Understanding Austin Community College (ACC) Tuition and Fees
Planning for college involves understanding the costs involved. This article provides a comprehensive overview of tuition, fees, and financial aid options at Austin Community College (ACC). We will delve into the various components of the Cost of Attendance (COA), payment options, and resources available to help students manage their educational expenses.
What is the Cost of Attendance (COA)?
The Cost of Attendance (COA) represents the total estimated cost of attending school for a year. At ACC, the COA includes not only tuition and fees but also estimates for books, supplies, transportation, living expenses, and personal expenses. These estimates are based on full-time enrollment, typically 15 credit hours in both the fall and spring semesters. It's crucial to understand that the COA is an estimate, and your actual expenses may vary.
Your housing status significantly impacts your COA and the amount of financial aid you might be eligible for. Generally, dependent students are assumed to live with their parents, while independent students are assumed to have their own living arrangements. It is important to notify the financial aid office of any changes to your housing status, as this can affect your financial aid package.
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board provides a Net Price Calculator to estimate the cost of attending ACC full-time. This tool considers your individual circumstances and financial aid policies to provide a more personalized estimate of your net price, which is the COA minus any grants and scholarships you receive.
Tuition and Fees Breakdown
ACC charges tuition on a per-credit-hour basis. As of Spring 2026, the Austin Community College District's tuition is $8,580 for in-state and $10,590 for out-of-state students. Compared with the national average cost of in-state tuition of $12,422, Austin Community College District is cheaper. For students coming from out of state, the tuition is cheaper than the national average cost of out-of-state tuition of $29,767. These figures include both tuition and fees, also referred to as the sticker price.
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Most ACC classes are 3 credit hours. A full course load is 12-16 credits, or about 4 classes per semester.
In-district students pay a lower tuition rate than out-of-district students. In-district students pay $67 in tuition plus $18 in various fees, for a total of $85 per credit hour. Your residency status determines your tuition rate and some fees. See the Residency Classifications section of the ACC catalog for more information.
Additional Fees:
- General Fee: $15 per credit hour. This fee is used as a pledge against the Revenue Bond Debt Service payment.
- Course Fees: Certain courses, especially those requiring special labs or equipment, may have additional fees. For example, courses providing extra instruction over the standard credit hour-based lecture (e.g., science labs) may incur additional costs.
- Out-of-District Fee for DUAL students: $150 per course charged to DUAL (formerly ECS) students when enrolled in tuition exempt courses offered at an ACC campus (exceptions apply).
- Student Accident Fee: $1 per course - Fee pays for injuries occurring from school sponsored activities related to the selected classes.
- Three-Attempt Rule: A $60 per credit hour fee is added for any course you have attempted three or more times.
- Returned Payment Fee: A $25 service fee applies for any payments returned unpaid by your financial institution.
- Other fees are charged for a variety of circumstances, such as for the International Student application fee, course challenge fee, Green Pass fee, parking fine, replacement/reissue fee, returned payment fee, late payment fee, library fine, etc. These fees are not typically refundable.
The Austin Community College Board of Trustees approves tuition and fee rates, and amounts are subject to change without notice.
Understanding Net Price and Financial Aid
The sticker price is the initial cost of tuition and fees. However, the net price is what you actually pay after factoring in grants and scholarships. The average net price at ACC is $3,502 per year.
Financial aid can significantly reduce the cost of attending ACC. Financial aid options include:
Read also: Paying for SFA
- Grants: Need-based financial aid that does not need to be repaid. The average need-based scholarship or grant award is $6,298.
- Scholarships: Awards based on academic merit, talent, or other criteria. Dozens of scholarships are available through the generous donations of individuals, businesses, churches, civic groups, and clubs. Learn more at ACC scholarships.
- Loans: Borrowed money that must be repaid with interest. The average need-based loan amount is $3,344.
- Work-study: Part-time jobs for students with financial need.
46% of students receive financial aid, with an average aid package of $8,826. 80% of freshmen with need receive financial aid.
To apply for financial aid, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The financial aid application deadline is December 26, with a priority application deadline of April 1. Applications received prior to the priority date will receive stronger consideration. Students typically receive notification of their aid offer around June 1.
Financial aid can be used to cover tuition and fees up to the amount of your offer. If your financial aid covers the full amount, no payment is needed. If there is a difference between your financial aid and your balance, you must pay the difference to secure your classes. Your financial aid will not be released until your courses begin each semester, so your balance will remain on your account until then.
Payment Options and Deadlines
ACC offers various payment options to help students manage tuition costs:
- Payment Plans: ACC offers interest-free payment plans, allowing you to spread payments over three installments. You must make the first down payment by the tuition deadline. Financial aid can be used as your first payment. Contact the Financial Aid Office at 512-223-4636 to set up a payment plan.
- Checks or Money Orders: Make checks or money orders payable to Austin Community College.
- Online Payments: You may provide another person online access to your account for payments by making them an authorized user. Setting up an authorized user does not grant ACC staff permission to discuss your student record with an authorized user.
- Log in to your account.
- Select Authorized Users, located on the right-hand menu.
- Prepaid Accounts: You may use prepaid accounts to pay tuition and fees only. Payment must be for the exact amount due. Partial payment or overpayment are NOT accepted.
- International Payments: ACC has partnered with TransferMate to offer a streamlined and cost-effective payment method for international payments. TransferMate offers favorable exchange rates and a secure portal for processing your payment to ACC. ACC only accepts wire payments of the exact tuition amount. Payments in any other amount will be refused. The application fee must be paid separately through ACC Marketplace.
- Sponsorships: If a sponsor is paying your tuition, obtain sponsorship agreement forms from the Student Accounting Office. Before registering, confirm with your sponsor that the sponsor agreement has been approved.
It's important to follow ACC's tuition deadlines to avoid being dropped from classes.
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Additional Costs to Consider
Besides tuition and fees, remember to factor in these additional costs:
- Books and Supplies: Estimated at $1,200 per year. Required texts may be found at the ACC Bookstore on the campus at which the course is being offered. Distance Learning textbooks are available at the campus bookstore where the orientation is held. Note: Digital books may be attached to courses resulting in a book fee. If you qualified for the FAST program you may be on a list at the ACC bookstore as a qualified student to get your books free.
- Personal Expenses: Estimated at $3,584 per year.
- Transportation: The cost of transportation to and from campus. You will need to purchase a permit if you intend to park on an ACC campus while attending class.
Consequences of Non-Payment
Per Texas Education Code 54.007(2)(d): A student who fails to make full payment of tuition and fees by the due date may be prohibited from registering for classes until full payment is made.
ACC sends delinquent installment contracts, unpaid returned checks, outstanding miscellaneous charges, and financial aid adjustments to a third-party agency for collection.
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