Austin Community College District (ACC) has achieved a significant milestone this fall. Newly updated student completion and persistence data show substantial year-over-year and two-year gains across both academic and workforce programs, marking a record high for the institution.

In academic year (AY) 2025–26, ACC students earned 13,218 degrees and awards. This represents:

  • 14% growth compared to AY 2024–25 (11,603 completions)
  • 34% growth compared to AY 2023–24 (9,852 completions)
  • Significant momentum toward ACC’s Institutional Effectiveness (IE) Report Card target of 13,925 completions by AY 2027–28

The gains extend across most credential types, including associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, certificates, and Occupational Skills Awards (OSAs). Associate degrees and certificates each increased by approximately 500, while OSAs saw an increase of nearly 1,000.

This growth in completions can be seen across several workforce-focused areas, helping prepare students for careers that support Central Texas employers and the region’s changing economy:

  • School of Advanced Manufacturing: Up 62% in one year 
  • School of Computer Science and Information Technology: Up 18% in one year
  • School of Health Science and School of Nursing: Up 7% in one year
  • School of Applied Technologies: Up 6% in one year

The Theory of Change in Action

These record-breaking outcomes validate the ongoing work under ACC’s Theory of Change framework, which focuses on eliminating barriers to persistence and degree completion. Key initiatives contributing to these results include:

Basic Needs Support

Students receiving Basic Needs support in Fall 2025 achieved a 67% fall-to-fall persistence rate, compared to 57% among other ACC students. Additionally, the Riverbat Bites Food Pantries served 11,362 students this past year.

Additional background on student support programs is detailed in the Basic Needs Year One Impact Report.

Free Tuition Program

Free Tuition has expanded direct-to-college enrollment by 61%, already resulting in 1,640 total completions from participating students, including 1,255 in AY 2025–26.

To help Free Tuition students reach the finish line, the College’s Enrollment Response Team was empowered to address barriers to enrollment. This cross-divisional team will lead efforts to support the 2024 Free Tuition cohort to completion before their free tuition benefit expires in summer 2027.

Upcoming Initiatives

ACC will continue moving Theory of Change projects from design to action with upcoming rollouts in Strategic Scheduling and Required Advising, designed to streamline student pathways.

“This kind of progress doesn’t happen by accident. It’s proof that your work and dedication are making a difference, and it shows that our Theory of Change is working by increasing our persistence and enrollment,” said ACC Chancellor Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart in a message to employees. 

Start Strong

The College has also seen record growth in its enrollment numbers this fall. Read more about that progress here.

Explore the Data

To view the full metrics breakdown by school, program, and credential type, explore the interactive Degrees and Awards Dashboard maintained by the Office of Institutional Research & Analytics.