Students now have more time to apply for scholarships at Austin Community College District (ACC). The college announced a one-month extension to give new and current students more time to apply for a scholarship this fall. While students can apply at any time, those who submit the application by May 1 get priority consideration. 

“It’s ACC’s mission to make sure students get the support they need. Allowing our Riverbats more time to apply for scholarships relieves some of the stress of making decisions about their future,” says Dr. Richard Rhodes, ACC chancellor. “Providing help remains important to keeping our students on track. Removing these financial burdens in the best way we can support our community. ”

ACC’s General Scholarship Application is a single app that includes a short, personal statement and is the only step needed to be considered for hundreds of scholarship opportunities. ACC’s in-house experts review all applications to match students with a scholarship that meets their unique needs. Students may schedule an appointment with an ACC specialist for 1-on-1 application assistance. 

“A scholarship does more than ease the financial burden of covering tuition and textbooks, it eases the emotional burden as well. College can be stressful enough, and the opportunity for a student to not have the added stress of wondering how they will pay for college can make all the difference,” says Sophia Monetti, ACC student and scholarship recipient. “Speaking from personal experience, not only is it easier to stay on track and take a full-time course load with a scholarship backing you, but I have also felt the added drive and motivation to do my absolute best because I know that there is someone out there who has personally invested in ME and MY future.”

Hundreds of scholarships remain open for credit students. In 2019/20, scholarship recipients at ACC received an average of $2,000, which supports most full-time tuition and fees for a year. 

For more information, and to apply, students can visit austincc.edu/scholarships.

ACC also provides other financial support opportunities to help students pay for college such as grants and interest-free loans. Students must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for consideration. Students may access the FAFSA at http://www.fafsa.gov/. If students miss the priority dates, they can still apply and submit their application. ACC processes financial aid year-round, and students may receive money for classes they've already taken.

Applications also remain open for ACC’s Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSA) student aid program. Students who are currently enrolled at the college and are impacted financially by COVID-19 are encouraged to apply. Qualified students can receive money for eligible expenses under a student’s cost of attendance such as tuition, food, housing, course materials, technology, healthcare, and child care. For more information, visit austincc.edu/crrsa.