High School & GED® Grads Save Big on College
Austin Community College’s Free Tuition program lets qualifying students take classes without paying tuition or general fees for up to three years! That goes up to five years if you continue on at ACC to earn your bachelor’s degree.
Plus, you can add financial aid and scholarships on top to save even more. No GPA requirements. No income restrictions.
Who is Eligible for Free Tuition
ACC Free Tuition benefits begin the first fall semester after you graduate high school or complete your TX GED®. To qualify, you must live in the ACC service area and meet one of three requirements.
High School Graduate
Graduated from a high school in the ACC service area (public or private) between spring 2024 and August 2028.
Homeschool Graduate
Successfully completed a homeschool program in the ACC service area between spring 2024 and August 2028.
GED® Graduate
Earned a Texas GED® in the ACC service area between July 1, 2023 and August 31, 2028.
If you qualify, ACC will automatically eliminate your tuition costs after you register for classes.
How Free Tuition Works
Getting started is easy! There are no extra steps you have to take. Simply, apply for free to Austin Community College and register for classes.
ACC looks at your address, your graduation date, and whether you live in the ACC service area.
If you qualify, ACC will automatically eliminate your tuition costs after you register for classes.
Your account will still reflect any additional fees and costs, such as out-of-district fees, lab fees, classroom supplies, textbooks, or more.
Free Tuition Pays:
✅ Three consecutive years of ACC credit tuition
✅ Five years of credit tuition if you pursue an ACC bachelor’s degree
✅ General fees
* Students who live in the ACC service area but not in the ACC voting district will still pay an out-of-district fee. See how much you may owe.
Free Tuition & More
Free Tuition is Just the Start
When paired with financial aid and scholarships, it can help you focus on your education, attend full-time, and reach your goals with less financial stress.
Apply for Financial Aid
Fill out the FAFSA
Loans and grants can help pay for other college costs like textbooks and fees and everyday expenses like housing, groceries, and transportation. The federal Pell Grant does not have to be repaid.
Apply for scholarships
With ONE application you are eligible for hundreds of ACC scholarships, FREE college money that supports you.
Enroll Full Time
Take full advantage of your free tuition with a full-time schedule (4 classes per semester). When you go full-time, you increase the amount of financial aid you can earn from Pell Grants, helping to cover the costs of other college and life expenses. This way you can focus on your classes and finish your degree with no delays.
ACC Free Tuition Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any GPA requirements or income restrictions on qualifying for free tuition?
No, ACC Free Tuition has no GPA requirements or income restrictions for eligible students. The Texas Success Initiative (TSI) Assessment requirements still apply, as it is a state-required assessment of reading, writing, and math skills to help make sure that students are prepared for college classes. All new students must take the TSI test before registering for classes unless they are exempt or are “TSI-complete.”
Visit austincc.edu/tsi to learn how you can take your TSI Assessment at no cost with Austin Community College.
If I qualify for ACC Free Tuition, when can I start taking tuition-free classes?
For qualifying high school and home school graduates, your free tuition exemption will begin the first fall semester following high school completion.
For qualifying Texas GED® graduates, your free tuition exemption will begin the first fall semester following your TX GED/high school equivalency completion.
Will I have to ‘pay back’ my ACC Free Tuition for any reason, even if I do not complete a program?
No. ACC Free Tuition eliminates tuition costs up-front for at least 3 years and does not require you to pay back any tuition. However, repayment of financial aid may be required in certain scenarios, such as dropping courses, withdrawing, or failing grades. For more information, visit the Financial Aid website.
Do I have to enroll full-time to receive free tuition benefits?
A student does not have to enroll full-time to be eligible for the ACC Free Tuition pilot program However, enrolling full-time means that students receive more Pell Grant funding, making it easier for students to focus on their education. Data show students who enroll full-time have a higher chance of obtaining a degree and completing their educational goals.
Why do students who live “out-of-district” have to pay the $201/credit hour fee?
ACC out-of-district students have to pay a fee because they live within the Austin Community College service area but do not reside in the specific taxing district that funds the college, meaning they don’t directly contribute to the funds used to operate the institution, even if they benefit from its services; this “out-of-district fee” helps to offset the cost of educating non-tax paying residents within the service area.
What is the difference between the ACC service area and the ACC voting district?
The ACC voting district includes cities and parts of counties that have voted to be part of the ACC district and pay ACC taxes. Students from the ACC voting district do not have to pay out-of-district fees.
The ACC service area includes cities and parts of counties that do not pay ACC district taxes. Students who are in the ACC service area get free tuition, but they have to pay out-of-district fees.
I have questions about my eligibility for free tuition. Who can I talk to for help?
Request more information about applying to ACC and your potential eligibility for free tuition. You can schedule a virtual or in-person appointment, and find an ACC campus near you.
Trying to get a specific question answered? The Student Affairs Help Desk offers Live Chat and email correspondence to help new and current students with Financial Aid, Admissions, and Enrollment.
Do international students qualify for Free Tuition?
No, international students do not qualify for Free Tuition.
