Austin Community College District (ACC) is one of the first colleges in the nation to earn the new Intentionally Thriving Institution (ITI) designation of the Seal of Excelencia.
This recognition puts ACC among less than 1% of all U.S. colleges and universities with the Seal of Excelencia — institutions that enroll 16% of Latino students and graduate 18% nationwide, while also enrolling and graduating higher numbers of students overall.
According to ACC data:
- Enrollment headcount has climbed 10% over the past year
- Fall-to-fall persistence has climbed steadily over the past two years
- Completions have climbed more than 17% over the past year
“This recognition proves what we’ve always believed — when we put students at the center, they succeed,” said ACC Chancellor Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart. “At ACC, we’re committed to building a college where every student feels they belong, has access to the support they need, and can see a clear path to their future. We’re not just helping students finish college. We’re helping them build lives, support their families, and strengthen our community.”
As one of only eight schools to earn the ITI designation this year, ACC is being recognized not only for supporting students in the classroom, but also for connecting them to careers and thriving communities.
“Seal of Excelencia certified institutions are investing in transformation, ensuring access to excellence, and becoming places where Latino, and all, students thrive,” said Deborah Santiago, co-founder and CEO of Excelencia in Education.
ACC first earned the Seal of Excelencia in 2019, recertified in 2022, and now joins an elite group of colleges setting the standard for student success nationwide.
Learn more about institutions that earned the Seal of Excelencia certification, recertification, and Intentionally Thriving Institution designation this year: EdExcelencia.org/seal/seal-excelencia-certified-institutions.