Austin Community College District (ACC) and St. Edward’s University (SEU) are expanding one of Central Texas’ most comprehensive and affordable transfer pathways to a bachelor’s degree. The two institutions celebrated the next phase of the ACComplish @ St. Edward’s program at a joint event held on Wednesday, November 12, at ACC’s Eastview Campus. 

“The data is overwhelming that bachelor’s degrees still matter for economic outcomes. Anything that makes achieving this more affordable and easier is a win for our students,” said ACC Chancellor Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart. “Our students who want to transfer should be transferring. As a college, we have to make every part of that process easier and more intentional.”

“We offer a holistic educational experience focusing on academics. Part of this educational experience includes internships and opportunities for career development to give students an opportunity to achieve their full potential,” said President of St. Edward’s University, Dr. Montserrat Fuentes. “Our students are part of a community where they can thrive, and most importantly, they’re able to develop a social network that is going to help them to be successful.”

Fifty percent of transfer students at St. Edward’s come from ACC, reflecting the strong partnership between the two institutions and their shared commitment to student success. Since launching ACComplish at SEU, 52 students have successfully transferred directly from ACC to St. Edward’s for fall 2025 and have received scholarship support. One of the top programs for transfer is Business.

“Students who are thinking about a degree in business should choose a school that will really prepare them for the future of work, for what the business world will look like in 20 or 30 years. We believe we’re doing a really great job of that,” said Alexis Stokes, St. Edward’s dean of The Bill Munday School of Business. “We embrace artificial intelligence as a productivity tool and as a methodology that can really help us make more data-driven decisions.”

“A lot of money can get wasted if you’re having to take extra courses that may or may not line up with a curricular program that the school you’re trying to transfer to is offering. So it’s important to look at what pairs up ideally so you can save money on getting your degree,” said Michaela Monroe, an Accounting major at St. Edward’s. “I would not have been able to do or even go to St. Edward’s had it not been for ACC. So many people were able to help me get into school and really express how affordable it can be and how many scholarship offerings they have.”

The ACComplish @ St. Edward’s program continues to grow since its launch earlier this year.

New Additions to the Partnership

  • ACComplish @ St. Edward’s Scholarship: A new $5,000 annual award for all ACC transfer students, adding to existing scholarships and financial aid opportunities.
  • On-Campus Housing: ACC students can now live in The Casa at St. Edward’s, an exclusive 12-month residential space designed to give transfer students a traditional campus experience and year-round housing security.
  • 2+2 Degree Pathways: Newly aligned transfer pathways for high-demand majors ensure a seamless transition from ACC to SEU — with courses designed to match workforce needs and student goals.

The ACComplish @ St. Edward’s program represents a shared commitment to affordability, access, and workforce readiness. Students receive personalized guidance from advising teams at both institutions, ensuring a seamless transition from ACC to St. Edward’s. Through the program, learners gain academic support and complete wraparound resources.

As part of the celebration, students connected with university advisors, learned about housing and financial aid options, and shared their transfer success stories. The partnership continues to serve as a regional and national model for creating affordable, achievable bachelor’s degree pathways that meet students where they are.

For more information, visit austincc.edu/accomplish.