- Harper College (also William Rainey Harper College) is a two-year community college in Palatine, Illinois. The college was established by referendum in 1965, and in 1971 Harper's construction was finished, the first community college to be completed in Illinois. It is named for William Rainey Harper, a pioneer in the junior college movement in the United States and the first president of the University of Chicago.
School Highlights
William Rainey Harper College serves 13,988 students (29% of students are full-time).
The college's student-teacher ratio of 42:1 is higher than the state community college average of 34:1.
Minority enrollment is 57% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the state average of 54%.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Enrollment: 13,988 students
- In-state tuition: $9,264
- Out-state tuition: $11,076
- Student-teacher ratio: 42:1
- Minority enrollment: 57%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Top Rankings
William Rainey Harper College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Illinois for:
School Overview
The teacher population of 332 teachers has declined by 66% over five years.
William Rainey Harper College
(IL) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges
Associate's Colleges
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Colors
Blue and Gold
Total Faculty
332 staff
94 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of William Rainey Harper College has grown by 14% over five years.
The student-teacher ratio of 42:1 has increased from 14:1 over five years.
The William Rainey Harper College diversity score of 0.70 is more than the state average of 0.00. The school's diversity has grown by 14% over five years.
Total Enrollment
13,988 students
2,836 students
Student-Teacher Ratio
42:1
34:1
# Full-Time Students
4,053 students
1,028 students
# Part-Time Students
9,935 students
2,082 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
13,988 students
2,720 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
4,053 students
1,082 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
9,935 students
2,308 students
% Asian
15%
5%
% Hispanic
30%
28%
% Black
4%
13%
% White
43%
46%
% Hawaiian
2%
n/a
% Two or more races
4%
3%
% Non Resident races
1%
1%
% Unknown races
1%
4%
Diversity Score
0.70
0.00
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
44%
38%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$39,400
$31,800
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $9,264 is more than the state average of $8,019. The in-state tuition has declined by 6% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $11,076 is more than the state average of $10,874. The out-state tuition has declined by 5% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$9,264
$8,019
Out-State Tuition Fees
$11,076
$10,874
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
74%
80%
Median Debt for Graduates
$9,750
$8,029
Median Debt for Dropouts
$5,500
$4,618
Source: 2025 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators
School Notes
- School Mascot: Hawks
- Harper College (also William Rainey Harper College) is a two-year community college in Palatine, Illinois. The college was established by referendum in 1965, and in 1971 Harper's construction was finished, the first community college to be completed in Illinois. It is named for William Rainey Harper, a pioneer in the junior college movement in the United States and the first president of the University of Chicago. We offer a full range of credit and non-credit courses, career training opportunities and continuing education options for professional development and personal enrichment as well as academic transfer programs. Our faculty is among the best. And because, like William Rainey Harper himself, we believe that higher education should be accessible to all, we offer a flexible schedule of daytime, nighttime and weekend classes at our main campus and at several other sites conveniently located throughout our service area. Avanté, Center for Science, Health Careers and Emerging Technologies is a state-of-the-art learning center for Harper College's nationally acclaimed programs in health, science and computer technology. The Center occupies 292,926 square feet of space, or six and one half acres. Avanté houses 10 major academic programs including nursing, dental hygiene, medical imaging, cardiac care, electronics, computer science, biology and chemistry. The name Avanté implies “advancement” or “moving forward,” while the Center itself creates an inspiring environment to advance teaching and learning in the sciences, technology and health care for current and future generations. It contains 400 rooms.
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Erick Flores - Transformation due to Harper College programs. -
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does William Rainey Harper College cost?
William Rainey Harper College's tuition is approximately $9,264 for In-State students and $11,076 for Out-State students.
Who are famous alumni from William Rainey Harper College?
William Rainey Harper College famous alumni include: Erick Flores - Transformation due to Harper College programs..
What is William Rainey Harper College's ranking?
William Rainey Harper College ranks among the top 20% of community college in Illinois for: Diversity in US community colleges and Largest student body.
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