Austin Community College announced July 8 that it is ranked one of the top associate degree and certificate producers in the nation, according to an analysis by Community College Week Magazine.

The "Top 100 Associate Degree Producers" report by the magazine ranked ACC 79th in the nation for awards of associate degrees in overall subject areas. ACC also ranked 44th in the country for awards of two-year certificates in overall completions.

Alexis Patterson Hanes, ACC's associate director of public information, said that increasing degree and certificate completions is one of the college's primary areas of focus, as it aims to continue to meet business and industry needs in Central Texas.

"We are working to help students really understand the importance of reaching their goals and earning a credential," she said. "For example, we're reconnecting with students who may have dropped out due to family or work commitments and making sure they are aware of resources that can help them get back into college and graduate."

Community College Week Magazine is a bi-weekly publication that provides information about two-year academic institutions. The magazine produces "The Top 100 Associate Degree Producers" report each year and is based on data from the 2011–12 academic year from the U.S. Department of Education.

In addition to recognition for programs in all subject areas, ACC received rankings for a number of awards given in specific associate degree and certificate programs, including:

27th in the nation for associate degree programs in health care professions

21st in the nation for associate degrees in registered nursing and related programs

18th in the nation for associate degree in communication, journalism and related programs

ACC's graduation rate has increased about 63 percent in 2011–12 from 2006–07, Patterson Hanes said.