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
Harper College gives you a low-risk financial deal. You pay about $6,186 a year and leave with median debt around $10,000, less than one year's earnings for most graduates. That debt load is small enough that even a modest-paying job clears it without strain.
The health programs are where the money is. Nursing graduates earn roughly double what Health and Medical Administrative Services graduates make, despite both being associate degrees, so the credential you pick matters more than the school you attend. Dental support and allied health diagnostic programs also land near $60,000, putting them in the same tier as nursing. If you're aiming for a payoff, these clinical health tracks are the reason to enroll.
The certificate path is the weak spot. Practical and vocational nursing pays about $31,000, roughly half what the associate nursing degree returns, even though the debt is lower. If you can complete the full associate degree, the earnings gap makes the extra time worth it.
The main risk here is completion. Fewer than half of students graduate, so the good earnings numbers only apply if you finish. Start a health program, drop out, and you carry cost with no credential to show for it.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families most. Under $30k, you pay about $4,276. over $110k, you pay closer to $11,805. Even at the top tier, the yearly cost stays below what a single semester runs at many four-year schools.
This school fits you if you want a clinical health career and can commit to finishing an associate degree. Look elsewhere if you want a field Harper's earnings data doesn't cover, since the strong outcomes here are concentrated in health, and the administrative and certificate paths don't pay nearly as well.
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.