About Harper College
William Rainey Harper College (known simply as Harper College) is a public, 2-year community college in Palatine, Illinois. Founded in 1967, the school was named after the founder of the school who was also the University of Chicago’s first president. In 1973, the William Rainey Harper Educational Foundation was established through private donations in order to enhance the school’s programs, offering scholarships and special project initiatives. One such initiative was the completion of the Palatine campus between 1975 and 1977. By 2004, Harper College was one of the largest community colleges in the nation. The core values at Harper College are integrity, respect, excellence, and collaboration, and the school’s mission statement is as follows: “Harper College is a comprehensive community college dedicated to providing excellent education at an affordable cost, promoting personal growth, enriching the local community and meeting the challenges of a global society.”
Harper College offers associate’s degrees, technical certifications, 2-year bachelor’s degree preparation courses, online courses, and college credit for high school students. Harper Online provides opportunities for students to earn certificates and degrees online. Online degrees offer flexible scheduling, allowing students to decide the time and location that works best for studying.
Accreditation & Licensing
Harper College is accredited by:
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Type:
2-year, PublicHighest Level Offered:
Associate's degreeReligious Affiliation:
Not applicableEnrollment:
Undergraduate: 21,901 ; Graduate: Not applicablePercent of Fully Online Students:
Undergraduate: 23% ; Graduate: Not applicableGraduation Rate:
46%Transfer Rate:
18%Median Earnings, 10-Years After Degree Completion:
$48,071Median Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):
$10,184Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:
36%Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:
$4,546Credit for Military Training:
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Geographic and Educational Overview
Harper College is located in Illinois
Illinois at a Glance:

Top Majors in Illinois:
Top Incentives in Illinois:
- Monetary Award Program (MAP): Up to $5,340 annually
Top Career Pathways in Illinois:
- Entry Level: Financial Analyst ($65,000)
- Mid Level: Senior Analyst ($95,000)
- Senior Level: Finance Director ($150,000+)
- Required Education: BS Finance
- Certifications: CFA, FRM


