Paying for College

Student lies on her back working on laptop.

Paying for College

2026-2027 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and Alternative Application Open Soon!!

Coming soon! The 2026-27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opens on October 1, 2025. Apply early to maximize funding Learn more.

The 2026-27 The Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid will be available on October 1, 2025 Learn more.

It’s not too late! The 2025-26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form or the 2025-26 The Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid form are still available for students and families to complete!

Up to $1,000 Finish Line Grant available

Is something keeping you from completing your Harper College degree or certificate? A family emergency, childcare issues, or problem with your car or housing? Don’t let life's problems keep you from finishing what you started. Learn more at: Finish Line Grant

Focus on your goals instead of worrying about affording college. Harper's tuition is just a fraction of the cost of other universities and we can help you find ways to cover tuition and living expenses by taking advantage of scholarships, grants, flexible payment plans, military benefits and work-study opportunities. When life gets in the way, our team of experts is here to assist you.

Tuition Rates

See the official tuition rates and fees for Harper College. See tuition and fees**

Payment Plan

Harper offers an online payment plan for students who are unable to pay tuition costs in full, have financial aid that doesn’t cover the full cost of their semester, or want to pay monthly installments. See payment plans

Financial Aid

Applying for federal and state grants starts with completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Explore your financial aid options

Scholarships

Harper College alumni, faculty, staff and community leaders and organizations have donated millions of dollars to make sure nothing holds you back from succeeding. Find your scholarship

Military Benefits

There are a number of resources available for our veterans and military-family students (active duty, reservists, veterans and eligible dependents). Learn about military benefits

Student Employment

Students can earn money to be used for paying educational costs through Federal Work Study and Student Aide opportunities. About student employment

Loans

Federal Direct Loans are available for you to borrow funds to pay for your college expenses. Learn about loans

WIOA Grant Funds

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Grant-funded (no cost) program for unemployed or underemployed people who need to re-enter the workforce. About WIOA

Apprenticeship

Combine job-related college courses with paid, on-the-job learning. Tuition paid by employer. Explore apprenticeships

The 2025–26 FAFSA is here! Take advantage of the financial aid available to you.

11,661 students were awarded $34,553,138 in scholarships, grants and tuition waivers through Harper College in 2023-24.

To learn more, visit Financial Aid and Scholarships.

Harper College is committed to using the Principles & Standards of the College Cost Transparency Initiative in its student financial aid offer.

Compare your Savings.

Earn the first two years of your degree at Harper, transfer to a four-year university to complete your degree and you save up to:

Save $13,580 vs. four years at an Illinois public university.

Save $46,500 vs. four years at an out-of-state public university.

Save $67,760 vs. four years at a private university.

Source: The College Board, Trends in College Pricing and Student Aid 2020. All costs based on tuition and fees** only. Does not include expenses such as room, board or transportation. Does not include financial aid.

**Cost of Attendance Information

Are you ready to attend college or career school, but need financial aid to help fund your education? Check out this video to learn how the office of Federal Student Aid provides more than $150 billion in grants, loans and work-study funds. Visit http://StudentAid.gov to learn more.

Paying for College

Paying for College

2026-2027 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and Alternative Application Open Soon!!

Up to $1,000 Finish Line Grant available

Get started today!