History of the College

Since 1958, College of the Desert has met the educational needs of Coachella Valley communities. The College continues to meet those needs today with the plEDGE program providing two years of free tuition to local high school students who enroll full-time at College of the Desert. In 2020, the program expanded to include Coachella Valley residents who had previously attended the College but were no longer enrolled.

In June 2021, College of the Desert received an $18 million gift from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott—the largest single donation in the College's more than 60-year history. This endowment continues to sustain and expand free tuition opportunities through the plEDGE program.

Building on this momentum, the Board of Trustees introduced pLEDGE for All in 2025, with the goal of offering free tuition to all community members beginning in 2030. The commitment reflects the College’s dedication to equitable access to higher education and expanded pathways for learning and opportunity.

In 2026, College of the Desert will open Roadrunner Motors, an innovative campus in Cathedral City located within a thriving automotive industry hub. The site will focus on automotive technology programs, including traditional combustion engines, electric vehicles, and hydrogen technologies—positioning the College to support the region’s evolving transportation sector well into the future.

Fall 2026 will mark the grand opening and dedication of a long-anticipated athletic stadium in Palm Desert. The new facility will feature state-of-the-art amenities to support football, baseball, and soccer programs.

In Fall 2027, the College will open the new Palm Springs Campus. Designed as a destination learning environment, the campus will emphasize creative disciplines, artificial intelligence, hospitality, culinary arts, digital media and film, healthcare, and sustainability.

Beyond academics, College of the Desert provides comprehensive student support services, including weekly access to a food pantry, $5 textbook rentals, intercampus transportation via Roadrunner Express, and financial assistance through scholarships, grants, and internships. Dedicated resource centers serve the needs of Dreamers, foster youth, LGBTQIA+ students, and Black student communities.

Through its diverse academic offerings, students can pursue career and technical certifications in fields such as HVAC, welding, and emergency medical services, while also preparing for transfer to public and private universities nationwide. All degrees and certificates are accredited by the Accreditation Commission of Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC).

College of the Desert continues to expand and refine its programs, facilities, and services to meet the evolving needs of the Coachella Valley. Its faculty, staff, and administrators remain committed to helping students enhance their quality of life and achieve greater economic mobility through education.