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 1,279 students (43% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 5:1 is lower than the state community college average of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 54% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the state average of 45%.
Quick Stats (2022-23)
- Enrollment: 1,279 students
- In-state tuition: $5,060
- Out-state tuition: $8,130
- Student:teacher ratio: 5:1
- Minority enrollment: 54%
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Otero Junior College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Colorado for:
Category
Attribute
Debt For Students
School Overview
The teacher population of 279 teachers has grown by 257% over five years.
Otero Junior College
(CO) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges: High Transfer-Mixed Traditional/Nontraditional
Associates Colleges
Institution Level
Less than 2 yrs
Four or more years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Total Faculty
279 staff
87 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Otero Junior College has declined by 10% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 5:1 has decreased from 27:1 over five years.
The Otero Junior College diversity score of 0.65 is more than the state average of 0.63. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
1,279 students
1,461 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
5:1
15:1
# Full-Time Students
556 students
556 students
# Part-Time Students
723 students
905 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
578 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
1%
1%
% Asian
1%
3%
% Hispanic
36%
25%
% Black
4%
5%
% White
46%
55%
% Two or more races
3%
4%
% Non Resident races
3%
2%
% Unknown races
5%
5%
Diversity Score
0.65
0.63
College Completion Rate
39%
52%
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 $3,768. The in-state tuition has grown by 41% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $8,130 is less than the state average of $10,421. The out-state tuition has grown by 37% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$5,060
$3,768
Out-State Tuition Fees
$8,130
$10,421
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
99%
87%
Median Debt for Graduates
$9,300
$11,634
Median Debt for Dropouts
$5,500
$5,500
Acceptance Rate
n/a
88%
Sports
Total Sports Offered
8 sports
Sports
Baseball, Basketball, Equestrian, Golf, Soccer, Softball, Volleyball, Wrestling
Source: 2020 (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.
Recent Articles
An In-Depth Guide to Financing Options for Community College
Attending college is expensive but there are options for financing beyond just student loans. Keep reading to learn more.
Do You Need to Take the GRE for Community College Applications?
No matter where you choose to go to college you'll have to take some kind of standardized test. The GRE is often required for graduate programs, but it may also benefit your community college application.
Tips for Minimizing Educational Debt While in School
Education becomes more expensive with each passing year so it is important to make smart use of your student loans and to minimize your debt while you are in school whenever possible.
