San Luis Obispo County Community College District/Cuesta College

Established: 1963
Cuesta College is located at the heart of the scenic California Central Coast in San Luis Obispo County. It is highly regarded throughout the state and the country for its excellent education programs, extensive student success and support programs, and exceptional faculty and staff. Cuesta College offers classes at the main campus in San Luis Obispo, the North County Campus in Paso Robles, the South County Center in Arroyo Grande, and online.

Accreditation

Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges

Instructional Programs

Lower division academic transfer courses, career technical education, short courses, continuing education, distance education, day and evening classes.

Degrees

84 Degree Programs:

27 Associate of Art degrees

22 Associate in Arts for Transfer degrees

23 Associate of Science degrees

14 Associate of Science for Transfer degree

Certificates

128 Certificate Programs:

65 Certificates of Achievement

24 Certificates of Specialization

14 Certificates of Competency (Non Credit)

25 Certificates of Completion (Non Credit)

Student Resources and Services

Academic and career technical education counseling, veterans services, technology support, children's center, art gallery, student radio station, student success centers, disability support programs & services (DSPS), extended opportunity programs and services EOPS/CARE, student resolution support, internship programs, financial aid, health center, library and learning resources, student development, transfer/career center, athletics and tutoring.

Community Programs

Community education and enrichment classes, certification courses, online not-for-credit classes, special events, writer’s conference, youth programming, College for Kids, 4th Grade Camp, recreation, aquatics, and fitness classes.

Total General Fund Budget

2023-2024: $144.5 million

Enrollment

Fall 2023 Student Headcount by location:

San Luis Obispo: 5238
North County: 2312
South County: 1004
Distance: 6473

Faculty and Staff 

Spring 2024

Full-time faculty: 128
Part-time faculty: 317
Classified staff: 208
Managers, administrators, supervisors and confidentials: 55

Board of Trustees

2023-2024

  President: Dr. Debra Stakes, District 2
  Vice President: Danna Stroud,  District 1
  Trustee: Pat Mullen, District 3
  Trustee: Pete Sysak, District 4
  Trustee: Mary Strobridge, District 5
  Student Trustee: Lucia Landeros

Superintendent/President

Dr. Jill Stearns

Assistant Superintendents/Vice Presidents

Student Success and Support Programs: Dr. Elizabeth Coria
Administrative Services: Dr. Todd Hampton
Office of Instruction: Dr. Jason Curtis
Human Resources: Melissa Richerson

Executive Directors

Information Systems & Technology: Keith Stearns
Institutional Effectiveness and Research: Dr. Ryan Cartnal
Foundation/Advancement: Vacant

Deans

Biology, Physical Sciences and Mathematics (STEM): Dr. Erin Naegle
English, Fine Arts, Performing Arts and Languages & Communications: Aubrey Kuan Roderick
Applied Behavioral Sciences, Business Education and Social Sciences: Cynthia Wilshusen (Interim)
Engineering & Technology, Kinesiology, Health Sciences & Athletics and Nursing & Allied Health: Dr. Monica Millard (Interim)
Student Success and Support Programs: Mia Ruiz
Student Success and Support Programs: Dr. Maria Escobedo