College of the Desert

C of the Desert Overview

College of the Desert (C of the Desert) is a 2-4 year, public school located in Palm Desert, CA. It is classified as small Associate's college by Carnegie Classification

The C of the Desert's tuition & fees is $1,326 for California residents and $10,174 for out-of-state students for the academic year 2024-2025. 65% of the enrolled undergraduates have received grants or scholarships, with an average aid amount of $4,786.

The school has a total enrollment of 12,861 and the students to faculty ratio is 26 to 1 (3.85%).

College of the Desert is accredited by Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges.

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2025 Tuition & Fees and 2026 Estimation

For undergraduate programs, the 2025 tuition & fees of College of the Desert is $1,326 for in-state students and $10,174 for out-of-state students.

The estimated 2026 tuition & fees for prospective students is $1,326 for California residents and $10,798 for out-of-state students based on the current year tuition changes from last year.

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2024-25 Tuition & Fees

	In-State	Out-of-State
Undergraduate	$1,326	$10,174

Data source: IPEDS (integrated Postsecondary Education Data System)

2025-26 Estimation

	In-State	Out-of-State
Undergraduate	$1,326	$10,798

The estimation for 2025-2026 tuition costs is based on the cost change rates of last year.

Graduation Rate »	31%
Transfer-out Rate	5%
Retention Rate	70%(full-time), 44% (part-time)
Student to Faculty Ratio	3.85% (26 to 1)
Student Population »	12,861 (all undergraduate)
Average Financial Aid »	$4,786

Learning Opportunities and Campus Services

College of the Desert offers online classes (distance learning opportunities) for undergraduate programs.

Special Learning Opportunities at C of the Desert
Learning Opportunities
ROTC	No
Weekend/Evening College	Yes
Teacher Certification	Yes
Study Abroad	Yes
On-Campus Services
Academic/career counseling service	Yes
Employment services for students	Yes
Placement services for completers	Yes
On-campus day care for students' children	Yes

Address	43-500 Monterey Ave, Palm Desert, CA 92260
Phone	760-346-8041
WEB	School's Website
Admission	Admission Information
Online Application	Apply Online
Financial Aid	Deadlines and Applications
Net Price Calculator	Net Price Calculator
Veterans Tuition	Veterans Benefit Information
Disability Service	Disability Services
School Type	2-4 year, public
Carnegie Category	Associate Colleges
Highest Degree Offered	Associate's degree

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College of the Desert

C of the Desert Overview

2025 Tuition & Fees and 2026 Estimation

Admission Key Statistics

Learning Opportunities and Campus Services

College of the Desert Directory Information

Tools for analyzing and comparing C of the Desert

Ratings & Review