College of the Desert

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Primary Address

43500 Monterey Ave.
Palm Desert, CA 92260

College of the Desert is an essential part of the world’s largest system of higher education. The college was founded in 1958 and opened its doors for the first time in September 1962. As a two-year college, it offers transfer students an affordable option for starting college and transferring to a four-year institution.

College of the Desert Contacts Directory

College of the Desert provides resources and programs to meet the diverse needs of its students.

Career Education

Career education certificates and training courses

Career Education offers a pathway to success that allows you to learn by exploring, collaborating, and doing from expert instructors and industry professionals.

Financial Aid

Grants, scholarships, loans and more

Find out how to save money with financial aid options, like grants, scholarships, and loans to help pay for your education.

Transfer Center

Counseling, resources, and support

Preparing students to transfer to participating four-year colleges and universities.

Jessica Belman

Transfer Center Specialist


A²MEND

African American Male Education Network & Development

A²MEND focuses on mentoring and initiatives that increase the success of African American male students.

Dr. Jermaine Cathcart

Professor Sociology / Black Student Success Center Co-Coordinator

BASIC NEEDS

Food, Housing, and Transportation

Get additional support to help remain focused on your education and your success. Find information on basic needs support services such as food pantries, housing, tutoring and transportation.

Jocelyn Vargas

Manager for Basic needs Center

Black Student Union

Challenging, enlightening and encouraging awareness and excellence in Black students.

Dr. Jermaine Cathcart

Professor Sociology / Black Student Success Center Co-Coordinator

COLLEGE CORPS

Meaningful opportunities to help fund your education

You can join thousands of other college students across the state in making a difference in your community while receiving hands-on training, and earning up to $10,000 to help pay for college. Learn more and apply now.

Foster Youth Services

NextUp - For Foster Youth Student Success

Offering services and support for eligible current and former foster youth.

Undocumented, AB 540 eligible student resources and services

Resources for Dreamer Students

Giving answers and support to undocumented students of all nationalities and backgrounds.

Elizabeth Tamayo

Outreach Specialist

VETERANS RESOURCE CENTER

For Military Connected Students

Providing various types of aid, benefits and support for current servicemembers and veterans.

Serving Those Who Have Served

Donni Prince

Veterans Resource Specialist, VA School Certifying Official

Wherever you are in life, we support you.

California Community Colleges help all types of students reach their goals.

Skip Wherever you are in life, we support you. list, 4 items available

High school students

It's a perfect time to start thinking about what you want to study. You can even get a head start on college and enroll in community college classes while still in high school. Ask your counselor for help matching your interests with a major and career path to select the classes you need.

Community College Students

If you plan to continue your studies at a four-year university, schedule an appointment with a counselor at your college's transfer center. Create a step-by-step plan to meet your educational goals on your timeline.

Veterans

Community college helps returning veterans make a smooth and affordable transition from military service into the highly competitive job market. Military service may even qualify you to earn credit for prior learning.

Foster Youth

Every community college campus has a foster youth liaison to help support students throughout their educational journey. And, with the NextUp program, the colleges also offer eligible current and former foster youth support and services that could include help with books, transportation, tutoring, housing and more.

College of the Desert offers more than a degree. They offer a path to the life you want.