High School Diploma
Discover the path to success with our Adult High School Program! Are you looking to earn your high school diploma and unlock countless opportunities? Join our program designed specifically for adult learners.
Whether you're seeking career advancement of personal growth, our flexible schedule and supportive team are here to guide you. Don't let anything hold you back - sign up today and take the first step toward a brighter future!
Submit an Online Admissions Application
If you are at least 18 years of age you may enroll into the Adult High School Completion Program at College of the Desert.
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.
Returning students who have attended COD within the year do not need to reapply.
Earn Credit For Courses You've Completed
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.
Note: The Non-Credit Programs office will not accept transcripts emailed directly from the student. Transcripts must be sent through Parchment, emailed directly from the school, or mailed an official copy to the Admissions and Records office.
Official transcripts should be emailed to:
Official transcripts should be mailed to:
Attention: Non-credit Programs Office
South Annex Building # 15
College of the Desert
43-500 Monterey Avenue
Palm Desert, Ca. 92260
Activate your FREE college email
All communications with students will be through the free COD student email address. All new students are required to have their MyCOD email account activated.
Complete Your Online Orientation
Orientation is mandatory for all new students. The online orientation is available through your MyCOD student portal dashboard.
Meet with an Adult Basic Education (ABE) counselor
Once your transcripts have been evaluated and you have completed orientation, the ABE office will send you an email inviting you to schedule an appointment with the ABE Counselor. You can do so by either calling 760-776-7348 or emailing abepd@collegeofthedesert.edu
Register For Classes
Register for classes through your Self-Service portal on or after the priority registration date. Choose classes from your Student Educational Plan (SEP) reviewed with the ABE counselor.
Pay Your Fees
Pay fees through your Self-Service portal by selecting Financial Information>Student Finance>Make A Payment.
Students are financially responsible for classes in which they enroll. Students are also responsible for dropping courses they are not attending.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Students must successfully complete a total of 160 credits along with 3 profiency exams to fulfill the adult high school diploma requirements.
Students who have completed credits at another institution or high school may be eligible to have their credits applied to their diploma program.
- English (40 Credits)
- U.S. History (10 Credits)
- U.S. Government (5 Credits)
- Math (30 Credits)
- U.S. Econ. (5 Credits)
- Science (20 Credits)
- Fine Arts (10 Credits)
- World History (10 Credits)
- Electives (30 Credits)
Note: There is a minimum 20 credit "In Residence"(must be completed in COD's ABE program) requirement in order to graduate from College of the Desert High School Completion program.
In addition to earning the above credits, the California adopted minimum proficiency standards must be met by passing Proficiency Exams (not to be confused with the CHSPE) in Math, Reading, and Editing (Essay).
There is no cost for these tests and they may be taken an unlimited number of times until passed. They are given, by appointment, with ABE faculty members.
Students with work experience may receive up to 20 elective credits towards their program. Employment verification required.
Students who have no already earned driver's ed credit may submit a valid driver's license to the Non-Credit Programs office. Students with a valid driver's license may be eligible for up to 5 elective credits.
Each students' timeline varies. High School Completion students work at their own pace and schedule. The average student earns about 15 credits per subject per semester.
All High School Completion courses are being offered fully online. There are no in person ABE classes/labs being offered at this time.
Listed below are the mandatory student fees:
- Non-Credit Registration/Tuition $0.00
- Health Fee $19.00
- Transportation Fee $25.00
- Student Representation Fee $2.00
Some class textbooks are provided electronically and free of charge.
If you wish to purchase your own, the instructor can provide you with information to purchase books.
**AB 1504 gives students the opportunity to opt out of the Student Representation Fee ($2.00). To opt out please complete the form by the listed date.
Registration for online High School Completion classes is on an open-entry, space available basis, through the 15th week of the current semester.
