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
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $1,316 is less than the state average of $1,516. 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 $6,779. The out-state tuition has declined by 23% over four years.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Acceptance Rate
n/a
93%
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)
Discover the diverse range of ground jobs at mid-size U.S. airports, their educational requirements, and how community colleges can prepare you for these exciting careers.
How much is an associate's degree really worth? We calculate and research the ROI of an associate degree specifically, and the results are interesting.
Facing a monumental budget crisis, California's community college students took matters into their own hands, holding rallies and conferences for Hands Across California.
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)
