How much is tuition at Cuesta College?

Tuition at Cuesta College is $1,340 per year.

What is the average salary for graduates of Cuesta College?

Graduates of Cuesta College earn a median salary of $46,047 per year.

Where is Cuesta College located?

Cuesta College is located in San Luis Obispo, California, United States.

Public Institution

Cuesta College 2026: $ 1,340 Tuition, Open Admission & Verified ROI Outcomes

San Luis Obispo, California

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Annual Tuition $1,340

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance N/A

Open Admission

Enrollment 6,879

Active Students

Avg. Salary $46,047

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location San Luis Obispo, California

Institution type Public

Accreditation Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges

Founded 6/24/1966

Academic Mission & Environment

"Cuesta College stands as a pillar of higher education in San Luis Obispo, providing a robust academic foundation for 6,879 students. The institution is recognized for its dedication to career-ready outcomes and community impact."

Campus Setting Urban Campus

Student Focus High Employment ROI

Academic Excellence & Popular Programs

Discover the most popular degrees and fields of study at Cuesta College. These programs represent the institution's primary areas of academic focus and professional preparation.

Humanities

39.4%

Enrollment Share

Business & Marketing

23.3%

Enrollment Share

Health Professions

12%

Enrollment Share

Family & Consumer Science

3.4%

Enrollment Share

Social Sciences

3.4%

Enrollment Share

Psychology

2.2%

Enrollment Share

Best Humanities College

Empowering students with critical thinking and cultural literacy, our Humanities programs are designed for versatile leadership in education, law, and creative industries.

Best Business & Marketing College

Positioned as a premier hub for future executives, our Business and Marketing track integrates digital strategy with core management expertise for modern career success.

Best Health Professions College

Ranked as a top destination for healthcare education, our health programs provide rigorous clinical training and a direct pathway to high-demand medical careers.

Admissions & Selectivity

Open Admission

Acceptance Rate N/A%

Avg. SAT Score N/A

Out of 1600

ACT Midpoint N/A

Out of 36

SAT Section Breakdown

Evidence-Based Reading & Writing N/A

Math N/A

ACT Section Breakdown

English N/A

Math N/A

Costs & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition $1,340

Out-of-State Tuition $11,000

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 18.1%

Median Student Debt $13,750

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $1,340, graduates see a median starting salary of $46,047, making it one of the most affordable pathways in California.

Graduate Outcomes & ROI

Avg. Early Career Salary $46,047

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate N/A%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $12,898

Median Salary (6yr) $38,541

Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average

Career Stability Index High

Student Body & Campus Life

6,879 Students

Gender Comparison

47.2% Men

52.8% Women

Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

69.2%

Retention First-year

40.9%

Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

White

49.6%

Hispanic

35.4%

Two or More Races

6.7%

Asian

3.1%

Black

2.4%

Unknown / Unreported

1.9%

American Indian / Alaska Native

0.5%

International

0.3%

Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander

0.3%

International Student Profile

Cuesta College supports a diverse global community with students from over 40 countries.

0.3% Global Enrollment

Campus Demographics

🎂

Avg. Age at Entry 25

🎓

First-Generation 42.9%

💰

Receive Pell Grant 92.3%

🎖️

Veterans 1.2%

💍

Married Students 12.1%

📅

Students Age 25+ 22%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income	$60,497
Average Family Income	$27,315
Median Family Income	$19,228

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

52.2%

47.8%

Women Men

Student-Faculty Ratio 27:1 students per faculty member

Premium Campus Location

Explore the San Luis Obispo Campus Environment

Located at Highway 1, Cuesta College offers a strategic urban setting that connects students with the economic and cultural heart of California. Use our verified map utility to plan your visit or explore nearby professional hubs.

Campus Setting Urban / Metropolitan

Access High Connectivity

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Common Questions about Cuesta College

What is the acceptance rate at Cuesta College?

Cuesta College has an open admission policy. This indicates a student-centered admission policy that provides accessible pathways for a diverse range of applicants. Prospective students are encouraged to apply early to secure their spot.

How much does it cost to attend Cuesta College per year?

The estimated annual tuition is $1,340. However, the 'Net Price'—what students actually pay after grants and scholarships—is often much lower. For many families, financial aid packages can reduce the out-of-pocket cost significantly, making Cuesta College a valuable investment in your future.

What are the most popular degrees offered at Cuesta College?

Cuesta College is widely recognized for its strong programs in various academic fields. These areas represent the college\'s commitment to professional preparation and academic rigor, ensuring graduates are well-equipped for the modern workforce.

Does Cuesta College offer career support and job placement services?

Yes, Cuesta College provides comprehensive career development services, including resume workshops, interview coaching, and active job placement networks. The institution maintains strong ties with local industries in San Luis Obispo, facilitating internships and career opportunities for graduates.

What is the campus culture like at Cuesta College in San Luis Obispo?

Located in San Luis Obispo, the campus offers a vibrant and inclusive environment. With a student body of 6,879, learners have access to numerous clubs, athletic programs, and cultural events. The college emphasizes a supportive community that fosters both personal growth and academic success.

What kind of ROI can I expect from a degree at Cuesta College?

Graduates of Cuesta College see a median early-career salary of $46,047. When compared to the affordable tuition rates, this represents a strong return on investment. The institution focuses on high-impact degrees that translate directly into professional stability and earnings growth.

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2026 Rankings: California

Explore top-tier academic pathways across the state

Compare Cuesta College with other leading institutions in California across various professional disciplines. Our verified data audits provide transparency on career ROI and academic quality.

Nursing

Business Administration