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College of the Desert

Palm Desert, CA·Public·10,207 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 10,207 students.

N/A
Accept
10,207
Students
$15,728
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 10,207 undergraduate students enrolled. The average net price after financial aid is $15,728 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
Setting
Small city
Avg Faculty Salary
$12,882

Popular Programs

Education11%
Health Professions11%
Business & Marketing7%
Psychology3%
Social Sciences2%
Computer Science2%
Visual & Performing Arts2%
Communications1%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

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
$10,174
Avg Net Price
$15,728
after aid

Net Price by Family Income

Under $30k$14,872
$30–48k$15,071
$48–75k$17,137
$75–110k$20,621
$110k+$21,969

Average annual cost after grants/scholarships, by household income. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants38%
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

Earnings 6 Years After Enrollment, by Gender

Male graduates$29,000
Female graduates$27,900

Gap: 4% less for female graduates. National avg ~16%.

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

White15%
Black3%
Hispanic/Latino74%
Asian3%
Two or more races2%
International1%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (10,207 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

College of the Desert

43-500 Monterey Ave

Palm Desert, CA 92260

View on Google Maps →

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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