- Founded in 1941, Otero Junior College is located on an attractive 40-acre campus on the southern edge of La Junta, Colorado. Otero Junior College is proud of its reputation as one of the finest community colleges in the State of Colorado. Our students can be found working in many of today's high demand careers, including fast-growing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) careers. OJC is an accredited Hispanic Serving Institution and provides cutting edge education that offers various two-year degrees, transfer degrees in preparation for four-year bachelor degree programs, and workforce ready certificates. Areas of study include: Agriculture, Behavioral Science, Business Administration, Elementary Education, Psychology, Secondary Education, and many more. Associate of Applied Science Degree Programs including Business, Medical Laboratory Technician, and Associate Nursing Degree just to name a few. Certificate Programs including Practical Nursing, Nurse Aide, Phlebotomy, Law Enforcement Training, Cosmetology, Agri-Business Management, plus many others.
School Highlights
Otero College serves 959 students (52% of students are full-time).
The college's student-teacher ratio of 21:1 is lower than the state community college average of 35:1.
Minority enrollment is 57% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the state average of 51%.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Enrollment: 959 students
- In-state tuition: $5,060
- Out-state tuition: $8,130
- Student-teacher ratio: 21:1
- Minority enrollment: 57%
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Otero College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Colorado for:
Category
Attribute
School Resources
School Overview
The teacher population of 46 teachers has declined by 83% over five years.
Otero College
(CO) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges
0
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
0
Institution Control
Public
0
Total Faculty
46 staff
56 staff
Number of Programs Offered
-2
26
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Otero College has declined by 21% over five years.
The student-teacher ratio of 21:1 has increased from 5:1 over five years.
The Otero College diversity score of 0.64 is more than the state average of 0.00. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
959 students
2,084 students
Student-Teacher Ratio
21:1
35:1
# Full-Time Students
495 students
671 students
# Part-Time Students
464 students
1,413 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
687 students
434 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
495 students
641 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
848 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
464 students
1,327 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
326 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
1%
1%
% Asian
1%
3%
% Hispanic
41%
26%
% Black
4%
8%
% White
43%
49%
% Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
% Two or more races
3%
4%
% Non Resident races
4%
2%
% Unknown races
4%
7%
Diversity Score
0.64
0.00
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
37%
61%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$31,300
$33,300
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $5,060 is more than the state average of $3,712. The in-state tuition has grown by 23% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $8,130 is less than the state average of $10,526. The out-state tuition has grown by 23% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$5,060
$3,712
Out-State Tuition Fees
$8,130
$10,526
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
95%
82%
Median Debt for Graduates
$9,500
$10,981
Median Debt for Dropouts
$5,500
$5,000
Acceptance Rate
n/a
90%
Sports
Total Sports Offered
8 sports
Sports
BaseballBasketball
EquestrianGolf
SoccerSoftball
VolleyballWrestling
Source: 2025 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators
School Notes
- Otero Junior College is located on an attractive 40-acre campus in La Junta, CO. approximately 60 miles southeast of Pueblo, CO in beautiful Southeastern Colorado. OJC serves the local counties of Otero, Bent, and Crowley. The dormitory at Otero Junior College is only a short walk from classrooms. The commute to OJC is short and stress free for area students because traffic is not heavy. Parking is free and close to the classrooms. The community offers many fun events and activities. Small class sizes allow for personal interaction with faculty. Usually no more than 30 people in a class. Participation in class is easier because of smaller classes and faculty are able to spend more time with students individually. Computer Labs are not overcrowded and they are located all around the campus so you are sure to have access to technical resources. You're not just another number with a student population of only about 1,300. The library is quiet and not crowded with students, providing you with a place to concentrate. There is a wide array of social and recreational activities including intramural and intercollegiate sports and the performing arts. Students have access to the basketball/volleyball court, weight room, tennis courts, soccer field, and nearby baseball diamond and swimming pool. The Student Center provides pool, ping-pong, and air hockey tables so that students can relax. The Otero Players allow students to participate in stage productions of world drama. The Otero Arts Festival gives students opportunity to display their artwork. Various clubs and organizations represent a wide variety of student interests.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Otero College cost?
Otero College's tuition is approximately $5,060 for In-State students and $8,130 for Out-State students.
What sports does Otero College offer?
Otero College offers 8 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Equestrian, Golf, Soccer, Softball, Volleyball and Wrestling.
What is Otero College's ranking?
Otero College ranks among the top 20% of community college in Colorado for: Percent of students receiving financial aid.
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