Student Enrollment

Current student body demographics and enrollment patterns at William Rainey Harper College

Palatine, IL

Total Enrollment

13,069

Currently enrolled students

Program Options

119

119 programs

Full-Time Students

4,003

9,066 part-time

Total FTE

8,183

Full-time equivalent students

Student-Faculty Ratio

20:1

Students per faculty member

What Is the Student Body Size?

Training Program Focus

2350
Certificate Graduates
Short-term specialized training
4346
Total Recent Graduates

With 13,069 students, William Rainey Harper College is a large institution offering diverse educational programs and extensive facilities. The school offers 119 specialized programs designed for immediate workforce entry.

How Do Students Attend?

Attendance Status Distribution

Full-Time Students 4,003 (30.6%)
30.6%
Part-Time Students 9,066 (69.4%)
69.4%
Total Students 13,069

Majority part-time students (69.4%), serving working professionals and those with other commitments.

Full-Time
Part-Time

Students are split between full-time (30.6%) and part-time attendance, reflecting flexible scheduling for working professionals.

Who Are the Students?

Student Demographics

Gender Distribution

Gender Split
Women
56.3%
7,358 students
Men
43.7%
5,711 students

Race/Ethnicity Distribution

Primary Ethnic Group
White
42.4%
5,543 students
White
42.4% (5,543)
Hispanic/Latino
32.7% (4,278)
Asian
13.9% (1,818)
Black/African American
4.2% (550)
Two or More Races
3.5% (451)
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
1.3% (166)
International Students
1.0% (130)
American Indian/Alaska Native
0.3% (33)

Demographics Summary

Gender: Balanced gender distribution across 13,069 students

Largest Ethnic Group: White students make up 42% of the student body (5,543 students)

The student body reflects diverse backgrounds and demographics.

Interested in Academic Quality & Learning Environment?

Explore retention rates, student-faculty ratios, distance education options, and academic intensity on our dedicated Academics page.

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How Are Students Distributed by Level?

Undergraduate students

13,069 students

44% Men, 56% Women
4,003 Full-time 9,066 Part-time
Diversity Index: 69% • Minority Students: 52%

What Are the Attendance Patterns?

Full-Time Students

All Full-Time

4,003
All full-time students
2,030 men, 1,973 women
Diversity: 70%

FT Undergraduate

4,003
Full-time undergraduate
2,030 men, 1,973 women
Diversity: 70%

FT Degree-Seeking

3,831
Full-time degree/certificate-seeking
1,949 men, 1,882 women
Diversity: 69%

FT First-Time

1,520
Full-time first-time students
803 men, 717 women
Diversity: 68%

FT Continuing

2,311
Full-time continuing students
1,146 men, 1,165 women
Diversity: 70%

FT Transfer

217
Full-time transfer students
115 men, 102 women
Diversity: 73%

FT Continuing

2,094
Full-time other continuing
1,031 men, 1,063 women
Diversity: 70%

FT Non-Degree

172
Full-time non-degree seeking
81 men, 91 women
Diversity: 72%

Part-Time Students

All Part-Time

9,066
All part-time students
3,681 men, 5,385 women
Diversity: 69%

PT Undergraduate

9,066
Part-time undergraduate
3,681 men, 5,385 women
Diversity: 69%

PT Degree-Seeking

4,984
Part-time degree/certificate-seeking
1,930 men, 3,054 women
Diversity: 68%

PT First-Time

714
Part-time first-time students
325 men, 389 women
Diversity: 67%

PT Continuing

4,270
Part-time continuing students
1,605 men, 2,665 women
Diversity: 68%

PT Transfer

232
Part-time transfer students
75 men, 157 women
Diversity: 69%

PT Continuing

4,038
Part-time other continuing
1,530 men, 2,508 women
Diversity: 67%

PT Non-Degree

4,082
Part-time non-degree seeking
1,751 men, 2,331 women
Diversity: 70%

Understanding Student Categories

First-Time: Students starting their first postsecondary program

Continuing: Students who previously enrolled and are returning

Transfer: Students who transferred from other institutions

Degree-Seeking: Students enrolled in certificate or degree programs

Non-Degree: Students taking courses without pursuing a formal credential

What Is the Diversity Picture?

Undergraduate students

5,543
White
550
Black/African American
4,278
Hispanic/Latino
1,818
Asian
130
International
Diversity Index: 69% Minority Students: 52%

Want to See Student Success & Outcomes?

Explore completion rates, transfer patterns, and detailed 8-year student outcome tracking on our dedicated Student Outcomes page.

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Student Life & Campus Experience

Diverse Student Community

Students from various backgrounds come together to learn career-focused skills in a supportive environment.

Flexible Scheduling

Many students balance work and family commitments with their studies through part-time and evening programs.

Career-Focused Learning

Students are goal-oriented, seeking practical skills and credentials that lead directly to employment opportunities.

AI-generated illustration of diverse students on a college campus with enrollment statistics, charts showing student demographics, attendance patterns, and campus life activities

Key Takeaways About William Rainey Harper College's Student Body

Training Environment: Large institution with 13,069 students offering extensive programs and state-of-the-art facilities.
Study Patterns: Flexible scheduling with many part-time students balancing work and education.
Academic Intensity: 8,183 FTE students indicates flexible scheduling accommodating working students.
Learning Format: Traditional in-person education with online components for flexibility.
Academic Environment: Good student-faculty ratio (20:1) allows for meaningful instructor interaction.
Student Diversity: Moderately diverse student community fostering inclusive learning environment.
Learning Environment: Students benefit from career-focused education with hands-on training, experienced instructors, and support services designed to help them achieve their professional goals.
Community: The student body includes diverse learners from various backgrounds, creating a rich learning environment where students can network and learn from each other's experiences.

Contact Information

Address

1200 W Algonquin Rd

Palatine, IL 60067-7398

Student Success

The student body at colleges often includes:

  • • Working adults seeking career changes
  • • Recent high school graduates
  • • Military veterans using education benefits
  • • Students upgrading skills in their field
  • • Individuals seeking fast-track credentials
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