Projected ACC campus in Round Rock

How many students would like to attend an Austin Community College campus located directly in the heart of Round Rock, Texas? Currently, ACC officials would like to build the largest campus in Williamson County (Round Rock) that would serve approximately 10,000 - 11,000 students (according to Christi Snow; Community Impact Newspaper; title: ACC in Round Rock). The plan for a new campus has been long overdue and I believe that this would be an enormous benefit to all students. The thought of possibly having a new campus in Round Rock is historical. Reason being, ACC has never purchased property outside of its district. To accommodate this facility, they are looking to purchase 60 acres located east in the Williamson County district. The land is available; however, the voters will make the final decision in May 2008. In order for the proposed structure to take place, a petition containing roughly 4,300 signatures must be signed. Keep in mind that these signatures only initiate the election process. In addition, “they must convince the community that the cheaper tuition rates and the promise of a campus would be a valuable exchange for a property tax increase.”
http://www.impactnewspaper.com/www/docs/260.1715 For homeowners, our property taxes will increase. Not to mention, the possibility of heavy traffic and the continued growth of commercial businesses. However, the student’s tuition savings would be significant. At the moment, the in-district tuition cost is at $54 per credit hour compared to the out-of-district cost of $125 per credit hour. There are a total of seven Austin Community College campus strategically located throughout the Austin area and nine ACC Centers.

Each year, the number of students attending Austin Community College continues to rise. Dr. Stephen Kinslow (ACC District President/CEO) says the following, “From the Round Rock area alone, the college has seen a 40 percent increase in enrollment the past four years.” http://www.austincc.edu/newsroom/news.php/2007/06/542 The building of the Austin Community College campus in Round Rock is necessary and has the potential to benefit many students (financially and demographically).