Harper College

Every semester, William Rainey Harper College students make it to Lake Forest College and succeed in our transfer-inclusive community.

We are committed to making your transition to Lake Forest College as seamless as possible. Harper students in all academic areas have a smooth path to their bachelor's degree at Lake Forest, thanks to a special partnership between the two institutions. This partnership includes special agreements including the Harper Pathway Scholars Program, Guaranteed Admission, and generous scholarships and financial aid opportunities for all students.

Guaranteed Admission Program for Harper Honors Program Students

The Guaranteed Admission Program provides Harper students seamless transfer to earn their bachelor’s degree at Lake Forest College. Harper students will benefit from personalized academic planning from both institutions prior to their enrollment at Lake Forest College. 

Students must complete the Harper Honors program with 12 Honors semester hours, have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.25, and graduate with an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree. 

Interested students should complete the Guaranteed Honors Admission Participation Form at least one year in advance of your first semester at Lake Forest College. You must also complete the Lake Forest College transfer admission application and submit all supporting materials.

Contact Melissa Naughton, Director of Transfer Admissions at Lake Forest College, with questions about the program requirements.

Pathway Scholar Programs at Lake Forest College

Our Pathway Scholar Programs offer a seamless transition to Lake Forest College for Harper students who are looking to major in a variety of areas and have completed their associate of arts degree, associate of science degree, or 60 transferrable semester hours of credit.

Pathway Business, Economics, Finance Scholars
Pathway Humanities Scholars

Check out our Transfer Brochure

Events for Harper Students

Admissions Events

Transfer Application and Enrollment Deadlines

Fall 2025 applications are open! Apply today!

The class for Spring 2025 has officially closed as of 12/9.

AP Credits for Harper Students

Students who have successfully completed Advanced Placement courses and the appropriate examinations provided by the College Entrance Examination Board may apply for college credit for this work.

As part of recognizing the Associate of Arts (AA) degree and Associate of Science (AS) credential, we will accept scores of “3” on Advanced Placement (AP) exams from students whose community colleges have applied such credit towards the hours needed for their AA.

Scores of 3, 4, or 5 on the examinations, may entitle students to at least one course credit. Scores of 1 or 2  are not granted credit. A score of 4 or better on both the microeconomics and macroeconomics exams is required for one course credit in economics.

Each department determines the specific amount of credit to be awarded. Credit will not be granted for both Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate program examinations in the same department.

Transfer Credit Guides

See how your credits will transfer from Harper to Lake Forest College.

When I visited campus and met with a career advisor and a professor, I realized this school was going to invest in me as much as I was going to invest in the school. I felt like I would get the proper guidance, education, and opportunities that would help me reach my career goals.