Harper College

University Center at Harper College: Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to the University Center at Harper College. Below are answers to frequently asked questions regarding program structure, admissions, financial aid and more. If you require additional assistance, please contact our office directly.

Cost and financial aid

When you enroll in a program with one of the partner schools, you become a student of that school. Therefore, you'll pay tuition to the partner university since you’re officially their student. Bonus: DePaul University gives a 25% discount; Roosevelt University offers a 37% discount.

Yes, you will do this through the partner school, since you’re their student. Make sure to list the partner university on your FAFSA form, not Harper. You can also apply for scholarships through the partner university. Harper also offers a few Harper-specific scholarships for UC students.

Eligibility and admission requirements

Definitely! You don’t need to have attended Harper; students from other colleges are welcome. A representative from the partner school will evaluate your transcript and let you know if you meet the admission requirements based on your past coursework. (Harper does not evaluate transcripts on behalf of the partner schools.) If you need to take additional courses to satisfy pre-requisites, we recommend that you take those classes through Harper for maximum cost-efficiency. 

Once you’ve completed (or are enrolled in) the required prerequisite courses, you’re ready to apply.

You’ll apply directly through the partner university’s website after you’ve met (or are registered to meet) all admission requirements.

No, international students are not eligible for University Center programs.

General questions

Because you will be a student enrolled with one of the partner schools, your bachelor’s degree will be conferred by the partner university. For example:

“Northern Illinois University – Bachelor of Science in Psychology.”

Yes, we have sample degree pathways available on our partner program pages. Important: The actual courses you take may differ based on your chosen program, course availability, and other factors.

The University Center offers nine specific bachelor’s degree programs. If you are interested in programs not offered by the University Center, speak with your Harper College academic advisor for advice on preparing to transfer to another program or school.

Students who pursue one of the University Center’s programs benefit from a strong relationship between Harper and the partner school. Harper’s team helps make sure you take the correct courses for the UC program that interests you, and UC partner representatives are frequently on Harper’s campus to answer questions and help you prepare to transfer into the program.

Additionally, the University Center at Harper College is close to home, so you won’t experience long commutes. You won’t need to adjust to a new campus, because the partner school’s faculty come directly to Harper’s campus to teach your classes.

Program layout: How does this work?

You’ll be taught by faculty members from the partner university, either online or in-person at Harper.

It’s a hybrid format: a mix of in-person and online classes.

Not fully. At least 50% of your coursework will be in-person at Harper, based on our agreement with the partner universities.

You’ll be a student of the partner university.

After transferring into a University Center program, most students finish their bachelor’s degree in about two years. This can vary depending on any past credits already earned, the courses you select as you proceed through your program, and your own schedule.

No, all classes are at Harper’s campus or online. However, you are entitled to use the resources on the partner institution’s campus, attend partner university events and take advantage of any services or offerings that are available to students enrolled at that university. Additionally, you might go to the partner institution for your bachelor’s degree graduation ceremony, which is held at the university. Some university partners also confer diplomas during Harper’s own graduation. This means you may have two opportunities to celebrate your achievements.

Map showing the University Center located in Building D, room D264 on Harper College's camous.
Building D, Room D264

The University Center at Harper College

Location:
Building D, Room D264 (Interactive Map)
Phone:
847.925.6315
Email:
universitycenter@harpercollege.edu

Hours

  • Monday to Thursday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Friday: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Last Updated: 5/22/26