Austin Community College District (ACC) and Texas State University (TXST) are creating new ways for students to transfer from community college to a four-year university. 

Starting this fall, ACC and Texas State will launch the Bats to Cats program — a formal agreement was signed Thursday, April 18, at the ACC Round Rock Campus. 

“A majority of our students come to ACC with the intent to transfer, but the process can be frustrating because it isn’t always seamless. Students can lose credits or have to take different classes once they transfer. None of us want that for our students. This collaboration between ACC and Texas State is doing something big to remove some major barriers. These are the kinds of partnerships that change lives,” says ACC Chancellor Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart. “Getting here took a lot of time, energy, and communication. I am thankful for all the work and people who made this partnership possible. By allowing ACC students to receive guaranteed admission to Texas State, they can save time and money, and find a way to a family-sustaining wage.”

The Bats to Cats program comes approximately two years after the launch of the Transfer Student Success and Equity Intensive. The intensive offered an opportunity for both instituions to examine the biggest barriers in transfer and develop solutions. 

Bats to Cats was specifically designed to increase the number of transfer students, increase student belonging, and save students time and money. While about 60% of ACC students report that they intend to transfer to a four-year university, only 25% actually achieve this goal within three years.

“Texas State University is proud to partner with ACC on the Bats to Cats program, and we look forward to the difference it will make in so many lives,” says TXST President Kelly Damphousse. “As the product of a community college myself, I was drawn to this initiative because TXST wants to be part of the solution to build a direct, seamless, affordable, and efficient pathway from community college to a four-year university. Bats to Cats is a win-win for students and for Texas, as it increases the number of highly skilled and career-ready professionals entering the workforce.”

Bats to Cats At A Glance

The new transfer program provides a clear path for guaranteed admission so students can start at ACC and get to Texas State. Eligible students may apply for the program beginning in fall 2024 with the intention of transferring to TXST in summer 2025, fall 2025, and other future terms.

Students in Bats to Cats benefit from a smooth transfer process. ACC sends transcripts to TXST automatically each semester. TXST counselors ensure eligibility and offer support. The program provides clear transfer guidelines to maximize credit transfer. Participants gain automatic TXST admission for their chosen semester, facilitating early access to advising and registration. 

“This is a full circle moment for me. I couldn’t afford university right out of high school, so I wanted to go to the best community college I could to prepare me and enrolled at ACC. Education is an investment. Transferring is a testament to resilience. Transfer students are determined to continue our education, regardless of challenges in our lives. We should celebrate them and the diversity they bring to the table and make the transition as seamless as possible,” says Crispina Harris, ACC Transfer Student to Texas State. “What is hard about being a transfer student, you are forced to be comfortable in an uncomfortable situation. We don’t get the freshman experiences others who go straight to university get. Having a program like this lets you build those relationships you might miss as a transfer student.”

The Need for Guaranteed Admissions Programs

About 36% of ACC students transfer yearly to work toward their four-year degree. TXST remains the most popular choice for ACC students. According to college data, about 12% of all ACC students transfer to Texas State — that’s almost double the number of students who choose the University of Texas at Austin. 

What It Means for Students

Students can receive targeted and personalized support to help them start strong, enroll full-time, meet their basic needs, and complete what they started. The program can save students time and money. 

• Students can save more than $9,600 per year by starting at ACC before transferring.
• Through specialized and aligned curriculum, students can ensure all their credits transfer.
• With guaranteed admission, students only need to apply once to transfer seamlessly.
• Benefits include free tickets to select TXST athletic events.
• Students receive dedicated advising from the Transfer Center. 
• Eligible participants receive up to a $2,000 scholarship for the first year.

For more information, visit austincc.edu/transfer.

Tags: Bats to Cats, Guaranteed Admission, Texas State, Transfer