Trade Colleges

Student Enrollment

Current student body demographics and enrollment patterns at Cuesta College

San Luis Obispo, CA

Total Enrollment

19,908

Currently enrolled students

Program Options

99

99 career programs

Full-Time Students

11,338

19,908 part-time

Total FTE

5,607

Full-time equivalent students

What Is the Student Body Size?

Training Capacity & Scale

Large
Major vocational institution
19,908
Total Students
Size compared to other trade colleges:
200 1K 2K 5K+
Program Diversity 99
High diversity
~201 students per program
Training Capacity
High
Can handle large cohorts across multiple programs
Market Position
Major Player
Among largest trade schools nationally
Resource Level
Extensive
Multiple campuses, labs, and equipment

What This Means

Cuesta College operates as a large trade college with 19,908 students across 99 career programs. This size typically offers extensive resources, diverse program options, and comprehensive career services.

With 19,908 students, Cuesta College is a large vocational institution offering diverse career training programs and extensive facilities. The school offers 99 specialized career programs designed for immediate workforce entry.

How Do Students Attend?

Attendance Status Distribution

Full-Time Students 11,338 (36.3%)
36.3%
Part-Time Students 19,908 (63.7%)
63.7%
Total Students 31,246

Majority part-time students (63.7%), serving working professionals and those with other commitments.

Full-Time
Part-Time

Students are split between full-time (57.0%) and part-time attendance, reflecting flexible scheduling for working professionals.

Who Are the Students?

Student Demographics

Gender Distribution

Gender Split
Women
50.8%
10,112 students
Men
49.2%
9,796 students

Race/Ethnicity Distribution

Primary Ethnic Group
White
48.4%
9,631 students
White
48.4% (9,631)
Hispanic/Latino
35.3% (7,034)
Two or More Races
6.7% (1,335)
Asian
2.8% (566)
Black/African American
2.0% (393)
American Indian/Alaska Native
0.5% (93)
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
0.2% (45)
International Students
0.1% (24)

Demographics Summary

Gender: Balanced gender distribution across 19,908 students

Largest Ethnic Group: White students make up 48% of the student body (9,631 students)

The student body reflects diverse backgrounds and demographics.

Interested in Academic Quality & Learning Environment?

Explore retention rates, student-faculty ratios, distance education options, and academic intensity on our dedicated Academics page.

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How Are Students Distributed by Level?

Undergraduate students

31,246 students

50% Men, 50% Women
11,338 Full-time
Diversity Index: 63% • Minority Students: 40%

What Are the Attendance Patterns?

Full-Time Students

All Full-Time

2,856
All full-time students
1,435 men, 1,421 women
Diversity: 61%

FT Undergraduate

2,856
Full-time undergraduate
1,435 men, 1,421 women
Diversity: 61%

FT Degree-Seeking

2,813
Full-time degree/certificate-seeking
1,412 men, 1,401 women
Diversity: 61%

FT First-Time

514
Full-time first-time students
272 men, 242 women
Diversity: 59%

FT Continuing

2,299
Full-time continuing students
1,140 men, 1,159 women
Diversity: 61%

Part-Time Students

All Students

10,437
All students total
5,154 men, 5,283 women
Diversity: 63%

Transfer

562
Transfer-in students
237 men, 325 women
Diversity: 65%

Continuing

5,351
Continuing students
2,500 men, 2,851 women
Diversity: 62%

Non-Degree

3,558
Non-degree/certificate-seeking
1,905 men, 1,653 women
Diversity: 65%

Understanding Student Categories

First-Time: Students starting their first postsecondary program

Continuing: Students who previously enrolled and are returning

Transfer: Students who transferred from other institutions

Degree-Seeking: Students enrolled in certificate or degree programs

Non-Degree: Students taking courses without pursuing a formal credential

What Is the Diversity Picture?

Undergraduate students

15,445
White
539
Black/African American
10,996
Hispanic/Latino
900
Asian
92
International
Diversity Index: 63% Minority Students: 40%

Want to See Student Success & Outcomes?

Explore completion rates, transfer patterns, and detailed 8-year student outcome tracking on our dedicated Student Outcomes page.

View Student Outcomes

Student Life & Campus Experience

Diverse Student Community

Students from various backgrounds come together to learn career-focused skills in a supportive environment.

Flexible Scheduling

Many students balance work and family commitments with their studies through part-time and evening programs.

Career-Focused Learning

Students are goal-oriented, seeking practical skills and credentials that lead directly to employment opportunities.

Explore More About Cuesta College

College Overview
General information
Programs & Degrees
Available study options
Admissions
Requirements & process
AI-generated illustration of diverse students on a college campus with enrollment statistics, charts showing student demographics, attendance patterns, and campus life activities

Key Takeaways About Cuesta College's Student Body

• Training Environment: Large vocational institution with 19,908 students offering extensive career programs and state-of-the-art facilities.
• Study Patterns: Mix of full-time (57.0%) and part-time students accommodating various schedules.
• Academic Intensity: 5,607 FTE students indicates flexible scheduling accommodating working students.
• Learning Format: Traditional in-person education with online components for flexibility.
• Student Diversity: Moderately diverse student community fostering inclusive learning environment.
• Learning Environment: Students benefit from career-focused education with hands-on training, experienced instructors, and support services designed to help them achieve their professional goals.
• Community: The student body includes diverse learners from various backgrounds, creating a rich learning environment where students can network and learn from each other's experiences.

Get Information

Visit Website Admissions Office College Overview

Contact Information

Phone

8055463100

Address

Highway 1

San Luis Obispo, CA 93403-8106

Student Success

The student body at trade colleges often includes:

  • • Working adults seeking career changes
  • • Recent high school graduates
  • • Military veterans using education benefits
  • • Students upgrading skills in their field
  • • Individuals seeking fast-track credentials