Campus Identity
Cuesta College is a public community college in San Luis Obispo, CA. The campus sits in a beach town, just 7 miles from the ocean. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 97/100 (Very Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
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At a Glance
Cuesta College is a public community college in San Luis Obispo, CA. The campus sits in a beach town, just 7 miles from the ocean. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 97/100 (Very Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
Campus Lifestyle
Cuesta College is a 10,000–19,999, rural school. The campus is 7 miles from Morro Bay, CA and 125 miles from Alta Sierra Ski Resort & Terrain Park.
School Size & Setting
10,000–19,999
Rural setting
Beach Access
7 miles
Morro Bay, CA
Weather
Warm Climate
59°F avg school-year
Nearby Ski Resorts
Cuesta College students have access to 3 ski resorts within driving distance. The closest is Alta Sierra Ski Resort & Terrain Park, 125 miles away. All are within 159 miles of campus.
California
California
California
Beach Town
Students at Cuesta College are 7 miles from Morro Bay, CA, putting the coast within easy reach any day of the week.
Morro Bay, CA
Ocean access within 6.5 miles
Average Monthly Temperature
1991–2020 Climate Normals · San Luis Obispo, CA
San Luis Obispo has a mild climate, with winters averaging 54°F in Dec and summers peaking around 67°F in Aug.
Station: SAN LUIS OBISPO POLY · Source: NOAA NCEI
On Campus Safety Score
2021–2023 U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security data normalized per 1,000 students
Cuesta College in CA earns a composite safety score of 97/100, rated Very Safe among U.S. colleges.
On Campus Safety data from the U.S. Dept. of Education Clery Act Database, normalized per 1,000 enrolled students. Higher scores indicate a safer environment. Review detailed data on the U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security website.
Cost Breakdown
2024-25 academic year. Tuition: College Scorecard. Fees and room & board: IPEDS/NCES.
| Cost Item | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $1,350 | $11,010 |
| Fees | $50 | $50 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $1,400 | $11,060 |
What students actually pay after grants and scholarships. Source: College Scorecard.
Fields of Study
113 programs offered
Most Popular Programs
Bar width proportional to graduates per year. Earnings = median 4 years after graduation.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect graduates working and not enrolled full-time. Data suppressed (shown as —) for programs with fewer than 30 graduates. Most recent available year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Cuesta College located?
Cuesta College is located in San Luis Obispo, CA. The main campus address is Highway 1, San Luis Obispo, CA. It is a public institution offering 2-year associate degree programs.
How much does it cost to attend Cuesta College?
For the 2024-25 academic year, Cuesta College charges $1,350/year for in-state students and $11,010/year for out-of-state students. Including room and board, the total estimated cost is approximately $8,702/year. The average net price after grants and scholarships is $12,124/year — what students actually pay. Use Cuesta College's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
Is Cuesta College the right fit for me?
Whether Cuesta College is right for you depends on your academic goals, budget, lifestyle preferences, and career aspirations. Key factors to consider: admissions requirements, avg net price ($12,124/year after aid), campus culture in San Luis Obispo, and available programs. Use CollegeCove's compare tool to weigh Cuesta College against similar schools side-by-side.
Tuition: College Scorecard (2024-25). Fees, room & board, and other data: IPEDS/NCES 2024. Always verify with Cuesta College directly for the most current information.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Public
- Location
- San Luis Obispo, CA
- Size
- 10,000–19,999
- Degrees Offered
- Associate's, Certificates
- School Year Weather
- Warm · 59°F avg
- On Campus Safety Score
- 97/100
- Nearest Airport
- San Luis Obispo, CA (SBP) · 9 mialso PRB (25 mi), SMX (34 mi)
Location
San Luis Obispo, CA