Future International Students

Harper College Overview

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 considering admission for new international students who reside in their home countries for spring semester 2021. The spring semester begins in January. The deadline to apply is

                                               November 15, 2020

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!

Application Deadlines

  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.

Application Requirements

Please click on the link below to complete the international student application process:

Change of Status

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:

Cost of Attendance

Harper College offers a Monthly Payment Plan.


College Degree Program Fall Semester Spring Semester
Credit Hours Required 12 12
Tuition $5,547.00 $5,547.00
College Fees $285 $285
Health Insurance $527.15 $797.86*
TOTAL $6,359.15 $6,629.86

* $797.86 includes health insurance coverage for spring and summer months.

Harper College offers a variety of scholarships, including the Jean B. Chapman International Student Scholarship. 

For more information on scholarships, visit Harper's Scholarship Information page.

Visa Process and Interview

These are some resources to help explain the F-1 visa process and how to prepare for your F-1 visa interview.

Housing and Transportation

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.  

Another option is to take the bus. Harper College is on the Pace Suburban Bus Route 696.

For more information on housing and transportation options, please review Housing & Transportation Resources.