Introducing the Promise Scholarship
Two years of college. Tuition earned.
The Promise Scholarship is offered to every eligible incoming public high school student in Harper's district (High School Districts 211, 214 and 220).
Students, you can earn up to two years of tuition at Harper College if you
- maintain solid grades and graduate college ready
- have good attendance
- don’t repeat classes
- graduate on time
- provide service to your community
Here's how it works.
Sign up through your high school by December 15 of your freshman year (9th grade).Your high school’s Student Services department has specific details about how to sign up.
You'll start the program in the second semester of your freshman year. While in high school, you need to meet the following criteria.
Students may only miss the following number of days:
- Second semester of freshman year: 5
- Sophomore year: 9
- Junior year: 8
- Senior year: 7
(3 tardies equal one absence)
Rigor/Quality
Graduate college-ready.
Minimum annual grade point average (unweighted):
- Second semester of freshman year: 2.0
- Sophomore year: 2.25
- Junior year: 2.25**
- Senior year: 2.3**
**No semester grades of D or F.
Persistence
- Meet minimum credit standards at
the end of each year. - Graduate on time with your class.
Community Service
Number of hours per year:
- Second semester of freshman year: 5
- Sophomore year: 10
- Junior year: 15
- Senior year: 20
Community service forms and rules are available through your high school’s Student Services department.
During Senior year of high school, enroll at Harper College.
Seniors, follow this timeline to remain eligible.
All participants are required to fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA (Social Security number required). Learn more about how financial aid works with Promise.
If you meet these requirements in high school, you'll earn the first semester of Harper tuition free. You can continue to attend Harper College tuition-free, semester by semester, for up to four semesters (60 credit hours), if you meet the following criteria.
Rigor/Quality
Minimum grade point average:
- 1st semester: 2.2
- 2nd semester: 2.3
- 3rd semester: 2.5
- 4th semester: 2.5
No grades of D or F or withdrawal.
Persistence
- A student must attend full-time each semester (minimum 15 credit hours). *Criteria may vary if student is pursuing a Limited Enrollment Program.
- A student must attend each consecutive semester (fall/spring) until their certificate or degree is completed –– up to four semesters.
- Summer session tuition is not included in the program.
Community Service
Service requirements may be performed through any organization as long as the student
is not being compensated. Harper will offer many opportunities for students to complete
their hours at Harper College.
Service hours during each semester will be logged in the student's MyHarper portal. Students may use this form to document their hours.
Number of hours per semester:
- 1st semester: 10
- 2nd semester: 10
- 3rd semester: 10
- 4th semester: 10
Ready to Sign Up?
Please contact your high school’s Student Services department. The sign up deadline is December 15 of your freshman year of high school.
Details
- FAQs
- View Promise Quick Summary .PDF
- View Spanish-Language Promise Quick Summary .PDF
- View Polish-Language Promise Quick Summary .PDF
- Promise Policies
- Business leaders, your support ensures that local students get the skills they need.