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Cuesta College

San Luis Obispo, CA·Public·6,879 students
Last updated: March 21, 2026

A good fit for in-state California residents. no major red flags in the data. a public school with 6,879 students.

N/A
Accept
6,879
Students
N/A
Net Price
N/A
Grad Rate
$42,100
Earnings
10 yr
$13,750
Debt

About This School

Cuesta College is a public institution located in San Luis Obispo, California with approximately 6,879 undergraduate students enrolled. In-state tuition is $1,340 per year. Typical graduates earn $42,100 within 10 years of enrollment.

Cuesta College is a public community college in San Luis Obispo County, California.

Located in San Luis Obispo, this community college offers an affordable path to a degree or transfer, with graduates carrying a relatively modest median debt of $13,750. The earnings picture is worth a honest look, though — $42,100 in median earnings a decade out is below average for college graduates nationally, so it matters a lot whether you're using Cuesta as a stepping stone to a four-year school or as a final credential. Worth considering if you're planning to transfer to Cal Poly or another UC/CSU, but think carefully about long-term return on investment if a two-year degree is the end goal.

Founded
1963

Notable Alumni

Gabrielle UnionJay AsherJake Shields

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$1,340
Out-of-State Tuition
$11,000
Avg Net Price
N/A
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants18%
Median debt at graduation$13,750

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
N/A
within 6 years
Retention Rate
N/A
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$42,100
after enrollment
Median Debt
$13,750
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$13,750
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$33,200
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$42,100
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 3.1x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White50%
Black2%
Hispanic/Latino35%
Asian3%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (6,879 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Cuesta College

San Luis Obispo, CA

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Other Schools in California

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Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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