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College of the Desert Reviews

Average Rating Details

Academic Rigor

Dorm Life

Food and Dining

See College of the Desert reviews submitted by students. Find out what students have to say about various aspects of attending College of the Desert. Read about academic experiences and campus life in these free College of the Desert reviews, or contribute your own College of the Desert review if you're a current student there.

  • 4 out of 5 people found this review useful. 1 person found this inaccurate.

    Jessica from Coachella, CA

    Reviewer is A past student here.

    Categories Rating Comments

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Courtney from Cathedral City, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    it's very laid back and easy going. the students come from all different backgrounds of life. you learn a lot from the time your there.
    Tips for prospective students

    you should definitely apply, even if it's not your first choice you can always have a back up plan. if you want to make the more affordable option this is the way to go.
    Academic Rigor

    some teachers are kinda crazy and really hard graders but that's the difference between college and high school. most of the teachers are really nice and will help you as much as they can.
    Dorm Life

    there are no dorms.
    Food and Dining

    the food is actually pretty good and the employees make sure you get it fast so your not late to class.
    What to do for fun

    i don't really spend much time on campus because i have two jobs along with school but, when i am on campus i like to hang out in the cafe and meet new people.
    Bang for the buck

    you definitely get a lot for the amount of money your spending. you can always rent books and share to save more money but the academics offered are really good and you don't have to pay a lot for them.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    there really is so much to do around college of the desert. the mall is literally right down the street along with el paseo which is full of shopping and restaurants.
    Great for these types of students

    this campus is great for everyone because you will always find that one group where you belong.
    Clubs and Activities

    all the clubs and activities are so much fun and interesting. you meet so many people, you learn about different cultures, get help on your homework, and learn what it takes to be on your own.
    Greek Life

    unfortunately there is no greek life on campus.
    Campus Safety

    you always some form of security on campus and you never hear of anyone getting hurt ever. the only annoying thing is when they check for stickers on your cars and you get ticketed, i've never gotten a ticket because i have the sticker but i would recommend to just buy the sticker and have to pay for every ticket.

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Josiah from Palm Springs, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Many of the teachers here are retirees, some of whom have previously taught at prestigious universities. I have had professors who have taught at USC, UCSB, UCR, UC Berkeley, Harvard, and even Yale. These teachers are heavily invested in educating their students, and generally have a laid-back attitude, and testing, workloads and assignments are usually not too vigorous. However, some teachers at COD take their instruction at a community college (where nearly half the student population works full or part time, in addition to attending classes) as seriously as they took their jobs at previous universities. This means much heavier workloads that require exceptional amounts of out-of-class work that can be strenuous on students who are also holding full-time jobs outside of class, or are only taking said class as a prerequisite for the degree they are pursuing. Overall though, most professors here are knowledgeable, thoughtful, and can actually be fun. Most importantly though, they understand that it is their job to help the community college students succeed, especially in regards to transferring to four year institutions. The student-professor relationship here is very informal and fluid, which leads for a great environment for aspiring students.
    Am enjoying being here

    Though the education is laudable, student culture is a bit lacking. There is no longer a student lounge area, and campus activities are fairly limited. Most student affairs are managed by honors societies, that by and large do not seem to have a great deal of cohesion with the majority of the student body. There is a general feel of disconnection between students that is widely noticed. However, I would only attribute this to the fact that most students here are planning to pursue a vocational degree, taking a very wide variety of prerequisites for their AA, or taking the classes necessary to meet the IGETC requirements. In short, I believe that the disconnect noted among students is largely due to their education simply being more important to them than their on-campus social life.
    Bang for the buck

    There is no question that the community college system, despite the state of financial distress it has found itself in, is one of the best higher-education deals in the nation. Almost any student qualifies for the Bogg Waiver, which completely erases the cost of tuition, and the FAFSA and CalGrant are made easily accessible to students as well, meaning that, as long as you manage your education expenses wisely, you can actually make money by attending College of the Desert, which can be applied to housing, transportation, and anything else a student might need.
    Tips for prospective students

    Make sure to register in advance in order to get into the classes you need. It also helps to have a 2-year game plan outlining what classes you need (and want) to take in order to achieve your goals, and the best order to take them in. Aditionally, it helps to take classes such as the Intro to Scholarships class, which is a great resource for finding money if you plan to transfer to a four-year institution.
    Great for these types of students

    College of the Desert, though it has excellent academic programs for students planning to transfer, is a very career-oriented school. It's nursing department is widely known and appreciated, and has strong ties to the Cal State San Bernadino campus that is five minutes away. Any other vocational degrees, such as culinary arts, auto repair, management and hospitality, and general maintenance certification are easily available with quality instruction. This should not discourage students planning to transfer though, as College of the Desert's programs for Art, Graphic Design, Philosophy, and Liberal Arts are extremely commendable as well.

  • Holli from LA Quinta, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    The New Science & Math Building opening Fall Semester 2012. Communication Building to open in 2013. Diversity is accepted and encouraged.
    Tips for prospective students

    Do not procrastinate, register as soon as classes are available. Have a plan A, B and possibly C, depending on course availability. The California Dream Act will impact newly enrolling students. International Student Program.
    Academic Rigor

    Great A.A., Certificate and Transfer Programs
    Dorm Life

    Housing available, just blocks from campus. Opportunities for room mates are abundant. International students maybe eligible for Host Housing.
    Food and Dining

    Supermarkets, Restaurants, and Fast Food joints with in walking distance. On-site Cafeteria.
    What to do for fun

    Outdoor activities galore, due to great climate. Hundreds of golf courses, Jeep Adventures, Hiking & Biking Trails.
    Bang for the buck

    Affordable
    Great for these types of students

    Athletes, Culinary Arts, Business, Hospitality & Landscaping
    Clubs and Activities

    Sports & Clubs.

  • Alex from Rancho Mirage, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    This campus is great. The learning environment is great. Many transferable degrees are offered.
    Tips for prospective students

    Make sure you know what you need to take and have a plan for your long term goals.
    Academic Rigor

    The teachers are all great.
    Food and Dining

    Campus food is good and is very conveniently located on campus.
    What to do for fun

    There is many activities to do for fun in this valley. Ranging from music events, art events, hiking and more!
    Bang for the buck

    The cost to go to this college is great.
    Great for these types of students

    Great for all kinds of students. It doesn't matter where you start your study.
    Campus Safety

    Campus safety is great. I feel safe walking around campus at all times.

  • Celeste from Mecca, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Dorm Life

    There is no dorm life.
    Food and Dining

    The food is pretty good but its very expensive.
    What to do for fun

    The fun thing you can do here is just chill with friends, study in groups, use the computer lab where there are tutors available for you for any kind of help you need and there is always a dj on Tuesday's and Thursday's.

  • Deisy from Coachella, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    College of the Desert is a great community college where advisors and teachers can help you focus on a major if undecided. They have great people skills and are allways willing to help and answer every question you have. As for transfering, the counselors are great in walking you through every choice made.
    Tips for prospective students

    Always go and see a counselor for references when you ahve a question.

  • Karen from Palm Desert, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    DSPS Student Services are extremely helpful for the disabled student. I always find the help I need.
    The faculity is very helpful and I fully used the work experience program.
    Tips for prospective students

    College of the Desert is diverse and easy to schedule your personal life and classes so that you have the time to work or do your homework and suceed in your career goals.
    Academic Rigor

    Sign up early for classes they go fast. The homework is spelled out for you follow it and you will do well. If you are having trouble with a class there are tudors available on campus.
    Dorm Life

    Lived off campus.
    Food and Dining

    Nice variety of food in the campus cafeteria.
    What to do for fun

    People watch, take art classes, attend school events and hike everywhere if you can.
    Bang for the buck

    Reasonable cost
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    wide variety of people from around the world
    Great for these types of students

    any type old or young
    Clubs and Activities

    Join the scholarship club to find ways to get college scholarships.
    Make the honor society and qualify for more scholarships.
    Greek Life

    zip
    Campus Safety

    Security patrolling all the time...security staff has been very helpful to me day and night.

  • Tony from Banning, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    I'd enjoyed going to this school, because of the many academics programs that they offered. All of the professors that I had were very friendly and helpful, such as giving tips on how to prepare for courses that are higher and what to do to finish college faster.
    Tips for prospective students

    Try to stay cool, because during the spring and summer it gets very hot.
    Dorm Life

    No campus living.
    Food and Dining

    I have not yet tried the cafeteria, but I had friends who tried it and enjoyed the food.
    Campus Safety

    There is always a security guy going around.

  • Alicia from Indio, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    I enjoy going to college of the desert, I wish there wouldn't be so many budget cost it's affecting current students and new
    Students as they prepare to graduate or transfer.
    Tips for prospective students

    Be early to crash a class, if you need tutoring do not hesitate there are resources at school to help
    Academic Rigor

    I am a culinary arts graduate and I highly recommend the teacher.
    Dorm Life

    This is a community college no dorms
    Here.
    Food and Dining

    food is not so good and too pricey.
    What to do for fun

    I haven't joined any clubs but I heard there were
    Plenty of exciting ones on campus.
    Campus Safety

    The campus safety is moderate.

  • Tiffany from Palm Desert, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    College of the Desert is convenient for every student who lives in the Palm Springs Area. It recently has had cutbacks due to funding. Classroom sizes are becoming smaller and smaller.
    Tips for prospective students

    Have a firm grasp on what you want to be and what you want to accomplish.
    Dorm Life

    College of the Desert does not offer on campus housing.
    What to do for fun

    College of the Desert's accepting art programs are joyous-paired with the thriving growth of its Agriculture/Plant Science programs.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    The Agriculture/Plant Science area is beautiful.
    Great for these types of students

    Nurses.

  • Toni

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Most people here, whether they are students or staff, are pretty friendly and down to earth. College of the Desert is also in a pretty convenient spot, as it it near pretty much anything. Overall, CoD is a pretty cool school.
    Tips for prospective students

    Make sure you apply for the FAFSA well in advance, so any financial aid you are to receive, you'll receive as early as possible. Try to register for your classes as soon as you are able; they fill up pretty quickly. If you've just graduated, I would recommend taking a math and English class together, with whatever else you might want/have to take; it'll be easier for you in the long run to get the requirements out of the way. Also, it's a good idea to try to balance your schedule out, so you don't have such a heavy work load; try to take a class for fun.
    Academic Rigor

    Teachers tend to give a reasonable amount of schoolwork and homework; only a select few professors have a heavier work load for students.
    Dorm Life

    College of the Desert doesn't have any dorms, unfortunately. There are some apartments nearby, though, so those might be something you might want to look into.
    Food and Dining

    Beeps Cafe, the cafeteria on campus, does offer a variety of food; they offer prepackaged meals, and they have a grill, so they can cook you up something from the menu. There's also a Starbucks in the Cafe, with a select few items. If you don't feel like eating at Beeps, there's also Westfield Palm Desert Mall and several other restaurants located minutes away from the campus.
    What to do for fun

    There is a game room in Beeps Cafe, near the Lounge Area, and they're open several hours throughout the week. Beeps Cafe is also a regular hangout for most students, as it's a good place to socialize and meet new people. Westfield Palm Desert is a few minutes away, so you could go (window) shopping there. There's also the Civic Center Park, which is located just south of College of the Desert; some students like heading over there when they have some free time. If you have more time to spare, you could take a drive to The River, which is a pretty large shopping complex; there's also a theater there, so you could catch a movie, too!
    Bang for the buck

    You are definitely getting your money's worth at College of the Desert. The price per unit has been rising a bit these last semesters, but the education you receive here is something you'll keep for a lifetime.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    There don't really seem to be any unusual traditions at CoD. Next to the Natural Resources building, there are a few benches and tables near a pond, and it seems like a nice and quiet place to study. During the fall, some trees' leaves turn a pinkish-red color, which make the campus look really pretty.
    Great for these types of students

    College of the Desert does focus on sports, so it might be good to look into CoD if you're an athlete. The nursing program is also pretty popular. Overall, College of the Desert is a great campus for anyone who is willing to learn and wants to continue on with their education.
    Clubs and Activities

    There are a few clubs at CoD, so it shouldn't be too hard to get involved. If you don't find a club you're interested in, you could always start your own club; club information should be found in the Student Life offices, which are adjacent to Beeps Cafe. Also, there are always different activities and/or workshops to attend throughout the semester.
    Campus Safety

    College of the Desert is a pretty safe campus overall, but that is with an effort from both campus security and students. Cars get broken into sometimes, but if you can, store any valuables out of sight.

  • Steve from Cathedral City, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    college of the desert is a great school to enroll in it allows students to get the education they are looking for and more. it gives those students to achieve their academic goal even though if they didn't do as well as they wanted to in high school.
    Tips for prospective students

    make sure to register for your classes as soon as possible they fill up quick.
    Academic Rigor

    academically the school is great because the only way you can get in your general ed classes will depend entirely on how well you did on your assessment test so the classes you get will never be too easy or too difficult because they will be at your level. as far as i can tell everyone i have met is comfortable with the level of their particular subjects.
    Dorm Life

    we don't have dorms.
    Food and Dining

    the food at college of the desert is exceptional. it's well priced. a huge selection from healthy foods to snacks. there are vending machines all over the school and there are food stands everything is well priced, the locations are all convenient so if you are walking to a class you can have a quick stop at a stand and grab a bite to eat.
    What to do for fun

    there are somethings to do at college of the desert for fun. you could go to the gym and workout. or you can go to the cafe and socialize with you friends. college of the desert is not the biggest campus ,but if someone wanted to have fun, it would depend on the person there is a lot to do, you can go out to the field and play sports, you can go to the choir room where you can sing and play instruments, there is not a dull moment at all as long as you have your interests.

  • Alejandro from Cathedral City, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    this college is a good starting point the teachers are good and seem to care about the students, the college is extremely over crowded and in need of more classes, but over all it is a good college for somebody who does not know what path they are going to take in life.
    Tips for prospective students

    if i had to give some tips to future students it would be to be right in your computer when the clock hits zero to get your classes, like i said before this college is extremely over crowded and this will give you the best chance to get into the classes that you want. always join the wait list for a class that is full, the chances of the people from the wait list to get into a class are huge. email the teacher if the class gets full sometimes they will give u a chance to get in before anybody crashes the class.
    Academic Rigor

    the academics in this school are a good starting point for anyone that wants to transfer to another school, all the teachers seem to care about the students and want for them to succeed in life. over all the college gets nothing but good remarks from everyone i know.
    Dorm Life

    this college is a community college and does not offer dorms on campus, they do however help you get an apartment close by for a very fair price.
    Food and Dining

    the food at cod is not the most healthiest or tastiest, over all i would recommend to stay out of the eating facilities. there are many good places close by that you can go to and for way less money.
    What to do for fun

    fun?? its college there is not much fun going around unless you join a club or a sports team.
    Bang for the buck

    the classes are comparable to all of the community colleges that i have heard of around california, there is no big surprise in tuition.
    Clubs and Activities

    there are a lot of clubs at cod if you have an interest for something cod has it. they are probably best know for their architecture club which is a very well developed club.
    Greek Life

    no greek life at all
    Campus Safety

    very safe.. securities at all hours.

  • Armando from Coachella, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    great atmosphere here at the school i am attending. it is currently being remodeled, so its going too look even better once i leave. the teachers are sub par, but you always have your good eggs and bad.
    Tips for prospective students

    any student coming here needs to remember this is a college in the desert, and it will get hot as heck.
    Dorm Life

    i don't live in a dorm, so hard to say.
    Food and Dining

    the cafe at college of the desert is really delish. the only down side it is a bit more expensive then the stores around, but the food is most definitely worth it.
    What to do for fun

    the malls right down the street. they also have a game room near the cafe.

  • Mary from Indio, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    i recently became disabled and now that i have all this time on my hands i thought the time is right for college. i was so right. thanks to sandy h. in the dsps program, i couldn't be happier.
    Tips for prospective students

    no matter what age, it's never to late. i'm 51 years old and i was terrified. the students are great and the teachers incredible. ms. gordon is so much fun, she makes learning enjoyable.
    Academic Rigor

    i had to learn my pace, i couldn't handle fulltime and thats ok. part time works so much better and homework is less stressful.

  • Addican from Palm Desert, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    a fine place due to its convenience. the classes are generally good, but that is if you can get in them.
    Tips for prospective students

    find any way of increasing your priority, or else you will not be able to get a chance to get a class you need.
    Academic Rigor

    not particularly difficult to do your classes.
    Dorm Life

    i live at home.
    Food and Dining

    i don't eat there.
    What to do for fun

    you have the mall nearby, and that is about all that palm desert has to offer.

  • Minerva from Cathedral City, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    a great environment, and not expencive. a great school to go to and receive an aa or as degree. great people all around.
    Tips for prospective students

    communicaton with teachers overall is pretty good, they really want their students to learn and enjoy themselves.
    Food and Dining

    good food. great workers at the caffe.
    What to do for fun

    join clubs, hang out in the quad area, go to football, beisball, basketball games.
    Great for these types of students

    all types of students! there is a great variety cultures all around. :)
    Campus Safety

    not a scary place, but it's always safer to lock your car and hide your backpacks. so far, no thefts have been reported. :)

  • Ayla from Indio, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    college of the desert is amazing and helpful in so many ways.
    there are a lot of volunteers to help you with a variety of different things
    including how to work online.
    without the help and support of the people at cod i honestly don't think i would still be there.
    Tips for prospective students

    ask questions!
    do not be shy to talk to the students or the teachers.
    the teachers a completely understanding, remember they were in your shoes before!
    biggest tip of all: be yourself and don't give up!
    Dorm Life

    there are actually no dorms at cod but there are a lot of places student from cod who rent rooms out for cheep!
    Food and Dining

    cod, just opened an amazing cafe! starbucks included! so many comfortable seats and places to study! the food is also inexpensive and very delicious!
    What to do for fun

    cod has many activity's! from going on field trips, to the students creating a events for summer! (last year we had a boy's vs girls water balloon fight in the park right next door!)
    Bang for the buck

    on campus food and drinks or very cheep! the you have so much variety.
    Clubs and Activities

    there are so many different clubs and activities threw out the school year.
    Campus Safety

    the are security guards on the clock all the time ! even late at night so you can feel safe.

  • Chris from Palm Springs, CA

    Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Great location. Beautiful Campus. Very nice staff.
    Tips for prospective students

    Lots of sports programs here, great to up your skill levels before transferring to a major school.
    Academic Rigor

    I haven't attended any classes, but from what I hear the courses are reasonable, not too hard, not too easy.
    Dorm Life

    I wouldn't know.
    Food and Dining

    Great food.
    What to do for fun

    There is a golf practice range on campus, that is open to the public. great for an active evening out.
    Bang for the buck

    Fairly inexpensive as far as two year schools are concerned.. Public school, so that is why. Lots of facilities not seen on other public campuses (Driving range) Golf School, among others.
    Great for these types of students

    Athletes
    Clubs and Activities

    Lots of options, great Student body leaders.
    Campus Safety

    Very little crime reported on campus, mostly burglaries, which are common on all college campuses

  • Cindy from Rancho Mirage, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Tips for prospective students

    A great school to attend, the teachers and administration care about the students success
    Great for these types of students

    Use all the resources that the school offer.