Student Enrollment

Understand who studies at College of the Desert — from total enrollment and demographics to attendance status.

Palm Desert, CA

What Are the Enrollment Numbers at College of the Desert?

Total Enrollment

12,861

Currently enrolled students

Program Options

151

151 career programs

Full-Time Students

4,187

8,674 part-time

Total FTE

6,862

Full-time equivalent students

Student-Faculty Ratio

25:1

Students per faculty member

How College of the Desert Compares

12,861 students puts College of the Desert among the larger trade and vocational schools, where enrollment under 1,000 is far more common. The 151-program catalog and 33% full-time mix suggest a school operating at meaningful scale — usually meaning broader course availability and richer student services than a smaller peer.

What Is the Student Body Size at College of the Desert?

Training Program Focus

2714

Certificate Graduates

Short-term specialized training

4237

Total Recent Graduates

With 12,861 students, College of the Desert is a large vocational institution offering diverse career training programs and extensive facilities. The school offers 151 specialized career programs designed for immediate workforce entry.

How Do Students Attend College of the Desert?

Attendance Status Distribution

Full-Time Students 4,187 (32.6%)

32.6%

Part-Time Students 8,674 (67.4%)

67.4%

Total Students 12,861

Majority part-time students (67.4%), serving working professionals and those with other commitments.

Full-Time

Part-Time

Students are split between full-time (32.6%) and part-time attendance, reflecting flexible scheduling for working professionals.

Who Are the Students at College of the Desert?

Student Demographics

Gender Distribution

Women

56.6%

7,274 students

Men

43.4%

5,587 students

Race/Ethnicity Distribution

Primary Ethnic Group

Hispanic/Latino

73.9%

9,509 students

Hispanic/Latino

73.9% (9,509)

White

14.7% (1,891)

Asian

2.7% (341)

Two or More Races

2.4% (314)

Black/African American

2.4% (306)

International Students

0.5% (69)

American Indian/Alaska Native

0.3% (37)

Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander

0.1% (8)

Demographics Summary

Gender: Balanced gender distribution across 12,861 students

Largest Ethnic Group: Hispanic/Latino students make up 74% of the student body (9,509 students)

The student body reflects diverse backgrounds and demographics.

Interested in Academic Quality & Learning Environment?

Explore retention rates, student-faculty ratios, distance education options, and academic intensity on our dedicated Academics page.

View Academics Page

How Are Students Distributed by Level at College of the Desert?

Undergraduate students

12,861 students

43% Men, 57% Women

4,187 Full-time 8,674 Part-time

Diversity Index: 43% • Minority Students: 79%

What Are the Attendance Patterns at College of the Desert?

Full-Time Students

All Full-Time

4,187

All full-time students

1,903 men, 2,284 women

Diversity: 41%

FT Undergraduate

Subtotal

4,187

Full-time undergraduate

= 4,086 Degree-Seeking + 101 Non-Degree

1,903 men, 2,284 women

Diversity: 41%

FT Degree-Seeking

Subtotal

4,086

Full-time degree/certificate-seeking

= 1,244 First-Time + 2,842 Other Degree-Seeking

1,851 men, 2,235 women

Diversity: 41%

FT First-Time

1,244

Full-time first-time students

586 men, 658 women

Diversity: 42%

FT Other Degree-Seeking

Subtotal

2,842

Full-time transfers-in plus continuing

= 131 Transfer + 2,711 Continuing

1,265 men, 1,577 women

Diversity: 40%

FT Transfer

131

Full-time transfer-in students

66 men, 65 women

Diversity: 61%

FT Continuing

2,711

Full-time continuing students

1,199 men, 1,512 women

Diversity: 39%

FT Non-Degree

101

Full-time non-degree seeking

52 men, 49 women

Diversity: 49%

Part-Time Students

All Part-Time

8,674

All part-time students

3,684 men, 4,990 women

Diversity: 44%

PT Undergraduate

Subtotal

8,674

Part-time undergraduate

= 6,121 Degree-Seeking + 2,553 Non-Degree

3,684 men, 4,990 women

Diversity: 44%

PT Degree-Seeking

Subtotal

6,121

Part-time degree/certificate-seeking

= 1,301 First-Time + 4,820 Other Degree-Seeking

2,632 men, 3,489 women

Diversity: 45%

PT First-Time

1,301

Part-time first-time students

667 men, 634 women

Diversity: 56%

PT Other Degree-Seeking

Subtotal

4,820

Part-time transfers-in plus continuing

= 321 Transfer + 4,499 Continuing

1,965 men, 2,855 women

Diversity: 41%

PT Transfer

321

Part-time transfer-in students

139 men, 182 women

Diversity: 70%

PT Continuing

4,499

Part-time continuing students

1,826 men, 2,673 women

Diversity: 38%

PT Non-Degree

2,553

Part-time non-degree seeking

1,052 men, 1,501 women

Diversity: 41%

Understanding Student Categories

First-Time: Students starting their first postsecondary program

Continuing: Students who previously enrolled and are returning

Transfer: Students who transferred from other institutions

Degree-Seeking: Students enrolled in certificate or degree programs

Non-Degree: Students taking courses without pursuing a formal credential

What Is the Diversity Picture at College of the Desert?

Undergraduate students

1,891

White

306

Black/African American

9,509

Hispanic/Latino

341

Asian

International

Diversity Index: 43% Minority Students: 79%

Want to See Student Success & Outcomes?

Explore completion rates, transfer patterns, and detailed 8-year student outcome tracking on our dedicated Student Outcomes page.

View Student Outcomes

Student Life & Campus Experience

Diverse Student Community

Students from various backgrounds come together to learn career-focused skills in a supportive environment.

Flexible Scheduling

Many students balance work and family commitments with their studies through part-time and evening programs.

Career-Focused Learning

Students are goal-oriented, seeking practical skills and credentials that lead directly to employment opportunities.

Explore More About College of the Desert

College Overview

General information

Programs & Degrees

Available study options

Admissions

Requirements & process

AI-generated illustration of diverse students on a college campus with enrollment statistics, charts showing student demographics, attendance patterns, and campus life activities

Key Takeaways About College of the Desert's Student Body

• Training Environment: Large vocational institution with 12,861 students offering extensive career programs and state-of-the-art facilities.

• Study Patterns: Flexible scheduling with many part-time students balancing work and education.

• Academic Intensity: 6,862 FTE students indicates flexible scheduling accommodating working students.

• Learning Format: Traditional in-person education with online components for flexibility.

• Academic Environment: Good student-faculty ratio (25:1) allows for meaningful instructor interaction.

• Student Diversity: Growing diversity with students from various backgrounds and experiences.

• Learning Environment: Students benefit from career-focused education with hands-on training, experienced instructors, and support services designed to help them achieve their professional goals.

• Community: The student body includes diverse learners from various backgrounds, creating a rich learning environment where students can network and learn from each other's experiences.

Get Information

Visit Website Admissions Office College Overview

Contact Information

Phone

7603468041

Address

43-500 Monterey Ave

Palm Desert, CA 92260

Student Success

The student body at trade colleges often includes:

• Working adults seeking career changes
• Recent high school graduates
• Military veterans using education benefits
• Students upgrading skills in their field
• Individuals seeking fast-track credentials