Austin Community College District delivers exceptional affordability with average net costs of $6,306, representing $7,864 in savings compared to the peer median of $14,170. In-state tuition remains highly accessible at $2,550, while out-of-state tuition reaches $10,590.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $6,390 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $3,789 |
| $30–48k | $4,388 |
| $48–75k | $7,759 |
| $75–110k | $11,356 |
| $110k+ | $14,889 |
Austin Community College District delivers exceptional affordability with average net costs of $6,306, representing $7,864 in savings compared to the peer median of $14,170. In-state tuition remains highly accessible at $2,550, while out-of-state tuition reaches $10,590. The significant gap between sticker price and net cost reflects substantial financial aid targeting, particularly for lower-income students.
Net prices range from $1,278 for families earning under $30,000 to $10,908 for families earning over $110,000, creating a progressive cost structure that makes education accessible across income levels. This affordability profile ranks at the 93.3rd percentile nationally, placing Austin Community College District among the most affordable institutions in the country. The combination of low tuition, substantial aid, and controlled net costs creates exceptional value for students seeking higher education without excessive financial burden.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Austin Community College District maintains exceptionally low debt levels, with median student debt of $10,499 ranking in the 84.0th percentile nationally. Student debt ranges from $2,000 at the 25th percentile to $7,250 at the 75th percentile, indicating most students graduate with minimal debt burden.
The $9,001 difference compared to the peer median of $19,500 represents substantial debt savings for graduates. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.24 indicates graduates typically dedicate less than a quarter of annual income to debt service, creating favorable conditions for financial stability.
Parent PLUS median debt reaches $15,658 with monthly payments of $207, though this affects a small portion of families. The combination of low tuition, substantial aid, and community college program structure enables most students to complete education with minimal borrowing.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Austin Community College District represents exceptional educational value through controlled costs and debt management. While graduates earn $4,738 below expectations at the 35.1st percentile, the institution's affordability advantages create favorable long-term financial conditions.
Median debt of $10,499 combined with median earnings of $43,177 produces a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.24. The $9,001 debt savings compared to peers and $7,864 net price savings create immediate financial advantages that compound over time.
For students seeking affordable education, workforce entry, or transfer preparation, Austin Community College District delivers strong value through cost control rather than premium earnings outcomes. The 88.9th percentile mobility performance indicates effective conversion of educational access into economic advancement, particularly valuable for the 45.2% first-generation student population.
Austin Community College District's financial aid approach prioritizes broad access with particular attention to lower-income students. The 23.1% Pell share indicates significant service to students with substantial financial need, while the progressive net price structure ensures affordability across income levels.
The dramatic reduction from sticker prices to net costs, particularly for lower-income families paying only $1,278, demonstrates effective aid targeting. Aid appears concentrated toward families earning less than $75,000, with the steepest price increases occurring for families above this threshold.
The institution's role in serving 45.2% first-generation students and 71.9% transfer students indicates aid strategies designed to support non-traditional and continuing education pathways. This approach aligns with the community college mission of providing accessible, affordable education to diverse student populations seeking workforce entry or transfer preparation.
