Cuesta College : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About Cuesta College
Tucked into oak‑dotted hills near the coast, Cuesta College is known for strong transfer‑minded academics and solid foundations in the sciences, arts, business, health, and skilled trades. Classes lean practical, with instructors who keep one foot in their fields. The campus blends light‑filled labs, art studios, a performing‑arts stage, and a well‑used library with tutoring, advising, mental‑health counseling, and dedicated transfer and career centers. It feels personal, not fussy.
Student life runs casual but active: clubs, service projects, shows, and intramurals, plus trails, beaches, and surf breaks a short drive away. The culture is welcoming, with first‑time students learning alongside returning adults, all sharing that laid‑back Central Coast rhythm. Career prep shows up in internships and class projects tied to local employers in agriculture, health, design, and public agencies. And the town's farmers market, live music, and nearby wine country give weekends their own classroom. The Cougars take pride in it.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Academic Programs & Fields of Study
Cuesta College offers 74 degree programs across 30 major academic fields, graduating approximately 4,348 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Liberal Arts (2 programs, 1,991 graduates), Business (6 programs, 703 graduates), Health (7 programs, 308 graduates), Human Sciences (4 programs, 210 graduates) and Education (2 programs, 168 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.
Liberal Arts (2 programs, 1,991 graduates)
Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences | 1,724 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
24.0101 |
| Humanities Studies | 267 |
|
Associate's
|
24.0103 |
Business (6 programs, 703 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration | 428 |
|
Other Award
|
52.0101 |
| Business Administration and Management | 258 |
|
Associate's
Residency
Other Award
|
52.0201 |
| Accounting and Bookkeeping Technology | 7 |
|
Other Award
|
52.0302 |
| Administrative Assistant Science | 5 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
52.0401 |
| Hospitality Management | 4 |
|
Associate's
|
52.0901 |
| E-Commerce | 1 |
|
Other Award
|
52.0208 |
Health (7 programs, 308 graduates)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency Medical Technology | 113 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Residency
Other Award
|
51.0904 |
| Psychiatric and Mental Health Services Technician | 74 |
|
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Associate's
|
51.1502 |
| Phlebotomy Technician | 65 |
|
Residency
|
51.1009 |
| Substance Abuse Counseling | 33 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
51.1501 |
| Registered Nursing | 15 |
|
Associate's
|
51.3801 |
| Licensed Practical Nursing | 7 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
51.3901 |
| Medical Assistant | 1 |
|
Associate's
|
51.0801 |
Human Sciences (4 programs, 210 graduates)
Family Studies, Consumer Sciences and Human Development
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Child Care Provider and Assistant | 168 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
19.0709 |
| Human Development and Family Studies | 28 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
19.0701 |
| Foods, Nutrition, and Wellness Studies | 11 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
19.0501 |
| Child Care Management | 3 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
19.0708 |
Education (2 programs, 168 graduates)
Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Education | 131 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
13.0101 |
| Early Childhood Special Education Teaching | 37 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
13.1015 |
Social Sciences (5 programs, 164 graduates)
Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economics | 83 |
|
Associate's
|
45.0601 |
| Sociology | 42 |
|
Associate's
|
45.1101 |
| Social Sciences | 21 |
|
Associate's
|
45.0101 |
| Political Science and Government | 11 |
|
Associate's
|
45.1001 |
| Anthropology | 7 |
|
Associate's
|
45.0201 |
Psychology (1 programs, 134 graduates)
Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Psychology | 134 |
|
Associate's
|
42.0101 |
Production (1 programs, 79 graduates)
Manufacturing Technology, Quality Control and Industrial Arts
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Welding Technology | 79 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Residency
Other Award
|
48.0508 |
Communication (3 programs, 74 graduates)
Media Communications, Journalism and Public Relations
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speech Communication and Rhetoric | 53 |
|
Associate's
|
09.0101 |
| Radio and Television Broadcasting | 18 |
|
Associate's
|
09.0701 |
| Journalism | 3 |
|
Associate's
|
09.0401 |
Arts (8 programs, 71 graduates)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Art Studies | 34 |
|
Associate's
|
50.0701 |
| Music | 13 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
50.0901 |
| Graphic Design | 9 |
|
Other Award
|
50.0409 |
| Theatre Arts | 7 |
|
Associate's
|
50.0501 |
| Visual and Performing Arts | 4 |
|
Associate's
|
50.0101 |
| Photography | 2 |
|
Other Award
|
50.0605 |
| Theatre Design and Technology | 1 |
|
Other Award
|
50.0502 |
| Ceramic Arts | 1 |
|
Other Award
|
50.0711 |
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Cuesta College
How much does it cost to attend Cuesta College?
The annual tuition at Cuesta College is $1,340 for in-state students and $11,000 for out-of-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $2,492 for in-state students and $12,152 for out-of-state students. Additional costs include room and board $19,431 (off-campus) and books and supplies $1,152.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.
What academic programs and degree levels does Cuesta College offer?
Cuesta College offers 74 academic programs across 30 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Certificate (1-2 yrs), Certificate (≥2 yrs), Associate's, Residency, Other Award.
Most popular program areas include:
- Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities (2 programs)
- Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (6 programs)
- Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice (7 programs)
- Family Studies, Consumer Sciences and Human Development (4 programs)
- Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy (2 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What financial aid and scholarships are available at Cuesta College?
Cuesta College provides financial aid to 6% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $4,347 and average loans of $4,666.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $4,975
- State/Local grants: $1,943
- Institutional grants: $338
- Federal loans: $4,666
The university supports 407 students with grants and 16 students with loans annually.
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.
What is the average salary for Cuesta College graduates?
Cuesta College graduates earn a median salary of $38,541 after 6 years and $46,047 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $22,243 (25th percentile) to $73,541 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $79,000 (90th percentile).
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.
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