Cost of Attendance
The Cost of Attendance (COA) is an estimate of the total cost of going to college for one academic year. Your COA may vary based on factors such as where you live (with your parents or off campus) and your residency status (California resident or non-resident). Note: Residency status is determined by the Admissions and Records Office (based on your CCC application).
The College of the Desert Financial Aid Office uses your COA to determine your financial aid eligibility and award amounts. Federal regulations require that a student's total financial aid cannot exceed their Cost of Attendance.
2026-27 Academic Year:
The Cost of Attendance (COA) 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.
CA Resident Budget
The following Cost of Attendance chart shows a 9-month budget for a student who is California Resident.
| Expenses | At Home w/Parent | Off Campus |
|---|---|---|
| Enrollment Fees | $1,288 | $1,288 |
| Health Fees | $38 | $38 |
| Books & Supplies | $1,305 | $1,305 |
| Food & Housing | $11,835 | $27,540 |
| Transportation | $1,206 | $1,656 |
| Personal/MISC. | $4,563 | $5,706 |
| Total: | $20,235 | $37,533 |
Non-Resident Budget:
The following Cost of Attendance chart shows a 9-month budget for a student who is Non-Resident.
| Expenses | At Home w/Parent | Off Campus |
|---|---|---|
| Enrollment Fees | $12,096 | $12,096 |
| Health Fees | $38 | $38 |
| Books & Supplies | $1,305 | $1,305 |
| Food & Housing | 12,537 | $27,540 |
| Transportation | $1,206 | $1,656 |
| Personal/MISC. | $4,563 | $5,706 |
| Total | $31,745 | $48,341 |
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 26-27 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 California Student Aid Commission website.
