Harper College will be closed Friday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day.
Harper College is located in Palatine, Illinois, a northwest suburb of the city of Chicago. The college is located 30 miles/48 km from downtown Chicago. We are excited to welcome you to our campus!
Harper College is currently considering applications from new international students for the Spring 2024, Summer 2024, and Fall 2024 semesters.
The spring semester 2026 begins January 12, 2026. The last day to apply is November 15, 2025.
The summer semester 2025 begins May 19, 2025. The last day to apply is March 15, 2025.
The fall semester 2025 begins August 18, 2025. The last day to apply is June 15, 2025.
For more information on academics, student support services, American culture and customs, F -1 immigration expectations, and what there is to do in the northwest suburbs and Chicago, please view this informational overview!
| Outside U.S. | Inside U.S. | |
|---|---|---|
| Fall Term | June 15 | July 15th |
| Spring Term | November 15th | December 1st |
| Summer Term | March 15th | March 30th |
PLEASE NOTE: Harper College is not authorized to issue a Form I-20 for the following programs: Nursing, Dental Hygiene, Diagnostic Cardiac or Medical Sonography, Radiologic Technology, or Paramedic.
Please click on the link below to complete the international student application process:
If you are already currently in the U.S. on a non-immigrant visa and looking to change to an F-1 visa, please visit the link below:
| College Degree Program | Fall Semester | Spring Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Credit Hours Required | 12 | 12 |
| Tuition | $5,652.00 | $5,652.00 |
| College Fees | $285 | $285 |
| Health Insurance | $598.61 | $942.84* |
| TOTAL | $6,535.61 | $6,879.84* |
* $942.84 includes health insurance coverage for spring and summer months.
Harper College offers a variety of scholarships. For more information on scholarships, visit Harper's
Scholarship Information page.
These are some resources to help explain the F-1 visa process and how to prepare for your F-1 visa interview.
Harper College does not have dormitories or college-sponsored housing.
However, there are many apartments and other accommodations in the local area.
As for transportation, most students drive to campus and there is free parking.
F-1 international students are able to apply for an Illinois Temporary Visitor Driver's License.
For more information on housing and transportation options, please review Housing & Transportation Resources.