Academic Catalog - Tuition & Fees
Resident Tuition & Fees
The required fees for 12 hours or more provides students with an I.D. for use at the Student Center, Library, Fitness Center, athletic events and admission to college-sponsored activities.
2024-25 Colorado Resident Tuition and Fee Schedule – On Campus Instruction
The college reserves the right to change tuition and fees in accordance with state law. Contact Students Services at 719-384-6831 if you have questions.
| Credit Hours | Tuition | COF Stipend | Net Per Credit | Fees | Reg. Fee | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 285.10 | (116.00) | 169.10 | 16.80 | 17.15 | 203.05 |
| 2 | 570.20 | (232.00) | 338.20 | 33.60 | 17.15 | 388.95 |
| 3 | 855.30 | (348.00) | 507.30 | 50.40 | 17.15 | 574.85 |
| 4 | 1,140.40 | (464.00) | 676.40 | 67.20 | 17.15 | 760.75 |
| 5 | 1,425.50 | (580.00) | 845.50 | 84.00 | 17.15 | 946.65 |
| 6 | 1,710.60 | (696.00) | 1,014.60 | 100.80 | 17.15 | 1,132.55 |
| 7 | 1,995.70 | (812.00) | 1,183.70 | 117.60 | 17.15 | 1,318.45 |
| 8 | 2,280.80 | (928.00) | 1,352.80 | 134.40 | 17.15 | 1,504.35 |
| 9 | 2,565.90 | (1,044.00) | 1,521.90 | 151.20 | 17.15 | 1,690.25 |
| 10 | 2,851.00 | (1,160.00) | 1,691.00 | 168.00 | 17.15 | 1,876.15 |
| 11 | 3,136.10 | (1,276.00) | 1,860.10 | 184.80 | 17.15 | 2,062.05 |
| 12 | 3,421.20 | (1,392.00) | 2,029.20 | 233.52 | 17.15 | 2,279.87 |
| 13 | 3,706.30 | (1,508.00) | 2,198.30 | 241.58 | 17.15 | 2,457.03 |
| 14 | 3,991.40 | (1,624.00) | 2,367.40 | 249.64 | 17.15 | 2,634.19 |
| 15 | 4,276.50 | (1,740.00) | 2,536.50 | 257.70 | 17.15 | 2,811.35 |
| 16 | 4,561.60 | (1,856.00) | 2,705.60 | 265.76 | 17.15 | 2,988.51 |
| 17 | 4,846.70 | (1,972.00) | 2,874.70 | 273.82 | 17.15 | 3,165.67 |
| 18 | 5,131.80 | (2,088.00) | 3,043.80 | 281.88 | 17.15 | 3,342.83 |
| Note: The table above represents tuition rates for Colorado residents only | ||||||
COF Stipend – The State of Colorado subsidized in-state resident tuition by directly paying part of each credit hour directly to the colleges. This money, known as College Opportunity Fund stipends (COF), is applied to an in-state student’s tuition if the student applies for and authorizes the use of the stipend. Currently the College Opportunity Fund (COF) stipend is estimated to be worth $40.00 per credit hour.
Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)
Students who are residents of states participating in the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) are eligible to request a reduced tuition rate of 150% of Colorado resident tuition at Otero.
For more information contact the
Otero Financial Aid Director at:
719-384-6834.
Combined Room & Board Rate Per Semester |
|
|---|---|
| Dormitory | 19 – Meal Plan |
| Double – Wunsch/SS | 4,640.47 |
| Single – Wunsch/SS | 5,390.17 |
| Double – Conley Complex | 5,105.61 |
| Single – Conley Complex | 5,855.31 |
Student Housing Sites:
- Wunsch Hall (on campus)
- South Site (off campus)
- E.J. Conley Residential Complex (on campus)
Single rooms based upon availability. Rooms may be converted to triple occupancy if demand is high.
Colorado ASSET
Students Classification as a Colorado ASSET student allows eligible students without documentation to pay in-state tuition, rather than out-of-state tuition, as well as receive the Colorado Opportunity Fund stipend at Otero College.
Requirements for ASSET status students:
1. Have attended high school for three years immediately before graduating from a Colorado high school
2. Be admitted to a participating college within 12 months of graduating from a Colorado high school
3. If the student is not legally present in the U.S., they much sign an affidavit saying they are currently seeking or will seek legal status as soon as they are eligible.
For assistance with tuition classification, please contact the Otero Financial Aid Office: 719-384-6834.
Non-Resident Tuition & Fees
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Students
Classification as a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) student allows eligible students without documentation to pay in-state tuition, rather than out-of-state tuition, as well as receive the Colorado Opportunity Fund stipend at Otero College.
Requirements for DACA status students:
1. Have graduated from a Colorado high school or have taken the GED in Colorado prior to September 1, 2013
2. Were not accepted or attending college within 12 months of graduation
3. Documented 18 months of being physically present in Colorado on a continuous basis
4. Provide at least two of the following documents:
• If under the age of 23 and single, submit a copy of parent’s lease, rental agreement or deed to their home where you reside in Colo.
• Submit proof of employment such as a letter from an employer with dates of employment or submit two years of Colorado income taxes being filed
• Submit a copy of your Employment Authorization Card
• Submit a copy of your Colorado ID or Colorado driver’s licenses for the past 18 months
For assistance with tuition classification, please contact the Otero Financial Aid Office: 719-384-6834.
More information on DACA student classifications can be found at: www.ciccoloradoasset.org
The college reserves the right to change tuition and fees in accordance with state law. Contact Students Services at 719-384-6831 if you have questions.
2024-25 Colorado Non-Resident Tuition and Fee Schedule – On Campus Instruction
| Credit Hours | Tuition | Fees | Reg. Fee | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 282.00 | 16.80 | 17.15 | 315.95 |
| 2 | 564.00 | 33.60 | 17.15 | 614.75 |
| 3 | 846.00 | 50.40 | 17.15 | 913.55 |
| 4 | 1,128.00 | 67.20 | 17.15 | 1,212.35 |
| 5 | 1,410.00 | 84.00 | 17.15 | 1,511.15 |
| 6 | 1,692.00 | 100.80 | 17.15 | 1,809.95 |
| 7 | 1,974.00 | 117.60 | 17.15 | 2,108.75 |
| 8 | 2,256.00 | 134.40 | 17.15 | 2,407.55 |
| 9 | 2,538.00 | 151.20 | 17.15 | 2,706.35 |
| 10 | 2,820.00 | 168.00 | 17.15 | 3,005.15 |
| 11 | 3,102.00 | 184.80 | 17.15 | 3,303.95 |
| 12 | 3,384.00 | 233.52 | 17.15 | 3,634.67 |
| 13 | 3,666.00 | 241.58 | 17.15 | 3,924.73 |
| 14 | 3,948.00 | 249.64 | 17.15 | 4,214.79 |
| 15 | 4,230.00 | 257.70 | 17.15 | 4,504.85 |
| 16 | 4,512.00 | 265.76 | 17.15 | 4,794.91 |
| 17 | 4,794.00 | 273.82 | 17.15 | 5,084.97 |
| 18 | 5,076.00 | 281.88 | 17.15 | 5,375.03 |
International Student Tuition Rates
International student tuition is based on the Non-Resident Tuition Rate Schedule. An additional $157.00 per semester is added for international student transportation. Contact the Office of International Relations or Student Affairs for tuition rates and details, 719-384-6805.
Hybrid and Online Education 2024-25
CO Online - Resident Tuition Rate
| Credit Hours | Tuition | COF Stipend | Net Per Credit | Fees | Reg Fees | Total/Credit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 393.80 | (116.00) | 277.80 | 16.80 | 17.15 | 311.75 |
| 2 | 787.60 | (232.00) | 555.60 | 33.60 | 17.15 | 606.35 |
| 3 | 1,181.40 | (348.00) | 833.40 | 50.40 | 17.15 | 900.95 |
| 4 | 1,575.20 | (464.00) | 1,111.20 | 67.20 | 17.15 | 1,195.55 |
| 5 | 1,969.00 | (580.00) | 1,389.00 | 84.00 | 17.15 | 1,490.15 |
| 6 | 2,362.80 | (696.00) | 1,666.80 | 100.80 | 17.15 | 1,784.75 |
| 7 | 2,756.60 | (812.00) | 1,944.60 | 117.60 | 17.15 | 2,079.35 |
| 8 | 3,150.40 | (928.00) | 2,222.40 | 134.40 | 17.15 | 2,373.95 |
| 9 | 3,544.20 | (1,044.00) | 2,500.20 | 151.20 | 17.15 | 2,668.55 |
| 10 | 3,938.00 | (1,160.00) | 2,778.00 | 168.00 | 17.15 | 2,963.15 |
| 11 | 4,331.80 | (1,276.00) | 3,055.80 | 184.80 | 17.15 | 3,257.75 |
| 12 | 4,725.60 | (1,392.00) | 3,333.60 | 233.52 | 17.15 | 3,584.27 |
| 13 | 5,119.40 | (1,508.00) | 3,611.40 | 241.58 | 17.15 | 3,870.13 |
| 14 | 5,513.20 | (1,624.00) | 3,889.20 | 249.64 | 17.15 | 4,155.99 |
| 15 | 5,907.00 | (1,740.00) | 4,167.00 | 257.70 | 17.15 | 4,441.85 |
CO Online - Non Resident Tuition Rate
| Credit Hours | Tuition | Fees | Reg Fee | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 423.60 | 16.80 | 17.15 | 457.55 |
| 2 | 847.20 | 33.60 | 17.15 | 897.95 |
| 3 | 1,270.80 | 50.40 | 17.15 | 1,338.35 |
| 4 | 1,694.40 | 67.20 | 17.15 | 1,778.75 |
| 5 | 2,118.00 | 84.00 | 17.15 | 2,219.15 |
| 6 | 2,541.60 | 100.80 | 17.15 | 2,659.55 |
| 7 | 2,965.20 | 117.60 | 17.15 | 3,099.95 |
| 8 | 3,388.80 | 134.40 | 17.15 | 3,540.35 |
| 9 | 3,812.40 | 151.20 | 17.15 | 3,980.75 |
| 10 | 4,236.00 | 168.00 | 17.15 | 4,421.15 |
| 11 | 4,659.60 | 184.80 | 17.15 | 4,861.55 |
| 12 | 5,083.20 | 233.52 | 17.15 | 5,333.87 |
| 13 | 5,506.80 | 241.58 | 17.15 | 5,765.53 |
| 14 | 5,930.40 | 249.64 | 17.15 | 6,197.19 |
| 15 | 6,354.00 | 257.70 | 17.15 | 6,628.85 |
Course Fees
| Otero College Course Fees 2024-2025 | |
|---|---|
| All courses with the following prefixes will be charged a $8.85 per credit hour fee. | |
| PREFIX | PREFIX |
| ABM | Farm / Ranch |
| AGB | Agriculture Business |
| AGE | Agriculture Economics |
| AGP | Agriculture Production |
| AGR | Agriculture |
| AGY | Agriculture Crops and Soils |
| AST | Astronomy |
| BIO | Biology |
| CHE | Chemistry |
| CIS | Computer Information System |
| CNG | Computer Networking |
| CON | Construction |
| CSC | Computer Science |
| CWB | Web Management |
| DAN | Dance |
| EGG/DRT | Engineering |
| EMS | Emergency Medical Services |
| ENG | English |
| ENV | Environmental Science |
| GEY | Geology |
| HLT | Horticulture |
| HPR | Health Professional |
| HWE | Health and Wellness |
| LEA | Law Enforcement Academy |
| MAT | Math |
| MGD | Multimedia Graphic Design |
| MLT | Medical Laboratory Technology |
| MUS | Music |
| NUA | Nursing Assistant |
| NUR | Nursing |
| PBH | Public Health |
| PHY | Physics |
| RAM | Range Management |
| SBM | Small Business Management |
| THE | Theater |
| WEL | Welding |
| ***All Remedial Courses are charged $8.85 per credit hour fee *** Courses included within these categories have been deemed to be medium to high cost by the Community Colleges of Colorado. Otero College is required to collect these fees in order to recover some of the costs associated with producing these courses. Fees will be charged to all courses regardless if they are online, hybrid, hyflex or campus based. |
|
Student Fees
Otero has three fees which are charged on all credit courses, and two additional fees that are charged only to full time students (12 hours or more
Fee 01 – Student Center Fee – $8.74 per credit hour, $96.14 maximum (11 hours) This fee is prorated on fractional hours (i.e. 1/2 hour credit is charged $4.37).
- Charged to: Students registering for one or more classes carrying college credit. Full time students (12 or more credit hours) charged maximum $96.14
- Exemptions: High school students, special contract students.
- Accounting: Credited directly to Auxiliary fund in Student Center, used for Student Center operations.
Fee 02 – Associated Student Government Fee – $15.11
- Charged to: Full time students (12 hours or more)
- Exemptions: High school students, special contract students.
- Accounting: Credited directly to Agency Activity Fund Student Government account used for student clubs and organizations.
Fee 03 – Student Athletic Fee – $25.55
- Charged to: full time students (12 hours or more)
- Exemptions: High school students, special contract students.
- Accounting: Credited directly to General Fund Subsidized Auxiliary Athletics. Fee is used to fund athletic team sports
Fee 04 – Registration Processing Fee – $17.15
- Charged to: Students registering for one or more classes carrying college credit. Non- refundable. Not prorated on fractional hours.
- Exemptions: None
- Accounting: Credited to General Fund Student Fee revenue and becomes part of general operating revenue.
Fee 05 – Fitness Center Fee – $2.89
- Charged to: All students at $2.89 per credit hour taken.
- Exemptions: High School Concurrent Students
- Accounting: Credited to Auxiliary Fund Fitness Center Account used for Fitness Center Operations
Fee 06 – Technology Fee – $5.17
- Charged to: All students at $5.17 per credit hour taken.
- Exemptions: High School Concurrent Students
- Accounting: Credited to General Fund Student Fee revenue to support student technology service and equipment
Pass-Through Fees
| Materials Fees | |
|---|---|
| The following courses will be charged a Materials Fee per course, per semester. These will include the following courses. | |
| Fee Amount | Course to be charged: |
| $32.00 | MLT 1042 |
| $35.00 | ART1002, ART 1003, ART 1201, ART 1205, ART 2011, and ART 2012 |
| $50.00 | NUR 1069 |
| $90.00 | MLT 1031 |
| $100.00 | CON 1010, NUR 1012 and NUR 1050 |
| $125.00 | NUR 2006 and NUR 2016 |
| $150.00 | NUR 2003 and MLT 2041 |
| $160.00 | MLT 2031 |
| $175.00 | NUR 1006 |
| $180.00 | MLT 1032 |
| $190.00 | NUA 1001, EMS 1025, EMS 2003, and NUR 1009 |
| $280.00 | MLT 1041 |
| $300.00 | MLT 2042 |
| Lab Fees | |
|---|---|
| The following courses will be charged a Lab Fee per course, per semester. These will include the following courses. | |
| Fee Amount | Course to be charged: |
| $50.00 | CAR 1015 |
| $100.00 | NUR 2003, NUR 2016, CON 1058, CON 1062, and CON 1066 |
| $130.00 | WEL 1001, WEL 1003, WEL 1007-1010, WEL 1045, WEL 2001-2002, WEL 2004, WEL 2030-2031, WEL 2089, and WEL 2050 |
| $145.00 | WEL 1024 and WEL 2024 |
| $175.00 | NUR 1006, NUR 1009, NUR 1050, and NUR 2006 |
| Pass-Through Miscellaneous Fees | ||
|---|---|---|
| The following courses will be charged a miscellaneous fee per course, per semester: | ||
| Fee Amount | Fee Type | Course to be charged: |
| TBD | Malpractice Insurance | BAR 1020, COS 1020, EMS 1070, EMS 1071, EST 1010, MLT 1031, MLT 1041, NAT 1010, NUA 1070, NUR 1006, NUR 1009, NUR 1050, NUR 1069, NUR 2003, NUR 2006, and NUR 2016 |
| $59.00 | OSHA Course Cost | CON 1057 |
| $59.00 | Lead & Asbestos OSHA Cost | CON 1057 |
| $275.00 | Student Tool Kit | CON 1057 |
| $394.00 | Digital Classroom Access | EMS 1021 and EMS 1031 |
| $50.00 | Academy Binders/Study Supplies | LEA 1001 |
| $142.00 | Single Source Books | LEA 1001 |
| $150.00 | POST Certification Test Fee | LEA 1001 |
| $300.00 | Academy Uniforms | LEA 1001 |
| $150.00 | Taser and OC Supplies | LEA 1002 |
| $200.00 | Tactical Combat Care Kit | LEA 1002 |
| $350.00 | Driving Range Fees/Tires | LEA 1007 |
| $200.00 | Firearms Range Fees/Supplies | LEA 1008 |
| $500.00 | 2000 Rounds of Ammunition | LEA 1008 |
| $82.50 | Clinical Supplies | NUA 1070 |
| $170.00 | Testing Fee | NUA 1070 |
| $59.00 | OSHA Course Cost | WEL 1000 |
Students enrolled in the CON and WEL programs will assess a $20 NCCER Subscription fee once per year.
International Students are assessed a $157.00 International Student Transport Fee.
Graduation Cap/Gown Fee – $80.00
Payment of Tuition & Fees
Students who owe a balance from a prior term or who are financially obligated to Otero – whether through a third-party promise-to-pay, outstanding deferred payment, or failure to account for college property in their possession (including library materials) – will not be allowed to register for subsequent terms and will not be issued an official transcript or diploma until the balance owed is paid in full and all obligations satisfied.
Students may pay all or part of their tuition and fees during early registration or may settle their account on the first day of classes. The total balance of all tuition, fees, room, board, and other current charges is due no later than 5:00 p.m. on the 12th class day of the term to which the charges apply.
Balance due is computed by subtracting all confirmed student financial aid grants and scholarships from current charges. The remainder is what must be paid by the twelfth day of the term. If a third-party sponsor arrangement (such as an employer or government agency) is to pay all or a portion of the charges, students will need to provide the college cashier with written evidence of this agreement in order to have the amount deducted from the balance due. Parents or family are not considered third-party sponsors.
Satisfying financial obligations is the final step in the registration process. Students may be administratively dropped from all classes for non-payment of their account.
Refund/Repayment Policy
The first 12 class days of each semester are considered the drop/add period, when students may adjust their class schedules without penalty. If a student officially drops classes by completing the required forms in the Office of Student Affairs before 5:00 p.m. of the 12th class day, full refund of tuition and fees shall be made for the dropped classes except for the non-refundable registration processing fee. The unused portion of room and board charges will also be refunded. However, if a student withdraws after the 12th day, the student will be charged full tuition and fees and the pro-rated amount for room and meals through the day of withdrawal.
Financial Aid Repayment
If a student does not attend even one class (a “no show”), all financial aid awards to that student will be canceled and repaid to the funding source.
If a student withdraws, drops out, or is expelled within the first 12 class days, that student is treated, for refund/repayment purposes, the same as a “no show.” No Title IV financial aid money is disbursed, the award is canceled, and funds are returned to the funding source.
Financial aid awards are not disbursed to student accounts until after the 12th day of class. After the 12th day, the student will receive 100 percent of the financial aid earned, to be applied first against any balance due to the college, with any additional amount being disbursed to the student to meet past, current, and future living expenses.
Financial aid eligibility will be recalculated, and amount of refund or repayment will be determined by the Financial Aid Office for students who withdraw, drop out, or take a leave of absence after the 12th day of class and prior to completing 60 percent of the term. Disbursement checks will be made to the student within a reasonable time after the 12th day. For more information, contact the Financial Aid Office at 719-384-6834.
Senior Citizen Scholarships
Senior Citizens are classified as individuals over the age of 60 at the time a class begins. These students may enroll in courses and receive a $50 per credit hour scholarship. Scholarships are limited to six (6) credit hours per academic year. Scholarships will only be given if the course has room to accommodate extra students on a space available basis. Enrollees must also qualify for the COF stipend and utilize those funds for courses. Weight Training and other PED courses are not eligible for this discount.
Choir and Aerobics are “performance-based courses” and the only courses for which qualified senior citizens may enroll in multiple times and receive the Senior Citizen Scholarship. Registration for all credit classes is handled through the Otero Student Affairs office.
Senior Citizens also have the opportunity to enroll in health and wellness programs offered through the Healthways SilverSneakers Fitness program. These are no-cost programs offered to seniors through their Medicare healthcare provider.
*See the Affiliated College Programs section of this catalog for more details.
Living Accommodations and Expenses
Residence Hall – All single freshman students under 21 years of age who do not live with their parents or relatives while attending Otero College are required to live in Otero Housing. Residents must be 17 years of age at the beginning of the year under contract. The college president may grant a waiver of the minimum age based on extenuating circumstances unique to the role and mission of community colleges.
Students over 21 years of age may live in Otero campus housing based on special program needs, availability, and suitability as determined by the college president.
All students living in the campus housing are required to be enrolled full-time (12 credit hours or more). Additionally, students residing in campus housing are required to purchase one of the provided meal plans in the college cafeteria. Charges are computed on a cost basis and are subject to change whenever costs change.
If students leave during the first six weeks of any semester, the unused portion of the room and board charges will be refunded. After six weeks, there will be no refund for room and board.
Housing Options at Otero
Housing options at Otero include three separate facilities. Wunsch Hall is located just a few yards from the Student Center and Food Court. Wunsch Hall is a multi-story complex with a men’s wing and a women’s wing. The rooms are set up to be double occupancy with central restroom and shower facilities on each floor. The facility has a central lobby and game room. The E.J. Conley Residence Complex is located directly across the street from the Student Center and features double occupancy single floor units that share a bathroom with the adjoining suite. The South Site housing facility is leased by Otero from the City of La Junta. It is located 1.5 miles south of the campus on San Juan Avenue. These units are single floor, double occupancy with a bathroom that is shared with the adjoining suite.
Other Housing Options
Private Homes – Sophomore students and/or students over 21 years of age may choose to rent a room in a private home.
Other Costs
Printing – Otero College utilizes a software product called PaperCut, to monitor printer and paper usage. At the beginning of each semester, all students will be allotted a $25.00 allowance printing privilege which equates to 250 pages of printing at 10 cents a page. Should the student find they need to print more than the maximum of 250 pages, they will be required to purchase PaperCut Print Cards at Student Affairs. PaperCut Print Cards are valued at $10.00 each for 100 pages of printing, are non-refundable, and will expire at the end of each semester. Students will be responsible for monitoring their individual printing privileges and managing their own accounts. Additional information on PaperCut can be found at Library & Learning Commons – Otero College or visit the Otero Office of Student Affairs.