Founded in 1958 and opened in September 1962, College of the Desert is one of over one hundred two-year community colleges in California. Accreditation is granted 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.
| Overall Score (about) | 54.9 |
| Total Cost On-Campus Attendance | $3,252 |
| Admission Success rate | N/A |
| Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty | 32 : 1 |
| Retention (full-time / part-time) | 72% / 47% |
| Enrollment Total (all students) | 11,412 |
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 the transfer programs, students have an affordable option to start college and transfer to a four-year institution. COD 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.
Students who wish to apply should follow these steps in order:
Forms of available aid 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.
Services, facilities, and programs available for students 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 the school 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 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.
College of the Desert athletics include varsity sports for both men and women; the teams, known as the Roadrunners, have won many state and national championships. The 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.
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