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Colleges / CA / Palm Desert
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College of the Desert

Public Palm Desert, CA · Urban · Far West · 80% data reported · Agent Insights
30%
Graduation Rate
$39,020
Earnings (10yr)
$15,728
Net Price
10,207
Enrollment

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Overview

At College of the Desert, nearly 40% of students receive Pell Grants, highlighting the school’s commitment to accessibility for low-income learners. This financial support can significantly ease the burden of college expenses for many students, making education more attainable in the Palm Desert area.

Graduates from College of the Desert earn a median salary of $39,020 a decade after enrolling. While the graduation rate stands at 30%, the school plays a crucial role in elevating students who may come from disadvantaged backgrounds. Although specific mobility and success rates are unavailable, the data suggests that the college serves as a stepping stone for many local residents seeking better opportunities.

With a net price of $15,728, students can expect a manageable cost for their education. This may appeal to those looking to enter fields like Humanities, Education, Health Professions, Business & Marketing, or Criminal Justice. Students who thrive here are likely those who take advantage of available financial aid and are motivated to navigate the challenges of completing their degrees.

How College Compares

Dot right of center = above national average.

NATIONAL AVGGraduation30%Earnings 10yr$39KNet Price$16KRetention70%Pell Grant Rate38%

Net Price by Family Income

What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.

$15K$0-30K$15K$30-48K$17K$48-75K$22K$110K+

The Mobility Equation

Mobility = Access x Success. How many low-income students get in, and how many reach the top 20%?

ACCESS% from bottom 20%2468.4%SUCCESS% who reach top 20%1301.4%MOBILITY321.23%

Cost & Financial Aid

$1,326
In-State Tuition
$10,174
Out-of-State
$15,728
Avg Net Price
38%
Pell Grant Rate
1%
Federal Loan Rate

What Families Actually Pay

$14,872
Family Income $0–$30K
$15,071
Family Income $30K–$48K
$17,137
Family Income $48K–$75K
$21,969
Family Income $110K+

Graduate Outcomes

$31,085
6 Years After Entry
$34,631
8 Years
$39,020
10 Years
48%
Earning > $25K

Earnings Trajectory

$31,085 6yr $34,631 8yr $39,020 10yr

Social Mobility

Data: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card · 30M+ anonymized tax records

321.23%
Mobility Rate
Bottom 20% → Top 20%
1301.4%
Success Rate
If bottom 20% get in
2468.4%
From Bottom 20%
Share of students
$44,900
Parent Median Income

Social Capital

Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

0.98
Economic Connectedness
Cross-class friendships
0.06
Friending Bias
Lower = more inclusive
2.7%
Volunteering Rate
0.96
Support Ratio
Community support

Academics & Admissions

Retention Rate 70%
Full-Time Faculty 27%
Faculty Salary (mo) $12,882
Diversity Index 0.43
First-Gen Students 62%

Top Programs

Humanities 29%
Education 11%
Health Professions 11%
Business & Marketing 7%
Criminal Justice 4%
Psychology 3%
Mechanic & Repair Tech 3%
Social Sciences 2%

Quick Facts

Setting Urban
Region Far West
Accreditor Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
Predominant Degree Certificate
Hispanic-Serving Yes

Student Body

Female
56%
White
15%
Hispanic
74%
Black
3%
Asian
3%

Data Sources

U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard

Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card

Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

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