Alvin Community College (ACC, ACC, Dolphins) Introduction and Academics

Introduction

Alvin Community College (ACC) is a community college in rural Brazoria County, Texas. The school began in 1949 as part of Alvin High School. It grew steadily over time, gaining its own campus in the 60’s and a larger campus and catchment area in the 70’s. Today, the catchment area includes all of the Alvin, Danbury, and Pearland school districts and part of the Angleton Independent School District. There is a branch campus in Pearland. The college also holds classes as Alvin High School, Manvel High School, Pearland High School, and Dawson High School. More than 5,000 students are currently enrolled.

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Information Summary

Ranks 159th in Texas and 2798th overall. See the entire top 2,000 colleges and universities list
Overall Score (about)	53.6
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	$3,475
Admission Success rate	N/A
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	12 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	55% / 43%
Enrollment Total (all students)	5,573

Academics

ACC features strong, cutting-edge career path medical programs, including Diagnostic Cardiovascular Sonography-Echo & Non/Invasive Vascular, Electroneurodiagnostic Technician, Polysomnography, Respiratory Care, and Emergency Medical Technology. The college also boasts a thriving theatre program, including a well-known children’s theatre festival in the summers. Students in the Drama program gain valuable experience working with the theatre festival in between years of adult productions.

Transfer Programs

For prospective students who plan to transfer to a four-year institution and complete a bachelor’s, the school offers preparatory associate’s degrees in broad disciplines including art, biological science, general studies, humanities, mathematics, music, science, and more. Classes use the Texas Common Course numbering system to maximize transfer opportunities to colleges and universities within the state of Texas. The Associate of Arts in Teaching degree is a transfer-track degree with specialty areas in kindergarten to grade 4, grades 4-8, grades 8-12, and bilingual and special education.

Online Learning

Alvin offers a wide range of online learning opportunities. Programs which may be completed entirely online include Medical Coding and Billing, Medical Transcription Training, and Real Estate. Students can also choose to professionally prepare taxes and prepare for the IRS exam. Online classes are also available for over 360 training courses in fields such as food safety, cosmetology, and OSHA 10/30 Hour Outreach.

High School Academics

There are three separate programs to transition high school students into college-level work to select from: Dual Credit, Tech Prep, and Upward Bound. In the Dual Credit program, students enroll in a college class at either their high school or one of the ACC campuses and receive both high school and college credit for their successful completion. In Tech Prep, students put together a 6-year high school and associate’s technical study plan to prepare for an apprenticeship program, baccalaureate study in a technical field, or a career path that includes working in the field while attending college. Upward Bound is an academic program for Alvin High School students in grades 9, 10, and 11 whose families meet the criteria for low income as established by the US government and who do not have a parent with a college degree. Upward Bound students receive academic benefits at no cost, and some qualify for a stipend.

Most Popular Fields of Study

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Unique Programs

One of the more unique features of the college is the Nolan Ryan Museum, dedicated to the baseball star Nolan Ryan, who studied veterinary medicine here early in his career.

Admissions

In keeping with their mission to offer technical education and higher education opportunities to any adult who wishes to pursue them, ACC offers open admissions. Some health and technical programs may have further requirements, and some have limited registration, so be sure to inquire in the department of your choice prior to enrolling.

Financial Aid

In addition to the wide range of state and federal financial aid options available to college and university students in Texas, Alvin offers several of their own need- and merit-based scholarships.

Student Financial Aid Details

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Students

The Student Center sponsors art exhibits, concerts, a fall festival and carnival, game shows, and the President’s Forum. As the hub of the campus, it is also home to the College Store, an ATM machine, the Student Activities office, the Student Government Association office, ping pong and air hockey tables, a television lounge with free Wii, Wi-Fi access, and Mr. C’s Bistro and Deli.

There are no residence halls on campus; however, the Office of Student Services keeps a file of housing opportunities on hand and staff are happy to help students locate appropriate living arrangements in the area as needed.

Clubs and Organizations

There are over 50 student organizations to meet the personal and professional interests of a wide range of students. They include such options as ACCEPTED (ACC Empowering People to Embrace Disabilities), Baptist Student Ministries, Equality Now: the Gay Straight Alliance, Gamer Club, Veterans Club, and Word Droppers.

Student Services

The Office of Student Services offers a wide variety of support services, including academic counselling, tutoring, personal support, and referrals as needed. The office also offers a wide variety of workshops free to students in credit courses. These workshops include such topics as How to Write an Admissions Essay (for transfer students); How to Study; How to Study for Math Classes; Test Taking Skills; Scholarship Resources; and Conquering Test Anxiety.

Child Care

The Child Development Laboratory School provides daycare for children aged 18 months to 6 years. In addition to providing training for students in the Child Development and Early Childhood program, the Lab School offers high-quality care to parents who are enrolled in classes. The program offers hot meals, before school and after school care, and exposure to college art exhibits and music performances for the older children.

Student Enrollment Demographics

Athletics

The athletics department is known as The Dolphins. The Dolphins are a member of the NJCAA and offer intervarsity athletic opportunities in baseball for men and softball for women. In addition, there are recreational programs for racquetball, tennis, soccer, table tennis, and more.

The college offers a fitness center for student use that includes a gym, racquetball courts, tennis courts, weight training rooms, locker rooms, and saunas. The athletic department also offers an associate degree in Sports and Human Performance, which trains students for commercial and community fitness professions.

Alvin Community College