For the 10th year in a row, the Austin Community College District board of trustees voted unanimously against increasing tuition and fee rates for in-district students at a meeting on April 10.
Trustees also voted to lower rates for out-of-district and out-of-state students to help make college more affordable for all, officials announced in a released statement April 20.
What it costs
Tuition will remain at $67 per credit hour for ACC students for the 2023-24 school year—with fees, it totals $85 per credit hour. In addition to classes, the rate includes access to free tutoring, academic coaching, advising, counseling, technology support and more, officials announced.
What they're saying
"We understand the financial challenges that many students and their families face," ACC Board Chair Barbara Mink said. "The board is committed to providing affordable higher education opportunities to all students in our community."
How ACC compares to others
Nationally, the cost of college is climbing, officials said. According to reports by the College Board, which tracks trends in college pricing, average tuition and fees rose by 1.6% for students at two-year institutions during 2022-23. Historically, increases have been even higher. In the 10 years from 2006 to 2016, college tuition and fees increased by 63%—about three times as much as all the other products and services measured by the government, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
When it starts
The approved rates will go into effect for the fall semester, and registration for fall begins in May.
“I am proud of the board’s work to support our students to access an affordable path to higher education and their career," Mink said.
