- 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 14,378 students (38% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 28:1 is lower than the state community college average of 32:1.
Minority enrollment is 51% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the state average of 77%.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Enrollment: 14,378 students
- In-state tuition: $1,234
- Out-state tuition: $6,408
- Acceptance Rate: 55%
- Student:teacher ratio: 28:1
- 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 515 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Cuesta College
(CA) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges: High Transfer-Mixed Traditional/Nontraditional
Baccalaureate/Associate's Colleges: Associate's Dominant
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
315 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Cuesta College has grown by 27% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 28:1 has increased from 20:1 over five years.
The Cuesta College diversity score of 0.64 is less than the state average of 0.70. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
14,378 students
9,796 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
28:1
32:1
# Full-Time Students
5,473 students
1,259 students
# Part-Time Students
8,905 students
8,537 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
143 students
242 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
5,473 students
1,250 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
63 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
8,905 students
8,299 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
10 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
121 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
n/a
n/a
% Asian
3%
13%
% Hispanic
33%
47%
% Black
3%
7%
% White
49%
23%
% Hawaiian
n/a
1%
% Two or more races
6%
5%
% Non Resident races
n/a
1%
% Unknown races
5%
3%
Diversity Score
0.64
0.70
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
44%
42%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
43%
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 $1,516. 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 $6,779. The out-state tuition has declined by 27% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$1,234
$1,516
Out-State Tuition Fees
$6,408
$6,779
Tuition Notes
$144.5 million
% 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
55%
93%
Source: 2024 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Notes
- School Mascot: Cougars
- 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 93%. 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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