Cost of Attendance
The cost of attendance (or budget) is the estimated total amount it may cost to attend college. It will vary depending on your living situation (whether you live with your parents or off campus) and residency status (California resident or non-resident). Residency status is determined by Admissions and Records.
College of the Desert, Financial Aid Office uses the cost of attendance (COA) when evaluating/awarding a student's financial aid. According to federal regulations, your financial aid award cannot exceed the Cost of Attendance.
The Cost of Attendance lists the estimated expenses for a nine-month academic year.
Actual costs may vary. All values below are for enrollment statuses of 1/2 time and greater.
2025-2026 Cost of Attendance Budgets
CA Resident Budget:
The following Cost of Attendance chart shows a 9-month (2025-2026 Academic Year) budget for a student who is California Resident at a full-time status (12 units).
| Expenses | At Home w/ Parent | Off Campus |
| Enrollment Fees | $1,288 | $1,288 |
| Health Fees | $38 | $38 |
| Books & Supplies | $1,089 | $1,089 |
| Food & Housing | $11,835 | $23,112 |
| Transportation | $1,818 | $1,989 |
| Personal/Misc | $4,140 | $5,067 |
| TOTAL: | $20,208 | $32,583 |
Non-Resident Budget:
The following Cost of Attendance chart shows a 9-month (2025-2026 Academic Year) budget for a student who is Non-Resident at a full-time status (12 units).
| Expenses | At Home w/ Parent | Off Campus |
| Enrollment Fees | $10,696 | $10,696 |
| Health Fees | $38 | $38 |
| Books & Supplies | $1,089 | $1,089 |
| Food & Housing | $11,835 | $23,112 |
| Transportation | $1,818 | $1,989 |
| Personal/MISC. | $4,140 | $5,067 |
| TOTAL: | $29,616 | $41,991 |
Additional Costs (vary by student):
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VN Nursing students will have their cost of attendance increased by $580 per academic year (9-month) for licensure fees.
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RN Nursing students will have their cost of attendance increased by $580 per academic year (9-month) for licensure fees.
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Federal Direct Loan borrowers will have their cost of attendance increased by $98 per 25-26 academic year (9-month) for average loan origination fee.
For additional information on costs for attending COD or other California Community Colleges please use the Net Price Calculator on the Chancellor's Office website.
