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Colleges / CA / San Luis Obispo
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Cuesta College

Public San Luis Obispo, CA · Rural · Far West · 87% data reported · Agent Insights
46%
Graduation Rate
$46,047
Earnings (10yr)
$12,124
Net Price
7,180
Enrollment

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Overview

Cuesta College serves over 7,180 students, making it a significant player in the San Luis Obispo community. The college emphasizes hands-on learning in its top programs, which include Humanities, Business & Marketing, Health Professions, Education, and Social Sciences.

Data from Opportunity Insights shows that while exact mobility rates are not available, community colleges like Cuesta play an essential role in fostering economic advancement for low-income students. The college's graduation rate stands at 46%, indicating that nearly half of its students complete their programs, which can lead to improved job prospects and earnings over time.

The net price for attending Cuesta College is $12,124, with a median debt of $13,750 upon graduation. Alumni can expect to earn about $46,047 within ten years of completing their studies. This school is well-suited for students seeking an affordable education and a path toward stable careers, particularly in fields like health and business.

How Cuesta Compares

Dot right of center = above national average.

NATIONAL AVGGraduation46%Earnings 10yr$46KNet Price$12KRetention73%Median Debt$14KPell Grant Rate18%

Net Price by Family Income

What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.

$10K$0-30K$11K$30-48K$15K$48-75K$18K$110K+

The Mobility Equation

Mobility = Access x Success. How many low-income students get in, and how many reach the top 20%?

ACCESS% from bottom 20%1063.6%SUCCESS% who reach top 20%1666.6%MOBILITY177.26%

Cost & Financial Aid

$1,350
In-State Tuition
$11,010
Out-of-State
$12,124
Avg Net Price
$13,750
Median Debt
18%
Pell Grant Rate
2%
Federal Loan Rate

What Families Actually Pay

$10,414
Family Income $0–$30K
$10,905
Family Income $30K–$48K
$15,150
Family Income $48K–$75K
$18,448
Family Income $110K+

Graduate Outcomes

$38,541
6 Years After Entry
$42,739
8 Years
$46,047
10 Years
0.3x
Debt-to-Earnings
57%
Earning > $25K

Earnings Trajectory

$38,541 6yr $42,739 8yr $46,047 10yr

Social Mobility

Data: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card · 30M+ anonymized tax records

177.26%
Mobility Rate
Bottom 20% → Top 20%
1666.6%
Success Rate
If bottom 20% get in
1063.6%
From Bottom 20%
Share of students
$79,900
Parent Median Income

Social Capital

Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

1.29
Economic Connectedness
Cross-class friendships
0.06
Friending Bias
Lower = more inclusive
9.6%
Volunteering Rate
0.98
Support Ratio
Community support

Innovation

Data: Opportunity Insights Patent & Innovation Data

0.206%
Inventor Rate
21
Total Patents
60
Total Citations

Academics & Admissions

Retention Rate 73%
Full-Time Faculty 32%
Faculty Salary (mo) $11,897
Diversity Index 0.63
First-Gen Students 43%

Top Programs

Humanities 44%
Business & Marketing 16%
Health Professions 10%
Education 4%
Social Sciences 4%
Psychology 3%
Precision Production 2%
Communications 2%

Quick Facts

Setting Rural
Region Far West
Accreditor Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
Predominant Degree Certificate

Student Body

Female
59%
White
48%
Hispanic
36%
Black
2%
Asian
3%

Data Sources

U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard

Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card

Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

Opportunity Insights Patent Data

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