Austin Community College District (ACC) once again ranks as a top community college in Texas for online learning. OnlineU named ACC the top online college in the state based on the best return on investment (ROI) for online associate degrees. The college’s online programs were previously recognized by the Austin Chronicle, OnlineU, and Newsweek

“We know balancing life, work, family, and education is challenging. We must provide the options students need to fit their busy schedules,” says Dr. Monique Umphrey, ACC provost/executive vice chancellor of Academic & Student Affairs. “Our goal is to empower students to meet their goals. We want everyone in Central Texas to be able to work and thrive here. This honor validates that all our hard work is worth it.”

OnlineU developed the list using graduates’ salaries and debt payments for 10 years after graduation to give each school a percentile ROI score that reflects how the salary and debt of each school’s programs compare to similar ones.

ACC’s Distance Education (DE) and Online Programs are virtual learning options at the college and are among the largest programs available at ACC. They continue to grow. Course enrollment for online options has increased by more than 134% from fall 2018 to fall 2022. The college offers four DE/online formats:

  1. Asynchronous – All instruction and services are provided online; students log into class at a time that’s most convenient for them; 
  2. Synchronous – Instruction is fully online with required online meetings during the specified days and times listed;
  3. Hybrid – Instruction and services are provided partly online and partly face-to-face; 
  4. HyFlex – Instruction offered both online and on-campus simultaneously, allowing students to attend any particular class in person or virtually.

According to an ACC student survey, more than 55% of current students are very interested in taking at least one online course, with almost 50% of ACC applicants asking for hyflex offerings. The college offers 40 degrees and certifications online, with plans to expand. 

“We aim to support students with well-planned and executed courses and programs. It is critical that we design and develop the right courses for our distance learning students,” says Dr. Erasmus Addae, associate vice chancellor of Distance Education. “Not only can our students take advantage of online courses, but we offer all our support options, like tutoring, advising, financial aid, and more online.”

Learn more about ACC’s online programs and distance education courses at austincc.edu/online

Registration is now open for summer 2023. To register, visit austincc.edu/summer.