Putting off college for even one year can lead to the potential loss of $90,000 in lifetime earnings, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. To help high school seniors stay on track after graduating, Austin Community College District (ACC) is moving fall registration up one week early. New students can now register for fall classes starting Monday, May 23.
The extra week provides seniors more time to get 1-on-1 support applying and registering for class. Both high school counselors and ACC enrollment specialists will be on-site at high schools across the region to provide personalized guidance while students are still in school.
“Making the transition from high school to college can be daunting, but it is such an important next step. We want to make it easier for students to get help when they need it,” says Dr. Melissa Curtis, ACC’s associate vice chancellor for Enrollment Management. “It is critical everyone has enough time and resources available. Students can get help from ACC when and where they need it. We are adapting to the needs of our students and community, so they have the time and resources to meet their goals.”
The cost of college remains one of the top reasons students drop out or don’t enroll in college. According to Gallup, 54 percent never enrolled in college because of the cost, while 52 percent dropped out during the pandemic. On top of that, almost 40 percent unenrolled due to family reasons, like child care.
ACC continues to prioritize making college more accessible and affordable. For a ninth straight year, ACC Board of Trustees voted to maintain tuition and fees. The college also continues to offer support like free public transportation for students and vouchers for child care. The college’s Student Emergency Fund also provides immediate financial assistance for students who face unanticipated emergencies during the semester.
Fall registration opened for former and current students Monday, May 16. Classes begin Monday, August 22. For information, visit austincc.edu/fall. Summer registration also remains open with the first summer classes beginning May 31.