The Austin Community College District (ACC) began its fall semester this week, with preliminary data showing more students enrolled than ever before. The college counted 38,420 credit students across seven campuses on the first day – an increase of more than 4,000 students compared to fall 2008. During the first day, ACC enrolled an additional 1,100 students.

“We definitely felt the effects of increased enrollment,” said Linda Kluck, ACC’s director of admissions and records. “We’re so excited. It almost feels like half of Austin has come through our doors. Most classes are full, the campuses are alive – it’s amazing.”

ACC makes its numbers official on the twelfth day of the semester, but the initial projection reveals a continued trend of growth as ACC holds the line on in-district tuition rates – a factor boosting the number of university transfer students.

“ACC’s affordability makes it the smart choice for my family,” says Bruce Anderson, whose son Tyler is a new ACC student. “Tyler can get his core courses out of the way at ACC before transferring to UT, saving us thousands of dollars – and in this economy, that makes all the difference.” 

The rise in enrollment includes both traditional age and non-traditional students. In a year-to-year comparison, the college has grown this fall:

• to 3,329 black students, an increase of nearly 18 percent
• to 9,511 Hispanic students, a 13 percent increase

“These numbers show that our efforts to close the achievement gap are working,” said Dr. Stephen B. Kinslow, ACC president/CEO. “This is significant progress toward making higher education accessible to all students, and an educated community means a stronger economy.”

ACC is working to expand its services and programs to meet the escalating need, hiring more full-time faculty and adding classes. The opening of ACC’s Round Rock Campus in fall 2010 will allow the college to serve thousands more students.