Harper College

Save on Your Bachelor's Degree: Starting at Harper Saves You Thousands

By completing the first two years of your bachelor’s degree at Harper College, you’ll save thousands of dollars on the total cost of your education. Continue reading to learn more about how to make the last two years of your bachelor’s degree as affordable as possible.

Understand the prerequisites for your program

Each of the University Center’s programs has its own admission requirements, along with specific prerequisite courses that need to be completed either before you enter the program or by the time you complete your bachelor’s degree. In many cases, these courses are taken while you complete your associate degree. However, some required courses need to be taken in addition to what is required to complete your associate degree.

Complete prereqs at Harper before beginning the University Center program

Doing so ensures that you pay Harper’s affordable tuition rates.

You could also take these courses through the partner university; however, the partner schools do not bring these additional classes to Harper’s campus as part of their University Center courses. Plus, you would have to pay the partner university’s tuition rates instead of Harper’s.

Finish your bachelor’s degree through a University Center partner school

When you enroll in a program with one of the partner schools, you become a student at that school. Therefore, you'll pay tuition to the partner university since you’re officially their student. Because you’ve already completed your associate degree through Harper, you’re only paying two years of the university’s tuition and fees instead of four.

Discounted tuition rate from DePaul University and Roosevelt University

Eligible students receive a substantial discount on DePaul’s (25% discount) or Roosevelt’s (37% discount) University Center programs. The discount applies only to the DePaul or Roosevelt degree programs offered through the University Center.

Apply for financial aid and scholarships through the University Center partner school

Apply for financial aid 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.

Additionally, Harper also offers a several transfer-focused scholarships for University Center students.

Award: $4,500 - $5,000

This scholarship is awarded to a student who meets the following criteria:

  • Applicant must be enrolled or enrolling in one of the programs available through the University Center at Harper College.

To apply, answer the 'transfer' questions on the General Scholarship Application.

Award: $450 - $500

This scholarship is awarded to a student who meets the following criteria:

  • Majoring in computer science or technology areas.
  • Transferring through the University Center at Harper College seeking a bachelor's degree through an affiliated university.

To apply, answer the 'transfer' questions on the General Scholarship Application.

Award: $2,000 - $2,500

This scholarship is awarded to a student who meets the following criteria:

  • Must have a 2.5 GPA or higher.
  • Must be a current Harper student who will earn an associate in arts degree in May.
  • Plan to transfer to a four-year institution (any) and major in one of the Liberal Arts.
  • Submit an essay about their educational career goals.
  • Submit one letter of recommendation from Liberal Arts Division faculty member.

To apply, submit the General Scholarship Application, select this scholarship under ‘Additional Opportunities’ and provide the email address of a Liberal Arts faculty member as your reference. Our system will automatically contact them.

Award: $1,000 - $1,200

This scholarship is awarded to a student who meets the following criteria:

  • Harper Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
  • Demonstrate financial need.
  • The student intends to complete a certificate or degree at Harper College and plans to enroll in the University Center (any program) at Harper College upon completion of Harper College Program.

To apply, answer the ‘transfer’ questions on the General Scholarship Application.

Award: $4,000 - $5,000

This scholarship is awarded to a student who meets the following criteria:

  • Must demonstrate financial need.
  • Applicant must be enrolling in final year or final semester of study at Harper College and plans to transfer to the University Center.
  • Student must enroll in University Center's DePaul University program to study Business Administration or Communication/Media.
  • Obtain reference letter from current Harper College Advisor or University Center Liaison that demonstrates the student's persistence, educational goals, and commitment to attending the University Center.
  • Scholarship will be awarded to a student for their final semester or final year at Harper College and two years at DePaul University at the University Center if they meet the renewal criteria. The scholarship can be renewed as long as the student maintains a 2.75 GPA at DePaul University.

To apply, submit the General Scholarship Application, select this scholarship under ‘Additional Opportunities’ and provide your reference’s email address. Our system will automatically contact them.

Transfer scholarships offered by the Harper College Educational Foundation

Thanks to generous donors, several transfer scholarships are available through the Harper College Educational Foundation. While these scholarships have a rolling application process, we recommend that you submit your application by January 1. Scholarship recipients are notified in the spring semester, and awards are sent to transfer universities beginning in July.

Apply for Transfer Scholarships

Questions about transfer scholarships? Contact scholars@harpercollege.edu. Please include your Harper ID number.

Take the First Step

Take your first step toward earning a bachelor’s degree at the University Center by requesting information. A University Center representative will reach out to review your academic goals and create a customized University Center plan.

Fill out our inquiry form for more information.

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:
847.925.6163
Email:
universitycenter@harpercollege.edu

Hours

  • Monday to Thursday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Friday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Last Updated: 5/12/26