In 2023, Austin Community College District celebrates a special milestone— 50 years of building brighter futures.
ACC opened on September 17, 1973, with a mission to provide access to an affordable, quality college education to anyone who seeks it. In 1972, residents of Austin ISD voted to create ACC. The following fall, the region's new community college opened its doors to 1,726 students. What started as an extraordinary vision among community leaders and education pioneers is today the primary gateway to higher education and career training in Central Texas.
ACC now serves more than 70,000 unique students each year through its credit, Adult Education, and Continuing Education programs. The college has earned regional, state, national, and international recognitions for innovation and academic excellence.
| Then (Fall 1973) | Now |
|---|---|
| One campus (Ridgeview) | 11 campuses |
| 177 faculty and staff | 5,000 full-time and part-time employees |
| 1,726 students | 70,000 students (annually) |
| 30 programs | 100+ programs |
| $7 per hour tuition (in-district) | $85 per hour tuition (in-district) |