ACC Enrollment reaches 35,000 in college’s 35th year

ACC opened its doors in 1973 with less than 2,000 students attending classes at its lone campus. Thirty-five short years later, a record-breaking 35,798 students are now enrolled in classes at the college’s seven campuses. Up from 33,508, this fall’s enrollment represents a seven percent increase from fall 2007, with every campus seeing an increase.

“This is good news for the community,” said Dr. Stephen Kinslow, ACC president and CEO. “ACC is the primary gateway to higher education and training in Central Texas, and it continues to respond to the diverse needs of residents and businesses in the community.”

The college experienced double-digit enrollment increases among African American (+11%), Hispanic (+12%), and Asian students (+14%).

“I just never imagined I’d see it get this big,” said John Cise, a physics professor who’s been teaching at ACC since it opened. “But I am very excited it has. It’s great for our city.”

ACC government professor Cecile Durish credits the growth to a quality education at an affordable price. “I’ve seen the escalating costs of four-year universities,” said Durish. “Students can get such a good background here before they transfer to other institutions.”

“From its modest beginnings, ACC has grown into the region’s leading trainer of the local workforce and is also the largest provider of transfer students to local four-year universities,” added Kinslow. “More Austin area high school students and adults who enroll in higher education choose ACC than any other college or university.”

And, the growth continues. In May 2008, Round Rock residents voted to be annexed into the ACC district. Round Rock residents now receive in-district tuition of $39 per semester hour. Round Rock enrollments increased 16 percent. The Round Rock Higher Education Center saw a staggering 38 percent increase of ACC students between fall 2007 and fall 2008.

The Austin Community College District offers more than 180 associate degrees and technical certificate programs, university transfer, Early College Start, Adult Education, and Continuing Education to students in eight counties.

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