Founded in 1958 and opened in September 1962, College of the Desert is one of over one hundred two-year community colleges in California. College of the Desert is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, and the college is governed by the Desert Community College District, which has five elected members on its Board of Trustees as well as a Student Trustee that is elected by the student body.
The college awards both associate’s degrees and occupational certificates. It also offers many popular vocational and technical programs that include Digital Design and Production, Nursing and Health Sciences, Advanced Transportation Technologies, Turf Grass Management & Ornamental Horticulture, and Culinary Arts, in addition to a full range of Administration of Justice Courses at the Public Safety Academy training facility. The International Education Program at this school provides services for students who come from more than 35 different countries.
Through its transfer programs, College of the Desert offers students an affordable option to start college and transfer to a four-year institution. College of the Desert is the top source of transfer students to California State University at San Bernardino. It also offers resources that include university application seminars, transfer workshops, and individual assistance to help students navigate the application process. It also boasts strong transfer rates to prestigious schools such as the University of California (UC) Berkeley, UCLA, UC Irvine, UC Santa Cruz, UC Riverside, San Diego State University, San Francisco State University, and California State University (CSU) – Fullerton.
All of the faculty members at this school have a master’s degree, and most also have a PhD. Small class sizes ensure that students have ample opportunities to interact with the faculty.
Most Popular Fields of Study
The top 5 fields of study completed at College of the Desert.
Students who wish to apply to College of the Desert should follow these steps in order:
Check the school’s website for instructions and submit the college’s online application.
A College of the Desert Student Identification Number will be sent to the e-mail account specified on the admission application, typically on the day of submission. Save this number. Once you have received your ID number, you can click on the link for “Assessment Tests” to schedule placement tests for Math, Reading, English, or English as a Second Language (ESL).
Pay the non-refundable application fee.
Have official transcripts from all high schools and/or colleges attended sent directly from the school of attendance. You may also have any standardized test score reports sent to College of the Desert.
Attend an orientation session, where you will learn more about the college, its programs, and its policies. Students will also review assessment test results, and receive registration instructions. It is mandatory for all first time students to attend an orientation. Students may be exempt from this if they completed an associate’s or higher degree. Students who have participated in orientation at another college or university may also be exempt. Students who wish to be exempted must submit a Matriculation waiver and supporting documentation in order to have their participation waived.
All new students should schedule a meeting with a counselor to discuss academic goals and develop an Educational plan.
Apply for financial aid.
Register for classes.
Financial Aid
Despite the fact that College of the Desert offers one of the lowest tuitions in California, many students still require financial assistance. Forms of aid available for students at College of the Desert include grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study. A limited number of institutional scholarships and waivers are also available. All students who wish to be considered for financial aid must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA should be submitted as soon as possible after January 1st for the upcoming academic year. If selected for verification, students will also need to complete a Federal Verification Worksheet.
All applicants who are California residents should also apply for both a Cal Grant from the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC), and a BOG Enrollment Fee Waiver (the application is available on the college’s website). Applications for the Cal Grant should be postmarked by March 2 for the following year. Students are encouraged to contact the Financial Aid Office for more information and assistance with completing the financial aid application process.
Student Financial Aid Details
How many students use Financial Aid, and how much do they use?
College of the Desert 5261st for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best California scholarships and financial aid
Services, facilities, and programs available for students at College of the Desert include a student health center, tutoring, academic advising, athletic programs, computer labs, a career center, a transfer center, a dining hall, a bookstore and an extensive library. Students are also encouraged to participate in the many campus clubs and organizations. The college’s students can participate in the student government and other organizations such as the Film, Art, Music, & Entertainmet (F.A.M.E.) Connection; the Gay Straight Alliance; Mathematics, Engineering, and Science Achievement (MESA); the International Club; and the Campus Christian Network.
While College of the Desert does not offer on-campus housing, the Housing Coordinator can help students find affordable housing. International students can also choose to participate in the Host Family Program, which gives international students an opportunity to learn more about American culture and improve their English skills.
The International Student Office organizes activities that include trips to Disneyland, Magic Mountain, beach parties, visits to other local attractions, holiday parties and barbecues. Airport pickup service is also available for international students.
One very popular on campus event is the College of the Desert Street Fair, a hugely popular outdoor event that features more than 300 vendors offering entertainment, arts and crafts, a wide variety of unique gifts, a farmer’s market, and refreshment stands. There is free admission, parking, and complimentary shuttle service to and from the parking area.
Student Enrollment Demographics
How many students are enrolled at College of the Desert?
College of the Desert Athletics include varsity sports for both men and women; the college’s teams, known as the Roadrunners, have won many state and national championships. The college’s athletic programs are governed by the Commission on Athletics (COA), and are sanctioned through the California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA). This school has 14 intercollegiate sports teams that participate in the Foothill Athletic Conference. Men’s sports include cross country, baseball, soccer, tennis, basketball, golf, and football. Women’s sports include cross country, soccer, basketball, tennis, golf, softball, and volleyball. The football team competes in the Southern California Football Association (SCFA) within the Central East Conference.
Bibliography
College of the Desert. College of the Desert. 2011. Web. 15 May 2011.
Feel free to add comments or additional information regarding College of the Desert, or discuss this school in the University Discussion Forum
over 4 years agoHerny Zekanis hzekanis ((at)) dc dot rr dot com
I am retired and would like to take art classes.
Please advise what is available this fall.
I was unable to obtain this data from you web site.
I am interested in water color painting.
thank you
This website and associated pages are not associated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by College of the Desert. StateUniversity.com has no official or unofficial affiliation with College of the Desert.
hzekanis ((at)) dc dot rr dot com
I am retired and would like to take art classes. Please advise what is available this fall. I was unable to obtain this data from you web site. I am interested in water color painting. thank you