About us:

Harper College was established by referendum in 1965 and opened its doors in September 1967. Named after Dr. William Rainey Harper, a pioneer in the junior college movement in the United States and the first president of the University of Chicago, the College carries forward this legacy of innovation in education.

Today, Harper College stands as one of the nation's premier community colleges and one of the largest, serving approximately 29,000 students annually in Chicago's northwest suburbs. Our academic programs are designed to prepare students for rewarding careers and seamless transfer to four-year universities. Harper offers a wide range of associate degree and certification programs, advanced career tracks, workforce training, professional development opportunities, continuing education classes, accelerated degree options for adults, and developmental education programs.

At Harper College, we are committed to facilitating active learning and fostering the knowledge, critical thinking, and life/work skills necessary for participation in our global society. We collaborate with our community partners to enrich the intellectual, cultural, and economic fabric of our district. We believe that excellence in education must thrive within an ethical environment of integrity and respect. We recognize that the strength of our society is rooted in diversity, and it is through synergy that we achieve excellence. Our core values--Respect, Integrity, Collaboration, and Excellence--guide everything we do.

Aspen Prize

* For the second consecutive time, Harper College is a semifinalist for the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the nation's most prestigious recognition for community colleges that are attaining high and improving levels of student success, as well as equitable outcomes for Black and Latine students and those from lower-income backgrounds.

* Twenty colleges are vying for the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program's 2025 Prize. Harper was also one of the 25 semifinalists for the 2023 prize.

Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Institution (AANAPISI)

* In 2023, Harper College was designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) by the U.S. Department of Education and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Institution (AANAPISI)

* This designation provides federal funding to enhance educational programs and support services for Latine and underrepresented students.

* Latine students make up about 30% of Harper's enrollment, reflecting the College's pride in its HSI status.

Equity and Diversity Award

* Harper College received the 2023 Equity and Diversity Award from the Illinois Community College Trustees Association (ICCTA).

* The award honors leadership in promoting diversity, inclusion, and equity for underrepresented groups.

* Harper previously won this award in 2017