New Year, New Future at College of the Desert

College of the Desert welcomes the new year and the time to pursue exciting opportunities.

The new year begins a season of adventure and growth. College of the Desert (COD) invites prospective students to build their futures at a college that will support them every step of the way as they pursue new adventures and growth. Whether you are a high schooler looking to get a head start on higher education or a professional looking for enriching career training on a flexible schedule, open enrollment is available.

COD offers an extensive selection of courses focused on essential vocational skills. Our rigorous academics are suitable for transfer to four-year colleges. With the help of our resources, more individuals have been able to set and achieve their educational goals than ever before. The 10,600 students that enroll in our courses each semester are testament to our extensive offerings and resources.

The college provides a blend of synchronous, asynchronous and face-to-face coursework. COD has recently become a California Virtual College (CVC) Teaching College within California Community Colleges’ Online Exchange. This new development allows students to enroll in COD online courses, enhancing accessibility not only in the Coachella Valley but across California.

It now only takes one hour to enroll at COD! We have reduced our application cycle from five days to one hour. As always, students in need of enrollment support can reach out to the Admissions and Records Office at the Palm Desert Campus. Enrollment support is also available at each of COD’s satellite campuses located in Desert Hot Springs, Indio, Mecca/Thermal and Palm Springs.

As part of COD’s commitment to open access educational opportunities, the college has heavily invested in its dual and concurrent enrollment program, available during the spring semester. Dual and concurrent enrollment allows local high school students to earn college credits at COD before they complete their high school diplomas. COD’s goal is to enable all high school students in the Coachella Valley to graduate with college credits, which better prepares for higher education.

COD is dedicated to providing affordable education for all, so concurrent enrollment at the college is tuition-free. Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher. High school students must obtain recommendations from their school counselor and principal for admission.

Concurrent enrollment students can apply for any college-level instruction listed in the COD schedule of classes. This includes career education, virtual learning, courses that can be transferred to universities, theater performance classes, and courses that require instructor approval.

College of the Desert welcomes the new year and the time to pursue exciting opportunities. Students can take advantage of the innovative courses offered during the spring semester and start their future now.