College of the Desert

  • 2 Year
  • Palm Desert, CA
  • 5.0 1 review

Overview

Total enrollment

12,861
College of the Desert overview
College of the Desert overview
  • Size Mid-size
  • Status Non-profit
  • 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.

Admissions

Admission Requirements

Open Admission

Annual Cost to Attend

California Resident Tuition

$1,326

Out of State Resident Tuition

$10,174

Breakdown

In State Costs for College of the Desert
  • Tuition $1,326
  • Books and Supplies $1,062
  • Other Fees $38
  • Estimated Off Campus Cost of Living $25,151
  • Budget for Other Expenses $4,968
  • Total One Year Cost $32,545

Student Outcomes

Average Salary After 10 Years

$35,100 per year

Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate

Data Not Available

Popular Areas of Study

Popular majors at College of the Desert are Liberal Arts and Humanities, Health Professions, and Business. 26% of students major in Liberal Arts and Humanities, 18% in Health Professions, and 10% in Business.

  • Liberal Arts and Humanities 26%
  • Health Professions 18%
  • Business 10%
  • General Studies 5%
  • Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting 5%

More Colleges to Consider

Students considering College of the Desert are frequently interested in these similar colleges.

Data source: NCES / IPEDS https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=113573.

GPA calculator: College of the Desert GPA calculator.

Last updated: August 2026