William Rainey Harper College: $3,822 Tuition

$3,822Tuition

8,815Students

46%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$48,071Earnings

#13 in IllinoisPublic2-yearNCCAAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About William Rainey Harper College

Harper College serves as a launching pad for students throughout Chicago's northwest suburbs. The college enrolls 8,815 students and has built a reputation for seamless transfers to four-year universities and hands-on career training programs. Students benefit from a 20:1 student-faculty ratio that allows for more personal attention than typical at larger institutions. The Palatine campus draws almost exclusively from Illinois, with 99.59% of students coming from in-state.

The financial picture makes Harper particularly attractive for cost-conscious families. Students pay an average net price of $6,186 after aid, while graduates earn a median of $48,071 ten years after starting college. Those who borrow graduate with just $10,184 in median debt and monthly payments of only $108. The college keeps costs low with in-state tuition at $3,822, and 19.58% of students receive Pell Grants for additional support.

Harper's student body reflects the diversity of suburban Chicago, with 43.68% white students, 32.02% Hispanic students, and 12.96% Asian students. The Hawks compete in 11 varsity sports with 183 total athletes, though the college focuses more on academics than athletics. A strong 93.1% employment rate shows most graduates successfully transition to work or further education.

Academics & Faculty

Harper College serves as a launching pad for students planning to transfer to four-year universities, with robust academic pathways designed for seamless credit transfers. The college maintains a 20:1 student-faculty ratio, providing reasonable access to instructors across its diverse program offerings. With a 45.60% six-year graduation rate, Harper delivers solid outcomes for a community college serving working students and those balancing multiple commitments. The school has built a strong reputation for career-focused training programs, particularly in healthcare, business, and skilled trades. Many students use Harper as an affordable stepping stone to complete general education requirements before transferring to universities like University of Illinois or Northwestern.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 20:1
Full-Time Faculty: 34.6%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 45.6%
Median Earnings (10 years): $48,071

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$61,908
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions.	Associate	$59,937
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Associate	$58,673
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants.	Certificate	$31,127
Health and Medical Administrative Services.	Associate	$28,598
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services.	Certificate	$27,669
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$27,319
Biological and Physical Sciences.	Associate	$22,420

View all 84 programs →

Campus Life

Harper College sits in Palatine's sprawling suburbs, about 30 miles northwest of downtown Chicago. The 240-acre campus feels spacious but manageable, with modern buildings connected by tree-lined walkways. Winter coats are essential here - Chicago-area temperatures drop well below freezing from December through February, while summers hit the 80s.

With 8,815 students and no campus housing, Harper operates as a true commuter school. The 20:1 student-faculty ratio means classes stay relatively intimate despite the large enrollment. Most students drive to campus, park in one of the expansive lots, and head home after classes. The 56% female, 44% male split creates a balanced environment, while the diverse student body reflects the northwest suburbs with 43.68% white, 32.02% Hispanic, and 12.96% Asian students.

Weekends center around work, family, and transfer preparation rather than traditional college social life. Students often use Harper's strong partnerships with four-year universities to plan their next academic steps. The Hawks compete in 11 varsity sports with 183 total athletes, though athletic scholarships aren't offered.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

3 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Burglary	2	0	0	0
Domestic Violence	0	0	0	1

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 13°–28°F
July Avg: 62°–81°F
Annual Precipitation: 40.4"
Annual Snowfall: 38.5"

Student Demographics

Harper College draws heavily from Chicago's northwest suburbs, with nearly all students coming from Illinois. The student body reflects the region's diversity, with significant Hispanic and Asian populations alongside white students. Women slightly outnumber men, typical for community colleges where many students pursue healthcare and education programs. The relatively low percentage of students receiving Pell Grants suggests Harper serves middle-class families seeking affordable education options. Most students work while attending classes, balancing career advancement with family responsibilities. The college has built strong ties with local employers who actively recruit Harper graduates.

Men: 44.0%
Women: 56.0%
White: 43.7%
Black: 5.0%
Hispanic: 32.0%
Asian: 13.0%
In-State Students: 99.6%
Pell Grant Recipients: 19.6%

Location

Harper College sits in Palatine, Illinois, roughly 30 miles northwest of downtown Chicago. The campus serves the northwest Chicago suburbs, where 99.59% of its 8,815 students live in-state. Palatine offers a classic suburban setting with easy access to both Chicago's job market and cultural attractions via commuter rail. The area combines residential neighborhoods with growing business districts, making it ideal for students who want suburban comfort while staying connected to a major metropolitan area. The college draws heavily from the diverse northwest suburbs, reflected in its student body that is 32.02% Hispanic and 12.96% Asian. Students considering colleges in Illinois may also compare Harper College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Palatine, Illinois 60067-7398

Performing Arts Center tower - Harper College

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $48,071
Median Earnings (5 years): $53,657
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $34,400
Loan Repayment Rate: 47.0%
Monthly Loan Payment: $108/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $10,184

Frequently Asked Questions

How competitive is admission to William Rainey Harper College?

Harper College maintains an open admission policy typical of community colleges, with 99.59% of students coming from Illinois. The school serves as an accessible entry point for students seeking affordable higher education or career training in the Chicago suburbs.

What does William Rainey Harper College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $6,186 annually, with costs varying by family income. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $4,276, while the school's in-state tuition of $3,822 makes it one of the more affordable options in the Chicago area.

What academic programs is William Rainey Harper College known for?

Harper College operates with a 20:1 student-faculty ratio across its suburban Palatine campus serving 8,815 students. The school has built a strong reputation for transfer programs that prepare students for four-year universities and career-focused training programs.

What are the employment outcomes for William Rainey Harper College graduates?

Graduates achieve a 93.1% employment rate with median earnings of $48,071 ten years after enrollment. The 45.60% six-year graduation rate reflects the school's role as both a transfer institution and career training center for working adults.

Where is William Rainey Harper College located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in Palatine, Illinois, a large suburb northwest of Chicago, serving a diverse student body that is 56% female and 32% Hispanic. With 11 varsity sports teams competing as the Hawks, the college offers a more intimate community college experience in the Chicago metropolitan area.

How affordable is student debt at William Rainey Harper College?

Students graduate with a median debt of just $10,184, resulting in manageable monthly loan payments of $108. Only 2.14% of students take federal loans, reflecting the school's role as an affordable stepping stone for students planning to transfer or enter the workforce quickly.