Nursing at Cuesta College

San Luis Obispo, CA · Public · Associate Degree · Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing

with a mid-sized student body of 6,879 in San Luis Obispo, CA.

Program Analysis

Graduates of Cuesta College's Nursing program earn $99,000/yr in their first year — 42% above the $69,474 national median, a strong market signal for this institution.

With a 399.0x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 3% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Nursing career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

Among 947 Nursing programs nationally, Cuesta College ranks #14 — elite territory by any measure of graduate financial outcomes.

For students considering alternatives, 4 registered apprenticeship programs align with Nursing careers — offering paid training instead of tuition costs.

91 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
85
Low End
91
Score
92
High End
Earnings $99,000/yr (42% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (61% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (292,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Year 1 Earnings
$99K
Reported median after graduation
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
399.8x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
6 of 6
Occupations with strong AI resilience
Program Tuition (In-State)
$2,680
Out-of-state: $22,000
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$97,289
Small cohort — data may not reflect typical outcomes

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Nursing graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Nurse anesthetists $223,210 +8.6% 83%
Nurse practitioners $129,210 +40.1% 52%
Nurse midwives $128,790 +11.1% 61%
Nurse anesthetists
$223,210
+8.6% growth 83% AI-proof
Nurse practitioners
$129,210
+40.1% growth 52% AI-proof
Nurse midwives
$128,790
+11.1% growth 61% AI-proof

View all 6 career paths with full salary data →

Nursing Career Guide

From day-one roles to senior positions, Nursing careers span a range of specializations. Read the complete outlook for graduates entering healthcare.

Read the full Nursing career guide →

Compare & Explore

Nursing Overview

Nursing at Other Schools

Other Majors at Cuesta College

Considering a 4-Year Degree Instead?

Compare how bachelor's degree graduates fare on earnings, ROI, and AI resilience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Nursing at Cuesta College?
This program scores 91/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Nursing nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, hands-on AI resilience, and solid financial return.
Should I worry about AI if I study Nursing at Cuesta College?
Our scenarios model 39% of Nursing tasks as AI-exposed. That doesn't mean job loss — it means role evolution. Cuesta College's 91/100 score weights this risk into the overall assessment.
Is Cuesta College one of the best schools for Nursing?
The #14 ranking out of 947 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable, and the job market supports this trade.
Can I learn Nursing through an apprenticeship instead of Cuesta College?
The DOL recognizes 4 apprenticeship pathways related to Nursing. For students weighing Cuesta College's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
How many job openings are there for Nursing graduates?
Job availability for Nursing is strong — 292,500 positions open annually across the mapped career paths. For Cuesta College graduates specifically, local market conditions in CA may shift the picture.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →