- Cuesta College is a premier community college providing accessible, high quality education that focuses on student success, lifelong learning, and community vitality.
School Highlights
Cuesta College serves 9,661 students (27% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 19:1 is lower than the state community college average of 20:1.
Minority enrollment is 94% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the state average of 95%.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Enrollment: 9,661 students
- In-state tuition: $1,234
- Out-state tuition: $6,408
- Student:teacher ratio: 19:1
- Minority enrollment: 94%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Overview
The teacher population of 515 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Cuesta College
(CA) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associates Colleges
Associates--Public Special Use
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Total Faculty
515 staff
294 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Cuesta College has declined by 14% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 19:1 has decreased from 22:1 over five years.
The Cuesta College diversity score of 0.61 is less than the state average of 0.71. The school's diversity has declined by 5% over five years.
Total Enrollment
9,661 students
5,744 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
19:1
20:1
# Full-Time Students
2,613 students
813 students
# Part-Time Students
7,048 students
4,931 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
621 students
302 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
2,613 students
813 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
63 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
7,048 students
4,962 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
10 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
140 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
4%
13%
% Asian
3%
6%
% Hispanic
n/a
1%
% Black
32%
46%
% White
6%
5%
% Hawaiian
53%
24%
% Two or more races
2%
4%
% Non Resident races
n/a
n/a
% Unknown races
n/a
1%
Diversity Score
0.61
0.71
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
0.4315%
0.4179%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
0.4884%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$38,700
$34,700
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $1,234 is less than the state average of $1,236. The in-state tuition has declined by 7% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $6,408 is less than the state average of $6,547. The out-state tuition has declined by 26% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$1,234
$1,236
Out-State Tuition Fees
$6,408
$6,547
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
77%
85%
Median Debt for Graduates
$14,000
$10,500
Median Debt for Dropouts
$9,000
$6,239
Acceptance Rate
n/a
92%
Source: 2023 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Notes
- Cuesta College makes lifelong learning happen. We enable students to achieve their academic, transfer, workforce preparation, career advancement, and personal goals. Building on our tradition of excellence, we serve our community by providing programs and services that produce students who can succeed in a diverse and rapidly changing society, participate effectively in their local communities, and live responsible and rewarding lives. As a learning college, we provide a supportive environment for students and employees, assess student and institutional outcomes, improve performance, forge strategic partnerships, and maximize opportunities for learning. Cuesta College is located at the heart of scenic San Luis Obispo County, and is highly regarded throughout the state for its excellent educational programs, responsive student services and exceptional faculty and staff. In 1996 the college received a Silver Medal Eureka Award for Quality and Service Excellence. Most courses offered through Cuesta College's Distance Education program are fully accredited and transfer to other four year institutions. All courses are equivalent to the classroom-based version in course content, textbooks, required assignments and study time. The only difference is that the delivery method in a distance education course is different. The Cuesta College Foundation was incorporated in 1973 for the purpose of providing essential financial support for Cuesta College programs, services, scholarships, and capital needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Cuesta College cost?
Cuesta College's tuition is approximately $1,234 for In-State students and $6,408 for Out-State students.
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