What Austin Community College offers and who can attend

Austin Community College (ACC) is a public two-year college system serving the Austin area with six campuses and online options. You can earn an associate degree, complete a certificate program, take individual courses toward a four-year degree, or learn a trade skill. ACC does not require a high school diploma to enroll — you can attend with a GED or through their own placement process.

Tuition and fees vary by program and course load. In-district students (those living in Travis County) pay less than out-of-district students. Full-time enrollment typically costs between $3,000 and $5,000 per semester for tuition and fees alone, though many students pay less by taking fewer courses. Part-time students pay per credit hour, which lets you control your cost.

You do not need to live in Austin to attend. ACC serves students from across Texas and beyond, though out-of-district tuition is higher. Online courses are available for most programs, so location is not a barrier to enrollment.

Key Takeaways

  • ACC has six physical campuses plus online options, and you can start without a high school diploma if you pass their placement assessment.
  • You can earn an associate degree in two years, complete a certificate in one year or less, or take individual courses to transfer to a four-year university.
  • In-district tuition is lower than out-of-district, and part-time enrollment lets you pay only for the credits you take each semester.
  • Financial aid, including federal grants and loans, is available through ACC's financial aid office and requires completing the FAFSA.
  • ACC has transfer agreements with University of Texas at Austin and other four-year schools, so credits earned at ACC often count toward a bachelor's degree.

Associate degrees and certificate programs at ACC

ACC offers more than 70 associate degree and certificate programs across fields like nursing, information technology, business, automotive technology, and culinary arts. An associate degree takes about two years of full-time study and qualifies you for entry-level positions in your field or for transfer to a four-year university. A certificate program is shorter — usually one year or less — and focuses on specific job skills you can use right away.

Some programs have prerequisites or require you to pass placement tests in math and reading before you enroll. Nursing, for example, has a competitive admissions process separate from general college enrollment. Other programs like welding or HVAC have open enrollment but may require safety training before you start.

You can view the full program list on ACC's website by campus and by field. Each program page lists the courses you need to take, how long it typically takes, and what jobs graduates usually move into.

How to enroll and what documents you need

To enroll at ACC, you create an online account through their admissions portal, provide your Social Security number, and complete a basic process. You do not need to submit transcripts or test scores for general admission — ACC uses its own placement assessment to determine which math and English courses you should start with.

If you have a high school diploma or GED, bring it or have your school send an official transcript. If you do not have either, you can still enroll; ACC will assess your skills through their placement test. If you are an international student, you will need a passport and proof of English proficiency, usually through the TOEFL or IELTS exam.

Once your process is processed, you register for courses through ACC's student portal. Registration opens on different dates for different student groups, so check your registration date in your student account. You pay tuition and fees when you register, though you can set up a payment plan if you cannot pay in full.

Financial aid, grants, and loans

ACC students can use federal grants (money you do not repay), federal loans (money you borrow and repay), and work-study jobs. To be considered for any federal aid, you must complete the Free process for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at fafsa.gov. The FAFSA opens October 1 each year and determines how much aid you may receive based on your family's income and other factors.

ACC also has its own scholarships for students who meet certain criteria — some based on major, some on financial need, some on academic performance. The ACC Foundation manages these scholarships, and you can search available awards on their website. process important date vary by scholarship, so check early in the academic year.

If you are a Texas resident and your family income is below a certain threshold, you may also be may be able to access for the Texas Grant Program, which is a state grant that does not require repayment. ACC's financial aid office can tell you whether you may have access to.

Transferring credits to a four-year university

ACC has formal transfer agreements with University of Texas at Austin, Texas State University, and other four-year schools in Texas. These agreements mean that if you complete an associate degree or certain course sequences at ACC, those credits will count toward a bachelor's degree at the partner school. You do not lose credits or have to repeat courses.

The most common path is to earn your associate degree at ACC, then transfer to UT Austin or another university to complete your bachelor's degree. This typically saves money because ACC tuition is lower than four-year university tuition. You explore to the four-year school during your final semester at ACC, and the school evaluates your ACC transcript along with your process.

If you are not sure whether a specific course will transfer, ACC's advising office can check the transfer guide for the university you are considering. Some courses transfer as general education credits, while others count toward your major.

Campus locations and online learning options

ACC operates six physical campuses across the Austin area: Riverside, Downtown, North, South, East, and Pinnacle. Each campus offers different programs and course schedules, so you can choose the location most convenient for you. Most programs are available at multiple campuses, though some specialized programs like nursing may be limited to one or two locations.

Online courses are available for many programs, and ACC also offers hybrid courses that meet in person some days and online others. If you are working full-time or have other commitments, online or hybrid options give you flexibility. You still need to register and pay tuition the same way as in-person students.

ACC also offers evening and weekend classes at most campuses, so you can study while working during the day. Course schedules are published each semester, and you can filter by time of day and delivery method (in-person, online, or hybrid) when you register.

Support services and resources for students

ACC provides tutoring, academic advising, career counseling, and disability support services. Tutoring is available in math, writing, science, and other subjects, both in person and online. Academic advisors help you choose courses, plan your degree path, and understand transfer requirements — meeting with an advisor before you register is a good idea, especially if you are unsure about your major.

If you have a disability, ACC's Office of Students with Disabilities can arrange accommodations like extended test time, note-taking support, or accessible classroom seating. You will need to provide documentation of your disability and register with the office before the semester starts.

ACC also has a career services office that helps you write resumes, practice interviews, and connect with employers. Many employers recruit directly from ACC, especially in fields like nursing, information technology, and skilled trades.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a high school diploma to enroll at ACC?

No. You can enroll with a GED or by passing ACC's placement assessment. If you have neither a diploma nor a GED, contact ACC admissions to learn about your options — some students complete a high school equivalency program while taking college courses.

How much does it cost to attend ACC?

In-district tuition and fees range from about $3,000 to $5,000 per semester for full-time students, depending on your program. Out-of-district students pay more. Part-time students pay per credit hour. Financial aid, scholarships, and payment plans can reduce your out-of-pocket cost.

Can I transfer my ACC credits to UT Austin or another university?

Yes, if you complete an associate degree or specific course sequences at ACC. ACC has transfer agreements with UT Austin, Texas State, and other schools. Your credits count toward your bachelor's degree, and you typically explore to the four-year school during your final semester at ACC.

What if I fail a placement test or need to improve my math or reading skills?

ACC offers developmental courses in math and English to help you build skills before you take college-level courses. These courses count toward your degree and can be taken alongside other classes. Some students complete developmental work in one semester; others take longer depending on their starting point.

Are there evening or weekend classes available?

Yes. Most ACC campuses offer evening and weekend courses, and many programs are available online or in hybrid format. You can filter by time and delivery method when you register for courses each semester.