Overview
Enrollment
| Location | Palm Desert, California |
| Online | collegeofthedesert.edu |
| School Type | Public 2 Year |
| Setting | Small City |
| Size | Mid-size |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | No |
| Level of Study | Undergrad |
The College of the Desert is a public community college situated in Palm Desert, California, located in the Coachella Valley approximately 120 miles east of Los Angeles. The main campus, established in 1958, spans 160 acres in a desert landscape, featuring modern academic buildings and facilities designed to withstand the region's climate. The institution operates additional satellite locations in Indio and Palm Springs to serve the broader desert community. College of the Desert offers more than 100 associate degree and certificate programs, with particular strengths in hospitality management, agriculture, nursing, and digital media. Students have access to on-campus resources including a tutoring center, career center, and modernized library, though the college does not provide student housing.
Annual Cost to Attend
California Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,152 |
| Other Fees | $38 |
| Estimated Off Campus Cost of Living | $17,784 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $4,860 |
| Total One Year Cost | $25,122 |
Out of State Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,152 |
| Other Fees | $38 |
| Estimated Off Campus Cost of Living | $17,784 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $4,860 |
| Total One Year Cost | $32,934 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Humanities | 26% |
| Health Professions | 18% |
| Business | 10% |
| General Studies | 5% |
| Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting | 5% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering College of the Desert are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=113573 IPEDS survey data for College of the Desert.
Current students may use the College of the Desert GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2024