When choosing a college, it’s not just about the programs or the cost; it’s about finding a place that inspires you, suits your needs, and enables you to grow. If you're interested in an affordable education with flexibility, a welcoming campus experience, and a vibrant community, Austin Community College just might be the perfect college for you. For many years, this public community college has been supporting student development across Central Texas, helping you take your first step towards a brighter future.
Whether you want to explore the numerous Austin Community College programs or learn about what it’s like to study at its individual campus locations, we will cover plenty of useful information in this guide. You will find everything you need to know from Austin Community College admissions and tuition to scholarships and rankings, and student life, to what to expect daily as a student. Use this guide as your comprehensive resource and entry point to understanding everything the College offers.
Austin Community College Ranking
According to its ranking, ACC is becoming one of the best two-year institutions in Texas and the United States. Austin Community College is renowned for its commitment to workforce readiness, affordability, and innovation. It is widely commended for its comprehensive academic programs and student-centered approach.
Austin Community College's consistent ranking on national and international lists is evidence of its dedication to offering top-notch instruction, innovative programs, and fruitful student outcomes.
Austin Community College Programs
Like its diverse student body, ACC offers a wide range of academic and workforce-focused programs designed to encourage curiosity, build employable skills, and encourage lifelong learning. Regardless of your interests—healthcare, technology, business, or the arts—the college's programs blend classroom instruction with practical, hands-on experience.
With over 100 subject areas covering a wide range of topics, Austin Community College's curricula are designed to encourage real-world application. Many are developed in collaboration with industry partners to ensure that students graduate with the skills that employers are actively looking for.
Associate Degrees & Certificates
Here’s a look at the major departments and some of the top programs offered:
Through internships, service learning, capstone projects, and direct access to state-of-the-art labs and equipment, every course at ACC is intended to assist students in going beyond textbooks. These programs lay the groundwork for future success, whether your objective is to transfer to a university or start working.
Austin Community College Admissions Process
Are you considering applying to Austin Community College? The Austin Community College admissions process is designed to be simple and easy to use, regardless of your background, high school, transfer, or foreign status. The college guarantees that more students have the chance to pursue higher education without complex entry barriers by implementing an open-admissions policy.
Program Level & Exams Required
Austin Community College Eligibility Criteria and Required Documents
The most important factor in getting into Austin Community College is your readiness to learn, not your competitive scores or high GPA. Students usually need the following to be eligible and finish the admissions process:
Qualifications for Eligibility:
- GED, a high school degree, or its equivalent
- Admission does not require the SAT or ACT.
- For course placement, a Texas Success Initiative (TSI) placement test might be required.
- Foreign students must be proficient in English (TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo).
Documents Needed:
- completed online application (through the college's website or ApplyTexas)
- Evidence of completion of a GED or high school
- Vaccination history for meningitis (for students under 22)
- Evidence of Texas residency (for tuition classification purposes)
- TSI results or documentation of exemption (for course placement)
- Results of international applicants' English proficiency tests
While general admission does not require interviews, some programs, such as nursing or dental hygiene, may require extra assessments or paperwork.
Austin Community College Tuition, Scholarships, and Financial Aid
Although education is a significant financial commitment, Austin Community College offers some of the most cost-effective options in Texas without compromising on quality. The Austin Community College tuition costs are set to make higher education affordable for all, regardless of whether you're enrolled full-time or just taking a few classes.
Austin Community College Tuition Fees Overview
Your residency status and the number of credits you enroll in determine your Austin Community College tuition. Based on 12 credit hours, the approximate costs per semester are broken down as follows:
There might be extra costs for books, online courses, labs, and student services. It's common to live off campus, and the cost of housing will depend on your lifestyle and location.
Austin Community College Scholarships
Both new and returning students can apply for Austin Community College scholarships, which make it simpler to pay for tuition and other expenses. The university provides:
1. ACC Foundation Scholarships: Hundreds of grants given out according to study, need, or merit
2. Scholarships from High School to College: For recent graduates starting full-time classes
3. Program-Specific Scholarships: For fields such as technology, business, and health sciences
4. Awards for Adult Learners and Returning Students: For students starting school again
The majority of scholarships are given out via a single, public application. Early spring is usually when the priority deadline occurs.
Austin Community College Financial Aid Options
Students can apply for financial aid through the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) in addition to scholarships. Federal Pell Grants are one type of aid.
- Texas state grants, such as the TEXAS Grant and TPEG
- Federal Work-Study positions
- Federal student loans
- Tuition assistance and emergency funds for eligible students
At Austin Community College, between 60 and 70 percent of students receive financial aid in one way or another, which lowers debt and expands access to higher education.
Austin Community College Campus Life
Austin Community College's campus life is lively, welcoming, and intended to improve the educational experience for students both within and outside of the classroom. Every Austin Community College campus has clubs, wellness centers, student lounges, and cultural events, so there are plenty of opportunities to get involved. Students are encouraged to develop a sense of community, pursue interests, and get ready for life after college in a friendly and encouraging setting through everything from leadership programs and multicultural festivals to career workshops and volunteer opportunities.
Student Housing Near Austin Community College
Although Austin Community College(ACC) does not have on-campus housing or traditional dorms, many of its campuses offer resources and support services to assist students in locating housing in the area. While some students who attend classes at campuses like Highland, Riverside, or Round Rock opt to live with family, others look into shared and private housing options near campus. To assist students in finding reasonably priced and student-focused housing, the college collaborates with neighborhood housing platforms.
Here is a summary of common off-campus housing choices close to the university:
Students who choose off-campus living near Austin Community College gain independence while remaining close to their social and academic lives. Popular nearby options for student housing include:
Notable Alumni
Numerous professionals, artists, and leaders from a variety of industries have had their careers launched by Austin Community College over the years. ACC graduates have established themselves early in the fields of technology, the arts, education, and public service, even though many students transfer to four-year institutions. Among the well-known alumni are:
- Richard Linklater – Acclaimed filmmaker and director
- Heather Kafka – Actress known for roles in indie films and TV
- Brad Womack – Entrepreneur and television personality
- Tje Austin – Singer-songwriter and contestant on The Voice
These people serve as examples of the variety of career paths Austin Community College students can take with the correct guidance and support.