Cuesta College SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
With a 100% acceptance rate, your main opportunity at Cuesta is planning how to make the first year count, not trying to clear an admissions cutoff. Use the low in-state cost and 73% freshman retention rate as a cue to focus on course placement, advising, and a transfer or degree plan from day one.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
Cuesta College facts and stats
Cuesta College enrolls 11,283 undergraduate students in a rural campus setting. Cuesta has a freshman retention rate of 73%, which is above the national average of roughly 70%. The student-to-faculty ratio is 27:1.
San Luis Obispo, CA
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Key Cuesta College application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
—
Early Action
Not offered
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
—
Financial Aid Priority
March 2
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
Because Cuesta is test-optional, use this timeline only if you choose to submit SAT or ACT scores. Take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year, then use summer and fall retakes for superscoring if needed. Since Cuesta does not offer Early Decision or Early Action, check its regular admission deadline and make your last fall retake the one that will report scores in time.
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What you'll actually pay
Cuesta’s in-state tuition is $1,288, while out-of-state tuition is $12,236. To be considered for financial aid, submit the FAFSA by the March 2 priority deadline.
At Cuesta College, out-of-state tuition is $12,236, compared with $1,288 for California students. Room and board is estimated at $22,086, so living costs will be a major part of the budget for students who do not live at home. Actual net cost can vary based on financial need, grants, and personal housing choices.
Student life at Cuesta College
Campus housing details coming soon.
No fraternity or sorority life on campus.
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