Public educational institutions and facilities include San Luis Coastal Unified School District for K-12, as well as several private school choices in the city. San Luis Coastal Unified School District includes 15 schools and serves approximately 7,400 students, including seven elementary schools, one middle school and one high school in the city. Several schools have been honored as Blue Ribbon Schools and California Distinguished Schools. Teach Elementary School has been awarded the Blue Ribbon Schools Award 3 separate times.
The City’s level of educational attainment is higher than the State’s. Almost half (46%) of the City’s population over the age of 25 has at least a bachelor’s degree, while one in five have a graduate or professional degree. Statewide, approximately 30% of the population has a bachelor’s degree or higher.
San Luis Obispo is also home to California Polytechnic State University and Cuesta College.
Cal Poly consistently ranks among the top public universities in the nation with renowned engineering, architecture, business, and agriculture colleges.The university’s distinct “learn by doing” approach prepares students to be productive employees with a deep practical understanding of their areas of expertise. For local businesses, this translates into a young, smart, and capable workforce ready to hit the ground running.
Cuesta College is highly regarded throughout the state for its excellent educational programs, responsive student services and exceptional faculty and staff. Offering 70 degree programs and 57 certificate programs, Cuesta features lower division academic transfer courses, vocational/technical training, short courses, continuing education, distance education, day and evening classes. With more than 9,600 students, Cuesta provides critical technical training in the jobs of the future.
In addition, Allan Hancock College and Laurus College, offer associates degree and certificate programs at their Campuses and online and The University of San Luis Obispo School of Law offers legal education through a part-time weekend program.