Austin Community College District (ACC) expects to welcome more than 44,000 students for the fall 2026 semester, continuing a period of significant enrollment growth as the College prepares for the start of classes Monday, August 24.
As of August 20, overall enrollment is up about 6.1% from fall 2025 and nearly 17% from two years ago. While new student enrollment is flat, more students are persisting. ACC is projected to exceed 44,500 students by census date, driven heavily by an increase in continuing students.
More than 14,000 students are enrolled through ACC’s Free Tuition Pilot program this semester, an increase of more than 40% from fall 2025. The third cohort of students is beginning college with tuition and general fees covered through the program.
The growth reflects increasing demand across ACC’s academic and workforce programs, particularly in fields connected to Central Texas’ evolving economy:
- Advanced Manufacturing | Up about 21%
- Public and Social Service | Up about 14%
- Applied Technologies | Up about 9%
- Business | Up about 8%
“As a college that is building for what’s next, we are ready for where our students and our region are going. We’re seeing more students choose ACC because they see a clear path from education to opportunity,” said ACC Chancellor Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart. “Our responsibility is to keep building the support, partnerships, and pathways that help students succeed and prepare them for the opportunities ahead.”
Supporting Student Success
As enrollment grows, ACC continues to expand and connect students with resources designed to help them stay enrolled and succeed. Faculty and staff can help connect them to those resources. Students have access to:
- Student Basic Needs Questionnaire: Helps students identify resources that may be available to them.
- Riverbat Bites Food Pantry: Available on all campuses, fully stocked to help students facing food insecurity.
- Mental Health Counseling: Confidential services, wellness programs, and resources across the district.
- Childcare and Resources for Parenting Students: Access to childcare funding that supports your choice of preschool or infant care that works for your family, including child care scholarships.
For a full list, visit austincc.edu/studentsupport.