The ACC Affordability Scholarship is a special limited-time program that supports students who were enrolled in a credit course at Austin Community College during the spring 2024 semester. The great news is, there is no need to apply!
Eligible students will receive funding attached to their ACC account to cover tuition for up to 15 credit hours. Complete your first associate degree at ACC with the Affordability Scholarship!
Starts Fall 2024
How Does It Work?
Once a student is eligible for the Affordability Scholarship, they are automatically awarded the free tuition credits. Students can apply those credits toward their degree program at ACC.
Spring 2024
The first step in eligibility is based on when you were enrolled at ACC. The Affordability Scholarship is available to students who were enrolled in a credit class at ACC in spring 2024.
45 Credit Hours
Eligibility also is based on how many credit hours you’ve earned. To receive your free tuition credits, you must have at least 45 credit hours that apply to your first associate degree at the college.
Summer 2026
The Affordability Scholarship is a limited-time program. It lasts two years — ending in summer 2026. You have until summer 2026 to earn and use your tuition credits.
What’s Included?
The Affordability Scholarship was developed to support current students — specifically those who were enrolled at ACC at the time when the college launched the Free Tuition pilot program.
What’s Included in Affordability Scholarship
- The limited-time program is available through summer 2026.
- $67 Resident Tuition
- $15 General Fee
- $2 Success Fee
- $1 Sustainability Fee
What’s Not Included in Affordability Scholarship
- Out of District Fee ($201 per credit hour)
- Non-Residents/International Students
- Any Course/Program Specific Fees
- Textbooks
Am I Eligible?
Eligible students are automatically awarded the Affordability Scholarship. Once a student is eligible, they receive tuition credits. Students can apply those credits toward their first associate degree program at ACC.
Students Who Qualify
- Were enrolled in credit courses at ACC in spring 2024.
- Earn 45 or more credit hours toward an associate degree at ACC during the two-year pilot period.
- Are not enrolled in another tuition waiver program.
- Are working toward their first ACC associate degree.
- Are enrolled in an associate degree program.
Students Who Do Not Qualify
- Were not enrolled at ACC in spring 2024.
- Are already enrolled in a tuition waiver program.
- Are an out-of-state (non-resident) or international student.
- Are working toward a certificate only. Students who meet all other program requirements can become eligible for the tuition credit after becoming associate degree declared.
- Are in an ACC bachelor’s degree program.
What’s My Timeline?
Recipients will have up to three consecutive semesters to apply the tuition support to their courses. Use the table below to find out when you can apply your tuition credits based on when you earn 45 credit hours and become eligible.
| When You Earned 45 Credit Hours | When You Can Apply Your Tuition Credits |
|---|---|
| Spring and/or Summer 2024 | Fall 2024, Spring 2025, Summer 2025 |
| Fall 2024 | Spring 2025, Summer 2025, Fall 2025 |
| Spring 2025 | Summer 2025, Fall 2025, Spring 2026 |
| Summer 2025 | Fall 2025, Spring 2026, Summer 2026 |
| Fall 2025 | Spring 2026, Summer 2026 |
| Spring 2026 | Summer 2026 |
For eligible students, there are three key steps to see when you qualify and to plan your registration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are frequently asked questions about the Affordability Scholarship program.
I was enrolled at ACC in spring 2024, and I think I have at least 45 credit hours. How can I find out if I’m eligible for the Affordability Scholarship?
Students who meet the cohort eligibility criteria will be identified by the college’s administrative offices. Their student ID will be tagged as eligible in the college’s system. Students do not have to apply or submit any documents. Their tuition credits will be applied to eligible courses they register for at ACC.
To monitor your progress, please log in to Student Planning in Self-Service. Here, you can run your own degree audit and review the credits you have in your degree program. This gives you a place to monitor your progress and determine when you’re eligible.
When and how do I apply for the Affordability Scholarship?
Once a student becomes eligible for the Affordability Scholarship, their student record will reflect their status. No application steps are required.
To monitor your progress, please log in to Student Planning in Self-Service. Here, you can run your own degree audit and review the credits you have in your degree program. This gives you a place to monitor your progress and determine when you’re eligible.
I got the Affordability Scholarship. How do I find out if I still owe money for textbooks and fees?
If you qualify for the Affordability Scholarship program, your tuition credits will automatically register in our system. There are no additional steps or forms you need to complete for your credit courses.
However, you may still be responsible for non-tuition fees. This may include out-of-district fees, textbook costs, or unique course fees. If you aren’t sure whether you’ll owe money, you can find out by logging into Self-Service and selecting “Financial Information » Pay for Classes”. That’s where you can see any fees or charges that are not covered by your Affordability Scholarship. You’ll be expected to pay any remaining balance before the payment deadline.
I got an Affordability Scholarship. How long do I have to use my free tuition credits?
Students will have one year (three consecutive semesters) or until the program ends in summer 2026 to apply tuition support to 15 credit hours once they are eligible for the Affordability Scholarship. See timeline table above.
I was registered in spring 2024, but I don’t have 45 credit hours yet. Will I still be eligible for the Affordability Scholarship?
Students who were enrolled in spring 2024 and qualify for the Affordability Scholarship will be eligible for the tuition support once they earn 45 or more credit hours toward their declared degree program at the college. Since this is a two-year program, they will have until the end of spring 2026 to earn 45 or more credit hours. Once they are eligible, they will have up to three consecutive semesters to apply the tuition support under the Affordability Scholarship to their courses at ACC.
I wasn’t enrolled in spring 2024 and don’t qualify for the Affordability Scholarship. What financial support options are available for me?
We encourage all students to apply for other ACC scholarships and submit their FASFA or TASFA application every year. The FAFSA and TASFA can connect students with special grants and loans to help cover everyday expenses, like housing, groceries, and transportation.
I am eligible for the affordability scholarship, but I already registered and paid for my fall classes. Will I get a refund for the scholarship-eligible fall credit hours?
Students who are eligible in fall 2024 and already registered and paid before the scholarship funds were applied will receive a refund for the credit hours, up to the allowable 15 hours. Refunds are automatically processed and sent back daily, M-F. Refunds will follow the current process of all other refunds.
Don’t see your question answered here?
Contact the Student Services Help Desk
- Phone: 512-223-4636
- Request Support
- Chat: Visit the Student Services Help Desk
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