College of the Desert (COD) and the Intensive English Academy (IEA) are happy that you are considering our programs!  We are proud of our 200 international students and the cultural enrichment they bring to our campus.  With over 35 countries represented in our program, we are truly an international campus! 

 
Choosing a college is an important decision and we want to assist you in that process.  The following pages will answer many of the questions new students have regarding admissions, our location, the community college system and the F-1 visa.  We hope that you will find the information you need as you begin your college search.

Did you know College of the Desert offers one of the lowest tuition rates among all the California Community Colleges?  Check out the comparison below:

 Please click on the following links to find the information that you need:

How To Apply
Our Location
Academic Programs
International Student Services
The COD Advantage
The Community College Advantage
New Student Arrival Information
Health Clearance Requirement
SEVIS Fee and Visa Information
Upcoming University Fairs

Would you like to study English before your college courses?  Click on Intensive English Academy.

 
About the college:

Founded in 1958, College of the Desert has been providing students with fully accredited, nationally recognized academic programs for three decades. Our accreditation is through the Western Association of Schools & Colleges (WASC). 

COD is a comprehensive community college where students can earn two year Associate of Arts (A.A.) or Associate of Science (A.S.) degrees which transfer to four year universities. As a California community college, we offer direct transfer into the UC (University of California) and CSU (California State University) systems.  Our international students have transferred to top universities including UCLA, UC Irvine, UC Riverside, San Diego State University, CSU Long Beach, San Francisco State University, University of Minnesota, Boston University, CSU San Bernardino and many other institutions throughout the US. 

As you begin learning about our programs, make sure and take the time to read all of the information contained in this website.  Each page has important information that will help you as you begin your plans to study at COD and the IEA! 

You are embarking on a new and exciting experience and we are happy that you are considering College of the Desert as the first stop in your American education!