Scholarships & Grants
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
Financial Assistance for Adult Learners
Adult learners ages 26 and up may qualify for financial assistance to help pay:
- Internet bill
- Transportation expenses (including gas)
- Vehicle repairs
- Housing expenses
This assistance is brought to students through the Lumina Foundation’s Adult Learners Grant. If you have questions please contact Jane Wheeler, Adult Learner and CTE Success Coach at (719) 384-6802 or jane.wheeler@otero.edu
Finish Strong Scholarship
The Finish Strong Scholarship is available for graduating high school seniors from Otero, Crowley, and Bent counties. Requirements include:
- 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
| Scholarship Name (in alphabetical order) | Qualifications | Duration | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ashley Rochelle Abel Nursing Scholarship | 3.0+ gpa, Nursing student, 5 hrs community service | School Year | $500 |
| Boundless Opportunity Scholarship | Full-time non-traditional students, 23 yrs or older, Satisfactory Academic Progress, Demonstrate financial need. | School Year | $2,000 |
| Central Colorado Educational Trust Scholarship | Graduate from SE Colo H.S., full-time student, Agricultural emphasis, | School Year | $1000 |
| 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 |
| 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
| School Year | Minimum of $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 |
| Franzman President's Leadership Scholarship | 3.2+ gpa, 20 President's Leadership Program (PLP) annual scholarships will be awarded. | School Year | $1000 |
| 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. Must plan to transfer to UCCS upon graduation from Otero. | 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 |
| Ag Premier Scholarship | Agricultural involvement, enrolled in an ag science course | School Year | up to $1,500 |
| 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 |
| Wickham Family Scholarship | Full-time student pursuing a degree in the Engineering field or Math/Science, 3.0+ gpa | School Year | $500 |
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.
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.
Andee Leininger
Director of Financial Aid
(719) 384-6834
andee.leininger@otero.edu
McBride Hall 132
McKensie Avens
Assistant Director of Financial Aid
(719) 384-6985
mckensie.avens@otero.edu
McBride Hall 132