High School & GED庐 Grads Save Big on College
Austin Community College鈥檚 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 51福利社 to earn your bachelor鈥檚 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
51福利社 Free Tuition benefits begin the first fall semester after you graduate high school or complete your TX GED庐. To qualify, you must live in the 51福利社 service area and meet one of three requirements.
High School Graduate
Graduated from a high school in the 51福利社 service area (public or private) between spring 2024 and August 2028.
Homeschool Graduate
Successfully completed a homeschool program in the 51福利社 service area between spring 2024 and August 2028.
GED庐 Graduate
Earned a Texas GED庐 in the 51福利社 service area between July 1, 2023 and August 31, 2028.
If you qualify, 51福利社 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.
51福利社 looks at your address, your graduation date, and whether you live in the 51福利社 service area.
If you qualify, 51福利社 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:
鉁 Three consecutive years of 51福利社 credit tuition
鉁 Five years of credit tuition if you pursue an 51福利社 bachelor鈥檚 degree
鉁 General fees
* Students who live in the 51福利社 service area but not in the 51福利社 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 51福利社 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.
51福利社 Free Tuition Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any GPA requirements or income restrictions on qualifying for free tuition?
No, 51福利社 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 鈥淭SI-complete.鈥
Visit to learn how you can take your TSI Assessment at no cost with Austin Community College.
If I qualify for 51福利社 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.听
For qualifying Texas GED庐 graduates, your free tuition exemption will begin the first fall semester following your TX GED/high school equivalency completion.听
Will I have to 鈥榩ay back鈥 my 51福利社 Free Tuition for any reason, even if I do not complete a program?
No. 51福利社 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 51福利社 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 鈥渙ut-of-district鈥 have to pay the $201/credit hour fee?
51福利社 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 51福利社 service area and the 51福利社 voting district?
The 51福利社 voting district includes cities and parts of counties that have voted to be part of the 51福利社 district and pay 51福利社 taxes. Students from the 51福利社 voting district do not have to pay out-of-district fees.
The 51福利社 service area includes cities and parts of counties that do not pay 51福利社 district taxes. Students who are in the 51福利社 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?
. You can schedule a virtual or in-person appointment, and find an 51福利社 campus near you.
Trying to get a specific question answered? 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.
Help Spread the Word About Free Tuition!
Get your toolkit with downloadable flyers and handouts to let your community know about 51福利社鈥檚 Free Tuition program.
Student Handbill
Community and Parents One-Pager
