Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 44.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $46,047
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $13,750
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 27:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 54.6%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $146/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $79,884 | |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $61,516 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $24,267 |
Outcomes Overview
Cuesta graduates enter the workforce with a median debt of $13,750, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.30 against their $46,047 median earnings. Monthly loan payments of $146 consume just 3.8% of typical graduate income, well below the recommended 10% threshold. The college's 93.2% employment rate reflects strong job placement in California's Central Coast economy. Many graduates pursue careers in healthcare, business, and skilled trades, with some transferring to four-year universities. The 54.62% loan repayment rate indicates manageable debt loads for most students. With low tuition costs and solid earning potential, Cuesta delivers a strong return on investment for community college students.