In a historic vote, the Austin Community College District Board of Trustees decided to maintain tuition and fee rates for the 10th straight year. Tuition will remain at just $67 per credit hour for ACC students in 2023-24. Trustees unanimously approved the proposed rates during its regular board meeting Monday, April 10. 

“We understand the financial challenges that many students and their families face. The Board is committed to providing affordable higher education opportunities to all students in our community,” says Dr. Barbara Mink, ACC board chair. “I am proud of the Board’s work to support our students to access an affordable path to higher education and their career.”

Nationally, the cost of college is climbing. According to reports by the College Board, which tracks trends in college pricing, average tuition and fees rose by 1.6% for students at two-year institutions during 2022-23. Historically, increases have been even higher. In the 10 years from 2006 to 2016, college tuition and fees increased by 63 percent — about three times as much as all the other products and services measured by the government, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

“I want to thank the Board for making a conscious effort to keep our tuition and fees steady during a time where we see many other institutions struggling with the impacts of inflation,” says ACC Chancellor Dr. Richard Rhodes. “ACC is a home for students who want a brighter future, for students who might be the first in their family to attend college and for those who want a smart start to their college journey. Decisions like these demonstrate our commitment to every student — no matter where they are in life or along their academic journey. It’s about standing by our word to ensure college is for everyone.”

With the unanimous decision from the Board, in-district students at ACC will continue to pay $67 for tuition –– with fees, it comes to $85 per credit hour. The rate includes access to free tutoring, academic coaching, advising, counseling, technology support, and more. In recent years Trustees also have voted to lower rates for out-of-district and out-of-state students to help make college more affordable for everyone. 

ACC students save approximately 70 percent in tuition and fees on a two-year degree compared with other area institutions, according to the 2023-24 rates published by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board:

In-District Cost for One Year of College (30 Credit Hours)

Austin Community College: $2,550
Alamo Community College: $3,412
Texas State Technical College: $7,192
The University of Texas: $10,858
Texas A&M University: $11,610
Texas State University: $12,220

The ACC District includes the City of Austin and the Austin, Leander, Manor, Del Valle, Round Rock, Elgin, and Hays school districts. All students in these areas pay in-district rates.
The approved rates go into effect for the fall semester. Registration for fall classes begins in May. For more information, visit austincc.edu/fall.

Tags: Board Meeting, Board of Trustees, registration, tuition, tuition and fees