The primary responsibility of paying for educational expenses is with the student and the student's family. If the financial assistance awarded does not cover all the educational expenses, the student is responsible for paying the remainder within Harper College's established payment deadlines.
Harper College determines the student's eligibility for financial aid awards based
on federal and state regulations, our Cost of Attendance and the family's Expected
Family Contribution. All financial aid documents must be on file and processed within
the deadlines per federal regulations for the student to be awarded funds.
To be eligible and continue to be eligible for most federal and state financial aid awards you must meet these General Eligibility Requirements.
To be considered for financial aid awards is subsequent years, you must meet the General Eligibility Requirements and complete the following.
Federal Pell Grant and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
Complete the FAFSA and complete the financial aid document requirements.
State of Illinois Monetary Award Program (MAP) Grant
Complete the FAFSA, complete the financial aid document requirements and submit proof of Illinois residency.
Note: Qualifying undocumented students and transgender students who are not otherwise
eligible for federal financial aid, complete the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid, complete the financial aid document requirements and submit proof of Illinois residency.
Scholarships
Scholarship renewal requirements can vary greatly. Visit the Scholarships page for more information.
Federal Work Study / Student Aide
Complete the FAFSA, complete the financial aid document requirements, apply for a job and be enrolled
at least half time (6 hours).
Loans
Complete the FAFSA, complete the financial aid document requirements and complete a Loan Request Form which has step-by-step information.
If you have questions about renewing financial aid, schedule an appointment with a Financial Aid Specialist.
Cost of Attendance (COA) is the estimated total cost of attending an institution for one academic year. The COA includes direct costs and indirect costs and is the budget used to calculate your aid.
Direct costs are charges included in the Cost of Attendance that the student/family pays directly to the college. At Harper, direct costs are tuition and fees only.
Indirect costs are estimated expenses in the Cost of Attendance that are not paid directly to the institution. At Harper, indirect costs are books, course materials, supplies and equipment; transportation; living expenses (housing and food); and miscellaneous personal expenses. Federal student loan fees and professional licensure, certification, or a first professional credential are included as applicable.
| Living with Parent | Living Off Campus | |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Costs: | ||
| Tuition and Fees | $4,749 | $4,749 |
| Indirect Costs: | ||
| Books, Course Materials, Supplies and Equipment | $1,100 | $1,100 |
| Transportation | $2,766 | $2,766 |
| Living Expenses (Housing & Food) | $7,002 | $13,324 |
| Miscellaneous Personal Expenses | $9,050 | $9,050 |
| Total Cost of Attendance/Year | $24,667 | $30,989 |
| Total Cost of Attendance/Semester | $12,334 | $15,495 |
| Living with Parent | Living Off Campus | |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Costs: | ||
| Tuition and Fees | $12,459 | $12,459 |
| Indirect Costs: | ||
| Books, Course Materials, Supplies and Equipment | $1,100 | $1,100 |
| Transportation | $2,766 | $2,766 |
| Living Expenses (Housing & Food) | $7,002 | $13,324 |
| Miscellaneous Personal Expenses | $9,050 | $9,050 |
| Total Cost of Attendance/Year | $32,377 | $38,699 |
| Total Cost of Attendance/Semester | $16,189 | $19,350 |
| Living with Parent | Living Off Campus | |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Costs: | ||
| Tuition and Fees | $14,724 | $14,724 |
| Indirect Costs: | ||
| Books, Course Materials, Supplies and Equipment | $1,100 | $1,100 |
| Transportation | $2,766 | $2,766 |
| Living Expenses (Housing & Food) | $7,002 | $13,324 |
| Miscellaneous Personal Expenses | $9,050 | $9,050 |
| Total Cost of Attendance/Year | $34,642 | $40,964 |
| Total Cost of Attendance/Semester | $17,321 | $20,482 |
†Tuition estimate is based on in-district rates. See Tuition and Fees for all rate information.
Complete the 2023-2024 Cost of Attendance Additional Allowances Request Form.
Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is an eligibility index that college financial aid staff use to determine how much financial aid you would receive if you were to attend their school. The EFC is calculated according to a formula specified in law and is based upon the information provided by the student and their family on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Financial need is the end result of a simple calculation that subtracts the Expected Family Contribution from Harper College's Cost of Attendance. The total amount of financial aid you receive cannot exceed the Cost of Attendance.
Cost of Attendance
- Expected Family Contribution
--------------------------------------------------------
= Financial Need
The majority of the funds administered by the Office of Student Financial Assistance are based on demonstrated financial need.
After the student's eligibility is considered, financial assistance is awarded using federal, state, institutional and private sources. For more information go to Understanding Your Financial Aid Awards.
