William Rainey Harper College

As a comprehensive two-year community college, William Rainey Harper College is situated on a 200-acre suburban campus in the town of Palatine approximately 25 miles northwest of downtown Chicago in Illinois. Serving the educational needs of more than 26,500 students enrolled in credit courses, Harper College also offers courses within Community College District 512 at the Northeast Center (NEC) in Prospect Heights, Harper Professional Center (HPC) in Schaumburg, and the Illinois workNet Center in Arlington Heights. In an informal layout, the campus includes nine lecture halls, 35 state-of-the-art laboratories, a working dental clinic, and multi-level plazas with energy-saving elements.

Named for Dr. William Rainey Harper who was a pioneer in the junior college movement of the United States and the first president of the University of Chicago, Harper College was first established by referendum in 1965 and opened its doors in 1967. As classes for 1,725 students begun in temporary facilities, the college broke ground for the first six campus buildings. By 1973, the William Rainey Harper Educational Foundation was incorporated to enrich the college with scholarships and special project initiatives. In 1997, Harper College was officially approved by the North Central Association (NCA) to award accredited two-year associates degrees.

Ranging in length from sixteen weeks to two years, Harper grants associate degrees and certificates in more than 40 career-oriented programs, including architecture, business, health sciences, hospitality, and information technology. While Harper College offers more than 50 transfer options for students pursuing a four-year university degree, the school is currently seeking permission to offer two bachelor degree programs in public safety administration or homeland security and technology management. At this time, William Rainey Harper College also provides 15 study abroad programs spread across Central America, Europe, and Asia.

With more than 25 student clubs to choose from, over 1,400 Harper students participate in an organization each year to enhance their resume with leadership qualities and make new friends. Harper College is home to an award-winning Speech and Debate Team that has won the Illinois Intercollegiate Speech and Debate tournament seven teams in the last 16 years. As a member of the NJCAA Division III, the Harper Hawks have varsity teams in football, basketball, volleyball, track and field, cross country, and wrestling. Some of the famous former Hawks include cinematographer Mauro Fiore, author E.E. Knight, and Academy Award-winning actress Marlee Matlin.