At $11,329/yr net price, Otero College graduates earn $39,018/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $5,018/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $11,329 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $45,316 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $39,018/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$5,018/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 36.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,250 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,947/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,192/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $13,164/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $15,083/yr |
| $110,001+ | $15,653/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $59,011 | $17,592 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Certificate | $37,208 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $14,759 | $8,625 |
The Risk Factor
36.7% of students at Otero College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Otero College delivers poor financial returns for most students, with median earnings barely exceeding $39,000 ten years after enrollment and a troubling 37% graduation rate. Your chances of completing any program here are worse than a coin flip, making this a high-risk investment regardless of cost.
The nursing program stands out as the only financially viable option, generating nearly $60,000 in annual earnings that justify the $17,592 debt load. Criminal justice graduates earn modestly at $37,000, while liberal arts students face financial disaster with median earnings of just $14,759 after taking on debt.
You face significant completion risk at Otero College. The low graduation rate means many students accumulate debt without earning credentials, and rural Colorado's limited job market offers few opportunities to recover from educational investments that don't pay off. The college's location in La Junta provides little economic diversity beyond agriculture and basic services.
This school makes financial sense only if you're pursuing nursing and confident you can complete the program. The relatively low debt burden of $10,250 for most graduates provides some cushion, but poor earnings outcomes negate this advantage. Students seeking liberal arts education should look elsewhere, as the return on investment approaches zero.
Financial aid reaches just 34% of students, suggesting limited scholarship opportunities. Your best cost strategy involves completing quickly in a high-earning program like nursing, then leaving the region for better job markets. For most career goals, community colleges in Denver or Colorado Springs offer better placement rates and regional job access.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Otero College worth the cost?
Otero College's value depends heavily on your program choice. Nursing graduates earn $59,011 annually, making the $11,329 yearly cost worthwhile, but liberal arts graduates average just $14,759, which barely covers loan payments.
What is the ROI for Otero College graduates?
Overall graduate earnings of $39,018 provide modest returns given the net cost, but the 36% graduation rate means most students leave without a degree. Nursing and criminal justice programs offer the best financial outcomes.
How much debt do Otero College students graduate with?
The median debt of $10,250 is relatively low for college graduates. However, with a graduation rate below 37%, many students accumulate debt without completing their programs.
Which Otero College programs have the best job prospects?
Registered nursing programs produce the highest-earning graduates at $59,011 annually, followed by criminal justice at $37,208. Liberal arts graduates face significant earning challenges at $14,759 per year.