Campus Identity
College of the Desert is a public community college in Palm Desert, CA. Ski resorts are within 45 miles of campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 90/100 (Very Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
At a Glance
College of the Desert is a public community college in Palm Desert, CA. Ski resorts are within 45 miles of campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 90/100 (Very Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
Campus Lifestyle
School Size & Setting
10,000–19,999
Urban setting
Beach Access
68 miles
Oceanside, CA
Weather
Hot Climate
70°F avg school-year
Nearby Ski Resorts
California
California
California
Nearest Beach
Oceanside, CA
Ocean access within 68.2 miles
Average Monthly Temperature
1991–2020 Climate Normals · Palm Desert, CA
Station: PALM SPRINGS ASOS · Source: NOAA NCEI
On Campus Safety Score
2021–2023 U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security data normalized per 1,000 students
On Campus Safety data from the U.S. Dept. of Education Clery Act Database, normalized per 1,000 enrolled students. Higher scores indicate a safer environment. Review detailed data on the U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security website.
Cost Breakdown
Annual costs for the 2023–24 academic year. Source: IPEDS/NCES 2024.
| Cost Item | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $1,288 | $8,932 |
| Fees | $38 | $38 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $1,326 | $8,970 |
These are sticker prices. Your actual cost may be much lower with financial aid.
Calculate Your Net PriceFields of Study
102 programs offered
Most Popular Programs
Bar width proportional to graduates per year. Earnings = median 4 years after graduation.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect graduates working and not enrolled full-time. Data suppressed (shown as —) for programs with fewer than 30 graduates. Most recent available year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is College of the Desert located?
College of the Desert is located in Palm Desert, CA. The main campus address is 43-500 Monterey Ave, Palm Desert, CA. It is a public institution offering 2-year associate degree programs.
How much does it cost to attend College of the Desert?
For the 2023–24 academic year, College of the Desert charges $1,288/year for in-state students and $8,932/year for out-of-state students. Including room and board, the total estimated cost for out-of-state students is approximately $8,970/year. Financial aid, scholarships, and grants can significantly reduce this cost — use College of the Desert's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
Is College of the Desert the right fit for me?
Whether College of the Desert is right for you depends on your academic goals, budget, lifestyle preferences, and career aspirations. Key factors to consider: admissions requirements, cost ($8,932/year out-of-state), campus culture in Palm Desert, and available programs. Use CollegeCove's compare tool to weigh College of the Desert against similar schools side-by-side.
Data sourced from IPEDS/NCES 2024. Always verify with College of the Desert directly for the most current information.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Public
- Location
- Palm Desert, CA
- Size
- 10,000–19,999
- Degrees Offered
- Associate's, Certificates
- School Year Weather
- Hot · 70°F avg
- On Campus Safety Score
- 90/100
- Nearest Airport
- Palm Springs, CA (PSP) · 10 mialso TRM (15 mi), RIV (51 mi)
Location
Palm Desert, CA