{"id":52490,"date":"2025-10-21T11:22:58","date_gmt":"2025-10-21T16:22:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sites.austincc.edu\/newsroom\/?p=52490"},"modified":"2025-10-20T11:51:13","modified_gmt":"2025-10-20T16:51:13","slug":"acc-free-tuition-pilot-one-year-later-enrollment-and-student-success-reach-new-heights","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sites.austincc.edu\/newsroom\/2025\/10\/21\/acc-free-tuition-pilot-one-year-later-enrollment-and-student-success-reach-new-heights\/","title":{"rendered":"ACC Free Tuition Pilot: One Year Later, Enrollment and Student Success Reach New Heights"},"content":{"rendered":"
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College marks historic growth and stronger persistence<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

As the second cohort enters the halfway mark on their first semester, Austin Community College District (ACC) reports record-breaking enrollment. Students are also continuing to stay enrolled year over year at higher rates. The College shared the findings with the Board of Trustees during the October work session.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis program shows what\u2019s possible when we remove barriers,\u201d says ACC Chancellor Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart. \u201cWhen students have access, they don\u2019t just enroll\u2014they persist, complete, and thrive. Free tuition has opened doors for thousands who once thought college was out of reach. It\u2019s changing lives, changing families, and transforming the future of Central Texas.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Free Tuition Pilot Program launched in fall 2024. It covers tuition and general fees for eligible high school and GED\u00ae graduates from ACC\u2019s service area, starting with the Class of 2024. As a pilot program, it\u2019s currently funded through the high school graduating class of 2028. Eligible students receive up to three years of free tuition toward an associate degree or five years toward a bachelor\u2019s degree at ACC.<\/p>\n

Key highlights from the first year:<\/strong><\/p>\n