College of the Desert is a community college in Palm Desert, California, in the Coachella Valley—which means desert heat, resort culture, and a specific demographic. About 10,000 students, mix of local workers, retirees taking classes, and students working toward transfer. The programs are solid: business, healthcare, engineering, agriculture (because the valley is agricultural). The Palm Springs and desert location is unique, and the winters are gorgeous if you're coming from cold climates.
The student body is diverse, practical, and focused on credentials and jobs. Class sizes are reasonable. The vibe is very much "get what you need and move on," not a traditional campus experience. If you're in the valley, it's a no-brainer for basic requirements and certificates. If you're not, the desert location probably isn't worth the draw.