Public

Medium

Cuesta College SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements

SAT RangeN/A

ACT RangeN/A

Average GPAN/A

Acceptance Rate100%

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.

⬡ LangSmithbbaeb149-1177-4ace-9d9d-69a327a39073

Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.

Cuesta College facts and stats

Quick Facts

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.

⬡ LangSmith9b2e901a-d1b8-43bc-9102-5fa1890b2505

Location

San Luis Obispo, CA

Undergrad Enrollment11,283

Freshman Retention73%

SettingRural

Student to Faculty Ratio27:1

Graduation RateN/A

Test PolicyTest-optional

Key Cuesta College application dates

Key dates

Application deadlines

Regular Decision

—

Early Action

Not offered

Early Decision

Not offered

Priority Deadline

—

Financial aid deadlines

Financial Aid Priority

March 2

Test dates

SAT 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

ACT test dates

September 19, 2026

Registration deadline: August 14, 2026

October 17, 2026

Registration deadline: September 11, 2026

December 12, 2026

Registration deadline: November 6, 2026

Take tests early for the best outcomes

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.

⬡ LangSmith3d0295fc-c320-49ac-8e2b-fddc2da30194

Want to improve your scores and unlock scholarships at Cuesta College?

Higher test scores can mean bigger merit awards. Acely helps you get there faster.

Start your free trial

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.

⬡ LangSmith0444d83d-903c-4abe-ac4d-70cab4a60bca

In-State Tuition$1,288

Room and Board$22,086

Average Merit AwardN/A

Application FeeN/A

Students on AidN/A

Average Aid PackageN/A

Average Debt at GradN/A

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.

⬡ LangSmith8f9a2603-87ea-4f19-90dc-c0e706bd5278