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 10,229 students (36% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 17:1 is lower than the state community college average of 20:1.
Minority enrollment is 97% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the state average of 95%.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
Enrollment: 10,229 students
In-state tuition: $1,316
Out-state tuition: $6,832
Student:teacher ratio: 17:1
Minority enrollment: 97%
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Overview
The teacher population of 603 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
The student population of College of the Desert has declined by 14% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 17:1 has decreased from 20:1 over five years.
The College of the Desert diversity score of 0.42 is less than the state average of 0.71. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
10,229 students
5,744 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
17:1
20:1
# Full-Time Students
3,727 students
813 students
# Part-Time Students
6,502 students
4,931 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
776 students
302 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
3,727 students
813 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
63 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
6,502 students
4,962 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
10 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
140 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
3%
13%
% Asian
2%
6%
% Hispanic
n/a
1%
% Black
74%
46%
% White
3%
5%
% Hawaiian
16%
24%
% Two or more races
1%
4%
% Non Resident races
n/a
n/a
% Unknown races
1%
1%
Diversity Score
0.42
0.71
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
0.2944%
0.4179%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
0.4884%
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 $6,547. The out-state tuition has declined by 20% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$1,316
$1,236
Out-State Tuition Fees
$6,832
$6,547
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
95%
85%
Median Debt for Graduates
$5,500
$9,500
Median Debt for Dropouts
$4,979
$6,239
Acceptance Rate
n/a
92%
Source: 2023 (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.
Nearby Schools
The nearest community college to College of the Desert is Mayfield College (6.8 miles away)
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Quick Stats (2024-25)
Enrollment: 10,229 students
In-state tuition: $1,316
Out-state tuition: $6,832
Student:teacher ratio: 17:1
Minority enrollment: 97%
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
