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 gives you a mixed financial picture that hinges almost entirely on which program you pick. The median graduate earns about $39,000 ten years out, which is modest, and the 29% graduation rate means most people who start here don't finish. That combination is the core risk: you pay for time you may not convert into a credential.
Nursing is the one program that clearly pays off. At roughly $73,000, it earns nearly double the next-best option, criminal justice, and more than three times what the general liberal arts track returns. If you can get into and finish the nursing program, the math works strongly in your favor, especially in the Coachella Valley where healthcare demand is steady. Business administration graduates land around $30,000, barely above the liberal arts floor, so an associate degree in either of those fields leaves you close to where you started financially.
The general studies and humanities path is the weakest bet here at roughly $22,000. Treat it as a transfer step toward a four-year degree, not an endpoint, because on its own it doesn't cover the cost of attendance in any reasonable timeframe.
Net price runs low for lower-income families and climbs steeply as income rises. If your family earns under $30,000, you pay around $10,800. over $110,000, you pay closer to $18,300. For lower-income families targeting nursing, this is a genuinely affordable route to a solid wage. For higher-income families paying near the top tier for a liberal arts or business associate degree, the return is thin.
Come here for nursing, or use it as a cheap transfer springboard. If neither fits your plan, the earnings data says look elsewhere.
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.