Austin Community College graduated its largest class in history this week

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Just shy of 4,000 people celebrated graduating from Austin Community College this week, the school's largest class in its history.

ACC held its Fall 2024 Commencement Ceremony for over 3,940 graduates Thursday evening. According to the college, number made for a record-breaking year for the number of candidates, up 5% from last fall’s graduation.

This was ACC's first graduating class since it approved the Free Tuition Pilot Program, which was announced in April for the high school class of 2024. The college also saw an increase in enrollment over the summer after the program was approved.

ACC said over the last decade, graduation and completion rates have steadily grown, which fuels the growing workforce in Central Texas. According to ACC, college data shows that nearly 80% of ACC graduates live and work in the Austin area. On average, graduates increase their income by 45% within five years of graduation, the college added.

Grads who walked the stage Thursday completed an associate degree, bachelor's degree, workforce certificate, or high school equivalency program. 

Among the graduates this semester, the college recognized the following:  

• 30+ new Manufacturing Technicians
• 46 new Teachers & Educators
• 249 new Nurses
• 80 new Firefighters

"I'm so proud to see our students achieving their dreams—it's the best part of the year for me,” said ACC Chancellor Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart. “Every ceremony, more students are crossing the stage. There’s a lot of work happening behind the scenes to get every student to their finish line — whether that’s transferring to a 4-year university or starting a new career. We're reimagining ways to support our students from how we schedule our classes to how we support basic needs like housing, child care, and food. That’s the real joy in our work and purpose."