Harper College Affordability

So I've been considering Harper College as an option, and I'm weighing the costs. Can anyone give me a breakdown on Harper College's tuition and additional expenses? Anything would be appreciated!

Sure! Harper College is a community college located in Palatine, Illinois. As a community college, it generally offers more affordable tuition compared to four-year colleges and universities. Here's a breakdown of the costs for the 2024-2025 academic year:

1. Tuition: Tuition varies based on residency status. For in-district students, the cost is $133.50 per credit hour. Out-of-district residents will pay $394.50 per credit hour, and out-of-state/international students pay $466.50 per credit hour. Most courses are three credit hours.

2. Fees: There's also a universal fee of $11 per credit hour, which supports various services and activities on campus. Additionally, there may be course-specific fees such as lab fees or material fees for studio art courses, which can range from $10-$100 depending on the course.

3. Books and Supplies: Textbooks and supplies can add up, and costs may vary depending on the courses you choose. On average, students can expect to spend around $1,200-$1,500 per academic year on books and supplies.

4. Living Expenses: Although Harper College does not offer on-campus housing, off-campus housing can be found in the surrounding area. Living expenses will vary depending on your chosen location, type of housing, and personal preferences. You may want to budget anywhere between $8,000-$12,000 per academic year for housing and other living expenses such as utilities, groceries, and transportation.

To get a more accurate estimate of the total costs, you can use Harper College's Net Price Calculator on their website. Note that financial aid options, such as federal and state grants, scholarships, or work-study can help cover some or all of the costs depending on your eligibility. Be sure to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine your eligibility for financial aid.

Remember, attending a community college in the first two years can help save substantially on overall tuition costs, and many students opt to transfer to a four-year institution after completing their general education requirements at a community college like Harper. If you have any further questions about affordability at Harper, don't hesitate to reach out to their financial aid office directly.

Good luck with your college search!