University
Our Founding Your Future
Since 1901, Cal Poly and Learn by Doing have been inextricably linked. Combining rigorous academics and real-world applications, Learn by Doing has guided and inspired hundreds of thousands of our students toward successful careers for well over a century — and can do the same for you well into your future.
We Do it Best
We Did it First
Since our founding in 1901, Learn by Doing has been core to our curriculum—in and outside of the classroom—and central to the success of our students. It’s why top students choose us and why top employers choose them. Because when you Learn by Doing, you’re ready day one.
Cal Poly's 4th Astronaut
And the first African American astronaut to call the ISS home
Whether it was piloting the first operational flight of the SpaceX Crew Dragon Resilience to the International Space Station or his current service as a member of the Artemis Team of NASA astronauts preparing to return to the moon, Victor Glover’s mission to expand both humanity’s knowledge and reach began here at Cal Poly.
Major League Hacking Coach
And founder of Los Altos Hacks and SLO Hacks
Hackathons bring communities of coders together from around the world to collaborate on everything from A.I. and machine learning models to mobile apps and game design. Computer science student Selynna Sun chose Cal Poly because of Learn by Doing and because we lacked a nationally recognized collegiate hackathon. Not anymore.
Celebrity Chef and Author
And guest on The Chew and The Daily Meal
California feeds America. Food science major Jimmy Wong prepares the meal. And in 2018, he shared his recipe for success in the TEDx talk “Food, Identity, and Kung Fu Panda.” The evening’s theme—Making Waves—celebrated those like Wong who “create real change in their communities … whose ripple effect has made the world a better place.”
My Cal Poly Portal
Use the My Cal Poly Portal to access your grades, register for classes, plan your schedule. Access campus email and shared documents. Contact the Service Desk for help.
Office of the Registrar
Visit the Office of the Registrar for information on Degree Planner, Schedule Builder, registering for classes, and accessing your student records. Get details about transfer credits, Degree Progress Reports, and important student paperwork.
Academic Calendar
The Academic Calendar is the official calendar for Cal Poly and includes important dates for all terms, including when terms begin and end, as well as commencement and holidays.
Student Academic Services
The goal of SAS is to ensure that all students at Cal Poly have equal opportunity to achieve academic success and graduation. Visit SAS for many resources including with academics or personal skills.
Academic Advising
Academic Advising helps students throughout their time at Cal Poly. From Advising Centers to changing majors to transcripts, Academic Advising helps students get assistance and resources.
Robert E. Kennedy Library
Kennedy Library is undergoing a transformation, but the books, resources, research help, study spaces and labs are still available. Read the FAQ to find out all the details including alternative study spaces.
Begin Your Journey
At Cal Poly, experience is part of the curriculum. Your education will take you beyond the classroom, putting learning into action and working with others to find solutions to our society's biggest challenges.
Want to learn more? We have put together tools for you to get to know us and explore what sets us apart from other universities.
Explore Our Majors
Cal Poly's six academic colleges offer more than 60 majors for you to consider.
We require students to declare a major as part of the application process in order to maximize their experience in their chosen field from Day One. While changing your major may be possible, we recommend you explore majors thoroughly before making your choice.
Alumni Impacting California and Beyond
Across the world Cal Poly alumni are making a difference, giving back and having an impact on their communities. More than ever, we want to share their stories.
Welcome!
Parent and Family Programs provides support, resources and exciting programming for the proud parents, family members and supporters of Cal Poly students.
We strive to facilitate communication between and among parents and the university, support student success by increasing parent awareness of university resources and help parents develop strategies to meet the unique challenges of parenting students through the college years.
Campus Locations
San Luis Obispo Campus
Physical Address:
Highway 1, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 8106, San Luis Obispo, CA 93403-8106
(805) 546-3100
North County Campus
2800 Buena Vista Drive
Paso Robles, CA 93446
(805) 591-6200
South County Center
Arroyo Grande High School Office, Rm 913
Corner of Orchard St. and W. Cherry Ave.
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
(805) 474-3913
About Cuesta College
Cuesta College is located at the heart of scenic San Luis Obispo County, and is highly regarded throughout the state for its excellent education programs, responsive student services and exceptional faculty and staff. Cuesta College offers classes at the main campus in San Luis Obispo, the North County Campus in Paso Robles, and the South County Center in Arroyo Grande.
Accreditation
Cuesta College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and by the U.S. Department of Education. Last granted a six-year accreditation in 2014, this page has all of the documents pertaining to the ongoing accreditation process.
History
On April 16, 1963, San Luis Obispo County voters approved the formation of a countywide junior college district. In 1964, Cuesta College opened its doors to students in old army barracks. Much has occurred over its more than 50-year history. Read all about it on the history page.
Fast Facts
How many degree programs does Cuesta have? How many faculty and staff are employed at Cuesta? Details on all this and more can be found under Fast Facts.
Campus Life
Did you know Cuesta has dozens of student clubs, in areas like nutrition, rodeo and culture? Or that social events are planned on campus throughout the year? The Student Life and Leadership Department is here to offer interactive and inclusive opportunities for all students, and help you adjust to student-life while having fun.
Housing
Looking for a place to rent? We can help! Our online housing resource is designed to help Cuesta College students find housing in the area.
Cal Poly
Did you know that Cuesta transfers more students to Cal Poly SLO than any other college? Check out our acceptance rate (nearly 40%!) and find out what it takes to get in.
Visit Cuesta
Cuesta College offers free campus tours all year long. We can show you around, provide campus maps and general college information.
Info in Spanish
Hables Espanol? Informacion en Espanol es aqui! Obtener informacion de La Beca: La Promesa, regulamentos, Ingles como Segunda Lengua (ESL), y mas.
Donate to Cuesta
The Cuesta College Foundation ensures the greatest educational opportunities for student access and success by providing the highest level of support and philanthropic opportunities.
Specialized Programs
Non-degree and online programs that fit your needs.
Career Training Online
In partnership with ed2go, Cuesta offers open enrollment online programs designed to provide the skills necessary to acquire professional level positions for many in-demand occupations.
High School Students
Local area high school students have the opportunity to participate in Cuesta College classes through two programs; College and Career Access Pathways (CCAP) and Enrichment.
Community Programs
Community Programs offers not-for-credit education, recreation, aquatics, and youth programming in addition to other enrichment and certification courses.
Institute for Professional Development
Provides customized training for businesses and organizations throughout San Luis Obispo County.
University Partners
University Partners is a collaboration between Cuesta College and four-year universities to provide bachelor's degree opportunities to students on the Central Coast.
Open Educational Resources
Open Educational Resources (OER) provide alternatives to the traditional commercial textbook market.
