Copper Mountain Community College: $1,114 Tuition

$1,114Tuition

1,090Students

38%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$33,281Earnings

Public2-yearIndependentData: 2023-24

About Copper Mountain Community College

Desert winds shape more than just the landscape at this Mojave community college that serves 1,090 students in the high desert. Copper Mountain draws students seeking affordable education in one of California's most remote settings. The college operates on a semester system with a 15:1 student-faculty ratio that allows for personalized attention. Students here often balance work and family commitments while pursuing degrees or certificates that lead directly to careers.

Money matters work in students' favor at this public institution. In-state tuition costs just $1,114, and the average net price after aid is $7,962. Only 44% of students receive financial aid, suggesting many can afford the low sticker price outright. Graduates earn a median of $33,281 ten years after starting college. The numbers tell a practical story about accessible education that pays for itself relatively quickly.

Women make up 68% of the student body, reflecting the college's strong programs in traditionally female-dominated fields. Hispanic students represent 42% of enrollment, making this one of California's more diverse rural campuses. The Fighting Cacti field just two varsity sports with 26 total athletes, but athletics take a backseat to academics and workforce preparation in this desert learning environment.

Academics & Faculty

Copper Mountain Community College serves the Mojave Desert region with practical programs designed for local workforce needs and transfer preparation. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio provides personal attention that many students need to succeed in their academic journey. However, the 38% graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face, including work obligations and family responsibilities that often interrupt studies. The college emphasizes career training programs that connect directly to desert region employment opportunities, particularly in healthcare support roles and trades. Nearly 89% of students come from California, suggesting the college effectively serves its local community. The semester calendar system allows students flexibility to balance education with other commitments.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Full-Time Faculty: 24.9%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 38.3%
Median Earnings (10 years): $33,281

Campus Life

The Mojave Desert surrounds this small community college where 1,090 students navigate campus life under relentless California sun. You'll need sunscreen year-round and layers for surprisingly cold desert nights. Joshua Tree National Park sits practically next door, while Palm Springs lies an hour south for weekend escapes.

Women make up 68% of the student body, creating a female-heavy campus active. With just 26 total athletes competing in two sports as the Fighting Cacti, this isn't a school where athletics dominate social life. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio means professors actually know your name in class. Most students commute from nearby desert communities since campus housing is extremely limited.

Weekends often involve hiking in Joshua Tree's otherworldly landscape of twisted trees and massive boulder formations. The rural-distant setting means entertainment options require creativity or a drive to larger towns. Hispanic students represent 42% of enrollment, reflecting the region's demographics and creating a strong Latino cultural presence on campus. Desert isolation builds tight-knit communities among those who stay engaged.

Setting: Rural-Distant
Calendar System: Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 37°–60°F
July Avg: 69°–100°F
Annual Precipitation: 5.1"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

Copper Mountain draws heavily from the local Mojave Desert communities, with 89% of students staying close to home. The student body is 68% women, reflecting strong programs in health sciences and early childhood education that appeal to career-changers in rural California. Hispanic students make up 42% of enrollment, showing the college's role serving the region's Latino families. Nearly half of all students receive Pell Grants, demonstrating the school's mission as an affordable pathway for working-class desert residents seeking technical training and transfer opportunities.

Men: 31.9%
Women: 68.1%
White: 35.8%
Black: 7.8%
Hispanic: 42.0%
Asian: 5.7%
In-State Students: 88.7%
Pell Grant Recipients: 44.3%

Location

Copper Mountain Community College sits in Joshua Tree, California, about 130 miles east of Los Angeles in the heart of the Mojave Desert. The campus serves 1,090 students in a rural desert setting known for its stunning rock formations and proximity to Joshua Tree National Park. With 88.69% of students coming from in-state, the college draws heavily from local desert communities and the broader Inland Empire region. The area attracts outdoor enthusiasts and artists seeking inspiration in the stark desert landscape. Students pay an average net price of $7,962 to attend this remote campus where tumbleweeds outnumber traffic lights. Students considering colleges in California may also compare Copper Mountain Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Joshua Tree, California 92252

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $33,281
Median Earnings (5 years): $52,460
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $28,600
Loan Repayment Rate: 25.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements like at Copper Mountain Community College?

Community colleges like Copper Mountain maintain open enrollment policies, meaning they accept virtually all applicants who have a high school diploma or equivalent. The school serves 1,090 students in the remote desert landscape of Joshua Tree, focusing on accessibility rather than selectivity.

How much does Copper Mountain Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $7,962 annually, with in-state tuition starting at just $1,114. About 44% of students receive financial aid, though the college offers limited institutional grants with only 3.21% of students receiving an average of $5,387.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Copper Mountain Community College?

The college maintains a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, providing relatively small class sizes for personalized attention. The campus operates on a semester system and draws primarily local students, with nearly 89% coming from in-state.

What are the graduation and earnings outcomes for Copper Mountain Community College students?

The six-year graduation rate stands at 38.3%, which is typical for community colleges where many students transfer before completing degrees. Graduates earn a median of $33,281 ten years after enrollment, reflecting the college's role in preparing students for local workforce needs.

Where is Copper Mountain Community College located and what is campus life like?

The college sits in Joshua Tree, California, in a rural-distant setting surrounded by desert terrain and national park land. With just 26 total athletes competing in 2 varsity sports as the Fighting Cacti, campus life remains low-key and focused on academics rather than athletics.

Does Copper Mountain Community College serve a diverse student population?

Women make up 68% of the student body, higher than the national average. The college serves a diverse community with 42% Hispanic students and 36% White students, reflecting the demographic makeup of the Mojave Desert region.