Palm Desert, CA · Private University
Is College of the Desert Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$39,020
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$1,326
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$9,586
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$38,344
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
4.07x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
9.5 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Median Debt
$5,261
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$11,812
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
College of the Desert graduates earn $5,980 less than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
The Bottom Line
College of the Desert stands out as a strong financial investment among U.S. colleges. Graduates earn $39,020 10 years after starting, $5,980 below the national median of $45,000. Graduates typically break even on their investment within 9.5 years, a reasonable timeline.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.