Otero Junior College
- 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 1,200 students (56% of students are full-time).
- The college's student:teacher ratio of 22:1 is lower than the state community college average of 36:1.
- Minority enrollment is 54% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the state average of 36%.
- Otero Junior College is the only community colleges within Otero County, CO.
- The nearest community college to Otero Junior College is Lamar Community College (50.9 miles away).
Top Placements
Otero Junior College places among the top 20% of community colleges in Colorado for:
- Category Attribute
- Debt For Students Least debt for graduating students
School Overview
- The teacher population of 54 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
| Otero Junior College | (CO) Community College Avg. | |
| Carnegie Classification | Associate of Arts Colleges | Baccalaureate / Associates Colleges |
| Institution Level | Less than 2 yrs | Four or more years |
| Institution Control | Public | Private, non-profit |
| Total Faculty | 54 staff | 40 staff |
| Total Enrollment | 1,200 students | 1,643 students |
 | ||
| Student : Teacher Ratio | 22:1 | 36:1 |
| # Full-Time Students | 670 students | 742 students |
| # Part-Time Students | 530 students | 901 students |
 |  | |
| Total Dormitory Capacity | 330 | 330 |
| % American Indian/Alaskan | 1% | 1% |
| % Asian | - | 3% |
| % Hispanic | 36% | 17% |
| % Black | 5% | 5% |
| % White | 46% | 64% |
| % Two or more races | 5% | 3% |
| % Non Resident races | 4% | 1% |
| % Unknown races | 3% | 6% |
 |  | |
| Diversity Score | 0.59 | 0.55 |
 | ||
| College Completion Rate | 36% | 36% |
| Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years) | $31,300 | $33,100 |
Sports
| Total Sports Offered | 8 sports |
| Sports | Baseball, Basketball, Equestrian, Golf, Soccer, Softball, Volleyball, WrestlingBaseball, Basketball, Equestrian, Golf, Soccer, Softball, Volleyball, Wrestling, |
Source: 2016 (or latest year available) IPEDS
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.
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Nearby Schools
- The nearest community college to Otero Junior College is Lamar Community College (50.9 miles away).
- College Location Mi. Students
- Lamar Community CollegePublic839 students | 50.90 Mi2401 S Main St
Lamar, CO 81052
(719) 336-2248 50.90839 - Pueblo Community CollegePublic5,816 students | 62.80 Mi900 West Orman Avenue
Pueblo, CO 81004
(719) 549-3200 62.805,816 - 1,783 students | 76.80 Mi600 Prospect St
Trinidad, CO 81082
(719) 846-5011 76.801,783 - 13,947 students | 86.60 Mi5675 S Academy Blvd
Colorado Springs, CO 80906
(719) 502-2000 86.6013,947 - Everest College-Colorado SpringsPrivate, for profit330 students | 86.80 Mi1815 Jet Wing Drive
Colorado Springs, CO 80916
(719) 638-6580 86.80330
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