Chicago-Area Community College To Offer Free Tuition

PALATINE, Ill. (AP) — A north-suburban Chicago community college says it will start offering two free years of tuition to students who maintain certain qualifications.

Harper College in Palatine plans Monday to officially announce the Promise Scholarship program. Harper President Ken Ender says the school wants to attract students who "show grit and determination."

High school students will qualify if they are at least C-students, perform community service and graduate high school on time. Students also will need to maintain similar requirements while attending Harper College to receive the four semesters of free tuition. The program starts with this fall's class.

Harper officials estimate the program will cost $600,000 to $900,000 per year. They say the program is affordable because estimates show only 3 to 5 percent of incoming freshmen will be eligible.

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