College of the Desert
Comprehensive information about programs, admissions, costs, and enrollment
Also known as: Desert Community College District
What Are the Key Stats for College of the Desert?
Annual Tuition & Fees (In-State)
$1,326
Total Enrollment
12,861
Graduation Rate
31.1%
6-year graduation rate
Program Completions
4,237
Last reported year
How College of the Desert Compares
12,861 students puts College of the Desert among the larger trade and vocational schools — most peer institutions enroll under 1,000. Tuition of $1,326 paired with a 31% graduation rate and $14,391 average net price after aid give a baseline read on cost and outcomes — useful when stacking College of the Desert against competitors of similar scale. Retention runs at 67%, a useful indicator of how well the school keeps students engaged year over year.
Where is College of the Desert?
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What are the Most Popular Programs at College of the Desert
Explore College of the Desert
Enrollment
College of the Desert enrolls 12,861 students. The student body is 56.6% women, with diverse representation across programs. The college maintains a 67% retention rate, reflecting student satisfaction and academic support.
View Full DetailsAcademics
College of the Desert maintains a 25:1 student-to-faculty ratio, providing strong opportunities for personalized instruction and academic support. The college maintains a good 67% retention rate for full-time students, reflecting student satisfaction and effective academic programs. The college accommodates diverse student needs with flexible enrollment options for part-time and working students.
View Full DetailsFaculty & Staff
College of the Desert employs 127 instructional staff members dedicated to student success. The 25:1 student-to-faculty ratio provides strong opportunities for personalized attention and mentoring. With 60.6% of faculty holding tenure, students benefit from experienced educators committed to teaching excellence.
View Full DetailsPrograms
College of the Desert offers programs in 32 different fields of study. The most popular programs include Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Engineering Technology/Technician, and Early Childhood Education and Teaching. In 2024, the college awarded 4,237 degrees and certificates across all programs.
View Full DetailsFinancial Aid
Annual tuition and fees at College of the Desert is $1,326 for in-state students and $9,586 for out-of-state students. After financial aid, the average net price is $14,391. Students can use the net price calculator to estimate their individual costs and potential aid.
View Full DetailsStudent Outcomes
College of the Desert achieves a 30.9% overall completion rate for students who complete their programs. Students typically complete their programs in 5 years, balancing academic rigor with timely graduation. The college supports working students with a 27% success rate for this population.
View Full DetailsInstitution Details
Contact Information
Palm Desert, CA, 92260
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