College of the Desert
- 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 10,932 students (38% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 18:1 is lower than the state community college average of 22:1.
Minority enrollment is 82% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the state average of 74%.
Quick Stats (2023)
- Enrollment: 10,932 students
- In-state tuition: $1,316
- Out-state tuition: $6,832
- Student:teacher ratio: 18:1
- 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
School Resources
Debt For Students
School Overview
The teacher population of 603 teachers has grown by 195% over five years.
College of the Desert
(CA) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associates Colleges
Associates Colleges
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Total Faculty
603 staff
308 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of College of the Desert has stayed relatively flat over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 18:1 has decreased from 20:1 over five years.
The College of the Desert diversity score of 0.45 is less than the state average of 0.70. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
10,932 students
7,899 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
18:1
22:1
# Full-Time Students
4,197 students
1,660 students
# Part-Time Students
6,735 students
6,239 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
776 students
302 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
4,197 students
1,580 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
54 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
6,735 students
6,239 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
10 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
140 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
1%
n/a
% Asian
3%
14%
% Hispanic
72%
45%
% Black
2%
5%
% White
18%
26%
% Two or more races
2%
4%
% Non Resident races
2%
3%
% Unknown races
1%
3%
Diversity Score
0.45
0.70
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
26%
35%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
1.92%
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 $1,246. 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 $6,603. The out-state tuition has declined by 10% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$1,316
$1,246
Out-State Tuition Fees
$6,832
$6,603
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
94%
86%
Median Debt for Graduates
$5,500
$9,500
Median Debt for Dropouts
$4,979
$6,239
Acceptance Rate
n/a
89%
Source: 2021 (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: Percent of students receiving financial aid and Least debt for graduating students.
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