William Rainey Harper College serves Chicago's northwest suburbs with over 100 degree programs. Founded in 1965, Harper features the Wojcik Conference Center.
The college excels in health professions and advanced manufacturing programs. Harper's 'Promise' program offers tuition-free education for qualifying students.
William Rainey Harper College Acceptance Rate
William Rainey Harper College (Harper College) maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 100%, the institution prioritizes accessibility and opportunity for all qualified students.
Admissions Guidelines
- Inclusive Enrollment: Emphasis is placed on meeting basic eligibility and high school completion.
- Launchpad Policy: Ideal for students looking to build a GPA for future transfer or career certification.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem .
William Rainey Harper College Admission Requirements
Harper College GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at Harper College is 2.94. This suggests moderate selectivity.
A mix of A’s, B’s, and some C’s is common. Higher SAT/ACT scores can compensate for a lower GPA.
If your GPA is between 2.64 and 2.94, aim for a strong standardized test score.
Harper College GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Holistic review is critical for admission.
Recommended Strategy: Requires Contextual Factors (Leadership, hardship, or talent).
Admissions at Harper College utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 2.94, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
| Candidate GPA Range | Admission Category | Strategic Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 2.94 – 4.00 | Strategic Reach | Maintain Rigor & High Testing |
| 2.74 – 2.93 | Competitive Match | Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation |
| 2.54 – 2.73 | Secondary Reach | Personal Statement & Impact |
| Below 2.53 | Institutional Reach | Requires Significant Contextual Factors |
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- The Rigor Metric: At Harper College, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Calculated via College Portal’s Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards.
Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
William Rainey Harper College (Harper College) SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. For the 2026 academic cycle, the landscape of standardized testing has shifted back toward Test-Required policies at the majority of highly selective and Ivy+ institutions. Following a multi-year "Test-Optional" pilot, data-driven results have led universities like Harvard, Yale, Brown, and the University of Texas at Austin to reinstate the SAT and ACT as mandatory components of the application.
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2025 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Harper College Profile
Name: William Rainey Harper College (Harper College)
City: Palatine
State: Illinois
Type: Public
Zip: 60067-7398
Campus: Main
Accredited by: Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
How much does a degree from Harper College Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at William Rainey Harper College is USD: 12833. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at William Rainey Harper College is USD: 6186
How can I get a scholarship?
19.58% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 2.14 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Harper College and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At William Rainey Harper College, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Harper College as your choice in the form.
How much a Harper College Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 48071. An average Harper College graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595
Degree Programs
Associate Degree Programs
- Accounting and Related Services
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Apparel and Textiles
- Biological and Physical Sciences
- Building/Construction Finishing, Management, and Inspection
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Business Operations Support and Assistant Services
- Computer Programming
- Computer Software and Media Applications
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
Frequently Asked Questions About William Rainey Harper College Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $48071 annually, especially in non-technical fields.
Question: What is the tuition fee?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $12833 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship ?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are lower, 50% or less. It's important to apply early and showcase a strong academic profile.
Question: What is the average GPA of admitted students?
Answer: The average GPA of admitted students is 2.94. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
Question: What is the minimum GPA required for admission?
Answer: While there is no single 'cutoff' that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 2.64, you're in the standard pool. If you are below a 2.64, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
Question: What are my chances with a 2.64 GPA?
Answer: If your GPA is 2.54 or less, it may makes admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
Question: Can I apply to William Rainey Harper College if my GPA is below 2.54
Answer: While the average GPA of admitted students is 2.94, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Question: Is it possible to transfer from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting Admissions?
Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
Full list of All degree programs offered by William Rainey Harper College.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2025, US Department of Education's latest 2025 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.