Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 45.6%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $48,071
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $10,184
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 20:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 47.0%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $108/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $61,908 | $11,786 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $59,937 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $58,673 | $14,459 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $31,127 | $6,258 |
| 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 | $8,920 |
| Biological and Physical Sciences. | Associate | $22,420 | $6,375 |
Outcomes Overview
Harper College graduates enter the workforce with manageable debt loads, carrying a median of $10,184 compared to national community college averages near $15,000. Monthly loan payments of $108 represent just 2.7% of typical graduate income of $48,071 after ten years. The 93.1% employment rate reflects the college's strong connections to Chicago-area employers in healthcare, manufacturing, and business services. Many graduates transfer to four-year universities or enter skilled trades like nursing, automotive technology, and computer information systems. With low borrowing rates at just 2.14% of students taking federal loans and solid earning potential, Harper delivers a strong return on investment for students seeking affordable career preparation or transfer pathways.