Cuesta College

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Key facts

  • Type
    Public
  • International students
    20
  • Nationalities
    16
  • Total programs
    144

Study abroad at Cuesta College

Cuesta College is a fantastic institution located in the heart of the scenic San Luis Obispo County in California, USA. Its main campus is in San Luis Obispo, and it also has two other campuses in Paso Robles and Arroyo Grande.

The College offers a variety of brilliant programs that are designed to prepare international students for their future academic and professional endeavors. There are courses in subjects including accounting, English, law, sciences, and performing arts.

International students studying at Cuesta College have access to excellent on-campus resources and facilities like a library, classrooms, student services, social zones, computer labs, and a whole lot more.

Illustration depicting a student navigating the journey of higher education. Elements include a diploma, graduation cap, magnifying glass with a puzzle piece, books, a "Hi!" speech bubble, and a university building in the background.

Why study at Cuesta College

  • High ranking

    Rated as one of the Top 5 community colleges in California

  • Diverse student body

    The College is committed to racial and socioeconomic diversity

  • Great location

    California boasts an awesome climate and great opportunities

Location

Cuesta College

CA-1, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405, United States

San Luis Obispo is small and quaint enough to run into familiar faces at the local farmer's market, yet large enough to host the best entertainers in the world. You will never get tired of the many options for eating, learning, and adventuring.

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Fees and funding

Fee information

  • Undergraduate tuition

    US$12,288 per year

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Visa requirements for Cuesta College

Many international students will require a visa to study in the US, and this is a vital step of your study abroad journey. Make sure you understand the requirements you may need to meet before applying.

USA student visa requirements

Life at Cuesta College

Cuesta College offers everything an international student could desire. Students benefit from a welcoming environment, a multicultural student community, and a robust academic offering, all offered just minutes from the beach and hiking trails.

There are many student clubs and organizations available for international students to get involved in outside the classroom at Cuesta College. There's everything from athletics teams to performing arts groups.

The staff at the College's international office are dedicated to helping international students adjust to life in the US. There's always someone available to speak to if you need help - no problem is too big or small.

Illustration showing aspects of student life, including a student with a book and pencil, various books, a laptop, fast food, and iconic educational symbols like a graduation cap and a university building.

Facilities

  • Sports Facilities
    • Sport facilities
    • Natural Turf Soccer Pitches
  • Healthcare & Medical
    • 2 Counselling & Mental Health Services
    • 2 Family Planning
    • 2 Emergency Contraception
  • Fitness Centre
    • Free Weights
    • Spin Studio
    • Fitness Classes
    • Machines
    • Personal Trainers
    • Dance Studio
    • Treatment Rooms
    • Swimming Pool
  • All Weather Sports Pitches
    • Swimming pools
    • volleyball courts
    • Tennis Courts
    • Basketball Courts
    • Athletics Track
    • Diving Pools
    • Baseball Pitches
  • Library
    • Group Study Rooms
    • Individual Study Rooms
    • 4 Computer labs
    • Quiet Areas
  • Tutoring Support
    • 3 Student Tutoring & Support
    • 3 Peer & Buddy Program
    • 3 Academic Tutoring & Support
  • Food & Restaurants
    • 2 Cafe’s
  • Transport
    • 3 Campus parking
    • 2 Campus Bus Service
  • IT Support
    • 2 Campus Wireless Connectivity
    • 2 Loan Laptops

Student reviews for Cuesta College

Overall rating

4.5
3 reviews
  • Overall experience
    5
  • Academic
    4.7
  • University social
    4.7
  • Accommodation
    3.7
  • University facilities
    4.3
Carolina Agostena
ar flag
Studied Business Administration at Cuesta College
Overall Experience
  • Academic
    5
  • University social
    5
  • Accommodation
    3
  • University facilities
    5
Tell us about Cuesta College

Cuesta offers a wide variety of communication channels, it is one of the most important factors for me. Whether via electronic channels, or in person, I can speak with any member of the staff or optional area. In addition, the college allows me to access physical and mental health programs, food, study groups, online trivia and much more. Another factor about Cuesta is that you feel part of the community, you always have someone to talk to, be it a teacher, a staff member, a classmate. At Cuesta you are not just another number, you are someone important and what you contribute to the community is valued. Social life is very healthy in this area, you always find groups that you can join for hikes, sports, or just go out and explore. Regarding transportation, if you live in the city of San Luis Obispo, it has accessibility to buses and you can move around easily, the use of bicycles is very common, so it is also an option. If you live in any of the surrounding cities, you will need a car since the buses to the campus or the city can take a long time.

Geovanni Herrera
cr flag
Studied Electrical Engineering at Cuesta College
Overall Experience
  • Academic
    5
  • University social
    5
  • Accommodation
    5
  • University facilities
    4
Tell us about Cuesta College

Cuesta is a great college, the area around it is beautiful. Its facilities like library and cafeteria are pretty and very clean. The labs are well equiped, and sometimes labs will be in the Cal Poly Campus. For international students who don't have a car, the bus stops are very convinient, except they only pass by every hour. Social life on campus took a dive because of covid, but it is slowly opening back up. Asking classmates for rides is the best way to get a social life.

Gino Salas
ve flag
Studied Construction Engineering at Cuesta College
Overall Experience
  • Academic
    4
  • University social
    4
  • Accommodation
    3
  • University facilities
    4
Tell us about Cuesta College

The college campus is really beautiful, but there is not housing. Library and facilities are great.

What Cuesta College says

  • Headshot of Erin Parsons
    Erin Parsons
    Erin Parsons says:

    Cuesta College is a great place for international students because we have a close-knit and supportive community where students actively engage with one another both in and outside of the college campus.

    We offer an affordable education with amazing opportunities to transfer to top schools throughout California and the United States!

    We are surrounded by the beauty of the central coast of California with easy access to hiking, shopping, beach-fun, cultural arts, and amazing weather year-round. Cuesta is the perfect place to build your future!

    What I love most about Cuesta are our international students. Our students bring positive energy to campus, a zest for learning, and resourcefulness.

    Their excitement about Cuesta and about the Central Coast of California makes me appreciate everything around me that much more! I value how our F-1 students offer nuanced and diverse perspectives both in the classroom and in our local community. Our students make me a better person! Win-Win!

    Cuesta is all about personalized services. You are more than just a number. You are valued as an individual, with unique talents and strengths. We work individually with each and every student. We have many resources on campus, including free tutoring and academic counseling, a food bank with free food, a health center with nurses and mental health counselors available, and lots of recreation (baseball and track fields, brand new pool, renovated basketball gymnasium, and more!), public transportation, park-like grounds, top-notch technology and classrooms, and amazing International Student Office with snacks :) and a cozy place to hang out with one another. After graduating from Cuesta, our students go on to do a variety of exciting things! They may start working right away and using their degree in technical, vocational or professional jobs. Often our students transfer to 4-year universities to pursue a bachelor's or master's degree. Some international students decide to stay local through the OPT program and get some work experience before continuing their studies at a new school or before departing the U.S. Some students choose to return to their home country and use their highly esteemed American degree to get a new great job and start the next chapter of their life!