Student Enrollment

Current student body demographics and enrollment patterns at College of the Desert

Palm Desert, CA

Total Enrollment

12,861

Currently enrolled students

Program Options

151

151 programs

Full-Time Students

3,717

7,047 part-time

Total FTE

6,862

Full-time equivalent students

Student-Faculty Ratio

25:1

Students per faculty member

What Is the Student Body Size?

Training Program Focus

2714

Certificate Graduates

Short-term specialized training

4237

Total Recent Graduates

With 12,861 students, College of the Desert is a large institution offering diverse educational programs and extensive facilities. The school offers 151 specialized programs designed for immediate workforce entry.

How Do Students Attend?

Attendance Status Distribution

Full-Time Students 3,717 (34.5%)

34.5%

Part-Time Students 7,047 (65.5%)

65.5%

Total Students 10,764

Majority part-time students (65.5%), serving working professionals and those with other commitments.

Full-Time

Part-Time

Students are split between full-time (28.9%) and part-time attendance, reflecting flexible scheduling for working professionals.

Who Are the Students?

Student Demographics

Gender Distribution

Women

56.6%

7,274 students

Men

43.4%

5,587 students

Race/Ethnicity Distribution

Primary Ethnic Group

Hispanic/Latino

73.9%

9,509 students

Hispanic/Latino

73.9% (9,509)

White

14.7% (1,891)

Asian

2.7% (341)

Two or More Races

2.4% (314)

Black/African American

2.4% (306)

International Students

0.5% (69)

American Indian/Alaska Native

0.3% (37)

Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander

0.1% (8)

Demographics Summary

Gender: Balanced gender distribution across 12,861 students

Largest Ethnic Group: Hispanic/Latino students make up 74% of the student body (9,509 students)

The student body reflects diverse backgrounds and demographics.

Interested in Academic Quality & Learning Environment?

Explore retention rates, student-faculty ratios, distance education options, and academic intensity on our dedicated Academics page.

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How Are Students Distributed by Level?

Undergraduate students

12,861 students

43% Men, 57% Women

4,187 Full-time 8,674 Part-time

Diversity Index: 43% • Minority Students: 79%

What Are the Attendance Patterns?

Full-Time Students

All Full-Time

3,717

All full-time students

1,655 men, 2,062 women

Diversity: 38%

All Full-Time

4,187

All full-time students

1,903 men, 2,284 women

Diversity: 41%

FT Undergraduate

3,717

Full-time undergraduate

1,655 men, 2,062 women

Diversity: 38%

FT Undergraduate

4,187

Full-time undergraduate

1,903 men, 2,284 women

Diversity: 41%

FT Degree-Seeking

3,582

Full-time degree/certificate-seeking

1,598 men, 1,984 women

Diversity: 39%

FT Degree-Seeking

4,086

Full-time degree/certificate-seeking

1,851 men, 2,235 women

Diversity: 41%

FT First-Time

1,125

Full-time first-time students

526 men, 599 women

Diversity: 37%

FT First-Time

1,244

Full-time first-time students

586 men, 658 women

Diversity: 42%

FT Continuing

2,842

Full-time continuing students

1,265 men, 1,577 women

Diversity: 40%

FT Continuing

2,457

Full-time continuing students

1,072 men, 1,385 women

Diversity: 39%

FT Transfer

Full-time transfer students

43 men, 44 women

Diversity: 65%

FT Transfer

131

Full-time transfer students

66 men, 65 women

Diversity: 61%

FT Continuing

2,370

Full-time other continuing

1,029 men, 1,341 women

Diversity: 38%

FT Continuing

2,711

Full-time other continuing

1,199 men, 1,512 women

Diversity: 39%

FT Non-Degree

101

Full-time non-degree seeking

52 men, 49 women

Diversity: 49%

FT Non-Degree

135

Full-time non-degree seeking

57 men, 78 women

Diversity: 34%

Part-Time Students

All Part-Time

8,674

All part-time students

3,684 men, 4,990 women

Diversity: 44%

All Part-Time

7,047

All part-time students

2,968 men, 4,079 women

Diversity: 40%

PT Undergraduate

7,047

Part-time undergraduate

2,968 men, 4,079 women

Diversity: 40%

PT Undergraduate

8,674

Part-time undergraduate

3,684 men, 4,990 women

Diversity: 44%

PT Degree-Seeking

5,318

Part-time degree/certificate-seeking

2,217 men, 3,101 women

Diversity: 41%

PT Degree-Seeking

6,121

Part-time degree/certificate-seeking

2,632 men, 3,489 women

Diversity: 45%

PT First-Time

964

Part-time first-time students

477 men, 487 women

Diversity: 43%

PT First-Time

1,301

Part-time first-time students

667 men, 634 women

Diversity: 56%

PT Continuing

4,354

Part-time continuing students

1,740 men, 2,614 women

Diversity: 40%

PT Continuing

4,820

Part-time continuing students

1,965 men, 2,855 women

Diversity: 41%

PT Transfer

222

Part-time transfer students

99 men, 123 women

Diversity: 65%

PT Transfer

321

Part-time transfer students

139 men, 182 women

Diversity: 70%

PT Continuing

4,132

Part-time other continuing

1,641 men, 2,491 women

Diversity: 38%

PT Continuing

4,499

Part-time other continuing

1,826 men, 2,673 women

Diversity: 38%

PT Non-Degree

2,553

Part-time non-degree seeking

1,052 men, 1,501 women

Diversity: 41%

PT Non-Degree

1,729

Part-time non-degree seeking

751 men, 978 women

Diversity: 39%

Understanding Student Categories

First-Time: Students starting their first postsecondary program

Continuing: Students who previously enrolled and are returning

Transfer: Students who transferred from other institutions

Degree-Seeking: Students enrolled in certificate or degree programs

Non-Degree: Students taking courses without pursuing a formal credential

What Is the Diversity Picture?

Undergraduate students

1,891

White

306

Black/African American

9,509

Hispanic/Latino

341

Asian

International

Diversity Index: 43% Minority Students: 79%

Want to See Student Success & Outcomes?

Explore completion rates, transfer patterns, and detailed 8-year student outcome tracking on our dedicated Student Outcomes page.

View Student Outcomes

Student Life & Campus Experience

Diverse Student Community

Students from various backgrounds come together to learn career-focused skills in a supportive environment.

Flexible Scheduling

Many students balance work and family commitments with their studies through part-time and evening programs.

Career-Focused Learning

Students are goal-oriented, seeking practical skills and credentials that lead directly to employment opportunities.

Explore More About College of the Desert

College Overview

General information

Programs & Degrees

Available study options

Admissions

Requirements & process

AI-generated illustration of diverse students on a college campus with enrollment statistics, charts showing student demographics, attendance patterns, and campus life activities

Key Takeaways About College of the Desert's Student Body

• Training Environment: Large institution with 12,861 students offering extensive programs and state-of-the-art facilities.

• Study Patterns: Flexible scheduling with many part-time students balancing work and education.

• Academic Intensity: 6,862 FTE students indicates flexible scheduling accommodating working students.

• Learning Format: Traditional in-person education with online components for flexibility.

• Academic Environment: Good student-faculty ratio (25:1) allows for meaningful instructor interaction.

• Student Diversity: Growing diversity with students from various backgrounds and experiences.

• Learning Environment: Students benefit from career-focused education with hands-on training, experienced instructors, and support services designed to help them achieve their professional goals.

• Community: The student body includes diverse learners from various backgrounds, creating a rich learning environment where students can network and learn from each other's experiences.

Get Information

Visit Website Admissions Office College Overview

Contact Information

Phone

7603468041

Address

43-500 Monterey Ave

Palm Desert, CA 92260

Student Success

The student body at colleges often includes:

• Working adults seeking career changes
• Recent high school graduates
• Military veterans using education benefits
• Students upgrading skills in their field
• Individuals seeking fast-track credentials