Cuesta College Expands with New South County Campus

Former Rite Aid location in Arroyo Grande to become third permanent Cuesta campus

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Cuesta College has purchased a former Rite Aid location in Arroyo Grande, California to establish its third permanent campus. The new South County center will allow the college to better serve students in the southern part of San Luis Obispo County, who have historically faced barriers like fuel costs and traffic when trying to access the main campus in San Luis Obispo.

Why it matters

The expansion into South County represents Cuesta College's efforts to increase access to higher education opportunities for local residents, businesses, and the agricultural community in that region. The new campus will provide more convenient and affordable options for students who previously had to commute long distances to attend classes.

The details

Cuesta College's San Luis Obispo County Community College District board has purchased a 16,320 square foot former Rite Aid location in Arroyo Grande to serve as the college's third permanent campus. The new South County center will complement Cuesta's existing flagship campus in San Luis Obispo and its North County campus in Paso Robles. While an exact timeline for the campus opening is not yet available, the college is working through the necessary processes with the city of Arroyo Grande and local partners.

  • Cuesta College has served students through a leased location at Arroyo Grande High School since 1965.
  • In May 2026, the national Rite Aid chain declared bankruptcy, leading to the closure of the Grand Avenue location in Arroyo Grande on July 27, 2026.
  • Cuesta College purchased the former Rite Aid building on February 13, 2026.

The players

Cuesta College

A community college serving San Luis Obispo County, California, with campuses in San Luis Obispo and Paso Robles. The college is now expanding with a third permanent campus in Arroyo Grande.

Ritchie Bermudez

A spokesperson for Cuesta College.

Jill Stearns

The president of Cuesta College.

Austin Jackson

A broker with Lee & Associates who facilitated the sale of the former Rite Aid building to Cuesta College.

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What they’re saying

“The college is currently working through the appropriate processes and coordinating closely with the city of Arroyo Grande and local partners. We look forward to sharing more information and will ensure the community is the first to know once those steps have been completed.”

— Ritchie Bermudez, Cuesta College spokesperson (sanluisobispo.com)

“Our priority remains serving students and expanding access to educational opportunities in a thoughtful and collaborative manner.”

— Jill Stearns, Cuesta College president (sanluisobispo.com)

What’s next

Cuesta College is currently working through the necessary processes and coordinating with the city of Arroyo Grande and local partners to open the new South County campus. The college plans to share more information with the community once these steps have been completed.

The takeaway

Cuesta College's expansion into South County represents its commitment to increasing access to higher education for residents in that region. The new campus will provide a more convenient and affordable option for students who previously faced barriers like long commutes to the main campus in San Luis Obispo.