- 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 Junior College serves 1,216 students (43% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 4:1 is lower than the state community college average of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 49% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the state average of 43%.
Quick Stats (2023-24)
- Enrollment: 1,216 students
- In-state tuition: $5,060
- Out-state tuition: $8,130
- Student:teacher ratio: 4:1
- Minority enrollment: 49%
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Otero Junior College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Colorado for:
Category
Attribute
School Resources
Debt For Students
School Overview
The teacher population of 279 teachers has grown by 416% over five years.
Otero Junior College
(CO) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associates Colleges
Associates Colleges
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Four or more years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Total Faculty
279 staff
80 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Otero Junior College has declined by 8% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 4:1 has decreased from 5:1 over five years.
The Otero Junior College diversity score of 0.62 is equal to the state average of 0.62. The school's diversity has declined by 6% over five years.
Total Enrollment
1,216 students
2,187 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
4:1
14:1
# Full-Time Students
528 students
687 students
# Part-Time Students
688 students
1,500 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
970 students
443 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
528 students
585 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
97 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
688 students
952 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
1 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
370 students
346 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
2%
1%
% Asian
1%
3%
% Hispanic
34%
23%
% Black
5%
5%
% White
51%
57%
% Hawaiian
n/a
1%
% Two or more races
2%
4%
% Non Resident races
3%
2%
% Unknown races
2%
4%
Diversity Score
0.62
0.62
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
38%
56%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
2.68%
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 $4,455. The in-state tuition has grown by 31% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $8,130 is less than the state average of $10,707. The out-state tuition has grown by 31% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$5,060
$4,455
Out-State Tuition Fees
$8,130
$10,707
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
100%
87%
Median Debt for Graduates
$9,500
$11,000
Median Debt for Dropouts
$5,500
$5,500
Acceptance Rate
n/a
83%
Sports
Total Sports Offered
8 sports
Sports
Baseball, Basketball, Equestrian, Golf, Soccer, Softball, Volleyball, Wrestling
Source: 2021 (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 Junior College cost?
Otero Junior College's tuition is approximately $5,060 for In-State students and $8,130 for Out-State students.
What sports does Otero Junior College offer?
Otero Junior College offers 8 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Equestrian, Golf, Soccer, Softball, Volleyball and Wrestling.
What is Otero Junior College's ranking?
Otero Junior College ranks among the top 20% of community college in Colorado for: Percent of students receiving financial aid and Least debt for graduating students.
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