- COD is a two-year, public institution that provides lower division academic, vocational, and basic skills education. We are a successful college because we make decisions based on a systematic assessment of the needs of the community and the application of our core values.
School Highlights
College of the Desert serves 12,861 students (33% of students are full-time).
The college's student-teacher ratio of 47:1 is higher than the state community college average of 44:1.
Minority enrollment is 82% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the state average of 77%.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Enrollment: 12,861 students
- In-state tuition: $1,316
- Out-state tuition: $6,832
- Student-teacher ratio: 47:1
- Minority enrollment: 82%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Top Rankings
College of the Desert ranks among the top 20% of public schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Community Size
School Overview
The teacher population of 274 teachers has declined by 54% over five years.
College of the Desert
(CA) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges
0
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
0
Institution Control
Public
0
Total Faculty
274 staff
72 staff
Number of Programs Offered
-2
8
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of College of the Desert has grown by 17% over five years.
The student-teacher ratio of 47:1 has increased from 20:1 over five years.
The College of the Desert diversity score of 0.45 is more than the state average of 0.00. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
12,861 students
6,838 students
Student-Teacher Ratio
47:1
44:1
# Full-Time Students
4,187 students
1,022 students
# Part-Time Students
8,674 students
5,816 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
686 students
381 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
4,187 students
967 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
96 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
8,674 students
5,798 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
21 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
140 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
n/a
n/a
% Asian
3%
12%
% Hispanic
72%
46%
% Black
3%
7%
% White
18%
23%
% Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
% Two or more races
3%
5%
% Non Resident races
1%
1%
% Unknown races
1%
6%
Diversity Score
0.45
0.00
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
27%
42%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$34,600
$34,700
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $1,316 is more than the state average of $1,236. The in-state tuition has stayed relatively flat over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $6,832 is more than the state average of $6,577. The out-state tuition has declined by 23% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$1,316
$1,236
Out-State Tuition Fees
$6,832
$6,577
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
88%
85%
Median Debt for Graduates
$5,500
$9,500
Median Debt for Dropouts
$4,979
$6,272
Acceptance Rate
n/a
81%
Source: 2025 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Notes
- College of the Desert offers two types of academic tracks; (1) lower division transfer courses required for most majors and professions at four-year universities or colleges and, (2) a wide variety of curricular offerings designed to meet the needs of those preparing for immediate employment, for those who are currently employed and need to upgrade their skills, or for those who are interested in a job retraining program and personal development. The Center for Training and Development provides a variety of unique programs and services designed to assist in the growth and stability of both area businesses and the College itself. The Walter N. Marks Center for the Arts is a nonprofit cultural and educational facility located on College of the Desert's campus. Committed to educational excellence, The Marks Center provides a venue for artistic exploration, experimentation and research. Traditional formats of painting, drawing, sculpture ceramics, photography and printmaking are complemented by contemporary applications in papermaking, book arts, performance and installation arts. College of the Desert is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does College of the Desert cost?
College of the Desert's tuition is approximately $1,316 for In-State students and $6,832 for Out-State students.
What is College of the Desert's ranking?
College of the Desert ranks among the top 20% of community college in California for: Largest student body.
Recent Articles
Community College Housing Options for Students
Explore community college housing options in 2026, including apartments, dorms, homestays, and commuter strategies for students.
How Community Colleges Prepare Students for AI Careers
Learn how community colleges are preparing students for AI and technology careers through workforce training, certifications, and employer partnerships.
Community Colleges: A to Z Guide for 2026
Explore the complete 2026 A to Z guide to community colleges, including costs, transfer pathways, online learning, and career programs.
