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Public, 2-year

William Rainey Harper College

Palatine, Illinois · www.harpercollege.edu/index.php

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Out-of-state tuition

$11,874

In-state $10,062

Peer median $8,816

Undergraduates

13,988

Student-faculty ratio 21:1

Peer median 18 : 1

Graduation rate

45.6%

Within 150% of normal time; 200%: 49.6%

Peer median 33.7%

“Peers” are all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).

About

William Rainey Harper College, located in Palatine, Illinois, is a prominent community college known for its commitment to providing quality education and fostering student success. Established in 1967, the college was named after William Rainey Harper, a notable figure in education and the founding president of the University of Chicago. Harper College offers a wide variety of programs, including associate degrees and certificates across various fields such as arts, sciences, and technology. The college emphasizes a student-centered approach, ensuring that learners receive the support they need to achieve their academic and career goals.

The campus environment at Harper College is vibrant and inclusive, promoting a strong sense of community among students, faculty, and staff. With state-of-the-art facilities, including modern classrooms, laboratories, and recreational areas, students have access to resources that enhance their learning experience. The college also prioritizes extracurricular activities, with numerous clubs and organizations that cater to diverse interests, allowing students to engage socially and develop leadership skills. Furthermore, Harper College has a strong emphasis on workforce development, with partnerships that connect students to local businesses and industries, facilitating internships and job placements, which greatly enhance their employability upon graduation. Overall, William Rainey Harper College stands out as an institution dedicated to academic excellence and student empowerment.

Trends in Tuition, Graduation Rates, and Retention at Harper College

Over the years, Harper College has demonstrated a notable trend in tuition fees, which have consistently increased. From 2014 to 2024, the tuition for in-state undergraduate students rose from $9,222 to $9,990, indicating an increase of approximately 8.3%. Similarly, out-of-state undergraduate tuition saw a rise from $11,034 to $11,802, which translates to a 7% increase. This steady rise in tuition reflects broader national trends in higher education, where tuition costs have been escalating, leading to concerns about affordability for students.

Graduation rates at Harper College have shown a promising upward trajectory. The on-time graduation rate for undergraduate students increased from 5.7% in 2013 to nearly 19.2% in 2023. This improvement suggests that the college has likely implemented effective support services and academic programs that enhance student success. Additionally, the 150% graduation rate, a measure of students who graduate within six years, has also seen a rise from 18.9% to 37.8%, further indicating positive trends in academic retention and completion.

Student retention rates have remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 63.9% and 75.4% from 2013 to 2023. The retention rate can be indicative of student satisfaction and institutional effectiveness. The slight decline observed in recent years may require further investigation, as maintaining high retention rates is crucial for ensuring that students complete their degrees.

Furthermore, the student-to-faculty ratio has shown a slight decline, from 20:1 in 2013 to 18:1 in 2023. A lower ratio is often associated with improved student engagement and personalized support, which could contribute to the increased graduation rates.

Overall, the data highlights both challenges and successes for Harper College as it navigates the changing landscape of higher education. The increasing tuition paired with rising graduation rates indicates a complex relationship between costs and educational outcomes, emphasizing the importance of continued support for students.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Suburb of a large city
Nearest major city
Chicago, about 25 mi
Nearest international airport
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD), about 10 mi
Palatine, Illinois
Also known as
Harper College
Academic calendar
Semester
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
President
Dr. Avis Proctor (President)
Phone
8479256000
City
Palatine, Illinois
Address
1200 W Algonquin Rd, Palatine, IL 60067-7398

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Associate1,95531 international (1.6%)
Top 10 Associate majors by graduates
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies
816
Biological and Physical Sciences
413
General Studies
141
Engineering, General
90
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
74
Business Administration and Management, General
73
Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiographer
42
Child Care Provider/Assistant
29
Dental Hygiene/Hygienist
23
Fire Science/Fire-fighting
22

U.S. studentsInternational

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Data from Harper College

The graduation data from William Rainey Harper College in 2023 reveals some intriguing insights into the distribution of degrees awarded across various fields of study. Notably, the largest number of associate degrees was awarded in Liberal Arts and Sciences, with 946 graduates, demonstrating the enduring popularity of this area of study. This trend aligns with national educational patterns where liberal arts degrees are often pursued for their versatility and broad skill development.

In contrast, programs in the medical and health fields, such as Dental Hygiene and Registered Nursing, also showed significant numbers, with 24 and 82 graduates respectively. These figures highlight the growing demand for healthcare professionals, a trend that has been amplified by the ongoing global health crises and an aging population requiring more healthcare services.

Interestingly, despite the rising number of international students in U.S. colleges, the data indicates that most programs at Harper College had no international graduates in 2023. This could reflect broader immigration policies or changes in international student recruitment strategies, which may need to be addressed to enhance diversity in the student body.

Moreover, the absence of graduates in bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate categories across most programs suggests a potential area for growth. Expanding offerings at these levels could cater to students seeking advanced education, particularly in high-demand fields like technology and healthcare.

Overall, while Harper College continues to produce a strong pool of graduates in key areas, the data signals opportunities for growth in international student enrollment and advanced degree programs, aligning with labor market demands.

All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard

*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes

Liberal arts has 957 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies.$36,230
General Studies.$36,230
Multi/inerdisciplinary studies has 413 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Biological and Physical Sciences.$33,338
Health professionshas 204 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Dental Hygiene/Hygienist.$73,888
Health Information/Medical Records Administration/Administrator.-
Medical Administrative/Executive Assistant and Medical Secretary.-
Physical Therapy Assistant.$42,689
Cardiovascular Technology/Technologist.$71,765-$73,350
Surgical Technology/Technologist.$71,765-$73,350
Diagnostic Medical Sonography/Sonographer and Ultrasound Technician.$71,765-$73,350
Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiographer.$71,765-$73,350
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse.$78,452
Businesshas 111 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Business Administration and Management, General.$55,982
Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping.-
Parts, Warehousing, and Inventory Management Operations.-
Hospitality Administration/Management, General.-
Fashion Merchandising.-
Engineeringhas 90 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Engineering, General.-
Homeland security has 48 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Criminal Justice/Police Science.$52,811
Fire Science/Fire-fighting.-
Homeland Security.-
Forensic Science and Technology.-
Human science has 36 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Child Care Provider/Assistant.-
Fashion and Fabric Consultant.-
Visual and Performing artshas 36 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Interior Design.$36,878
Graphic Design.$36,878
Fine/Studio Arts, General.-
Music, General.-
Computer and information sciencehas 27 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Computer Programming/Programmer, General.-
Web Page, Digital/Multimedia and Information Resources Design.-
System, Networking, and LAN/WAN Management/Manager.-
Engineering technologieshas 13 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Electrical, Electronic, and Communications Engineering Technology/Technician.-
Manufacturing Engineering Technology/Technician.-
Precision production has 9 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Welding Technology/Welder.-
Legal professionshas 4 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Legal Assistant/Paralegal.-
Construction trades has 3 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Building/Property Maintenance.-
Mechanic and repair has 3 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician.-
Educationhas 1 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Teacher Assistant/Aide.-

Students

13,988 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 44:56 · Freshman retention 77.3%

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (13,988)

White
5,750 · 41.1%
Hispanic
4,696 · 33.6%
Asian
1,887 · 13.5%
Two or more races
588 · 4.2%
Black
574 · 4.1%
International
176 · 1.3%
Unknown
54 · 0.4%

Age distribution

Bachelor's

Under 18
15.8%
18–19
27.7%
20–21
15.1%
22–24
11.8%
25 and over
29.6%

Data insights

Analysis of Student Demographics at Harper College in 2023

The student composition at William Rainey Harper College in 2023 reveals intriguing insights into the diversity and gender distribution among its population. The total number of undergraduate freshmen stands at 2,257, with a nearly equal gender distribution—50.1% male and 49.9% female. This balance is encouraging as it reflects the college's commitment to inclusivity for new students entering higher education.

In contrast, the undergraduate juniors number 6,015, where the gender ratio shifts notably, with 41.8% male and 58.2% female. This may suggest a trend where more females are either enrolling or persisting in their college education as they progress through the undergraduate levels. The transition from freshmen to juniors highlights an increasing female representation, which is a positive indicator of gender equity within the institution.

For undergraduate transfer students, the population is significantly smaller at 414, with 44.7% male and 55.3% female. This demographic also mirrors the larger trend of higher female participation in higher education, although the overall transfer student numbers could benefit from increased outreach and support initiatives.

The graduate student population is not fully reported, but the data available from the undergraduate categories indicates a diverse student body, primarily composed of White, Hispanic, Asian, Pacific Islander, Black, and international students. The representation of various ethnicities is crucial in creating a rich educational environment that fosters cross-cultural understanding.

Overall, Harper College's current demographic data signals a positive shift towards gender equity and diversity, aligning with broader trends in higher education where institutions strive to create inclusive spaces for all students.

Analysis of Student Age Composition at William Rainey Harper College in 2023

The age distribution of students at William Rainey Harper College in 2023 reveals a predominance of younger individuals, particularly those under 24. Notably, students under 18 constitute a significant portion, with 876 male and 1,046 female students, highlighting the college's appeal to high school graduates. The age group of 18-19 continues this trend, with 1,832 male and 1,773 female students, making up a substantial proportion of the total enrollment.

As students progress into their twenties, the numbers begin to decline, particularly in the 22-24 age range, where there are 637 male and 759 female students. This decline could be attributed to various factors, including the transition to the workforce or the pursuit of further education. Interestingly, the 25-29 age group shows a more pronounced drop in male students, with 442 enrolled compared to 729 female students, indicating a growing trend of women pursuing higher education.

The data also reveals a gradual decrease in enrollment as age increases. For example, only 206 male and 465 female students are in the 30-34 age bracket, with even fewer in older age groups. This trend reflects a broader societal shift where younger individuals are increasingly prioritizing education, while older demographics may be more engaged in their careers or family obligations.

Overall, the demographics suggest a vibrant and youthful academic community at Harper College, but also raise questions about the retention and support for older students. As the educational landscape evolves, understanding these trends will be crucial for institutions aiming to cater to diverse student needs and demographics effectively.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.

Undergraduates1.3%

176 in 2025 · 0.6% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 0.6%2017: 0.7%2018: 0.9%2019: 0.7%2020: 0.7%2021: 0.8%2022: 0.6%2023: 0.7%2024: 1.0%2025: 1.3%
2016Peer median 0.6%2025

Data insights

Analysis of International Student Enrollment at William Rainey Harper College

The data on international student enrollment at William Rainey Harper College reveals significant fluctuations over the years from 2004 to 2023. Initially, in 2004, the proportion of international students was relatively low at 0.39%, but it saw a peak in 2009 with 1.04%. This spike may reflect broader trends in global education, where more students sought opportunities abroad during that time.

However, the following years showed a dramatic decline, particularly between 2012 and 2014, where the international student enrollment dropped significantly to just 0.01% in 2015. This decline could be attributed to various factors, including changes in immigration policies, economic conditions, or increased competition from other institutions, which affected student choices.

Interestingly, from 2016 onwards, there was a resurgence in the number of international students, with the enrollment rate recovering to 0.75% in 2021 and maintaining a similar level in 2023. This recovery phase is promising and may indicate a renewed interest in studying at Harper College, possibly fueled by the college’s efforts to attract a diverse student body and enhanced international outreach programs.

Overall, the data underscores the volatility of international student enrollment, influenced by both external factors and institutional policies. It highlights the importance of adaptability in higher education to ensure the attraction and retention of international students, who contribute significantly to campus diversity and cultural exchange.

Cost

2025 cost per year (out-of-state)

$26,125

Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
$11,874
Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
$10,062
Room and board
$14,251
Out-of-state tuition and room and board over time

Peer median tuition + room and board $19,938 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.

Tuition rose 6% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 18%.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$222M

Government grants and contracts
$157M71.0%
Tuition and fees
$40.3M18.2%
Investment return
$16.7M7.5%
Auxiliary enterprises
$1.7M0.8%
Sales and services of educational activities
$915K0.4%
Gifts and private grants
$312K0.1%
Other
$4.4M2.0%

Expenses$186M

Instruction
$67.6M36.3%
Institutional support
$43.0M23.1%
Academic support
$28.9M15.5%
Student services
$20.9M11.2%
Scholarships
$8.8M4.7%
Public service
$4.3M2.3%
Auxiliary enterprises
$2.1M1.1%
Other
$10.6M5.7%

Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)

Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.

All faculty
$102,820peers $68,588
Professor
$128,287peers $79,972
Associate professor
$104,462peers $69,677
Assistant professor
$79,242peers $62,785
Instructor
$63,948peers $61,593

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NJCAA
2025
NJCAA Division III MENWOMEN
Soccer3220
Track and Field (Outdoor)3515
Baseball35-
Basketball1412
Wrestling26-
Cross Country117
Softball-14
Volleyball-14
2024
NJCAA Division IIIMENWOMEN
Track and Field (Outdoor)2922
Soccer2312
Baseball33-
Wrestling23-
Cross Country138
Softball-16
Basketball15-
Volleyball-12
2023
NJCAA Division IIIMENWOMEN
Track and Field (Outdoor)2816
Soccer2914
Baseball30-
Wrestling22-
Basketball127
Volleyball-15
Cross Country86
Softball-12

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable colleges and universities near William Rainey Harper College:

  1. Northwestern University - Ranked 9th in the 2024 US News rankings, Northwestern is a prestigious research university located in Evanston, Illinois. It is known for its strong programs in journalism, business, law, and the arts.

  2. University of Chicago - With a rank of 12, the University of Chicago is also a highly esteemed institution. It is recognized for its rigorous academic environment and notable alumni, including numerous Nobel laureates.

  3. University of Notre Dame - Ranked 20th, the University of Notre Dame is a private Catholic research university located in Notre Dame, Indiana. It is famous for its strong emphasis on undergraduate education and vibrant campus life.

  4. Loyola University Chicago - This university ranks 142nd and offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs. It is known for its commitment to social justice and community service.

  5. Illinois Institute of Technology - With a rank of 98, this institution specializes in engineering, architecture, and science, providing a strong technical education.

  6. Wheaton College - Ranked 56th, Wheaton College is a Christian liberal arts college that emphasizes a holistic approach to education, integrating faith with learning.

These institutions provide a variety of educational opportunities and are well-regarded in their respective fields.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 0.4 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.

Incidents, 2023–2025

Liquor arrests
9
Drug arrests
4
Burglary
3
Stalking
3
Weapons arrests
1
Weapons referrals
1

From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.

Data insights

Analysis of Crime Data at William Rainey Harper College

The crime data from William Rainey Harper College over the years presents a mixed picture of campus safety. The average number of crimes per 1000 students peaked in 2014 at 0.77, which is notably higher than other years, suggesting a possible spike in criminal activities during that period. Interestingly, the subsequent years show a general decline, with the lowest rate recorded in 2015 at 0.12.

However, a closer look reveals fluctuations in specific crime categories. For instance, incidents of gun arrests have been relatively consistent, with on-campus occurrences remaining low throughout the years. This might indicate effective campus safety measures regarding firearm-related issues. Conversely, instances of drug-related arrests appear to have a more erratic pattern, raising questions about the effectiveness of drug prevention programs on campus.

The overall trend of crime rates indicates a commitment to maintaining safety, especially considering that the numbers have not shown a drastic increase in recent years. Among the total incidents reported, the most concerning categories, such as assaults and domestic violence, have remained relatively low but warrant continued attention.

As the college community continues to evolve, it is vital for administration and law enforcement to address these issues proactively. Engaging students in crime prevention strategies and fostering a culture of safety can further enhance the well-being of the campus environment. For those interested in understanding how crime rates are calculated, more information can be found here.

Notable Alumni

Notable alumni of William Rainey Harper College include Charlie Kirk (Founder of Turning Point USA, conservative activist), Marlee Matlin (Deaf actress and Deaf rights activist) and Haley Reinhart (Singer, third place on American Idol season ten).

More alumni (7, by field)

Politics and law

Science and academia

Arts and media

Sports

From Wikidata “educated at” records (including people who attended without graduating), ordered by the number of Wikipedia language editions. Degrees and years follow Wikidata and are left out where it has none.

References and Data Sources

Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.