On Campus: Newly Inked Harper, Roosevelt Deal Paves Clear Bachelor's Degree Path

The longstanding partnership between Harper College and Roosevelt University, the largest higher education institutions serving students in the northwest suburbs, was made even closer Thursday with the official inking of a new Dual Degree Program between the two schools.

The deal, signed by Harper President Kenneth Ender and Roosevelt President Chuck Middleton on Harper's campus, creates a clear path for bachelor's degree-seeking students who start their education at Harper, and unlocks thousands of dollars in potential tuition assistance.

More than 35 academic programs are included in the agreement.

"This partnership provides a pathway for full-time students to earn in four years quality, accessible and affordable associate and bachelor's degrees close to home," Middleton said.

Ender, who formally thanked Roosevelt "on behalf of the students” who will take part in the program, said the new agreement "addresses the region's need for a highly educated workforce and the nation's agenda to increase the number of citizens with college degrees."

After completing their associate's degrees at Harper, students participating in the Dual Degree Program will be guaranteed acceptance to Roosevelt. They'll receive a Roosevelt tuition discount based on their Harper grade point average once they transfer, and high-achieving Harper students will be eligible to compete for special Roosevelt scholarships and $1,000 awards.

Participants also will be given access to both Harper and Roosevelt advisors, and Roosevelt's bachelor's degree requirements will be locked in for three years once students select their major.

“This program underscores our continued commitment to student success," said Maria Moten, Harper’s Dean of Enrollment Services. "And by encouraging associate's degree completion, it also furthers our goal of getting more students to finish what they start."

Studies show that students who complete an associate's degree before transferring are more likely to earn a bachelor's degree, and they typically do so in a shorter period of time.

At the signing ceremony, Middleton spoke to the importance of an associate’s degree, and said the new deal "ensures we can create a seamlessness of academic accomplishment" for all. 

The agreement comes on the heels of February’s new , which guarantees select students admission to U of I’s prestigious College of Engineering after completing initial coursework on Harper’s campus.

That program is ranked sixth in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

Earlier this academic year, Harper launched a dual degree program with DePaul University that, like the Roosevelt agreement, locks in bachelor’s degree requirements and gives students immediate access to advisors from both schools once they sign on to the program.

In all, Harper maintains more than 100 transfer agreements with colleges and universities across the nation, all aimed at ensuring a seamless transition to bachelor’s degree completion.

For more details on the Roosevelt partnership or other transfer options, visit Harper's Transfer Information page.