About William Rainey Harper College
William Rainey Harper College is a public community college in Palatine, Illinois, serving the northwest suburbs of Chicago. It offers associate degrees, certificates, and workforce training for students seeking transfer, career preparation, or continuing education. The college is named for educator William Rainey Harper.
Harper College provides a broad mix of academic and career-focused programs, including general education, transfer pathways, and technical and health-related fields. Community colleges like Harper are often used by students who plan to complete lower-division coursework before transferring to a four-year institution. The college also supports adult learners and local employers through continuing education and customized training.
- Public community college serving the northwest suburbs of Chicago
- Transfer-oriented education with associate degrees and general education pathways
- Career and technical programs alongside continuing education offerings
- Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
- Student support services for transfer, workforce, and adult learners