Complete Online Application
Admissions applications are currently
being accepted for Spring, Summer, and Fall 2025.
Join the Roadrunner Family Today!
We are very excited to have you join College of the Desert. COD offers a variety of programs across the Coachella Valley to fulfill all of your career and educational needs. Use the tabs below to see which category best fits you and get started today!
Welcome New Students
If you are at least 18 years of age or have a high school diploma, you may enroll at College of the Desert. To get started, you will complete an online admissions application using CCCApply.
After your application has been processed, you will receive an email containing your unique College of the Desert student ID number and student portal login credentials. All students are admitted to College of the Desert after an admissions application has been submitted.
Welcome Back to COD
Students who have missed consecutive Fall and Spring semesters (1 year or more) must reapply for admissions.
After your application has been processed, you will receive an email containing your unique College of the Desert student ID number and student portal login credentials.
Students who have missed only one (1) Fall or Spring semester do not need to reapply to the college. Please Note: Returning student accounts may have a new username.
Finish Your Degree With COD
Students who have attended other colleges or universities may complete an online admissions application using CCCApply to begin their COD journey.
After your application has been processed, you will receive an email containing your unique College of the Desert student ID number and student portal login credentials. All students are admitted to College of the Desert after an admissions application has been submitted.
If you have completed coursework at other institutions, contact the schools you have attended and request to have your official transcripts sent to College of the Desert.
Welcome High School Students
The Dual Enrollment Program allows high school students the opportunity to enroll in college-level courses for credit prior to high school graduation. Dual enrollment courses are offered at participating high schools during the regular school day and by a qualified high school instructor and/or a visiting faculty from COD. Some college credit earned can fulfill high school graduation requirements, transfer to most colleges and universities, and be applied towards the fulfillment of associate degrees and certificates at COD.
The Concurrent Enrollment Program allows high school students the opportunity to enroll in college-level courses for credit prior to high school graduation. Concurrent enrolled student enroll in course that are held at College of the Desert or online.
Click on Dual and Concurrent Enrollment for additional information regarding requirements and participating high schools. Once you have reviewed the information, use the button below to get started.
If you are a graduating high school senior currently or previously enrolled in Dual or Concurrent Enrollment Classes at COD, you will need to reapply to the college.
What is the CVC?
The California Virtual Campus Online Education Initiative (CVC-OEI) is a collaborative effort among California Community Colleges to ensure that more students can complete their educational goals by increasing both access to and success in high-quality online courses.
This digital resource provides easy access for students to enroll in fully online courses across all 115 California Community Colleges. It includes a comprehensive catalog of online programs and courses to help students achieve their educational goals.
Lifelong Learning Starts Here
Are you interested in taking courses at College of the Desert for personal enrichment? Look no further as auditing a course at COD will give you the opportunity to take a college level course for no-credit.
Click on Auditing a Course for additional information regarding requirements and policies.
To audit a course, you will need to submit an online admissions application to get started. After your application has been processed, you will receive an email containing your unique College of the Desert student ID number and student portal login credentials.
Empower Your Education
If you are at least 18 years of age you may enroll in Non-Credit Programs at College of the Desert. COD offers the following Non-Credit programs:
- English as a Second Language Non-Credit (ESLN)
- GED Preparation
- High School Completion
- Non-Credit Career and Technical Education (CTE) certificates
After your application has been processed, you will receive an email containing your unique College of the Desert student ID number and student portal login credentials. All students are admitted to College of the Desert after an admissions application has been submitted.
International students on an F-1 visa must complete a separate admissions applications in order to attend College of the Desert.
How to Apply to COD (Video)
Important Information You Should Know Before You Apply
Providing Your Social Security Number
Your Social Security number must be accurate to ensure the integrity of your permanent record. It is used as a means of identifying records pertaining to students and to facilitate financial aid.
- The Social Security number is required to claim tax credits for higher education costs known as the Hope Scholarship Tax Credit and Lifelong Learning Credit in accordance with the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997.
- This information may be provided to the Chancellor's Office of the California Community Colleges for purposes of evaluating, auditing, and improving state education programs under California Law (Chapter 1458, stats. 1985).
