Scholarships & Grants

As students and parents explore their options for paying for college, taking advantage of scholarship and grant opportunities should be one of their top strategies. While the cost of college may seem overwhelming to families, the simple task of exploring and completing scholarship applications could offer the financial solutions that students need. Please look over the scholarships we offer—it could be the perfect financial boost you need to help finance your college education. Then use the Online Scholarship Application to connect to AwardSpring, our new scholarship program that makes applying for your scholarships easier than ever before! Grant information can be found at the bottom of the page.

Note The deadline for most scholarship applications is April 15. By filling out the Online Scholarship Application you can apply to all Otero College sponsored scholarships that you are eligible for. the upcoming application will open January 1st and be applicable for the 2025-2026 school year.

Rattler Nation Merit Scholarships

Eligible students must be Colorado residents and enroll in at least 15 credit hours at Otero College the fall semester following their high school graduation date.

Official High School transcripts and Otero college admissions application must be turned in and complete by July 15 for consideration for these scholarships.

Official high school transcripts must be sent directly to the Otero College Registrar from your high school. Official transcripts can be sent via electronic delivery service to otero-admissions@otero.edu or physically mailed to

Otero College Registrar’s Office
1802 Colorado Ave.
La Junta, CO 81050

Please note:

There is a 4 semester limit on this scholarship.
You must be enrolled in at least 15 credits each semester you wish to receive this scholarship.
You must obtain a 3.0 Otero GPA each semester in order to keep this scholarship, no matter what your high school GPA started at.
If you receive this scholarship, then drop or withdraw from classes and are enrolled in less than 15 credit hours for the semester, you will lose this scholarship.

Presidential Rattler

Award per Year – $2,500

Cumulative High School GPA of 3.75-4.0

Otero GPA to Renew – 3.0

Renowned Rattler

Award per year – $2,000

Cumulative High School GPA of 3.25-3.75

Otero GPA to Renew – 3.0

Talented Rattler

Award per Year – $1,500

Cumulative High School GPA of 2.75-3.25

Otero GPA to Renew – 3.0

Rising Rattler

Award per year – $1,000

Cumulative High School GPA of 2.25-2.75

Otero GPA to Renew – 3.0

Finish Strong Scholarship

The Finish Strong Scholarship is available for graduating high school seniors from Otero, Crowley, and Bent counties. Requirements include:

Finish Strong Scholarship submission deadline is April 15th.
At least 25 concurrent credits coming out of high school
Full time enrollment status (12+ credits)
2.0 high school GPA or better
This scholarship can only be used for three consecutive semesters starting the summer or fall after high school graduation.
Otero College must receive FAFSA and official high school transcripts by September 15th

President's Leadership Program Scholarship

The Otero College Foundation provides annual scholarships in the amount of $1,000 to each selected scholar ($500 for Fall Semester and $500 for Spring Semester). This scholarship will be renewed for one more year if the scholar maintains a 3.2 college GPA and remains in good standing with the program and meets the year-two continuation eligibility requirements. Continuation of scholarship awards past the first two years will be contingent upon funding.

Full List of Scholarships

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Scholarship Name (in alphabetical order)	Qualifications	Duration	Amount
Agriculture - Colorado Rural Rehabilitation Corporation Scholarship	This scholarship is for one, Colorado Resident pursuing an Agricultural degree (excluding Equine (horse) degrees) at Otero College. Student must have a 2.75 cumulative GPA to earn scholarship, and student must maintain a 2.75 GPA in the fall in order to receive the award again in the spring semester.	Fall and Spring Semester. This scholarship is non-renewable, so students must re-apply for the scholarship if they wish to receive it a second year.	$2000 per year split between fall and spring
Ag Premier Scholarship	Agricultural involvement, enrolled in an ag science course	School Year	Up to $2,000 per year
Ashley Rochelle Abel Nursing Scholarship	3.0+ gpa, Nursing student, 5 hrs community service	School Year	$500
Charles & Delia Garcia Memorial Scholarship	This award will go to one male and one female student who maintain a cumulative 2.0 GPA or above.	School Year	$2,500
Classified Employees	Qualified returning sophomore only, 3.0+ gpa, Full time student. One scholarship of $1000, ($500 per semester).	Semester	$500
Colorado Opportunity Scholarship	Full-time students, income qualifications, apply to TRiO program	Semester	Up to $1500
Commitment to Otero Scholarship	Local students who graduated from an Otero College service area high school (La Junta, Las Animas, Cheraw, Rocky Ford, Crowley County, Swink, Manzanola, Fowler) with a minimum of 2.5 cumula-tive GPA from high school and enroll at Otero College in a t least 15 credit hours. There is a two-year limit on the Commitment to Otero scholarship and it is not stackable with any of the Rattler Nation scholarships. FAFSA must be received by September 15th.	up to two years	$1000
Conley Memorial Scholarship	Full-time student, 2.5+ gpa, ASG or Athletics or Political Science/History major.	up to Two Years	Variable
First-Generation Scholarship	First generation college students (neither parent has earned a bach-elor’s degree or higher), 3.0 high school GPA for first-time freshman, or transfer GPA for students who have attended another college prior to Otero College enrollment, FAFSA must be received by September 15th, must be enrolled in at least 12 credits at Otero. Renewable with a 3.0 cumulative GPA. There is a two-year limit on receiving this award. The First-Generation Scholarship is awarded to students upon their initial semester at Otero and may be combined with any other Otero scholarship.	up to two years	$850
The Franzman Family Scholarship - New model for the Franzman Family Scholarship	2.5+ gpa, four scholarships each year. Two awarded to first year (freshman) students and two awarded to continuing second year (sophomore) students.	School Year	$1250
The Franzman Nursing Scholarship	2.5+ gpa, Two Nursing Scholarships will be available to be awarded, one to a first year (freshman) student and one to a continuing second year (sophomore), both enrolled in the nursing program and pursuing qualification as registered nurses	School Year	$2,500
The Freda T. Roof Scholarship	Financial need	School Year	Variable
Kane Family 2 Year Merit	Colo Resident, 3.25+ gpa, seek associate degree within 2 consecutive years.	Two Years	Tuition, Fees, Books
Kay Mahoney Scholarship	Healthcare Program at Otero, 3.2+ gpa, commitment to community service.	School Year	Variable
Living & Learning Scholarship	Out-of-State and WUE students enrolled in at least 12 credits re-ceive a $2,000 per year scholarship towards housing costs. Renew-able with a 2.5 cumulative Otero GPA. There is a two-year limit on the Living and Learning scholarship and it can be combined with the First-Generation scholarship.	School Year	$2,000
Otero & Crowley County Resident Scholarship	Residency: Since the government uses the parents' residency to determine the residency of a student who is under 23 years of age, your parents must also live in Otero or Crowley County if you are under 23 years of age. If you are 23 years of age or older, you yourself must reside in Otero or Crowley county in order to be eligible for this scholarship. Degree Requirements: You must be enrolled in a degree-seeking or certificate-seeking program. Students enrolled as a non-degree seeking student are not eligible for this scholarship.	School Year	Variable
Pinnacol Scholarship	This is for students in a Career & Technical Education pathway. Including Welding, Construction, Nursing, Law Enforcement, Education, Cosmetology, & some certificate programs. Students must maintain a cumulative 2.0 GPA.	School Year	$2,500
President's Leadership Scholarship	Must be selected for the President's Leadership Program, 3.2+ GPA and remains in good standing with PLP. Link to President's Leadership Program Application	School Year	$1000 ($500 for Fall Semester and $500 for Spring Semester)
Rattler Nation Merit Scholarships	Eligible students must be Colorado residents and enroll in at least 15 credit hours at Otero College the fall semester following their high school graduation date.	School Year	$1,000 - $2,500
Robert Hoag Rawlings Scholarship	2.5+ gpa, journalism or business emphasis, students from 18-county Southeastern Colorado area	School Year	$2000
Vera and Alan Shand Scholarship	Full-time student, 3.0 + gpa, pursuing a degree in education, priority given to students graduating from Lower Arkansas Valley. Full-time student, 3.0 + gpa, pursuing a degree in nursing and accepted into the Nursing Program.	Semester	$1000 - $1250

Showing 1 to 21 of 21 entries

International Student Scholarships

Jim Rizzuto International Scholarship

This scholarship is offered by Seth and Barbara Franzman for the benefit of a deserving second-year (sophomore) international student to assist with funds necessary to continue their education at Otero College, and to promote a positive international culture in the College community. The International student who is selected will need to write a Thank You letter to the Franzman family and will then be awarded $2,000 for the year, $1,000 each semester.

International Academic/Leadership Scholarship*

Current Otero international students who have received the distinction of being on the President’s List, have demonstrated leadership and have been active in community service can apply for this scholarship award of $500 toward the following semester at Otero.

International Spirit Scholarship Application*

Current Otero international students who have received the distinction of being on the Institutional Recognition Honors List, have been active in community service and have demonstrated and fostered opportunities to reach across cultural borders to promote international understanding can apply for this scholarship award of $250 toward the following semester at Otero.

Student Life Scholarship

A $1000 per semester tuition scholarship to students who select to live in Otero College on-campus housing and participate in Student Life activities and events.

*These scholarships are made possible from the proceeds of the International Foods Night Event in the spring term. Thank you to everyone who has supported and continues to support this program!

Community Sponsored Scholarships

Arkansas Valley Board of Realtors Scholarship
La Junta Rotary Club Scholarship

For Information on how to apply for these scholarships please contact the Director of Financial Aid at Otero College.

Private Donor Scholarships

The are a number of scholarships established by individuals and organizations interested in the welfare of Otero and its students. Eligibility for these awards varies according to the donor’s wishes. Please contact the Director of Financial Aid to find out more about Private Donor Scholarships.

For Information on how to apply for these scholarships please contact the Director of Financial Aid at Otero College.

General Scholarships

For a list of general scholarships available to students across the country, view the Student Scholarship Directory.

Lariat Future Innovators STEM scholarship:

The Lariat STEM Scholarship is directed towards students between 18-24, from lower-income families in rural areas, who are pursuing a degree in math or science.

Students awarded the scholarship, and who continue to meet eligibility requirements, will receive funding annually as follows:

$6,000 as a Freshmen
$6,000 as a Sophomore
$8,000 as a Junior
$10,000 as a Senior

Colorado DAR Scholarships

The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in 1890 and incorporated by an Act of Congress in 1896. One of the largest women’s service organizations in the world, DAR members are dedicated to promoting education, historic preservation, and patriotism. For Application Information: coloradodar.org/scholarships

Applicants must be a U.S. citizen and a Colorado resident and attend an accredited college or university in the United States.
Deadline for applying is January 31, 2025
Minimum of $1500 for the school year

Adult Advanced Education Scholarship

Awarded to any college student whose college education was interrupted for at least one year.
Applicant must have returned to a college or university in the past year.

Elementary/Secondary Teacher Education Scholarship

Awarded to a high school senior or an undergraduate or post graduate student who is majoring in an Elementary or Secondary School Teacher Education Program.
Applicant must provide a college transcript or letter of acceptance from the college or university stating the applicant has been accepted into the Teacher Education program.

Honoring Military Families Scholarship

Awarded to a high school senior or undergraduate student who has been accepted to or attending a college or university and is the child of a parent who served or is serving in the United States Armed Forces.
Applicant must provide documentation proving parentage, such as a birth certificate or adoption papers, and documentation proving their parent’s service.

State Regents American History Scholarship: History, Government, Political Science, Historic Preservation, Archives Management

Awarded to an undergraduate or post graduate college student.
Applicant shall have a concentrated study in History, Political Science, American History or Government, Historic Preservation or Archives Management with a focus on American History. A transcript stating that the applicant is majoring in one of the above fields must be included with the application.

Virginia Leyda Roberts Nursing Scholarship

Awarded to a high school senior or undergraduate student who has been accepted or is currently enrolled in a nursing school for an Associate’s or Bachelor’s nursing degree.
Applicant must provide a college transcript or letter of acceptance from the college or university stating the applicant has been accepted into the Nursing Program.

Grants

Grants are important resources that help students achieve their educational goals.

Federal Pell Grant

These grants are designed to provide financial assistance to those who need it to attend post-high school educational institutions. Amount of the award is set each year by the U.S. Department of Education. Grants may be awarded to full-time and part-time students who are U.S. citizens, meet other federal mandated guidelines, and are making satisfactory academic progress.
You can apply by filling out a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form at studentaid.gov. You will need to create a free account and fill out the form for the year you’ll be attending.
If you have any questions about this process, please reach out to the financial aid office.

Colorado Student Grant (CSG)

This grant is designed to assist students with financial need with educational expenses. To qualify, the student must be a resident of the State of Colorado and must demonstrate and document financial need. Colorado Student Grants for out-of-state students are not available.

Federal Supplementary Education Opportunity Grants (FSEOG)

One-year grants-in-aid designed to assist students of exceptional financial need, who, for the lack of financial means of their own or of their families, would be unable to obtain such a grant. Funds for these grants are provided from Federal appropriations and they may not exceed the lesser of $2,000 or one-half the total amount of student financial aid provided by the institution. The Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant may be renewed annually upon application, providing the recipient continues to meet eligibility requirements.
For information on this grant please contact the Director of Financial Aid at Otero College.

Scholarships & Grants

Rattler Nation Merit Scholarships

Presidential Rattler

Renowned Rattler

Talented Rattler

Rising Rattler

Finish Strong Scholarship

President's Leadership Program Scholarship

Full List of Scholarships

International Student Scholarships

Jim Rizzuto International Scholarship

International Academic/Leadership Scholarship*

International Spirit Scholarship Application*

Student Life Scholarship

Community Sponsored Scholarships

Private Donor Scholarships

General Scholarships

Lariat Future Innovators STEM scholarship:

Colorado DAR Scholarships

Grants

Federal Pell Grant

Colorado Student Grant (CSG)

Federal Supplementary Education Opportunity Grants (FSEOG)

Andee Leininger

McKensie Avens