- 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 11,283 students (26% of students are full-time).
The college's student-teacher ratio of 47:1 is higher than the state community college average of 44:1.
Minority enrollment is 51% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the state average of 77%.
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Enrollment: 11,283 students
- In-state tuition: $1,234
- Out-state tuition: $6,408
- Acceptance Rate: 55%
- Student-teacher ratio: 47:1
- Minority enrollment: 51%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Top Rankings
Cuesta College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Selectivity
School Overview
The teacher population of 240 teachers has declined by 53% over five years.
Cuesta College
(CA) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges
Associate's Colleges: High Transfer-Mixed Traditional/Nontraditional
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Total Faculty
240 staff
72 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Cuesta College has grown by 11% over five years.
The student-teacher ratio of 47:1 has increased from 22:1 over five years.
The Cuesta College diversity score of 0.64 is less than the state average of 0.71. The school's diversity has grown by 7% over five years.
Total Enrollment
11,283 students
6,838 students
Showing 2012–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
Student-Teacher Ratio
47:1
44:1
# Full-Time Students
2,890 students
1,022 students
Showing 2012–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
# Part-Time Students
8,393 students
5,816 students
Showing 2012–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
# Enrollment Undergraduate
11,283 students
2,055 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
2,890 students
967 students
Showing 2013–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
8,393 students
5,850 students
% Asian
3%
12%
Showing 2008–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
% Hispanic
34%
46%
Showing 2008–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
% Black
2%
7%
Showing 2008–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
% White
49%
23%
Showing 2010–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
% Two or more races
6%
5%
% Unknown races
5%
6%
Diversity Score
0.64
0.71
Showing 2011–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
44%
42%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$38,700
$34,300
Tuition & Financial Aid
The public in-state tuition of $1,234 is less than the state average of $1,238. 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 $6,634. The out-state tuition has declined by 26% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$1,234
$1,238
Out-State Tuition Fees
$6,408
$6,634
Tuition Notes
$144.5 million
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
76%
85%
Showing 2012–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
Median Debt for Graduates
$14,000
$10,500
Median Debt for Dropouts
$9,000
$6,272
Acceptance Rate
55%
82%
Sports
School Mascot
Cougars
Source: 2025 (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.
What is the acceptance rate of Cuesta College?
The acceptance rate of Cuesta College is 55%, which is lower than the state average of 82%. Cuesta College's acceptance rate is ranked among the top community colleges in California with low acceptance rates.
What is Cuesta College's ranking?
Cuesta College ranks among the top 20% of community college in California for: Lowest acceptance rates.
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