spectrum of classes to choose from, especially if you are finishing your general education. The teachers also range from being fairly easy, to assigning a rigorous work load. Regardless, I feel that every class I've taken so far has provided me with the knowledge I needed.
Student from California
I highly recommend Cuesta College as a great school to attend. The faculty and services are run with care and this college really helps their students meet their goals. This school now offers three year attendence and allows you to transfer to more units to local colleges.
Lucinda from Grover Beach, CA
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