Otero College: $4,418 Tuition

$4,418Tuition

642Students

37%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$39,018Earnings

#16 in ColoradoPublic2-yearNJCAAData: 2023-24

About Otero College

Otero College has built a reputation as southeastern Colorado's agricultural and technical education center since 1941. The Rattlers serve 642 students in the remote town of La Junta, focusing heavily on nursing, agriculture, and skilled trades programs. Students here prepare for careers that keep rural communities running, from operating ranches to staffing rural hospitals.

The financial picture looks reasonable for a rural community college. Students pay an average net price of $11,329 annually, with lower-income families paying just $10,947. Graduates typically leave with $10,250 in debt and monthly loan payments of $109. Early career earnings hit $52,857 in the first year after graduation, though this drops to $39,018 after ten years as many graduates stay in lower-cost rural areas.

Athletics play a major role on this small campus, with 205 student-athletes competing across 12 NJCAA sports. The college awards $1,441,100 in athletic scholarships annually, meaning roughly one in three students competes in varsity sports. With 83% of students coming from Colorado, Otero maintains strong ties to local ranching and farming communities. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention, while 95% of graduates find employment after completing their programs.

Academics & Faculty

Otero College serves rural southeastern Colorado with career-focused programs designed for the local economy. The school offers strong training in agriculture, nursing, and skilled trades that prepare students for immediate employment after graduation. With a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, classes stay small enough for personalized attention from instructors. However, the 36.7% six-year graduation rate reflects common challenges at community colleges where many students attend part-time or transfer before completing degrees. The college's employment rate hits 95.1%, showing that graduates who complete programs find work quickly. Academic programs emphasize hands-on learning and practical skills that match regional job opportunities in farming, healthcare, and technical fields.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 36.7%
Median Earnings (10 years): $39,018

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$59,011
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Certificate	$37,208
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$14,759

View all 27 programs →

Campus Life

Otero College sits in La Junta, a small agricultural town three hours southeast of Denver and two hours from Colorado Springs. With only 642 students on campus, you'll recognize faces quickly across the tight-knit community. About 60% of students live on campus in residence halls that house 380 students total. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing, so pack heavy coats for the snowy months that stretch from November through March.

The Rattlers compete in 12 NJCAA sports with 205 total athletes, meaning nearly one-third of students play varsity athletics. Athletic scholarships total over $1.4 million, creating a sports-focused campus culture. Students often gather at games or head to nearby Arkansas River for outdoor activities. Weekend options are limited in this rural setting, so many students drive to Pueblo (45 minutes) or Colorado Springs for shopping and entertainment. The 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio means professors know students personally. Campus life revolves around close relationships, outdoor recreation, and supporting the athletic teams that define much of the social calendar.

Setting: Town-Remote
Housing Capacity: 380 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1941

Campus Safety (2023)

3 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
Aggravated Assault	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 16°–46°F
July Avg: 62°–92°F
Annual Precipitation: 13.6"
Annual Snowfall: 33.8"

Student Demographics

Otero College draws students primarily from rural Colorado communities, with 83% coming from in-state. The student body reflects the agricultural region it serves, with 42% white students and 39% Hispanic students creating a diverse mix that mirrors southeastern Colorado's demographics. Women make up 57% of enrollment, likely drawn to the college's respected nursing program. About one-third of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the school serves working families from farming and ranching communities who need affordable career training close to home.

Men: 43.5%
Women: 56.5%
White: 41.6%
Black: 5.8%
Hispanic: 38.6%
Asian: 0.9%
In-State Students: 82.7%
Pell Grant Recipients: 34.2%

Location

Otero College sits in La Junta, a small agricultural town in southeastern Colorado about 180 miles from Denver. The town has a population of around 7,000 residents, making it a tight-knit rural community. La Junta serves as a regional center for farming and ranching in the Arkansas River Valley. The campus houses 380 students in on-campus housing, creating a close community where 83% of students come from within Colorado. The surrounding area features expansive plains dotted with cattle ranches and irrigated farmland stretching toward the Kansas border. This agricultural setting directly supports the college's hands-on farming and ranching programs. Students considering colleges in Colorado may also compare Otero College with similar schools in the region.

Address: La Junta, Colorado 81050

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $39,018
Median Earnings (5 years): $39,903
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $28,300
Loan Repayment Rate: 39.6%
Monthly Loan Payment: $109/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $10,250

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Otero College?

Otero College maintains an open enrollment policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students with a high school diploma or equivalent. With 642 students enrolled, this small institution serves as an accessible entry point to higher education in rural southeastern Colorado. The college particularly focuses on serving local students, with 82.67% coming from in-state.

How much does Otero College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $11,329 annually, though costs vary by family income. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $10,947 on average, while those earning $30,000-$48,000 pay even less at $8,192. The college keeps costs manageable with in-state tuition at $4,418 and room and board at $8,988.

What academic programs is Otero College known for?

Otero College built its reputation around agriculture, nursing, and skilled trades programs that serve the rural economy of southeastern Colorado. With a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, students receive personalized attention in these hands-on programs. The college operates on a semester system and maintains strong connections to local industries and employers.

What are the career outcomes for Otero College graduates?

Graduates achieve a strong 95.1% employment rate, reflecting the college's focus on career-ready programs. Alumni earn a median salary of $39,018 ten years after graduation, with relatively low debt burdens averaging $10,250. The 36.70% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face while balancing work and family responsibilities.

What is campus life like at Otero College?

The Rattlers compete in 12 varsity sports through the NJCAA, with 205 student-athletes receiving $1.44 million in athletic scholarships. Housing capacity serves 380 students on a campus that reflects the small-town character of La Junta. The student body is 56.54% women and diverse, with 38.63% Hispanic and 41.59% white students.

Does Otero College offer significant financial aid to students?

About 34.23% of students receive financial aid, with the same percentage qualifying for Pell Grants, indicating many come from low-income families. Only 16.04% receive institutional grants, but those who do get an average of $7,897. The federal loan rate stands at just 17.52%, helping students avoid excessive debt in this affordable community college setting.