KLBJ AM: ACC and St. Edward's teams up to make it easier for students to get degrees

Austin Community College (ACC) and St. Edward’s University launched a new partnership Wednesday, July 10, to streamline transfer opportunities for ACC students seeking a bachelor’s degree. 

“The opportunities we provide students through partnerships like this help make college more affordable and accessible,” says Dr. Charles Cook, ACC provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. “ACC is proud to partner with St. Edward’s University. Together, we can close equity gaps in our community.” 

Through the agreement, ACC graduates will be provided a seamless pathway to St. Edward’s 50 accredited bachelor’s degree programs. 

"St. Edward's is thrilled to strengthen our partnership with ACC through this articulation agreement, which creates a seamless pathway for students to transfer all ACC credits toward a St. Edward's degree,” says Andrew Prall, St. Edward’s University provost. “We know that ACC students will thrive on the Hilltop under the mentorship of our outstanding faculty and personal success coaches who will connect students to compelling hands-on learning experiences in Austin and around the globe."

St. Edward’s University is a nationally ranked university with more than 5,000 currently enrolled students, 35-percent of whom are ACC transfers.  

“Helping students financially get all their credit hours to transfer is a great benefit,” says María Fernanda Garcia Arroyo, ACC transfer student. “Not only am I a transfer student, but I am also from Mexico. Transferring can be one of the scariest things, but when you have someone there helping with the process, it just gets rid of so much stress.” 

ACC is the top college for university transfer in Texas, according to student resource website successfulstudent.org. More than 65 percent of ACC transfer students earn their bachelor’s degree within four years. The college has articulation agreements with 58 universities, including The University of Texas, Texas State University, and Texas A&M University.