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Public, 2-year

Copper Mountain Community College

Joshua Tree, California · www.cmccd.edu

中文

Out-of-state tuition

$13,590

In-state $1,390

Peer median $8,816

Undergraduates

2,019

Student-faculty ratio 18:1

Peer median 18 : 1

Graduation rate

38.3%

Within 150% of normal time; 200%: 46.7%

Peer median 33.7%

“Peers” are all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).

About

Copper Mountain Community College (CMCC) is a distinguished institution located in Joshua Tree, California, nestled in the picturesque Mojave Desert. The college serves a diverse student body and is renowned for its commitment to providing accessible education and fostering a vibrant learning environment. CMCC offers a wide range of programs, including associate degrees, certificates, and transfer programs, catering to various academic interests and career aspirations. Its strong emphasis on community engagement ensures that students not only gain knowledge but also develop skills relevant to the local and global job markets.

The college boasts a supportive and inclusive campus culture, enriched by a dedicated faculty who are committed to student success. With small class sizes, students benefit from personalized attention and mentoring, fostering strong relationships between students and instructors. CMCC also provides a variety of student services, including academic advising, tutoring, and career counseling, all aimed at enhancing the overall student experience. Additionally, the college encourages extracurricular involvement through various clubs and organizations, promoting a sense of community and belonging among students. With its beautiful desert surroundings and a strong focus on experiential learning, Copper Mountain Community College is an ideal place for students to pursue their educational goals while enjoying a unique and enriching campus life.

Analysis of Trends in Tuition, Graduation Rates, and Student Retention

The data from Copper Mountain Community College reveals significant trends in tuition, graduation rates, and student retention over the years. Tuition costs for in-state undergraduate students have shown a relatively stable pattern, rising slightly from $1,105 in 2014 to $1,114 in 2023. In contrast, out-of-state undergraduate tuition has experienced a substantial increase, more than doubling from $5,689 in 2014 to $11,050 in 2024. This sharp rise in out-of-state tuition may reflect broader national trends in higher education, where institutions are increasingly relying on tuition revenue due to reduced state funding.

Graduation rates, particularly the timely graduation rate, have improved significantly over the years. The percentage of students graduating on time has risen from just 2.31% in 2013 to 12.04% in 2023. This increasing trend may indicate improvements in academic support and student engagement initiatives at the college, making it more likely for students to complete their degrees within the expected timeframe.

Student retention rates have also fluctuated but generally maintained a balance. In 2013, the retention rate was 60.49%, which dropped to a low of approximately 50.56% in 2017, but has since improved to 57.5% in 2023. This pattern suggests that while the college faces challenges in keeping students enrolled, recent efforts may be yielding positive outcomes.

Furthermore, the gender ratio among undergraduate students has remained relatively stable, with female students consistently making up a larger portion of the undergraduate population. The proportion of female undergraduates was approximately 65% in 2023, reflecting ongoing trends in higher education where female enrollment often surpasses male enrollment.

In summary, while the institution grapples with rising tuition, particularly for out-of-state students, it has made commendable progress in improving graduation rates and maintaining student retention. These trends are crucial for potential students and can influence decisions on college enrollment in the years to come.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Rural, distant
Nearest major city
Riverside, about 70 mi
Nearest international airport
Palm Springs International Airport (PSP), about 25 mi
Joshua Tree, California
Also known as
CMC
Academic calendar
Semester
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
President
Dr. Daren Otten (Superintendent/President)
Phone
7603663791
City
Joshua Tree, California
Address
6162 Rotary Way, Joshua Tree, CA 92252

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Associate2190 international (0.0%)
Top 10 Associate majors by graduates
Biological and Physical Sciences
45
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
30
Psychology, General
27
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies
16
Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training
11
Computer Science
10
Humanities/Humanistic Studies
10
Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration
10
Business Administration and Management, General
9
Mathematics, General
7

U.S. studentsInternational

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Data from Copper Mountain Community College

The graduation data from Copper Mountain Community College reveals several noteworthy trends and characteristics across various academic disciplines for the year 2023. A significant observation is the absence of graduates in bachelor's, master's, and doctorate degree categories across all programs, indicating a potential focus on associate degrees or a preference for vocational training among students. Among the associate degree graduates, the Registered Nursing program stands out with 30 graduates, underscoring the continued demand for healthcare professionals, particularly in nursing. This aligns with national trends emphasizing the nursing workforce's critical role in healthcare systems, especially following the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Additionally, the Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training program also reported a respectable number of 12 graduates, which further highlights the importance of healthcare-related fields in the college's curriculum. In contrast, disciplines within the performing arts and humanities, such as Speech Communication and Rhetoric or Art Studies, showed limited appeal, with graduation numbers remaining low or non-existent in more advanced degree levels.

Moreover, the absence of international students graduating across all programs is striking. This could reflect broader trends in international student enrollment and retention that have been influenced by various socio-economic factors, such as visa regulations and the global pandemic's lingering effects. Overall, the data indicates a concentrated effort in vocational and health-related programs at Copper Mountain Community College, which may be a strategic response to labor market demands while highlighting the need for diversification in academic offerings to attract a broader student demographic.

All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard

*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes

Multi/inerdisciplinary studies has 45 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Biological and Physical Sciences.-
Health professionshas 41 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse.$98,995
Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training.-
Psychology has 27 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Psychology, General.-
Liberal arts has 26 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies.-
Humanities/Humanistic Studies.-
Computer and information sciencehas 15 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Information Technology.-
Computer Programming/Programmer, General.-
Computer Science.-
Homeland security has 13 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration.-
Fire Prevention and Safety Technology/Technician.-
Businesshas 10 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Business Administration and Management, General.-
Hospitality Administration/Management, General.-
Social sciencehas 10 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Anthropology, General.-
Political Science and Government, General.-
Sociology, General.-
Mathmatics and statistics has 7 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Mathematics, General.-
Visual and Performing artshas 6 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Art/Art Studies, General.-
Physical scienceshas 6 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Chemistry, General.-
Physics, General.-
Biologyhas 5 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Biology/Biological Sciences, General.-
Human science has 3 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Child Care Provider/Assistant.-
History has 2 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
History, General.-
Parks, recreation, leisure has 2 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Exercise Science and Kinesiology.-
Mechanic and repair has 1 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician.-

Students

2,019 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 36:64 · Freshman retention 67.1%

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (2,019)

Hispanic
874 · 43.3%
White
663 · 32.8%
Black
155 · 7.7%
Two or more races
135 · 6.7%
Asian
91 · 4.5%
Unknown
77 · 3.8%

Age distribution

Bachelor's

Under 18
23.5%
18–19
15.9%
20–21
11.7%
22–24
9.5%
25 and over
39.4%

Data insights

Analysis of Student Demographics at Copper Mountain Community College in 2023

The student demographics at Copper Mountain Community College reveal a diverse composition across various categories. In 2023, the total number of undergraduate freshmen was 152, with a gender distribution showing that 47.4% were male and 52.6% female, indicating a slight female majority in this cohort. This trend of higher female enrollment continues with the upperclassmen, where 769 students were recorded, with only 30.7% being male and a significant 69.3% female.

The transfer student segment comprised 138 individuals, also reflecting a gender imbalance, with 27.5% male and 72.5% female. Such statistics are reflective of broader trends observed in higher education, where female students often outnumber their male counterparts, particularly in community colleges and certain fields of study.

Moreover, the overall diversity within these groups is noteworthy. While detailed data on specific ethnic backgrounds in the transfer and upperclassmen categories are not provided, the available data on freshmen indicates a mix of ethnicities, with a significant representation of white students. This aligns with national trends where community colleges often serve a diverse population, including a variety of racial and ethnic groups.

Understanding these demographics is crucial for the college to tailor programs and support services that meet the needs of its student body. As institutions grapple with the challenges of equity and inclusion, the focus on these statistics helps in fostering an environment that supports all students, regardless of background.

Analysis of Student Age Demographics at Copper Mountain Community College

The age composition of students at Copper Mountain Community College presents an interesting overview of the educational landscape. Notably, the majority of students fall within the <18 and 18-19 age categories, comprising 58.8% of the total male students and 61.8% of the total female students. This suggests that the college attracts a significant number of recent high school graduates, which is common among community colleges as they offer accessible pathways for young learners.

As students age, there is a noticeable decline in enrollment. For instance, only 12 male students and 36 female students are in the 50-64 age range, indicating that older adults may be less represented in this educational setting. The trend continues with just one male and seven female students over the age of 65, highlighting the potential barriers older individuals face in pursuing further education, such as work and family commitments.

This demographic data also aligns with national trends observed in higher education, where younger students dominate community college populations. Educational institutions may consider targeted programs to engage older students, potentially offering flexible schedules or online courses to accommodate their unique needs.

Furthermore, the absence of graduate students in the male demographic and the low representation of graduate females suggest that Copper Mountain Community College is primarily focused on undergraduate education. This emphasis can be beneficial in fostering a strong foundational education, but it may also be essential for the college to explore options for graduate programs to diversify its offerings and attract a broader age range of students. Overall, the age distribution at Copper Mountain Community College indicates a vibrant community of young learners while also presenting opportunities for growth and inclusivity for older adults.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.

Undergraduates0.0%

0 in 2025 · 0.0% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 0.0%2017: 0.1%2018: 0.0%2019: 0.0%2020: 0.0%2021: 0.9%2022: 0.0%2023: 0.0%2024: 0.0%2025: 0.0%
2016Peer median 0.6%2025

Data insights

Trends in International Student Enrollment at Copper Mountain Community College

The data from Copper Mountain Community College reveals significant fluctuations in international student enrollment over the years. Starting from 2006 to 2017, the number of international undergraduate students remained notably low, with only one student recorded each year. This consistent figure reflects a period when the college may not have actively recruited international students or when global mobility was limited.

However, a remarkable shift occurred in 2021, where the number of international students surged to 14, resulting in a striking increase in the proportion of international students from 0.06% to 0.91%. This dramatic rise could be indicative of changes in recruitment strategies, increased global interest in studying in the United States, or perhaps the relaxing of travel restrictions post-COVID-19. It is particularly interesting to note that the overall undergraduate enrollment also decreased during this time, suggesting that the college successfully attracted a specific demographic of international students amidst a broader decline.

The absence of data regarding graduate enrollment indicates a potential area for growth and focus for the college. Engaging more international graduate students could further enhance the diversity and richness of the academic environment. Overall, the sharp increase in international undergraduates in 2021 marks a pivotal moment for Copper Mountain Community College, highlighting the importance of international student contributions to the academic community.

Cost

2025 cost per year (out-of-state)

$35,676

Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
$13,590
Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
$1,390
Room and board
$22,086
Out-of-state tuition and room and board over time

Peer median tuition + room and board $19,938 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.

Tuition rose 139% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 85%.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$38.9M

Government grants and contracts
$37.6M96.7%
Investment return
$1.1M2.8%
Tuition and fees
$185K0.5%

Expenses$34.9M

Instruction
$8.6M24.7%
Scholarships
$5.5M15.9%
Institutional support
$3.0M8.7%
Student services
$2.4M6.9%
Academic support
$1.2M3.4%
Research
$607K1.7%
Other
$13.5M38.7%

Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)

Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.

All faculty
$96,739peers $68,588
Instructor
$96,739peers $61,593

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes Other
2025
CCCAAMENWOMEN
Basketball1410
Volleyball-7
2024
CCCAAMENWOMEN
Basketball13-
Volleyball-13
2023
CCCAAMENWOMEN
Basketball138
Volleyball-12

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable colleges and universities near Copper Mountain Community College:

  1. University of California-Riverside - Ranked 76 in the 2024 US News rankings, this university is part of the prestigious University of California system and offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.

  2. Harvey Mudd College - This highly-regarded liberal arts college is ranked 16th in the 2024 US News rankings, known for its strong emphasis on science, engineering, and mathematics.

  3. Claremont McKenna College - With a ranking of 11, this liberal arts college focuses on economics, government, and public affairs, providing a rigorous academic environment.

  4. Pomona College - Ranked 4th in the 2024 US News rankings, Pomona College is one of the most prestigious liberal arts colleges in the country, known for its small class sizes and strong academic programs.

  5. California Institute of Technology - Often referred to as Caltech, this renowned institution ranks 7th nationally and is famed for its cutting-edge research and contributions to science and engineering.

These institutions are known for their academic excellence and diverse programs, making them excellent options for students seeking quality education in the vicinity of Copper Mountain Community College.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 0.4 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.

Data insights

Analysis of Campus Crime Data at Copper Mountain Community College

The crime statistics for Copper Mountain Community College over the past decade reveal a noteworthy trend of low crime rates, particularly in recent years. From 2013 to 2023, the data indicates that the college has maintained a commendable level of safety, with an average crime rate of 0.00 incidents per 1,000 students for most years.

In 2014, there was a slight spike with three incidents reported, yielding an average of 1.68 incidents per 1,000 students. However, this appears to be an outlier, as the college recorded only one incident in 2015, and since then, the crime rate has dropped to zero. This consistent decline is encouraging and suggests that the college administration's efforts in implementing safety protocols and community outreach programs may be effective.

Moreover, the absence of incidents related to violence, drugs, or alcohol in recent years highlights a positive campus environment. The college’s commitment to student safety, education, and community engagement can be inferred as contributing factors to this stability.

In the broader context of campus safety across the United States, these figures are particularly impressive. Many institutions face challenges related to crime, making the low rates at Copper Mountain Community College stand out. The college serves as a model for maintaining a secure educational environment, reflecting effective policies and a supportive community.

For those interested in understanding how these crime rates are calculated, the methodology can be found at this link: Crime Rate Calculation Method.

References and Data Sources

Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.