Austin Community College
Austin Community College: Gateway to Higher Education and Opportunity in Central Texas
Introduction
Austin Community College (ACC) is a vital part of the Central Texas educational landscape. Founded in 1973, ACC has grown into one of the largest and most respected community colleges in the United States. With 11 campuses across the Austin metropolitan area, ACC offers affordable, high-quality education and career training to more than 70,000 students each year. It plays a crucial role in preparing students for transfer to four-year universities, launching successful careers, and strengthening the local workforce. This article explores ACC’s history, academic programs, campus life, community impact, and future goals.
A Brief History of Austin Community College
ACC was established to meet the growing demand for accessible higher education in Austin. Classes officially began in September 1973 with about 1,700 students at the former Anderson High School campus.
Over the decades, ACC expanded rapidly, responding to population growth and the evolving needs of the region. Today, the college operates campuses throughout Travis, Williamson, Hays, Bastrop, and Caldwell counties. It serves a diverse student body, offering a wide range of academic and workforce training programs. ACC has become a national model for community colleges, recognized for innovation, inclusivity, and strong partnerships with local industries and universities.
Mission and Core Values: Austin Community College
Austin Community College’s mission is "to promote student success and improve communities by providing affordable access to higher education and workforce training in its service area."
Its core values include:
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Student Success: Prioritizing the needs and goals of students
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Opportunity: Ensuring access for all learners
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Innovation: Embracing new technologies and ideas
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Community: Strengthening the regional economy and society
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Equity and Inclusion: Promoting diversity, respect, and fairness
These principles guide every decision at ACC, making it a college where students from all walks of life can thrive.
Academic Programs: Austin Community College
Austin Community College offers over 100 programs of study in a wide range of fields. Whether a student’s goal is to transfer to a university, earn a degree, or gain career-specific training, ACC provides a path forward.
Associate Degrees
ACC offers Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Science (AS), Associate of Applied Science (AAS), and Associate of Arts in Teaching (AAT) degrees. These programs typically take about two years to complete.
Popular associate degree areas include:
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Business Administration
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Psychology
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Criminal Justice
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Nursing
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Computer Science
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Early Childhood Education
Career and Technical Programs: Austin Community College
Austin Community College offers certificates and technical degrees designed for students who want to quickly enter the workforce. Fields include:
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Welding Technology
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Culinary Arts
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Automotive Technology
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HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning)
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Game Design and Development
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Medical Assisting
These programs often offer internships or apprenticeships with local employers.
Transfer Opportunities
Many students attend ACC with the goal of transferring to a four-year university. The college has strong articulation agreements with:
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University of Texas at Austin (UT)
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Texas State University
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Texas A&M University
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Texas Tech University
Students can complete their core curriculum at ACC, saving money before transferring as juniors to a university.
Honors Program
The ACC Honors Program offers academically talented students the opportunity to engage in challenging coursework, special projects, and leadership development, helping them stand out during the transfer process.
Specialized Programs and Initiatives: Austin Community College
Early College High School
Austin Community College partners with several school districts to offer Early College High School programs. These allow high school students to earn an associate degree at the same time as their high school diploma, saving time and money.
ACCelerator
Located at the Highland Campus, the ACCelerator is a 600+ computer learning lab — the largest in the nation. It offers individualized learning support, tutoring, advising, and self-paced classes, particularly in math and developmental education.
Adult Education
ACC is a leader in adult education, offering GED preparation, English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, and workforce training programs for adults seeking to advance their careers or start new ones.
Continuing Education
For working professionals and lifelong learners, ACC’s Continuing Education Division offers short-term programs in fields like healthcare, technology, public safety, and real estate.
Campus Life and Student Experience: Austin Community College
ACC’s 11 campuses offer a vibrant and inclusive student life experience. Although ACC is primarily a commuter school, students can still engage through:
Student Organizations
There are dozens of student clubs covering interests such as:
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Student Government Association
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Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society
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Cultural and identity-based organizations
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Career-specific clubs (e.g., Nursing Students Association, Coding Club)
Events and Activities
Austin Community College organizes events year-round, including:
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Welcome Week festivities
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Career fairs
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Cultural celebrations
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Guest speaker series
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Service learning and volunteer projects
Health and Wellness
ACC provides wellness programs, free mental health counseling, and fitness opportunities to support students' physical and emotional well-being.
Tuition and Financial Aid
One of ACC’s biggest strengths is its affordability. For in-district residents, tuition is among the lowest in Texas.
As of 2025:
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In-district cost: about $67 per credit hour
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Out-of-district cost: about $286 per credit hour
To assist students financially, ACC offers:
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Federal and state financial aid (Pell Grants, loans)
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ACC scholarships
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Work-study programs
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Emergency aid funds
ACC’s Financial Aid Office provides workshops and one-on-one advising to help students navigate the financial aid process.
Workforce Development and Industry Partnerships
Austin Community College is deeply connected to the economic needs of Central Texas. Through partnerships with industry leaders like Dell, Tesla, Samsung, and St. David’s Healthcare, ACC helps train the region’s future workforce.
Programs such as the Tesla START manufacturing training program and the Health Sciences degrees feed directly into high-demand job sectors.
Key initiatives include:
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Advanced Manufacturing Training
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Healthcare Professional Training
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Cybersecurity and IT Certification
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Construction and Skilled Trades Programs
The college’s focus on real-world, hands-on learning ensures that students graduate career-ready.
Sustainability and Innovation
Austin Community College is committed to sustainability across its campuses. Initiatives include:
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Green building standards (LEED-certified buildings)
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Water conservation efforts
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Recycling and composting programs
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Renewable energy use
The Highland Campus transformation — converting a former shopping mall into a vibrant, sustainable campus — is one of the most celebrated urban redevelopment projects in the country.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Austin Community College is one of the most diverse colleges in Texas. Students of all races, ages, socioeconomic backgrounds, and national origins find a welcoming environment at ACC.
Key DEI initiatives include:
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Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation (TRHT) Campus Centers
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Latino/Latin American Studies Center
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Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI) initiatives
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Black Representation in STEM initiatives
ACC is recognized as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), with nearly 40% of its students identifying as Hispanic/Latino.
Leadership and Governance
Austin Community College is governed by a Board of Trustees elected by the citizens of the ACC District. The board works closely with ACC’s Chancellor and administration to set policies and strategic goals.
The current leadership focuses on:
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Expanding access
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Increasing student completion rates
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Building stronger transfer pathways
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Addressing regional workforce needs
Community Impact
Beyond academics, ACC has a profound impact on Central Texas:
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Economic Growth: ACC contributes billions of dollars to the regional economy annually.
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Social Mobility: By offering affordable education and workforce training, ACC lifts thousands of individuals and families into higher income brackets.
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Civic Engagement: Students engage in local communities through service-learning projects, internships, and volunteer work.
The Future of ACC
Looking ahead, Austin Community College is investing heavily in:
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Expanding its Health Sciences and Nursing programs
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Building a new campus focused on advanced manufacturing and technology
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Developing more online and hybrid learning options
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Strengthening partnerships with tech giants like Apple and Amazon
The goal is clear: to remain the leading open-access institution driving education, innovation, and prosperity in Central Texas.
Conclusion
Austin Community College is more than just a starting point for higher education — it’s a launchpad for dreams, careers, and community transformation. Through accessible education, workforce training, and a deep commitment to student success, ACC empowers individuals to improve their lives and contribute meaningfully to society.
Whether you're a high school graduate planning to transfer to a university, a working adult looking to upgrade your skills, or someone seeking a fresh start, ACC offers the resources, support, and opportunities to help you succeed. In the heart of one of America’s most dynamic cities, Austin Community College continues to shape the future — one student at a time.
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