At $6,186/yr net price, William Rainey Harper College graduates earn $48,071/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $14,071/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $6,186 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $24,744 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $48,071/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$14,071/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 45.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,184 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,276/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,310/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,614/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $10,663/yr |
| $110,001+ | $11,805/yr |
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 |
The Risk Factor
45.6% of students at William Rainey Harper College graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
William Rainey Harper College delivers solid financial returns for students who choose the right programs, with healthcare fields driving most of the value. At just $6,186 per year in net costs and median debt of only $10,184, the financial risk stays manageable even if your career plans change.
Registered nursing graduates earn $61,908 annually, making this program an strong investment that pays back quickly. Dental support services and allied health diagnostic programs also generate strong returns above $58,000. However, practical nursing leads to much lower earnings at $31,127, while health administration graduates earn just $28,598 despite similar debt loads.
The 45.6% graduation rate presents the biggest financial risk at Harper College. Nearly half of students leave without completing their programs, potentially carrying debt without the credential needed for career advancement. This risk hits hardest in competitive healthcare programs where incomplete training offers little market value.
Harper College works best financially if you target high-earning healthcare specialties and can handle the completion requirements successfully. The school makes sense for career changers seeking affordable retraining and recent high school graduates with clear healthcare goals. You should look elsewhere if you need extensive academic support services or want broader program options beyond health sciences.
With only 19.58% of students receiving financial aid, Harper College appears to serve many students who can pay out of pocket or qualify for minimal assistance. The low debt levels suggest either affordable pricing or students working while attending, making this a practical choice for budget-conscious students in the Chicago suburbs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is William Rainey Harper College worth the cost?
With a net price of $6,186 per year and graduates earning $48,071 after 10 years, Harper College offers decent value for a community college. The low cost keeps debt minimal at around $10,184, making it financially reasonable despite the 45% graduation rate.
What are the best paying programs at William Rainey Harper College?
Nursing programs at Harper College provide the strongest financial returns, with registered nursing graduates earning around $61,908 annually. Dental support services ($59,937) and allied health diagnostic programs ($58,673) also offer solid earning potential that justifies the investment.
How much debt do William Rainey Harper College graduates have?
Harper College graduates typically leave with $10,184 in debt, which is manageable given the low annual cost of attendance. This debt level is reasonable for most career programs, especially in healthcare fields where starting salaries can quickly cover loan payments.
Does William Rainey Harper College have a good graduation rate?
Harper College has a 45% graduation rate, which is typical for community colleges but means many students don't complete their programs. Students should have clear career goals and commitment to finishing their degree to make the investment worthwhile.