At $11,812/yr net price, College of the Desert graduates earn $39,020/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $5,020/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $11,812 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $47,248 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $39,020/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$5,020/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 9.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 29.0% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,791/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,894/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $13,598/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $16,462/yr |
| $110,001+ | $18,265/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $73,446 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $37,208 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $30,409 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $21,781 |
The Risk Factor
29.0% of students at College of the Desert graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
College of the Desert delivers strong returns for specific career programs but weak outcomes for general studies. The nursing program stands out with graduates earning $73,446 annually, making the $11,812 yearly cost worthwhile despite the school's low 29% graduation rate.
Your choice of major determines everything here. Nursing graduates earn nearly double the school's overall median of $39,020, while liberal arts students average just $21,781. Criminal justice and business administration fall in between at $37,208 and $30,409 respectively. The wide earnings gap between programs means picking the wrong major costs you significantly.
The biggest financial risk is the graduation rate. With only three in ten students completing their programs, you face real odds of leaving with debt and no credential. This risk hits hardest in lower-paying majors where incomplete programs offer little career value.
College of the Desert works best if you're committed to nursing or already have clear career goals in criminal justice or business. The school makes less sense for exploratory students or those considering liberal arts, where weak earnings don't justify even the modest costs.
With only 32% of students receiving aid, you'll likely pay the full net price. The school offers limited merit scholarships, so focus on completing your program quickly to minimize total costs. Community college transfer agreements can help you move to four-year programs efficiently if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is College of the Desert worth the cost compared to other community colleges?
College of the Desert costs $11,812 per year with graduates earning $39,020 ten years later, which is reasonable for a community college. However, the 29% graduation rate is concerning and means most students don't finish their programs.
What are the best paying programs at College of the Desert?
Nursing programs at College of the Desert lead to strong earnings of $73,446 after graduation. Criminal Justice graduates earn $37,208, while Liberal Arts graduates typically earn only $21,781.
Do College of the Desert graduates struggle with student debt?
At $11,812 per year, College of the Desert is relatively affordable for higher education. The debt burden is manageable if students complete their programs, but the low 29% graduation rate means many students may accumulate debt without finishing.
Should I attend College of the Desert for a business degree?
Business graduates from College of the Desert earn around $30,409, which is modest for the degree cost. Consider the nursing program instead if you're looking for better financial returns from this school.