College of the Desert
About College of the Desert
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
College of the Desert teaches in Palm Desert, in the Coachella Valley, and is a Hispanic-Serving Institution serving a farming and resort economy. Psychology, business and allied health are its largest programs.
Founded
1958
Location
Palm Desert, California
Students
10,207
Institution
Community College
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
Open
Admits all qualified applicants
Graduation Rate
31.1%
Below national average
In-State Tuition
$1,326
Out-of-state: $10,174
Avg Net Price
$15,728
After financial aid
SAT Average
Not required
No test scores requested
Median Earnings
$39,020
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Open Admission
Every applicant who meets the basic requirements is admitted, so there is no acceptance rate
How to Apply
Test Policy
No test needed
Application Fee
Free
Early
N/A
Deadline
Rolling
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Below Average
31.1% complete their degree within three years
Retention
69.7%
Transfer Out
4%
Teaching Quality
25:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
26.8%
$/Student
$7.5K
Class Size
Large
The 31.1% graduation rate is below average, but 69.7% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$1,326
In-State
$10,174
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
No on-campus housing
Books & Supplies
$1,062
Total Cost of Attendance
$24,607
After Financial Aid
$15,728
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$14,872
Receive Grants
37.9%
Take Loans
1%
Tuition is $1,326/yr, and after aid the average student pays about $15,728.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at College of the Desert fund their education.
While in School
37.9%
Get Grants
Free money
1%
Take Loans
Must repay
$19,994
Median Family Income
After Graduation
N/A
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
N/A
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends College of the Desert.
Gender
56.1%
Female
44%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
10,207
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
N/A
Graduates
62.1%
First-Gen
23 yrs
Avg Age
29.2%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 56% of the student body. 62.1% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Small
Campus Quick Facts
10,207
Students
community
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
N/A
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
No
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
College of the Desert fields 10 varsity teams with 251 student athletes, about 2% of the student body.
Division
CCCAA
California Community College Athletic Association
Conference
Not reported
Only collected for NCAA and NAIA teams
Varsity Sports
10
Biggest: Soccer
Student Athletes
251
2% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
64% / 36%
160
Men
91
Women
7
Men's Teams
8
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of College of the Desertearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$39,020
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Psychology, General
$26K
145 grads
1yr Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations
$26K
138 grads
1yr Earnings
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
—
130 grads
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
$30K
115 grads
1yr Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$92K
83 grads
1yr Earnings
Criminal Justice and Corrections
$32K
66 grads
1yr Earnings
Median earnings are $39K ten years after enrollment. Choosing a high-demand major can significantly boost your earning potential from here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about College of the Desert
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Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.