The start of a brand new academic year is here, and Cuesta College is ready to inspire, empower and guide students towards building better futures. The fall semester runs from August 11 through December 12, offering hundreds of engaging classes, innovative programs and a supportive community dedicated to every student’s success.
Students can browse the Class Finder at cuesta.edu. Late registration is available through August 24 with instructor approval and short-term classes ranging from three to 17 weeks provide even more flexibility. Credit courses are just $46 per unit, and noncredit courses are free. Recent local high school graduates are also attending two years fee-free through the Cuesta College Promise Scholarship.
“Each fall, our campuses come alive with hope, ambition and the boundless possibilities our students carry with them,” said Dr. Jill Stearns, Superintendent / President. “At Cuesta College, we believe that education changes lives, and this semester we’re committed to walking beside every student, encouraging them to dream big, work hard and discover their extraordinary potential.”
New this Fall: The Cougar FAST Way Program
Launching this semester, the Cougar FAST (Focus, Accelerate, Succeed, Transfer) Way Program is designed to help first-semester students build strong academic momentum and a sense of belonging from day one.
Students in the program take two general education classes at a time in structured eight-week blocks, an intentional design to reduce overload and boost success. Through hybrid learning, peer mentorship and dedicated faculty support, the program blends equity-minded teaching with timely intervention and transfer-focused planning.
“The FAST Way Program is about creating a clear, supported pathway to success built on community, connection, and a shared commitment to student achievement,” said Dean of Instruction Aubrey Kuan-Roderick.
Food Trucks
Students can fuel their studies with rotating food trucks at the San Luis Obispo campus, 3100 Courtyard, Monday through Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
· Mondays: SLO Dog
· Tuesdays: Leslie’s Taqueria
· Wednesdays: Grapevine Catering
· Thursdays: Leslie’s Taqueria
Student Success & Support Programs
Through Cuesta Connect, students have easy access to essential services, both in-person and online, including academic counseling, financial aid, tutoring and more. The Cuesta Connect link is available on the webpages of all Student Success & Support Programs (SSSP) departments, including:
- Academic Counseling
- Admissions, Student Records, & Registration
- Academic Support & Tutoring
- Affinity Center
- Basic Needs Center and Food Pantry
- CalWORKS
- Career and Transfer Center
- Disability Support Programs & Services
- EOPS/CARE
- Financial Aid
- Foster Youth Program
- International Student Program
- Library & Learning Resources
- Mathematics Engineering Science Achievement (MESA)
- Monarch Dream Center
- Rising Scholars
- Student Conduct and Support Resolution
- Student Health Services
- Student Life & Leadership
- Student Technology Support
- Veterans Resource Center
Flexible Learning Across SLO County
Cuesta College serves students in three locations, including campuses in San Luis Obispo and Paso Robles and the South County Center at Arroyo Grande High School. Extensive class offerings are also offered online and early college opportunities for local high school students through the College and Career Access Pathways Program.
For more information on classes and registration, please call (805) 546-3140, email [email protected], or visit the Cuesta College Admissions & Registration webpage.