Cuesta College vs. Norco College

Comparable Facts

Compare Cuesta College in San Luis Obispo, CA with Norco College in Norco, CA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Norco College is larger than Cuesta College based on total student enrollment (11,351 students vs. 11,283 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Cuesta College is located in San Luis Obispo, CA (Rural Fringe setting); Norco College is in Norco, CA (Large Suburban setting).
• Cuesta College is a public, non-profit 2-year institution. Norco College is a public, non-profit 2-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Cuesta College 27:1; Norco College 29:1.

Cuesta College vs. Norco College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Cuesta College or Norco College? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Norco College than Cuesta College ($8,534 vs. $16,541).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Cuesta College are 17.4% lower than at Norco College ($22,086 vs. $26,740).
• Norco College is 5.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Cuesta College (about $78 more per year; $1,428.00 vs. $1,350.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 13.5% higher at Norco College than at Cuesta College (about $1,488 more per year; $12,498.00 vs. $11,010.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Norco College than at Cuesta College (81% vs. 75%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Norco College students is 29% larger than aid received by Cuesta College students ($5,343 vs. $4,143).

Cuesta College vs. Norco College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Cuesta College or Norco College? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Norco College and Cuesta College.

• Both colleges report an open admissions policy; selectivity can still vary by program or major.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Cuesta College - Open admission; Norco College - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: Cuesta College Aug 13, 2027.

Cuesta College vs. Norco College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Cuesta College and Norco College? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Among federal student loan borrowers, Norco College graduates have a $3,250 lower median loan debt than Cuesta College graduates ($8,000 vs. $11,250).
• Among borrowers, Norco College graduates have an estimated $34 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Cuesta College graduates ($82 vs. $116).
• More Cuesta College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Norco College students, three years after graduation. (51% vs. 41%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.