The Austin Community College District (ACC) Board of Trustees unanimously voted to keep current tuition and general fees for the 2025–26 academic year (AY) during its meeting on Monday, April 7. This marks the 12th consecutive year of no increases. The vote reaffirms ACC’s long-standing commitment to making higher education affordable and accessible for students across Central Texas.

“We’re here to serve the community, ensuring that we train graduates for jobs that are in demand and pay well, others who will transfer to 4-year universities, and high school students who are pursuing dual credit classes to get ahead, save money, and get exposed to college.  Keeping tuition low serves many different types of potential students in the community,” says ACC Board Chair Sean Hassan. “Holding the line on tuition speaks to ACC’s values and priorities. We want every potential student to know that a high-quality education is within reach, and that they can access it without taking on debt.”

What It Means for Students

Tuition for in-district students remains at $67 per credit hour—or $85 per credit hour when including general fees, making ACC one of the most affordable community colleges in Texas and a fraction of the cost of attending nearby four-year colleges. The out-of-district rate also remains unchanged at $201 per credit hour. The rate includes access to free tutoring, academic coaching, advising, counseling, technology support, and more.

The ACC District includes the City of Austin and the Austin, Leander, Manor, Del Valle, Round Rock, Elgin, Lockhart, and Hays school districts. All students in these areas pay in-district rates.

Over the past 12 years, as inflation has steadily increased, ACC’s commitment to hold tuition flat has saved students thousands of dollars. According to Education Data Initiative, the average in-state tuition rate is up more than 20% since AY2012- 13, the last time ACC raised its rates. If the College raised its tuition and fees at the same rate, students would be paying about $100 per credit hour.

For more information, visit austincc.edu/tuition. 

ACC Among the Most Affordable in Texas

According to 2024-25 tuition and fee rates published by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, ACC students who live in-district pay among the lowest rates in the state compared with other area institutions:

In-District Cost for One Year of College (30 Credit Hours – Including Tuition & Fees)

  • Austin Community College: $2,550
  • Alamo Community College: $3,412
  • Texas State Technical College: $7,212
  • The University of Texas: $10,858
  • Texas A&M University: $11,550
  • Texas State University: $12,220

The College also will launch the second year of its Free Tuition Pilot Program this fall after a strong first year. More than 5,000 students enrolled in the inaugural year—marking a 40% increase in direct-to-college from high school enrollment over the previous year. The five-year initiative offers free tuition and general fees for eligible high school and GED® graduates from the ACC service area, starting with the class of 2024 through 2028.

Fall registration begins Monday, May 12, for current and former students. Registration opens for everyone on Friday, May 16. Fall classes start Monday, August 25. For more information, visit austincc.edu/fall.