Cuesta College

San Luis Obispo, California · Public, 2-year

At a glance

Average net price

$12,124

In-state, after aid

6-year graduation rate

48.3%

Admission rate

Not available

Undergrad size

7,180

In-state tuition

$1,350

Out-of-state tuition

$11,010

Cost of attendance

$20,192

Median earnings (10y)

$46,047

Admissions

SAT average
Not available
ACT midpoint
Not available
Retention
Not available
Locale
Rural

Programs breakdown

31 program areas reported · Heavily focused on humanities & arts (50% of credentials).

  • STEM2%
  • Health10%
  • Business16%
  • Humanities & arts50%
  • Social sciences16%
  • Trades & services6%

Share of all degrees and certificates awarded in each broad CIP-2 program area (U.S. Department of Education, latest reporting year). Estimated students/yr = share × undergrad size.

Specific majors offered

40 specific majors with reported completions. Earnings shown are median annual earnings 1 year after graduation; debt is median student-loan debt at graduation.

MajorCredentialGradsMedian earningsMedian debt
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.Undergraduate certificate2,242
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.Associate's2,028$31,966
Business/Commerce, General.Undergraduate certificate948
Business Administration, Management and Operations.Associate's324
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General.Associate's320
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.Undergraduate certificate286
Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services.Undergraduate certificate232
Psychology, General.Associate's222
Business Administration, Management and Operations.Undergraduate certificate149
Economics.Associate's145
Education, General.Undergraduate certificate138
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions.Undergraduate certificate135
Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services.Associate's100
Culinary Arts and Related Services.Undergraduate certificate91
Sociology.Associate's91
Library and Archives Assisting.Undergraduate certificate87
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.Associate's84$18,958
Criminal Justice and Corrections.Associate's82
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions.Undergraduate certificate71
Communication and Media Studies.Associate's69
Special Education and Teaching.Associate's64
Fine and Studio Arts.Associate's59
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication.Associate's49
Mathematics.Associate's43
History.Associate's42
Social Sciences, General.Associate's41
Biology, General.Associate's39
Agricultural Business and Management.Associate's38
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness.Associate's38
English Language and Literature, General.Associate's37
Precision Metal Working.Undergraduate certificate36
Architectural Sciences and Technology.Associate's32
Electrical and Power Transmission Installers.Undergraduate certificate32
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General.Undergraduate certificate32
Library and Archives Assisting.Associate's31
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions.Associate's30$64,744
Political Science and Government.Associate's29
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management.Undergraduate certificate26
Accounting and Related Services.Undergraduate certificate26
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants.Associate's25

Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard Field of Study. Earnings cover graduates who received federal financial aid and are working / not enrolled. Cells marked "—" are not reported or were suppressed for privacy.

About Cuesta College

Cuesta College is a large institution located in San Luis Obispo, California, primarily awarding the certificate. It enrolls roughly 7,180 undergraduate students in a rural setting. The most popular fields of study include Liberal arts, Business, Health professions.

Cost & tuition

The average net price at Cuesta College — what a typical student actually pays after grants and scholarships — is $12,124 per year, which is moderately priced compared to other U.S. institutions. Sticker tuition runs $1,350 for in-state students and $11,010 for out-of-state students before aid. Total cost of attendance, including housing, books, and living expenses, comes to about $20,192 annually.

Graduation & earnings outcomes

The 6-year graduation rate is 48.3%, a average completion outcome. Ten years after enrolling, the median graduate earns $46,047 per year according to U.S. Department of Education earnings tracking.

Programs & majors

Cuesta College confers degrees and certificates across 31 broad program areas, with the largest concentrations of completions in Liberal arts, Business, Health professions. Grouped into wider academic categories, the mix is led by humanities & arts (50% of credentials), social sciences (16% of credentials), business (16% of credentials), which gives a quick read on the school's overall academic profile. Use the programs breakdown below to see every reported area, an estimated number of students per program per year, and links to compare other U.S. colleges in the same field.

Admissions

Admission rate data is not reported for this institution, which is typical for open-admission community and trade schools.

Location & campus

Set in San Luis Obispo, California (rural), Cuesta College draws students from across California and beyond. Prospective students often weigh proximity, cost of living, and local industry demand when choosing between schools in this area.

Frequently asked questions about Cuesta College

Q.How much does Cuesta College cost?

The average net price at Cuesta College is $12,124 per year after grants and scholarships, with total cost of attendance around $20,192.

Q.What is the graduation rate at Cuesta College?

Cuesta College has a 6-year graduation rate of 48.3% according to the latest U.S. Department of Education data.

Q.How much do Cuesta College graduates earn?

Ten years after enrolling, the median Cuesta College graduate earns $46,047 per year.

Q.What is tuition at Cuesta College?

Published tuition is $1,350 in-state and $11,010 out-of-state. Most students pay less than the sticker price after financial aid.

Q.Where is Cuesta College located?

Cuesta College is located in San Luis Obispo, California (ZIP 93403).

Data on this page comes from the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard and IPEDS, the federal sources colleges are required to report to. Net price, graduation rate, and earnings figures reflect the latest available federal release. Always verify current tuition and program availability directly with Cuesta College at their official website.