Academic Programs & Learning
A comprehensive look at the academic experience at College of the Desert: retention, enrollment intensity, and online learning options.
What About Academic Quality at College of the Desert?
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
26:1
Average students per faculty member
Full-Time Retention
70%
Students continuing to second year
Part-Time Retention
44%
Part-time students continuing
How College of the Desert Compares
A 70% full-time retention rate puts College of the Desert above the typical trade-college range, where 50–65% is more common. The 26:1 student-to-faculty ratio reinforces the pattern: students are sticking around, and instructional capacity is structured to keep them engaged. Part-time retention runs at 44%, useful context for students balancing work and study.
Understanding Academic Quality Metrics
Student-Faculty Ratio: A ratio of 26:1 means there are approximately 26 students for every faculty member. This higher ratio may mean larger class sizes but can also indicate efficient resource utilization.
Retention Rates: These show the percentage of students who return for their second year. Higher retention rates typically indicate student satisfaction, academic support, and program quality.
Graduation Rate Survey Cohort: 27% of entering students are tracked for graduation outcomes.
Who Teaches at College of the Desert?
Understanding Faculty Composition
College of the Desert's 131 instructional staff members bring hands-on expertise to the classroom. Tenured faculty make up 73% of the teaching staff.
How Successful Are Students at College of the Desert?
Student Retention Rates
Retention Rate Comparison
New full-time students returning for second year
New part-time students returning for second year
Cohort Information
Student Success Analysis
Full-Time Success:70% retention rate shows moderate student engagement with room for improvement.
Retention Impact: Higher retention rates indicate student satisfaction, academic success, and effective institutional support systems.
With a 70% retention rate, College of the Desert demonstrates that students are engaged and progressing through their programs successfully.
Where Do Online Students at College of the Desert Come From?
Geographic distribution of students enrolled exclusively in online courses (Fall 2024 census)
Where exclusively-online students are located
About this data: The geographic breakdown above uses IPEDS Fall Enrollment census data, which captures a single-day snapshot. The enrollment figures in the "How Do Students Learn?" section above use 12-month unduplicated headcount, which typically shows higher numbers as it covers the full academic year. Both are official IPEDS data — they measure different things.
100% of College of the Desert's exclusively online students are located in CA. The school primarily serves local online learners.
What Is the Academic Load at College of the Desert?
Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) Analysis
FTE Analysis
Study Intensity:61.4% FTE ratio indicates many students attend part-time
Academic Load: FTE represents the equivalent of full-time students based on credit hours, helping compare institutional capacity regardless of part-time enrollment.
The FTE figure at College of the Desert gives a standardized view of enrollment by accounting for both full-time and part-time students in a single metric.
How Intensively Do Students Study at College of the Desert?
Student Enrollment Intensity
The Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) ratio shows the average course load intensity. An FTE ratio of 1.0 means all students attend full-time, while lower values indicate more part-time enrollment.
Significant part-time enrollment, ideal for working professionals and students with other responsibilities.
FTE represents student enrollment adjusted for course load. Two half-time students equal 1 FTE.
FTE Ratio Scale
A 0.61 FTE-to-headcount ratio at College of the Desert reflects the mix of full-time and part-time enrollment. Higher values indicate more full-time students.
Academic Support & Resources
Academic Advising
Students have access to academic advisors who can help with course selection, degree planning, and career guidance. Contact the admissions office to learn about advising services.
Student Success Services
Many institutions offer tutoring, study groups, and academic success workshops. These resources help students develop study skills and overcome academic challenges.
For detailed information about academic support services, tutoring hours, and learning resources, contact College of the Desert directly at 7603468041 or visit their website .
Key Academic Highlights
- Student-to-faculty ratio of 26:1 supports personalized learning
- 131 instructional staff with 73% holding tenured positions
- Flexible scheduling options accommodate working students and adult learners
- Online students primarily from CA (100% in-state)
- Strong retention rates demonstrate student satisfaction and academic support
Ready to Learn More About Academics at College of the Desert?
Contact the admissions office to discuss academic programs, support services, and learning options.