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Steps to Enroll for Certificate Students

As a new certificate-seeking student, this guide will help you through each step of the enrollment process:

Apply

Apply online at harpercollege.edu/apply. Payment of a $25 nonrefundable fee is required at the time of application.

Submit official transcripts directly from the high school(s) and college(s) you indicated on your application. If you are transferring military, foreign or college credit from another institution, transcripts will be evaluated automatically based on the following criteria: general education courses, direct equivalent courses to Harper courses and general elective courses.

For information on how to transfer credit from another institution:

Visit harpercollege.edu and search for “Transfer of Credit.”

Log onto MyHarper Student Portal

The MyHarper Portal is your primary source of information and communication from the college. Please become familiar with it before the semester begins.

• Log in with your username and password.
• Review your New Student Checklist for actions.
• You will also be able to access academic, personal, financial and student support resources.

Need your username or password?

The log in page for the portal contains instructions for:

• • Look up your user name
  • Get password or unlock account

Student Service Desk: studentsd@harpercollege.edu or 847.925.6866

Apply for Financial Aid

If you are enrolled in a certificate program that requires a total of 16 credit hours or more, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at fafsa.gov to see if you qualify for federal or state aid. 

• Harper College’s school code is 003961.
• Be sure to submit any required documents for financial aid.
• Certificate programs totaling fewer than 16 credit hours are not eligible for financial aid. 

Undocumented and transgender students who are not able to apply for FAFSA may be able to complete an Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid

For assistance with financial aid and college payment options:

One Stop Center: onestop@harpercollege.edu or 847.925.6710

Paying for College: Consider Your Options

If paying for college is a challenge, you’re not alone. In fact, nearly 11,000 students were awarded more than $26 million in scholarships, grants and tuition waivers through Harper College in school year 2020-2021.

• Scholarships are awarded for a variety of reasons including academic merit, background, career goals, educational interests and much more.
• Explore all of your options, including payment plans, student employment, apprenticeship programs, grants and other ways to finance your education.
• Apply for financial aid. (See previous step.)
• Remember: Your financial aid must be ready and/or you must arrange payment within 48 hours of registration to secure your schedule.

For assistance with financial aid and college payment options:

One Stop Center: onestop@harpercollege.edu or 847.925.6710

Placement Exams

If you are planning to enroll in a college-level English or Math course during your first semester at Harper, you will either need to take the placement exam, provide SAT/ACT scores or submit transcripts with college credit for evaluation. 

Placement exams may be waived for students who demonstrate college readiness in other ways. For complete details, review important information about Course Placement Testing and College Readiness. 

Review your placement test requirements:

• Log in to my.harpercollege.edu.
• Go to your New Student Checklist to view your specific testing requirements and learn what actions you should take.

Testing Center: testing@harpercollege.edu or 847.925.6541

Register for Classes

Register for classes:

1. Log into my.harpercollege.edu, and click on the Registration and Records tab.
2. Click on Add/Drop classes, choose the correct term, and click on Registration Cart/Degree Works Plan. Select the dates and times of the classes in your plan.

As a certificate-seeking student, you aren't required to attend Orientation or meet with an academic advisor before you register, but if you would like to do so anyway, please contact the Center for New Students and Orientation.

Learn more about registration.

Select Your Payment Option

You have options to pay for your classes:

• Sign up for an interest-free monthly payment plan.
• Pay with cash, credit card or electronic check.

Remember: Your financial aid must be ready and/or you must arrange payment within 48 hours of registration to secure your schedule. All course selections are considered temporary until payment arrangements are complete.

Find out more about payment options: 

One Stop Center: onestop@harpercollege.edu or 847.925.6710 or visit Building A, Room A250.

Questions or Concerns?

The Office of Admissions Outreach is committed to making your enrollment process a seamless transition. If you have questions or concerns, please contact us at 847.925.6707 and ask to speak with an admissions representative.