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Learn English (ESL)

Find your home at Harper College.

Learn English with people of all ages from around the world. Learn to speak fluently, understand more, and read and write with confidence. Achieve the language skills you need to succeed in college classes at Harper College, in the workplace, and in the community.

The Academic ESL program is a paid program offering classes for low intermediate to advanced English leaners.

Fall classes available with in-person and online options.

Placement testing is now available for the Fall 2025 semester, beginning in August, September, and October.

Harper's Academic ESL offers

• A variety of courses in our English as a Second Language Program (ESL)
  
  • Reading, Writing, Conversation, Pronunciation, Vocabulary, and Communication classes
  • Small class sizes
  • Independent study classes
  • Online or on campus classes
• A course series for high level students in our English Series for Professionals (ESP)
• Affordable cost. 9,700+ students of all ages and backgrounds were awarded $27 million in scholarships, grants and tuition waivers through Harper College (FY19). This may cover tuition/fees, living expenses, dependent care and more. Our experts are here to assist you.
• Dedicated ESL advising services - schedule an advisor appointment online .PDF
• Experienced faculty and staff
• State-of-the-art audio/video language lab
• Free ESL tutoring (for currently enrolled ESL students)
• International Students Club
• You can take English 101 (first year college English) after passing Level V Reading and Level V Writing. Advanced level students can take other college classes together with ESL classes.

With online ESL, you get                                          

• Flexibility in your studies (most classes have no set schedule)                            
• Highly trained faculty working with you
• Online ESL Resources for home learning
• Conversation partners with native speakers
• To study anywhere in the world with Harper ESL     
• For more information on online classes, please click here                                                  

Read about our students and alumni.      

Tuition and Fees

Harper College offers affordable ESL classes. To learn more about costs and fees, visit the Tuition Rates page.

Learn what financial aid and scholarships available.

Information for New ESL Students

If you will be applying to Harper for the first time, please click here for instructions on applying. Registration is ongoing throughout the year.                                                           

Please consider making a donation to support the ESL program.