Trade Colleges

Student Enrollment

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

Palatine, IL

Total Enrollment

23,904

Currently enrolled students

Program Options

59

59 career programs

Full-Time Students

15,668

23,904 part-time

Total FTE

8,183

Full-time equivalent students

What Is the Student Body Size?

Training Capacity & Scale

Large
Major vocational institution
23,904
Total Students
Size compared to other trade colleges:
200 1K 2K 5K+
Program Diversity 59
High diversity
~405 students per program
Training Capacity
High
Can handle large cohorts across multiple programs
Market Position
Major Player
Among largest trade schools nationally
Resource Level
Extensive
Multiple campuses, labs, and equipment

What This Means

William Rainey Harper College operates as a large trade college with 23,904 students across 59 career programs. This size typically offers extensive resources, diverse program options, and comprehensive career services.

With 23,904 students, William Rainey Harper College is a large vocational institution offering diverse career training programs and extensive facilities. The school offers 59 specialized career programs designed for immediate workforce entry.

How Do Students Attend?

Attendance Status Distribution

Full-Time Students 15,668 (39.6%)
39.6%
Part-Time Students 23,904 (60.4%)
60.4%
Total Students 39,572

Majority part-time students (60.4%), serving working professionals and those with other commitments.

Full-Time
Part-Time

A majority of students (65.5%) attend full-time, with a significant part-time population balancing work and studies.

Who Are the Students?

Student Demographics

Gender Distribution

Gender Split
Women
56.9%
13,610 students
Men
43.1%
10,294 students

Race/Ethnicity Distribution

Primary Ethnic Group
White
42.4%
10,140 students
White
42.4% (10,140)
Hispanic/Latino
32.6% (7,794)
Asian
14.0% (3,344)
Black/African American
4.2% (1,001)
Two or More Races
3.4% (809)
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
1.3% (305)
International Students
1.1% (251)
American Indian/Alaska Native
0.3% (63)

Demographics Summary

Gender: Balanced gender distribution across 23,904 students

Largest Ethnic Group: White students make up 42% of the student body (10,140 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

39,572 students

46% Men, 54% Women
15,668 Full-time
Diversity Index: 69% • Minority Students: 50%

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%

Part-Time Students

All Students

13,069
All students total
5,711 men, 7,358 women
Diversity: 69%

Transfer

449
Transfer-in students
190 men, 259 women
Diversity: 71%

Continuing

6,132
Continuing students
2,561 men, 3,571 women
Diversity: 68%

Non-Degree

4,254
Non-degree/certificate-seeking
1,832 men, 2,422 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

17,168
White
1,543
Black/African American
12,184
Hispanic/Latino
5,674
Asian
695
International
Diversity Index: 69% Minority Students: 50%

Want to See Student Success & Outcomes?

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

View Student Outcomes

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.

Explore More About William Rainey Harper College

College Overview
General information
Programs & Degrees
Available study options
Admissions
Requirements & process
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 vocational institution with 23,904 students offering extensive career programs and state-of-the-art facilities.
• Study Patterns: Mix of full-time (65.5%) and part-time students accommodating various schedules.
• Academic Intensity: 8,183 FTE students indicates flexible scheduling accommodating working students.
• Learning Format: Traditional in-person education with online components for flexibility.
• 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.

Get Information

Visit Website Admissions Office College Overview

Contact Information

Phone

8479256000

Address

1200 W Algonquin Rd

Palatine, IL 60067-7398

Student Success

The student body at trade 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