College of the Desert
Tel:
(760)346-8041
- 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 9,719 students (37% of students are full-time).
- The college's student:teacher ratio of 48:1 is higher than the state community college average of 44:1.
- Minority enrollment is 71% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the state average of 68%.
- College of the Desert is one of 9 community colleges within Riverside County, CA.
- The nearest community college to College of the Desert is Mayfield College (5.5 miles away).
Top Placements
College of the Desert places among the top 20% of community colleges in California for:
- Category Attribute
- Debt For Students Least debt for graduating students
School Overview
- The teacher population of 204 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
| College of the Desert | (CA) Community College Avg. | |
| Institution Level | At least 2 but less than 4 years | At least 2 but less than 4 years |
| Institution Control | Public | Public |
| Total Faculty | 204 staff | 97 staff |
| Total Enrollment | 9,719 students | 7,516 students |
 | ||
| Student : Teacher Ratio | 48:1 | 44:1 |
| # Full-Time Students | 3,613 students | 1,613 students |
| # Part-Time Students | 6,106 students | 5,903 students |
 |  | |
| % American Indian/Alaskan | - | - |
| % Asian | 4% | 13% |
| % Hispanic | 58% | 37% |
| % Black | 2% | 7% |
| % White | 29% | 32% |
| % Two or more races | 1% | 3% |
| % Non Resident races | 4% | 3% |
| % Unknown races | 1% | 5% |
 |  | |
| Diversity Score | 0.58 | 0.73 |
 | ||
| College Completion Rate | 23% | 29% |
| Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years) | $34,600 | $34,600 |
Source: 2016 (or latest year available) 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.
Nearby Schools
- The nearest community college to College of the Desert is Mayfield College (5.5 miles away).
- College Location Mi. Students
- Mayfield CollegePublic509 students | 5.50 Mi35-325 Date Palm Drive
Cathedral City, CA 92234
(760)328-5554 5.50509 - Kaplan College-Palm SpringsPrivate, for profit379 students | 8.50 Mi2475 E Tahquitz Canyon Way
Palm Springs, CA 92262
(760)778-3540 8.50379 - 1,652 students | 28.00 Mi6162 Rotary Way
Joshua Tree, CA 92252
(760)366-3791 28.001,652 - 14,580 students | 33.20 Mi1499 N. State St.
San Jacinto, CA 92583
(951)487-6752 33.2014,580 - Crafton Hills CollegePublic5,932 students | 45.30 Mi11711 Sand Canyon Road
Forest Falls, CA 92339
(909)794-2161 45.305,932
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