Trade and career programs at Cuesta College
Certificate and associate programs in the trades we track. One-year earnings are for graduates of 2020-21 and 2021-22, four-year earnings for graduates of 2017-18 and 2018-19, both in 2024 dollars.
| Program | Credential | Graduates (2023-24) | Earnings 1 yr after | Earnings 4 yrs after | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EMT, surgical tech and imaging | Certificate | 105 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Welding | Certificate | 74 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Phlebotomy and medical lab | Certificate | 65 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Culinary arts | Certificate | 38 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Auto and diesel mechanic | Certificate | 33 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Electrician | Certificate | 12 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Electrician | Associate degree | 10 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Paralegal | Certificate | 9 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Paralegal | Associate degree | 9 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| EMT, surgical tech and imaging | Associate degree | 8 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Culinary arts | Associate degree | 7 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Auto and diesel mechanic | Associate degree | 5 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Welding | Associate degree | 5 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| LPN and CNA | Associate degree | 5 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Construction trades | Associate degree | 4 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Construction trades | Certificate | 3 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| LPN and CNA | Certificate | 2 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Medical assistant | Associate degree | 1 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Medical assistant | Certificate | 0 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
Cuesta College cost
| Tuition and fees (2025-26) | $1,350 |
|---|---|
| Total cost of attendance (2024-25) | $15,030 |
| Average net price after grants (2024-25) | $5,891 |
Net price by family income
| Family income | Average net price |
|---|---|
| $0 to $30,000 | $5,891 |
| $30,001 to $48,000 | Not reported |
| $48,001 to $75,000 | Not reported |
| $75,001 to $110,000 | Not reported |
| Over $110,000 | Not reported |
Program prices often differ from the school-wide figure, and tools, uniforms or licensing exams can add to them. Ask the school for the full price of the program you want.
Outcomes and students
- 53% of first-time, full-time students finished within 150% of the normal program length (students who started in fall 2022 or the 2022-23 year).
- 73% of first-time students came back or finished after the first year.
- Former students earned a median of $53,127 a year, 10 years after they started (students who received federal aid and were working).
- Students who completed left with a median of $14,500 in federal student loans.
- 17% of students receive a federal Pell Grant.
- Accredited by Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Cuesta College cost?
Tuition and fees are $1,350 a year (2025-26). After grants, aided students paid an average net price of $5,891 in 2024-25.
What is the completion rate at Cuesta College?
53% of first-time, full-time students finished within 150% of the normal time for their program.
Is Cuesta College accredited?
Cuesta College is accredited by Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, according to the Department of Education.
Other trade schools nearby
- East Los Angeles College, Monterey Park: $1,238 a year
- Santa Ana College, Santa Ana: $1,188 a year
- Long Beach City College, Long Beach: $1,560 a year
- Fresno City College, Fresno: $1,334 a year
- Cerritos College, Norwalk: $1,364 a year
- Palomar College, San Marcos: $1,356 a year
More: all trade schools in California · Cuesta College on the College Scorecard
Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard (institution and field of study files), data release of October 15, 2026. Earnings are for graduates who received federal aid and were working, not enrolled. What each figure covers.