About William Rainey Harper College

Founded in 1965, William Rainey Harper College. is a college. Located in Illinois, which is a city setting in Illinois, the campus itself is Suburban. The campus is home to 14,142 full time undergraduate students, and 0 full time graduate students.

The William Rainey Harper College Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 19:1. There are 208 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at William Rainey Harper College include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.

Quick Facts

Acceptance Rate100%
Application Deadline
Application Fee25
SAT Range
ACT Range

Admissions at are considered , with ,11% of all applicants being admitted.

In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.

65% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 22% were in the top quarter, and 8% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.

STUDENT LIFE Reviews

We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at William Rainey Harper College.

6%
“We”re apathetic”
53%
“We know about current events and vote”
41%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
0%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
9%
“We save it for the classroom”
33%
“Sometimes, but not often”
52%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
6%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
0%
“I only go out in groups”
9%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
91%
“I feel extremely safe”
58%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
31%
“We bought the gear”
12%
“We live for the big game”
15%
“It”s not really our thing”
12%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
56%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
18%
“We”re a very artistic group”
0%
“Haven”t met them”
3%
“Available in class”
52%
“They keep regular office hours”
45%
“They”re always available”
85%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
15%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
0%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
0%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
26%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
56%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
15%
“We only party on weekends”
3%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
18%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
79%
“There might be people who do”
3%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
0%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
6%
“We”re apathetic”
53%
“We know about current events and vote”
41%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
0%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
9%
“We save it for the classroom”
33%
“Sometimes, but not often”
52%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
6%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
0%
“I only go out in groups”
9%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
91%
“I feel extremely safe”
58%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
31%
“We bought the gear”
12%
“We live for the big game”
15%
“It”s not really our thing”
12%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
56%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
18%
“We”re a very artistic group”
0%
“Haven”t met them”
3%
“Available in class”
52%
“They keep regular office hours”
45%
“They”re always available”
85%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
15%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
0%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
0%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
26%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
56%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
15%
“We only party on weekends”
3%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
18%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
79%
“There might be people who do”
3%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
0%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
Write a review, Enter to win $1,000 Scholarship
  • How would you rate on-campus housing?

    24 Students rated on-campus housing 2.2 stars. 21 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate off-campus housing?

    19 Students rated off-campus housing 3.1 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus food?

    35 Students rated campus food 3.3 stars. 14 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus facilities?

    36 Students rated campus facilities 4.3 stars. 47 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate class size?

    37 Students rated class size 4.4 stars. 57 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate school activities?

    35 Students rated school activities 3.6 stars. 31 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate local services?

    35 Students rated local services 3.5 stars. 29 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate academics?

    36 Students rated academics 4.4 stars. 53 % gave the school a 5.0.

William Rainey Harper College REVIEWS

What's your overall opinion of William Rainey Harper College?

41 Students rated William Rainey Harper College

Krishna - 11/06/2024

I have taken credit classes and overall I really like the school! Though it's community college it provides so much knowledge for you to thrive. The college also offers professional development and continuing education courses, catering to adult learners and those seeking to expand their skill sets for the workforce. There are also programs that focus on dual-credit opportunities for high school students, providing a head start on college education.

Skip - 06/05/2024

Harper College is a Community College in Palatine, Illinois. Growing up only a few minutes away, it is one of the most popular options for kids if they don't attend university. As much as I'd rather be at university, Harper is an excellent option for someone looking for value on a budget. The facilities have always been something that blows my mind, considering how small of a school it is. The facilities are nicer than some 4-year schools I've been to. The rec center is really where it feels most alive being a former athlete. It's where all the athletes train and where the gym is. It is also where most student-athletes study. That is about the most life you get from school. I'm not really into arts, so I cannot speak on that part of the school, but as far as meeting friends and studying, the students aren't really into that. They just mind their own business, show up, and leave. However, the staff is all completely welcoming and helpful, as I've encountered in my first two semesters there. The professors are accommodating and provide excellent lectures. Online asynchronous schooling is extremely convenient for someone working a job or two. If you are hungry and want to grab a bite, a subway on campus is just 5 minutes away from Woodfield Mall. The Harper Pathways for Universities is extremely helpful for students to have an opportunity to get their degree from Roosevelt, Northern Illinois, Southern Illinois, and more to set students up for their future. In my honest opinion I would recommend Harper College to any student who is looking to pay for their school and get great value for it.

Sebastian - 07/13/2023

William Rainey Harper College is an exceptional community college with many resources for students to not only realize their career ambitions, but to also get help making them a reality. The faculty is both diverse and friendly and their commitment to education for all is intertwined wonderfully with their commitment to equity and inclusion. I have nothing but amazing things to say about Harper college and my experience there has changed my life forever.

Luke - 03/31/2023

My opinion of William Rainey Harper College is that it is an excellent school for your general education studies. Not only it is cheap, but the professors are quality and friendly. Some of the professors, generally the ones who run online classes, tend to be neglectful and absent, but a majority of the teachers are able to give their students challenging but rewarding work while also being available to discuss and go over the assigned work.

William Rainey Harper College FAQS

  1. What is the Acceptance Rate at William Rainey Harper College?

    The fall 2020 acceptance rate for William Rainey Harper College is 100%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020 , _____ students were offered admission. The number of males who applied was _____ vs the number of females which was _____.

  2. What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

    In talking to my former self I would make it known, the importance of higher education. As well as the importance to maintain focus on my goals and pursue my passions.

    Read all 28 answers
  3. Describe the students at your school.

    My classmates are an array of true individuals.

    Read all 8 answers
  4. Describe how your school looks to someone who's never seen it.

    Harper College is considered one of the best community colleges in the country, as well as one of the most popular for students who live in that area.

    Read all 6 answers
  5. Describe your favorite campus traditions.

    Well known community college, with very good teachers and well kept environment

    Read all 6 answers
  6. Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!

    Compared to other universities I considered, Harper College is way cheaper and the classes are smaller.

    Read all 6 answers
  7. What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?

    I wish I had known that it would be harder to make friends in a junior college compared to a regual four year college.

    Read all 6 answers
  8. What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?

    My school has an excellent campus view which is surrounded by landmade lakes and tall, green trees. Every instructor and student is very polite, hard working and optimistic. The environment of school is healthy, clean and full of clear air. haha I love my school.

    Read all 6 answers
  9. What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?

    A considerable amount of students attending the college aren't serious about completeing their degree or taking class serious. Its like high school 2.0, I liked high school as much as the next, but its time to grow up become an adult and think about our future.

    Read all 5 answers
  10. What's unique about your campus?

    The best thing about Harper is the accessability. Location wise, it is very close to home and work. Registration is a very simple process. The professors are interested, enthusiastic, and very knowledgeable in their respective fields. The counselors are helpful and informative. As far as a community college goes, Harper is excellent and I am happy that I have the opportunity that I do.

    Read all 4 answers
  11. What is the stereotype of students at your school? Is this stereotype accurate?

    A lot more of the Jock types at Harper

    Read all 3 answers
  12. What are the academics like at your school?

    At Harper there are classes for everyone. They have everything from engineering to french, from statistics to fashion. Academia is very diverse, that is why it is such a great community college. I love that you really feel like you are apart of something. Especially with the teachers, they are so personable and intelligent. I have some teachers that are so passionate and educated that I wonder what they are doing at a community college. If you need help, they email, they meet with you after class, and some even text. A really interesting thing that people don't realize is that even though Harper is a two year college, it is still a research institution. If you apply, you can be apart of a number of science based research. If you feel that in certain classes you weren't challenged enough or you wanted to try something out, get into some honors classes. There is no pre-requisite into an honors class but they are so interesting. You meet great people that love to really open the box. I would say that as a student coming out of high school, Harper's goal is to prepare you for a 4 year institution. But as an adult or someone looking to instantly pursue a career, they focus on your personal needs. Harper has everything.

    Read all 2 answers
  13. What is your overall opinion of this school?

    When I first started telling people I went to Harper college, I felt embarrassed. I felt like I was missing some grand opportunity by not going away, living on my own. But the truth is, looking at all my friends away at school, the biggest thing I am missing is being drunk every weekend and skipping class. Being so close to home keeps you away from the peer pressure of partying and the ability to really focus on school. Personally, I chose Harper because of the money issue. I am not poor by a longshot, but like most families we just don't have enough money to spend thousands of dollars on an education. At Harper, I am saving money and getting good grades, hopefully a scholarship is along the way. I love Harper. If you try, you can find the clubs, the activities and make some great friends. I love the small class sizes, you don't just feel like a number, you feel apart of something.

    Read all 2 answers
  14. What kind of person should attend this school?

    The students who are willing to graduate from good college, and the students who are not able to pay high tuition, and the students who always put effort into his/her studying.

    Read all 2 answers
  15. What kind of person should not attend this school?

    Harper College has an extremely diverse population of students. The staff as well of the students are a very open-minded community. It is my opinion that anyone could make a place for themselves at Harper. The kind of person that may not want to attend would have to be someone with very limited ideals of equality.

    Read all 2 answers
  16. What's the most frustrating thing about your school?

    It is a pretty large school, and with so many students, some students are often de-motivated to graduate or do well in school. I don't like that because teachers are pressured to lower standards. For example, there are extremely nice flat-screen TVs in lounges, but I think they distract students from being studious.

    Read all 2 answers
  17. What are the most popular student activities/groups?

    Harper pride Club or Honors programs

    Read all 1 answers

Student Body

Students

55%

female

45%

male

14,142

Total Undergrad Enrollment

N/A

Total Grad Students

N/A

Out-Of-State

99%

In-State

1%

International

Organizations

40

Student Organizations

N/A

Fraternities

N/A

Sororities

Housing

No

On-Campus Housing

N/A

of students living on campus

Student Diversity

% American Indian/Alaskan Native
N/A
% Asian/Pacific Islander
11%
% Black or African-American
4%
% Hispanic/Latino
27%
% White or Caucasian
52%

TUITION & AID

All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA. Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.

51% of students attending William Rainey Harper College receive some sort of financial aid. 37% were awarded federal grants. While 7% received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.

Cost Out of State

$11,340

Tuition and fees(Out of state)

$1,000

Books and Supplies

$11,810

Room and Board

24,150

Total On Campus

Actual Cost By Income Level(W/Financial Aid)

Family Income
Cost
$0 - $30K
$5,750
$30 - $48K
$6,663
$48 - $75K
$9,461
$75 - $110K
$11,698
$110K & UP
$12,285

We use student reviews and the most current publicly available data on our school pages. As such, we don't typically remove or edit college information. Sources for school statistics and data include the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. Portions of college data include copyrighted material, which is reproduced on this website by permission of Wintergreen Orchard House, a division of Carnegie Communications. © 2009-2016 by Wintergreen Orchard House. All rights reserved.

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