Otero College : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About Otero College
Set on Colorado's high plains where big skies meet brick courtyards, Otero College is known for close-knit classrooms, practical skill-building, and strong transfer prep. Faculty lean into hands-on work in labs and studios, and advising, tutoring, and a library and learning commons keep students moving forward. Campus resources include tech spaces, a student center, fitness and recreation facilities, and counseling and career services that feel purposeful.
Student life is casual and welcoming: clubs, arts and student leadership, intramurals, and room to breathe on nearby trails and open fields. The culture has a first-name feel with a help-first mindset that fits the region. Career prep shows up through resume support and connections with regional hospitals, schools, farms, and small businesses, plus steady transfer guidance. La Junta adds small-town friendliness, historic spots, and service opportunities. And there's a quiet tradition of rolling up your sleeves and getting things done.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Academic Programs & Fields of Study
Otero College offers 16 degree programs across 8 major academic fields, graduating approximately 297 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Liberal Arts (3 programs, 110 graduates), Health (5 programs, 83 graduates), Agriculture (3 programs, 30 graduates), Security & Safety (1 programs, 28 graduates) and Production (1 programs, 27 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.
Liberal Arts (3 programs, 110 graduates)
Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences | 83 |
|
Associate's
|
24.0101 |
| Liberal Arts and Humanities | 15 |
|
Associate's
|
24.0199 |
| General Studies | 12 |
|
Associate's
|
24.0102 |
Health (5 programs, 83 graduates)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nursing and Patient Care Assistant | 34 |
|
Residency
|
51.3902 |
| Registered Nursing | 22 |
|
Associate's
|
51.3801 |
| Licensed Practical Nursing | 17 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
51.3901 |
| Phlebotomy Technician | 8 |
|
Residency
|
51.1009 |
| Medical Assistant | 2 |
|
Associate's
|
51.0801 |
Agriculture (3 programs, 30 graduates)
Agricultural Sciences, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agricultural Business and Management | 26 |
|
Other Award
|
01.0101 |
| Agricultural Economics | 3 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
01.0103 |
| Agricultural Production Operations | 1 |
|
Other Award
|
01.0301 |
Security & Safety (1 programs, 28 graduates)
Emergency Management, Law Enforcement and Public Safety
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice and Police Science | 28 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
43.0107 |
Production (1 programs, 27 graduates)
Manufacturing Technology, Quality Control and Industrial Arts
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Welding Technology | 27 |
|
Other Award
|
48.0508 |
Personal Services (1 programs, 12 graduates)
Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts and Personal Care
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetology | 12 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
12.0401 |
Business (1 programs, 6 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Organizational Leadership | 6 |
|
Other Award
|
52.0213 |
Psychology (1 programs, 1 graduates)
Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Psychology | 1 |
|
Associate's
|
42.0101 |
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Otero College
How much does it cost to attend Otero College?
The annual tuition at Otero College is $4,418 for in-state students and $7,048 for out-of-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $21,206 for in-state students and $23,836 for out-of-state students. Additional costs include room and board $8,988 (on) / $11,844 (off) and books and supplies $1,500.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.
What academic programs and degree levels does Otero College offer?
Otero College offers 16 academic programs across 8 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Certificate (1-2 yrs), Associate's, Residency, Other Award.
Most popular program areas include:
- Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities (3 programs)
- Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice (5 programs)
- Agricultural Sciences, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine (3 programs)
- Emergency Management, Law Enforcement and Public Safety (1 programs)
- Manufacturing Technology, Quality Control and Industrial Arts (1 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What financial aid and scholarships are available at Otero College?
Otero College provides financial aid to 17% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $9,002 and average loans of $4,742.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $5,903
- State/Local grants: $1,959
- Institutional grants: $6,079
- Federal loans: $4,742
The university supports 158 students with grants and 47 students with loans annually.
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.
What is the average salary for Otero College graduates?
Otero College graduates earn a median salary of $34,087 after 6 years and $39,018 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $21,189 (25th percentile) to $60,668 (75th percentile).
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.
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