Business EdVantage for Students

New for 2026-27

Important updates for students that are employed in-district looking to receive in-district tuition rates.

Work 35 hours or more at an in-district business or organization OR
Work 12 hours or more at an in-district business or organization that participates in the Educational Service Agreement OR
Work 12 or more hours as a student employee at Harper College.
Students will also be required to submit the last two consecutive paystubs from work and an employment verification on company letterhead (see below for more details)

A high value in higher education

Harper College is your community college whether you work or live in the district.

The Business EdVantage program allows people who live outside of Harper's district, but work at an in-district organization, to take college credit courses at in-district rates. This represents a savings of hundreds of dollars per credit.

The same great tuition rate no matter where you live.

Program requirements

To qualify for in-district tuition under Business EdVantage, employees must:

Have previously applied to the College in order to be eligible for the program.
Be actively employed at the employer's in-district work location. If you are unsure whether your employer is located within Harper College District 512, contact the Registrar's Office for assistance.
Be actively employed as of the first day of the academic term and remain employed throughout the term.
Meet one of the following employment requirements:
- Be employed a minimum of 35 hours per week by a business or organization physically located within Harper College District 512; or
- Be employed a minimum of 12 hours per week by Harper College; or
- Be employed a minimum of 12 hours per week by a business or organization participating in a Harper College Educational Service Agreement (ESA). Learn more about the Educational Service Agreement.
Students working as independent contractors or through a staffing agency are not eligible to participate.
Enroll in credit coursework at Harper College.
Maintain satisfactory academic progress in accordance with College standards.
International students are eligible only if employed by Harper College.

Student Sign Up - Business EdVantage Employment Certification

Step 1: Pre-Term Certification

Employer representative completes and submits a Business EdVantage Employment Certification Form
Submission deadline: prior to or at the time of student registration

Step 2: Student submits the following documentation each term:

Submit two current consecutive paycheck stubs, along with a letter written from the employer which meets the following criteria:

Written on official company letterhead.
Includes company name, in-district address, phone number, and email address.
Includes student's name, student’s address, and Harper College student ID number.
Includes a student’s start date with the company which must be on or before the start of the academic term.
Include a statement indicating the student is a regular employee working a minimum of 35 regularly scheduled hours per week (12hrs/week if employed by Harper College or from in-district company with Educational Service Agreement).
Be signed and dated by a supervisor, owner, or a human resources representative at the company.
Include a company phone number to verify employment.
Submit new requests and documentation for verification of your employment status each semester/term.
Documentation must be dated no earlier than 30 days prior to registration.