Suggested Focus: For this type of institution, we recommend prioritizing the Outcomes Score (C+) which measures graduation and job placement rates — the most relevant metrics for career programs.
Graduation Rate: 44%
Two ratings: the overall grade compares colleges the conventional way (outcomes, cost, resources, experience, reputation). The Outcome Rating asks what students earn: 60% wage-adjusted earnings 10 years after enrolling, 25% graduation, 15% retention. Methodology
Quick Stats
Earnings, Debt & Completion
What happens to students who enroll at Cuesta College, from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
Typical debt at graduation equals about 30% of one year’s median earnings ten years after entry.
Earnings rank: 83rd percentile among certificate-focused colleges after a partial adjustment for local wage levels (CA wage index 1.21). This drives the Outcome Rating.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, retrieved Oct 2026. Earnings are for federally aided students who enrolled, whether or not they graduated.
Earnings by Major at Cuesta College
Median pay of associate's degree graduates by field of study, and how each program ranks against every college reporting that major — by raw pay and adjusted for state wage levels. Same school, very different paychecks.
| Major | 1 yr after | 4 yrs after | vs. national | Rank (pay) | Rank (wage-adj.) | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $99,000 | $112,730 | +39% | #52 of 962 | #63 | — |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $29,983 | $55,527 | +14% | #120 of 547 | #240 | — |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | — | $39,218 | -11% | #732 of 947 | #871 | — |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study data. Earnings are for graduates who received federal aid and were working; small programs are not reported.
🏆 Where Cuesta College Ranks
Rankings based on Repit College Grade among schools offering each program.
Costs & Financial Aid
Tuition & Fees
| Category | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $1,288 | $10,948 |
Financial Aid
Net Price by Family Income
| Family Income | Average Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,156 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,451 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $14,399 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $17,301 |
| $110,001+ | $19,283 |
Programs & Career Paths
Top Degree Programs
Programs ranked by number of degrees awarded annually.
Related Career Paths
Careers that graduates from Cuesta College's top programs commonly pursue.
Student Demographics
👥 Race & Ethnicity
🏠 Living Arrangements
💻 Learning Mode
📊 Age Distribution
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Cuesta College?
How much does it cost to attend Cuesta College?
What is the graduation rate at Cuesta College?
Is Cuesta College a good school?
- Outcomes (C+): Graduation and retention rates
- Affordability (B): Net cost and financial aid access
- Resources (C): Class sizes and selectivity
- Experience (D): Campus life and learning format
- Prestige (D): Reputation and recognition
How many students attend Cuesta College?
Is there rental demand near Cuesta College?
Deciding between a dorm and buying near campus? Run the numbers for Cuesta College — four years of dorm costs vs. owning, including what you’d recover at resale. Buy vs Dorm calculator →
🎓 Similar Colleges to Cuesta College
Compare with other 2-Year public institutions of similar size.
Data source: IPEDS 2023-24 | Last updated: October 2026 | Methodology