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 14,165 students (30% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 23:1 is lower than the state community college average of 32:1.
Minority enrollment is 85% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the state average of 77%.
Quick Stats (2025)
Enrollment: 14,165 students
In-state tuition: $1,316
Out-state tuition: $6,832
Student:teacher ratio: 23:1
Minority enrollment: 85%
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Overview
The teacher population of 603 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
College of the Desert
(CA) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges: High Transfer-High Traditional
The student population of College of the Desert has grown by 18% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 23:1 has increased from 18:1 over five years.
The College of the Desert diversity score of 0.41 is less than the state average of 0.70. The school's diversity has declined by 6% over five years.
Total Enrollment
14,165 students
2,311 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
23:1
32:1
# Full-Time Students
4,268 students
1,232 students
# Part-Time Students
9,897 students
8,299 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
141 students
240 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
4,268 students
1,155 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
63 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
9,897 students
8,457 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
10 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
140 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
n/a
n/a
% Asian
3%
13%
% Hispanic
75%
47%
% Black
2%
7%
% White
15%
23%
% Hawaiian
n/a
1%
% Two or more races
3%
5%
% Non Resident races
1%
1%
% Unknown races
1%
3%
Diversity Score
0.41
0.70
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
0.2747%
0.4221%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
0.4304%
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 23% 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: 2024 (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)
From business and healthcare to technology and skilled trades, the article showcases the breadth of options available to students seeking to enhance their knowledge, develop new skills, or pursue career advancement.
This comprehensive guide explains what a community college is, its history, and its role in higher education. It covers the types of programs offered, differences from four-year colleges, benefits of attending, and important considerations for prospective students, providing valuable insights for those exploring educational options.
Quick Stats (2025)
Enrollment: 14,165 students
In-state tuition: $1,316
Out-state tuition: $6,832
Student:teacher ratio: 23:1
Minority enrollment: 85%
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
