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Private for-profit, 2-year

High Desert Medical College

Lancaster, California · www.hdmc.edu

中文

Undergraduates

2,280

Student-faculty ratio 30:1

Peer median 19 : 1

Graduation rate

66.0%

Within 150% of normal time; 200%: 68.7%

Peer median 58.8%

“Peers” are all 185 private two-year health professions schools in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).

About

High Desert Medical College, located in the beautiful high desert region of California, is renowned for its commitment to providing quality education in the healthcare sector. Established with the vision of addressing the growing demand for skilled healthcare professionals, the college offers a variety of programs that equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their chosen fields. The college emphasizes a hands-on approach to learning, ensuring that students gain practical experience through clinical placements and state-of-the-art facilities. This focus on experiential learning is complemented by a dedicated faculty comprised of experienced professionals who bring a wealth of knowledge to the classroom, fostering an environment where students can thrive academically and professionally.

The campus culture at High Desert Medical College is vibrant and inclusive, promoting collaboration and community among students. The college encourages extracurricular activities, including health fairs and community service projects, allowing students to engage with the local population and apply their skills in real-world settings. With a strong emphasis on ethics and professionalism, the college instills in its students a sense of responsibility towards their communities. Furthermore, the college boasts a strong track record of graduate employment, with many alumni finding success in various healthcare roles, reflecting the quality of education and training provided. High Desert Medical College continues to evolve, adapting to the needs of the healthcare industry and ensuring that its graduates are well-prepared to meet the challenges of a dynamic workforce.

Analysis of Key Metrics at High Desert Medical College

High Desert Medical College has shown significant changes in both student enrollment and graduation rates over the years. The student population has increased dramatically from 211 in 2015 to 1,663 in 2023, marking a rise of approximately 687%. This substantial growth indicates the college's expanding appeal and possibly its program offerings, which could be aligned with current healthcare demands.

In terms of gender distribution among undergraduate students, the college has consistently maintained a high enrollment of women, with female students making up over 92% of the undergraduate population in recent years. This trend raises questions about gender representation in the medical field, as it appears that the institution attracts a predominantly female student body. This could reflect broader societal trends as the healthcare sector increasingly engages women.

The graduation rates, however, tell a more complex story. While the timely graduation rate saw a peak of 51.2% in 2021, it was accompanied by a concerning decline in the years following. By 2023, the rate had only slightly improved to 58.5%. This fluctuation in graduation success may be indicative of various challenges students face, such as academic pressures or external factors affecting their ability to complete their education on time.

Moreover, student retention rates have shown some variability, with a notable drop to approximately 67% in 2020, but showing a recovery trend in subsequent years, reaching about 81.4% in 2023. This suggests that while the college is successful in attracting students, retaining them and ensuring they graduate remains an area requiring ongoing attention.

In summary, High Desert Medical College's increasing enrollment and the predominance of female students are positive trends, yet the college must address the challenges reflected in the graduation and retention rates to enhance its reputation and effectiveness in preparing students for careers in healthcare.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Suburb of a large city
Nearest major city
Los Angeles, about 50 mi
Nearest international airport
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), about 50 mi
Lancaster, California
Academic calendar
Continuous
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
President
LeeAnn Rohmann (President/CEO)
Phone
6619409300
City
Lancaster, California
Address
701 West Avenue K suite 123, Lancaster, CA 93534

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Associate2600 international (0.0%)
Top 3 Associate majors by graduates
Diagnostic Medical Sonography/Sonographer and Ultrasound Technician
153
Cardiovascular Technology/Technologist
82
Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training
25

U.S. studentsInternational

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Data from High Desert Medical College

The graduation data from High Desert Medical College reveals a significant focus on certain programs within the medical and health fields. Notably, the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program stands out with a total of 93 graduates, indicating a robust interest and demand for careers in this area. This aligns with current trends in the healthcare industry, where diagnostic imaging professionals are increasingly sought after due to advancements in technology and the growing need for non-invasive diagnostic procedures.

In contrast, the other programs, including Cardiovascular Technology, Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technology, and Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training, show no recorded graduates for the year in question. This raises questions about the viability and attractiveness of these specific fields to students. It may suggest potential barriers to entry, such as a lack of resources or insufficient marketing of the programs, which could deter prospective students.

Furthermore, the absence of international students graduating from these programs is noteworthy. While the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program had no international graduates, this absence could reflect broader trends in immigration policies and the challenges faced by international students in accessing educational opportunities in the United States.

Overall, the data underscores the importance of adaptability in educational offerings to meet the evolving demands of the healthcare sector. Colleges like High Desert Medical College may need to reassess their program structures and recruitment strategies to ensure that they attract and retain students across a wider range of disciplines, especially in light of the increasing global competition for skilled healthcare professionals.

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

Health professionshas 260 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Cardiovascular Technology/Technologist.$39,627-$41,545
Diagnostic Medical Sonography/Sonographer and Ultrasound Technician.$39,627-$41,545
Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training.$55,225-$72,536

Students

2,280 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 9:91 · Freshman retention 79.6%

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (2,280)

Hispanic
1,412 · 61.9%
White
314 · 13.8%
Black
291 · 12.8%
Asian
96 · 4.2%
Two or more races
76 · 3.3%
Unknown
62 · 2.7%
International
1 · 0.0%

Data insights

Analysis of Student Demographics at High Desert Medical College in 2023

The student demographics at High Desert Medical College reveal a significant gender disparity among the different classifications of students. In 2023, undergraduate freshmen represent a substantial cohort with 362 students, where an overwhelming 91.2% are female, while male students account for only 8.8%. This pattern continues among undergraduate juniors, who total 1,236 students, with a striking 92.6% being female and just 7.4% male.

Interestingly, the number of undergraduate transfer students is notably low, with only 2 individuals recorded, both of whom are female, indicating a potential area for the college to attract more transfer students. The demographic data suggests a trend towards higher female enrollment in medical programs, which aligns with broader educational statistics showing that women are increasingly pursuing higher education in healthcare fields.

Moreover, the data on racial and ethnic diversity within the student body is crucial for understanding the broader context of representation in medical education. Although specific figures for the breakdown of different ethnic groups among the total student population are unavailable for all categories, the presence of diversity is essential for fostering an inclusive environment in healthcare education. It is vital for institutions to continue promoting diversity as it enhances the learning experience and prepares students to serve a varied patient population in their future careers.

Overall, while the college has a robust female representation, it should consider strategies to balance gender ratios and enhance racial and ethnic diversity within its student population to better reflect the community it serves.

Analysis of Student Age Composition at High Desert Medical College

The age composition of students at High Desert Medical College reveals interesting insights about the demographics of the student body. The majority of students fall within the 18-29 age range, with a significant number of undergraduate females, particularly those aged 18-24. This trend aligns with national statistics indicating that younger students are increasingly enrolling in higher education, especially in fields such as healthcare, which often attract recent high school graduates.

The data shows that there are no graduate male students, which could suggest a potential gender disparity in graduate programs at the institution. In contrast, the number of female graduate students is notably absent, indicating that the college may have a higher enrollment of undergraduate females as opposed to graduate females. This discrepancy might warrant further investigation into the factors influencing the pursuit of advanced degrees among women in this field.

Moreover, the age group of 30-34 also presents a noteworthy number of undergraduate males, which could reflect a trend of mid-career professionals seeking new qualifications or career changes in the healthcare sector. The presence of students aged 35 and above is relatively low, suggesting that the college primarily attracts younger individuals who are at the start of their professional journeys.

Overall, the data showcases a youthful student demographic, predominantly female, engaging with medical education at High Desert Medical College. This demographic trend may influence future curricular developments and support services tailored to the needs of the younger population, ensuring they are equipped for successful careers in healthcare.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 185 private two-year health professions schools in the U.S.

Undergraduates0.0%

1 in 2025 · 0.2% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 0.2%2017: 0.0%2018: 0.2%2019: 0.0%2020: 0.1%2021: 0.0%2022: 0.2%2023: 0.0%2024: 0.1%2025: 0.0%
2016Peer median 0.0%2025

Data insights

International Student Enrollment Trends at High Desert Medical College

The data reflecting international student enrollment at High Desert Medical College over recent years shows a modest and somewhat stagnant trend. From 2016 to 2022, the number of international undergraduate students has remained relatively low, with only one or two international students enrolled each year. The total number of undergraduate students has increased significantly, from 544 in 2016 to 1294 in 2022. However, the proportion of international students in the undergraduate program has gradually decreased from 0.18% in 2016 to 0.15% in 2022.

This trend raises questions about the college's appeal to international students and its recruitment strategies. In a globalized education environment, many institutions are actively seeking to attract a diverse student body, enhancing cultural exchange and global perspectives within their programs. The low numbers may suggest that High Desert Medical College is facing challenges in attracting international talent or that it may not be effectively marketing its programs to this demographic.

Moreover, the absence of data for graduate programs indicates a potential gap in understanding the full extent of international enrollment and its implications for the college's academic environment. As the healthcare field becomes increasingly global, institutions must adapt their strategies to ensure they remain competitive in attracting international students. Overall, while the growth in total enrollment is commendable, the stagnant figures for international students highlight a crucial area for improvement that could benefit both the institution and its student community.

Cost

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$46.0M

Tuition and fees
$46.0M100.0%

Expenses$40.9M

Institutional support
$17.9M43.8%
Instruction
$9.4M23.0%
Academic support
$7.8M19.2%
Student services
$5.7M14.0%

Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)

Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 185 private two-year health professions schools in the U.S.

All faculty
$69,775peers $55,220
Instructor
$69,775peers $53,836

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · EADA

No athlete data available for 2025.

No athlete data available for 2024.

No athlete data available for 2023.

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable schools surrounding High Desert Medical College:

  1. California Institute of Technology (Ranked 7) - Known for its rigorous science and engineering programs, Caltech is one of the leading research institutions in the world.

  2. University of California-Los Angeles (Ranked 15) - UCLA is a prestigious public research university known for its diverse academic programs and vibrant campus life.

  3. University of Southern California (Ranked 28) - USC is a renowned private research university recognized for its strong programs in business, cinema, and the arts.

  4. Claremont McKenna College (Ranked 11) - This liberal arts college focuses on economics and government, offering a personalized educational experience.

  5. Pomona College (Ranked 4) - A highly esteemed liberal arts college, Pomona emphasizes small class sizes and a strong sense of community.

  6. Harvey Mudd College (Ranked 16) - Specializing in science and engineering, Harvey Mudd is known for its challenging curriculum and collaborative environment.

These institutions offer a variety of academic programs and are recognized for their excellence in education.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 0.0 · all 185 private two-year health professions schools in the U.S.

Incidents, 2023–2025

Burglary
3
Weapons arrests
1

From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.

Data insights

Analysis of Crime Rates at High Desert Medical College

The crime statistics at High Desert Medical College reveal a mixed picture over the years from 2013 to 2023. Notably, there were no reported incidents of crime from 2014 to 2016, which indicates a period of relative safety on campus. However, in 2015, the college recorded two incidents, leading to a crime rate of 9.48 per 1,000 students. This spike may have raised concerns within the community, emphasizing the need for continuous safety measures.

The subsequent years saw fluctuating crime rates, with a peak of three incidents in 2019 and again in 2023. The average crime rate per 1,000 students decreased over the years, hitting a low of 1.80 in 2023. This trend suggests a commitment to improving campus safety, even as incidents occasionally occur.

The types of crimes reported, specifically cases of armed arrests, drug-related arrests, and alcohol-related arrests, highlight the challenges institutions face in maintaining a secure environment. While the college has experienced some criminal activity, it is essential to contextualize this within the broader landscape of college safety across the United States, where many institutions report higher rates of similar offenses.

Overall, while High Desert Medical College has had its share of crime, the declining rates suggest improvements in campus safety protocols and community awareness. Continuous efforts are essential to sustain and enhance the safety and well-being of students. For more on how crime rates are calculated, please visit: https://www.forwardpathway.com/33447.

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.