Getting Started at Cuesta

Begin by completing the CCCApply Admissions Application

For login assistance, contact the California Community Colleges Help Desk 
Phone: (877) 247-4836 or email: support@openccc.net

Important Information and Tips

• A Social Security Number is not needed to apply to take classes. Reporting a Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Tax Payer Identification Number (ITIN) on the application is optional. If you have received an SSN through DACA or you have an ITIN, you may report it.
  • Note: If you do not want to provide it, or do not have a SSN/ ITIN, check the box at the bottom of the page labeled “Check this box if you do not have a Social Security Number or Taxpayer Identification Number, or decline to provide one at this time.”
• If you do not have a current valid immigration status (even if you have DACA), select “Other” from the drop-down menu and click the box labeled “No documents” on the Citizenship/Military section of the application.
• If you are applying for the Summer or Fall terms before your high school graduation, please indicate the date when you will be graduating and answer “yes” to “Did you receive your diploma, GED, or certificate in California” on the Education section of the application.
  • On the Education section of the application, if you will have attended 3 years or more of high school before you graduate high school, select "yes” to “Have you attended high school in California for three or more years”.

For additional information and support visit Apply to Cuesta.

Apply for AB540 by completing and submitting the California Nonresident Exception Form (also known as the AB540 Exemption Form).

Under California AB540/ AB2000/ SB68, eligible undocumented students  qualify for in-state tuition. Being "AB540" means that you are a student who is exempt from paying non-resident tuition fees.

To complete the form, visit Registration Forms. Note: You will need your MyCuesta login information to fill out the form. 

A student must meet the following requirements to be exempt from paying non-resident tuition at all public colleges and universities in California:

• Attend a California high school for three or more years or graduate from a California high school or
• Receive the equivalent General Education Diploma (GED) (which equals 420 hours a year which is equivalent to a full time 12 credit hour student) and/or
• Be an entering student, or be a current or enrolled student at a California Community College, California State University, or a University of California. 

For additional information visit Cuesta's Admissions & Registration - AB540 Non-Resident Tuition Exemption

As an undocumented student in California, you qualify for state aid that does not have to be paid back!

If you qualify for AB540, you will automatically become eligible to apply for state aid through the California Dream Act Application (CADAA).

To be eligible for institutional and state scholarships, apply for the CADAA by the priority deadline of March 2nd to become. Note: You must renew every year to stay eligible and receive aid. 

Resources

• Roadmap to Applying for the CA Dream Act (pdf)
• CA Dream Act Checklist (pdf)

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Apply for the Cuesta Promise to be eligible to receive up to 2 years of free college and/or additional scholarships at Cuesta College. For more information on how to apply visit Steps for the Cuesta Promise. 

Contact Information 

• Email: promise@cuesta.edu 
• Phone:  (805) 546-3153 

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If you missed the CADAA deadline fill out the California College Promise Grant (CCPG) to have your enrollment fees waived. Note: This type of aid only covers enrollment fees. For more information, visit CCPG.

To receive live help, visit Financial Aid's Undocumented Student Support Services and Financial Aid's Zoom Lobby.

Scholarships and fellowships are also available through Immigrant's Rising for undocumented students seeking financial support from outside resources.

Completing the Online Orientation and the Abbreviated SEP (included within this orientation), your registration priority will be upgraded the NEXT WORKING DAY. 

Additionally, students now receive Math & English placement results while completing the Online Orientation.

To receive live help, visit Admissions & Registration Zoom Lobby.

Make an appointment with a Counselor today for assistance in developing a Comphrensive Education Plan (CSEP). This will assist you in completing your academic and professional goals. 

Counselors are also here to help you explore transferring to a four-year college.

To receive live help, visit Counseling's Zoom Lobby.

Register for classes through MyCuesta Student Portal. Explore Cuesta's Class Finder to find courses being offered this semester.

Need assistance registering for classes? Explore Enrollment's Step-by-Step form for instructions and their Video Tutorial on How to Register.

To receive live help, visit Enrollment Services (Admissions) Zoom Lobby.

After registering for classes, if you have a balance, students pay their student fees via MyCuesta Student Portal. Although students are NOT dropped from classes for non-payment, a hold may be placed if balance is not paid by end of the semester. 

If you notice non-resident fees on your account, ensure that your AB540 forms have been submitted and received. 

Student fees can be paid with a debit/credit card through your MyCuesta Student Portal or in-person at the Cashier with cash/ check/ money order (Hours may vary during COVID-19).

To receive live help, visit Enrollment Services (Admissions) Zoom Lobby.

Have questions or are in need of resources? 

Email Estella Vazquez, Coordinator of the Monarch Dream Center at evazquez@cuesta.edu or call (805) 546-3109 for an appointment and to learn about the resources available to you as a Cuesta Student!

Reach out to learn about technology resources, textbooks and additional funding you may be eligible to receive!