Academic Programs & Learning
Academics at College of the Desert — retention rates, distance education, enrollment intensity, and student support.
What About Academic Quality at College of the Desert?
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
25:1
Average students per faculty member
Full-Time Retention
67%
Students continuing to second year
Part-Time Retention
45%
Part-time students continuing
How College of the Desert Compares
College of the Desert's 67% full-time retention is right in the typical band for trade and vocational schools (most run between 50% and 70%). A 25:1 student-to-faculty ratio and 45% part-time retention tell a balanced story — academic quality is solid without being a clear standout.
Understanding Academic Quality Metrics
Student-Faculty Ratio: A ratio of 25:1 means there are approximately 25 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: 34% of entering students are tracked for graduation outcomes.
Who Teaches at College of the Desert?
Understanding Faculty Composition
College of the Desert's 127 instructional staff members bring hands-on expertise to the classroom. Tenured faculty make up 61% of the teaching staff.
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:53.4% 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.
FTE enrollment at College of the Desert converts all student enrollment into full-time equivalents, providing a clearer picture of the school's actual academic workload.
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
Enrollment intensity at College of the Desert sits at 0.53 — a measure of how much of the student body is enrolled full-time versus part-time.
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 25:1 supports personalized learning
- 127 instructional staff with 61% holding tenured positions
- Flexible scheduling options accommodate working students and adult learners
- Online students primarily from CA (100% in-state)
Ready to Learn More About Academics at College of the Desert?
Contact the admissions office to discuss academic programs, support services, and learning options.