The name for the college was selected by the Board of Trustees, as a reflection of the Native American history and heritage of this area of San Diego County.

The campus site was acquired by the district's board of trustees in September 1972 and the college officially opened six years later.

Today, Cuyamaca College offers more than 140 degrees and certificates, serves nearly 10,000 students, and is a significant contributor to the regional workforce and economy.

The campus consists of twelve classroom buildings and is also the site of the Heritage of the Americas Museum and the Water Conservation Garden.

In the Spring of 1995, Rancho San Diego Parkway, the Fury Lane entrance road, was completed, providing students easier access to the college.

In the Fall of 1995, the college dedicated a new 20.3-acre (8.2 ha) physical education facility with a fitness center, gym, tennis and volleyball courts, soccer and ball fields and an Olympic-size track.

As Of January 1, 2009, Cuyamaca College is a smoke-free and tobacco-free campus in accordance with GCCCD Governing Board Policy BP 3560.

The Cuyamaca college 165-acre (67 ha) main campus is located Rancho San Diego and features over 16 buildings.

In December 2010, Prop R funded construction was completed on the LRC Building which expanded the floor space by enclosing existing outdoor patios.

It consists of two classrooms, a water quality analysis laboratory, and backflow testing & equipment repair shop.

Its five wings divide the building into areas of Natural history, Archaeology, Anthropology, prehistoric and historic Art, and Education, of the Americas.