Harper College

Harper College is a public community college located in Palatine, Illinois, serving approximately 26,500 students annually across more than 100 career and transfer programs. Established by referendum in 1965 and opened in 1967, the college is named after Dr. William Rainey Harper, a pioneering figure in the junior college movement and the first president of the University of Chicago. The institution is recognised as one of the nation's largest community colleges.

The college offers associate degrees designed to prepare students for careers or transfer to four-year universities, along with certification programs, workforce training, professional development, and continuing education classes. Programming spans 11 academic areas: art, design and performing arts; business and information technology; education; engineering, mathematics and computer science; health science; liberal arts; language and communication; manufacturing and construction; physical and life science; public service; and social science. Developmental education programmes support foundational skill development for college readiness.

Harper College has received external recognition for its work, including designation as a Top 25 institution for Community College Excellence by the Aspen Institute and recognition as a Leader College of Distinction by Achieving the Dream. The college serves the northwest suburbs of Chicago and surrounding communities through its focus on workforce development, career preparation, and lifelong learning.