College of the Desert (COD) is the closest community college to Palm Springs. Located in Palm Desert—just 11 miles from Palm Springs—COD is a popular starting place for transfer students who wish to satisfy lower-division course requirements before moving to a four-year institution. The college also offers numerous vocational and technical programs, including nursing and health sciences, digital design and production, turf grass management and ornamental horticulture, advanced transportation technologies and culinary arts. In addition, the college’s new Public Safety Academy training facility offers a comprehensive list of courses in administration of justice.
College of the Desert
43-500 Monterey Avenue
Palm Desert, CA 92260
(760) 346-8041
collegeofthedesert.edu
The main campus of Mt. San Jacinto College (MSJC) is in San Jacinto, about 38 miles from Palm Springs. The college has a second campus in Menifee, as well as an extensive online program that offers students more flexibility than traditional classroom delivery. Like College of the Desert, MSJC offers courses and programs that meet transfer requirements, as well as career-focused vocational and technical programs. Basic Skills and English as a Second Language (ESL) training programs are also available, as are non-credit classes for people seeking personal enrichment.
Mt. San Jacinto College
1499 N. State Street
San Jacinto, CA 92583
(951) 487-6752
msjc.edu
Located six miles east of Joshua Tree, California, Copper Mountain College (CMC) is about 50 minutes from Palm Springs. CMC students can pursue an Associate’s degree or certificate in 24 fields of study, or they can earn credits in preparation for transferring to a four-year institution. The college’s vocational training programs include accounting, administration of justice, automotive technology, fire science, nursing, early childhood education and computer technology. In addition, the Developmental Education program offers high school completion/GED courses for all adults.
Copper Mountain College
6162 Rotary Way
Joshua Tree, CA 92252
(760) 366-3791
cmccd.edu
Riverside Community College District (RCCD) has two campuses that are also less than one hour’s drive from Palm Springs—Riverside City and Moreno Valley. Both campuses cater to transfer students as well as those wishing to earn an Associate’s degree or certificate. The Moreno Valley campus specializes in health education programs such as health sciences, human services and public services. Riverside City is a larger campus, with established programs in liberal arts, science, performing arts, nursing and athletics.
Riverside Community College District
3845 Market Street
Riverside, CA 92501
(951) 222-8000
rcc.edu