Financial Aid

Financial aid breakdown for College of the Desert: costs, grants, scholarships, and student loan details.

Palm Desert, CA

What Does It Cost to Attend College of the Desert?

In-State Tuition and Fees

$1,326

Out-of-State Tuition and Fees

$9,586

Average Net Price

$18,169

Price Difference

-$16,843

Avg. financial aid

How College of the Desert Compares

$1,326 annual in-state tuition makes College of the Desert one of the more affordable trade-college options — most peer schools land between $3,000 and $10,000. After grants and scholarships, the average net price drops to $18,169, an even more accessible figure. For CA residents weighing cost against credential value, this profile is a strong starting point.

What Are the Tuition & Fees at College of the Desert?

In-State Students $1,326

Annual published tuition and required fees for residents of CA

Out-of-State Students $9,586

Annual published tuition and required fees for non-residents

Average Net Price $18,169

Average amount students pay after grants and scholarships

Annual tuition at College of the Desert is $1,326 — a strong value for students looking to enter the workforce quickly. With aid factored in, students pay an average of $18,169.

What Is the Net Price by Family Income at College of the Desert? (2023-24)

The lowest-income bracket at College of the Desert still faces a net price of $14,872. Understanding the full cost picture is essential for financial planning.

$0 - $30,000

$14,872

$30,001 - $48,000

$15,071

$48,001 - $75,000

$17,137

$75,001 - $110,000

$20,621

Over $110,000

$21,969

What Financial Aid Is Available at College of the Desert? (2023-24)

An impressive 88% of first-time, full-time undergraduates at College of the Desert benefit from grant or scholarship funding. Review the full breakdown below.

Students Receiving Any Financial Aid

995 of 1,125 students

88%

Grants & Scholarships

Recipients

990 (88%)

Average Award

$6,822

Federal Pell Grants

Recipients

721 (64%)

Average Award

$5,680

Aid by Source

State & Local Grants

896 recipients (80%)

$2,740 avg

Institutional Grants

455 recipients (40%)

$391 avg

What Are the Student Loan Numbers at College of the Desert? (2023-24)

Borrowing rates are low at College of the Desert: 1% of undergraduates use federal loans, with a typical loan of $7,763.

Total Borrowers

111

1% of students

Average Loan Amount

$7,763

Financial Aid Resources

Net Price Calculator

Estimate your actual cost after financial aid

Financial Aid Office

Learn about available aid programs and apply

FAFSA Information

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid to qualify for grants, loans, and work-study programs.

Apply for FAFSA →

Payment Plans Available

College of the Desert may offer payment plans that let you spread tuition costs over the semester. Reach out to the financial aid office to ask about options such as:

  • Monthly payment plans
  • Deferred payment options
  • Employer tuition assistance programs

Need Help?

Contact the financial aid office for personalized assistance with:

  • Scholarship opportunities
  • Grant eligibility
  • Work-study programs
  • Payment plan options

Federal School Codes

OPE ID: 00118200
IPEDS ID: 113573

Use these codes when applying for federal financial aid

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