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$1,340Tuition
6,879Students
44%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$46,047Earnings
Public2-yearIndependentData: 2023-24

Cost Details

In-State Tuition
$1,340
Out-of-State Tuition
$11,000
Average Net Price
$12,898
Students Receiving Financial Aid
18.1%
Room & Board (Off Campus)
$19,431
Books & Supplies
$1,152
Median Debt at Graduation
$13,750
Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
$146/mo
Loan Repayment Rate
54.6%
Students Taking Federal Loans
2.1%
Pell Grant Recipients
18.1%

Net Price by Family Income

Average annual net price after grants and scholarships. Source: U.S. Department of Education

Net price by family income bracket
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

Cost Estimator

Family Income
Residency
Housing

Cost Overview

Families earning under $30,000 pay around $11,156 annually at Cuesta College, while those making over $110,000 pay $19,283. The published in-state tuition of $1,340 represents just a fraction of total costs including housing and living expenses. Over two years, total costs range from $22,312 to $38,566 depending on family income.

Graduates leave with a median debt of $13,750, translating to monthly payments of $146. With median earnings hitting $46,047 ten years after graduation, loan payments consume about 4% of typical graduate income. The college serves a predominantly local population, with 95% of students coming from California. Only 18% of students receive Pell Grants, suggesting many families fall into middle-income brackets that don't qualify for maximum federal aid.

Students from lower-income families get the best financial deal here, paying roughly half what wealthy families pay after aid is factored in.

Official Net Price Calculator

Get a personalized cost estimate from Cuesta College:

Visit Official Net Price Calculator

This links to the school's federally-required net price calculator for a personalized estimate.