English as a Second Language Programs

College of the Desert offers a variety of ESL courses, both for college credit (ESL) and non-credit (ESLN), depending on the goals you wish to achieve.

ESL Credit Courses

Enrollment/Placement into the ESL Credit Courses requires completing the steps of application and registration for college courses as listed in "Getting Started" on the main/home College of the Desert web page.

For more information on enrolling for the ESL Credit classes or to schedule an appointment to see a counselor, call the Counseling Office at 760-773-2521 or stop by our Counseling Center located on the 2nd floor of the Craven's Student Service Center.

ESLN Classes

The ESLN Program offers six levels of English, ranging from the Foundations class to the advanced level 5. Placement into the ESLN (non-credit) courses is determined by a Placement test. After completing the ESLN Program, you will have the language skills necessary to move on to many exciting careers or further studies.

Entry R​equirement for ESLN courses

  • Any Official Photo ID
  • Registration for ESLN classes is on an open-entry, space available basis.
  • Students must register in person.

No​te:

Students holding F-1 or Visitor Visas are not eligible for ESLN classes, but are encouraged to contact the International Education Office at (760) 776-7205.

Fees for ESLN Non-Credit courses

Spring & Fall Fees

Category Cost
Health & Student $20.00
Parking $20.00

Spring & Fall Fees

Category Cost
Health & Student $16.00
Parking (summer) $0.00

Books are available at no cost to students for use in ESLN classrooms only.

For the student wishing to have his/her own copy, textbooks can be purchased at the COD Bookstore.

ESLN Schedules Offered

Palm Desert Campus

Days of Week Class Times
Monday - Thursday 8:30am - 11:20am
Monday - Thursday 11:30pm - 12:50pm
Monday - Thursday 4:00pm – 6:50pm
Monday - Thursday 7:00pm – 9:50pm

Indio Campus

Days of Week Class Times
Monday - Thursday 8:30am - 11:20am
Monday - Thursday 11:30am - 12:20pm
Monday - Thursday 6:00pm - 8:50pm

For more information on the ESLN classes, please call 760-773-2559 or visit the English as a Second Language Admissions site.​​