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College of the Desert

Palm Desert, CA·Public·8,900 students
Last updated: March 21, 2026

A good fit for in-state California residents. no major red flags in the data. a public school with 8,900 students.

N/A
Accept
8,900
Students
N/A
Net Price
N/A
Grad Rate
$36,700
Earnings
10 yr
N/A
Debt

About This School

College of the Desert is a public institution located in Palm Desert, California with approximately 8,900 undergraduate students enrolled. In-state tuition is $1,326 per year. Typical graduates earn $36,700 within 10 years of enrollment.

College of the Desert (COD) is a public community college in Palm Desert, California. COD enrolls about 12,500 students, of which around one third attend college full-time. It serves the Coachella Valley of Riverside County. The college is federally recognized as a Hispanic-serving institution (HSI), receiving Title V grants.

Worth considering if you're looking for an affordable path to transfer or a vocational credential in the Coachella Valley, especially given its strong support for Hispanic and first-generation students through Title V funding. However, the median earnings of $36,700 ten years after enrollment are modest, so be intentional about which program you choose — outcomes vary significantly by field. With about two-thirds of students attending part-time, this school works best for those who can stay focused and build a clear plan toward transfer or a specific career.

Founded
1958

Notable Alumni

Vanessa MarcilMichael Irby

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$1,326
Out-of-State Tuition
$9,586
Avg Net Price
N/A
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants32%
Median debt at graduationN/A

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
N/A
within 6 years
Retention Rate
N/A
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$36,700
after enrollment
Median Debt
N/A
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
N/A
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$28,400
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$36,700
after enrollment

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White14%
Black2%
Hispanic/Latino76%
Asian3%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (8,900 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

College of the Desert

Palm Desert, CA

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Other Schools in California

Browse all California schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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