Lamar Community College: $4,422 Tuition

$4,422Tuition

406Students

41%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$38,719Earnings

#13 in ColoradoPublic2-yearNJCAAData: 2023-24

About Lamar Community College

Small-town agriculture and ranching shape the character of this southeastern Colorado community college. With just 406 students, Lamar Community College serves the rural communities scattered across the high plains. The college has deep roots in agricultural education and workforce training for the region's farming and energy sectors. Students come from across the remote corner of Colorado, with 72% hailing from in-state.

The financial picture works for most students here. Average net price runs $10,328 annually, but students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $8,984 after aid. Graduates earn a median of $38,719 ten years out, while typical debt loads stay manageable at $8,750. Monthly loan payments average only $93. The math makes sense for students seeking affordable workforce credentials.

Athletics bring energy to this small campus. The Runnin' Lopes field 10 varsity sports with 193 student-athletes competing in NJCAA divisions. Athletic scholarships total $647,585, providing opportunities for nearly half the student body to compete. The student body reflects the region's demographics, with 43% Hispanic students and strong representation from rural farming communities. Housing capacity of 293 means most students can live on campus in this remote setting.

Academics & Faculty

Lamar Community College focuses on hands-on career training and transfer preparation for students in southeastern Colorado's agricultural region. With a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, students receive personalized attention in small classes. The college emphasizes practical programs like agriculture, welding, and healthcare that align with local industry needs. However, the 41.40% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work and family obligations. Lamar serves as both a stepping stone for students planning to transfer to four-year universities and a direct pathway to employment for those seeking immediate workforce entry. The Runnin' Lopes compete in 10 NJCAA sports, adding campus life beyond academics.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Full-Time Faculty: 41.8%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 41.4%
Median Earnings (10 years): $38,719

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$53,697
Construction Trades, General.	Associate	$26,353
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$18,771

View all 23 programs →

Campus Life

Lamar sits 45 miles from the Kansas border in southeastern Colorado's agricultural heartland. The campus houses 293 students, meaning about 72% of the 406-student body lives on campus in this close-knit community. You'll need a heavy winter coat for Colorado's snowy months and layers for temperature swings that can shift 40 degrees in a single day.

The Runnin' Lopes compete in 10 NJCAA sports with 193 total athletes, making athletics a major part of campus life. Nearly half the student body participates in or supports the teams, creating strong school spirit despite the small size. With a 44% male and 56% female split, the gender balance feels natural in classrooms and social settings. The 43% Hispanic population reflects the region's cultural heritage, and Spanish flows freely across campus. Weekends often center around athletic events, outdoor activities in the surrounding plains, or trips to larger Colorado cities. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and notice when you're absent.

Setting: Town-Remote
Housing Capacity: 293 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1937

Campus Safety (2023)

2 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Dating Violence	1	1	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 13°–45°F
July Avg: 62°–93°F
Annual Precipitation: 16.2"
Annual Snowfall: 29.8"

Student Demographics

Lamar Community College draws primarily from Colorado's southeastern plains, with 72% of students coming from in-state. The school serves a heavily Hispanic population at 43%, reflecting the agricultural region's demographics. Women slightly outnumber men at 55%, typical for community colleges where nursing and education programs attract female students. About one-third of students receive Pell Grants, showing the college fulfills its mission of providing affordable higher education to working-class families in rural Colorado. The Runnin' Lopes compete in 10 NJCAA sports with 193 total athletes.

Men: 44.8%
Women: 55.2%
White: 37.9%
Black: 5.9%
Hispanic: 43.4%
Asian: 0.5%
In-State Students: 72.3%
Pell Grant Recipients: 31.7%

Location

Lamar sits in southeastern Colorado, about 200 miles from Denver and 100 miles from Colorado Springs. The town of roughly 7,800 people anchors Colorado's agricultural heartland on the High Plains. With 406 students, the college serves as a key institution in this farming and ranching community where wheat fields stretch to the horizon. The remote setting means students experience small-town life where everyone knows each other. The nearest metropolitan area is several hours away, making this truly rural higher education. Winter winds sweep across the plains while summers bring intense heat typical of eastern Colorado's semi-arid climate. Students considering colleges in Colorado may also compare Lamar Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Lamar, Colorado 81052-3999

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $38,719
Median Earnings (5 years): $37,777
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $27,800
Loan Repayment Rate: 38.1%
Monthly Loan Payment: $93/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $8,750

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Lamar Community College?

As a community college, Lamar Community College maintains open admission policies for students with high school diplomas or equivalent. The school serves 406 students in southeastern Colorado's agricultural region. Most community colleges focus on accessibility rather than selectivity.

How much does Lamar Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $10,328 annually at Lamar Community College. In-state tuition runs $4,422 while out-of-state students pay $7,052. About 32% of students receive financial aid, with those earning institutional grants averaging $7,510.

What academic programs is Lamar Community College known for?

Lamar Community College maintains a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, allowing for personalized attention in its programs. The college has served rural Colorado since 1937, focusing on career training and transfer preparation. Students can choose from various two-year degree and certificate programs suited to the region's needs.

What are the job prospects for Lamar Community College graduates?

Graduates earn a median of $38,719 ten years after starting college, with an employment rate of 89.9%. The college's 41% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work and education. Monthly loan payments average just $93 due to the school's affordability.

Where do students live at Lamar Community College?

Campus housing accommodates 293 students, which covers most of the 406-person enrollment. Room and board costs $7,890 annually, contributing to the school's rural campus atmosphere. The Runnin' Lopes compete in 10 NJCAA sports with 193 total athletes receiving $647,585 in athletic scholarships.

What makes Lamar Community College unique in Colorado?

Lamar Community College serves one of Colorado's most remote regions, with 72% of students coming from in-state. The student body is 43% Hispanic, reflecting the area's agricultural workforce and cultural diversity. This small-town setting provides a tight-knit community atmosphere uncommon at larger institutions.