Built for Students, by Students
Help verify tuition, housing costs, and campus life data
College of the Desert
Explore one of the most distinguished institutions in CA. Your pathway to a brighter future begins here.
Annual Tuition
$1,326
Average Sticker Price
Admission Rate
Open
Open Admission
Graduation Rate
28.1%
Completion Success
Median Earnings
$39,020
10y Career Outlook
Related Guides & Reviews
In-depth articles about this school and region
California State University-East Bay: compare commuting with moving before you commit
Read guide →
West Los Angeles College: A GradeToGrad Guide
Read guide →
Best Welding Schools in California: Programs, Costs & Career Outlook
Read guide →
How to Use Assist.org: The Transfer Articulation Tool Every CC Student Needs
Read guide →
About Institution
College of the Desert is a distinguished Public, 2-Year institution located in Palm Desert, CA. With a competitive tuition profile of $1,326, it remains an attractive choice for ambitious students. A strong graduation rate of 28.1% underscores its academic rigor and effective student support systems.
Investment Return
Estimated College ROI Analysis
Total 2-Year Cost
$2,652
Based on sticker tuition
Estimated Payback
0.3 yrs
Time to recoup investment
Annual Earnings Boost
+$9,020
vs. $30k HS diploma baseline
10-Year Net Gain
+$87,548
Cumulative earnings advantage minus total college cost
20-Year Net Gain
+$177,748
Long-term projected return on your education investment
Graduation Rate: 28%
Students who don't graduate may still carry debt without the full earnings benefit. Consider program-specific outcomes in the Career Paths section below.
ROI estimates use the BLS national median of $30,000/yr for high school diploma holders as a baseline. Actual results vary based on major, career path, location, and individual circumstances.
Student Community
Gender Balance
Ethnic Diversity
Security Audit
Incidents
7
Burglary
4
Theft
2
Assault
1
Robbery
0
Rape
0
Arson
0
Murder
0
Financial Outlook
Total Sticker Price
$1,326
Estimated cost before aid.
Net Price By Income
Debt & Financial Aid
Repayment measured in 2016–17; this federal measure was discontinued.
Grant Aid (IPEDS 2021)
* Most students receive significant grants and scholarships, reducing the actual cost. Grant data from IPEDS Student Financial Aid survey.
Quick Overview
Faculty Ratio
N/A
Retention
67.5%
Success
28.1%
In-State Cost
$1,326
Age 25+ Students
29.2%
Carnegie Class
Carnegie 1
Working at 6yr
2,380 students
Security Benchmark
Campus vs. City Comparison (Per 100k)
Violent Offenses
PER 100KProperty Crimes
PER 100KStats sourced from institutional reports and municipal data. These rates provide a standardized baseline for comparing safety across different environments.