Pathway Program

The Pathway program is a unique co-enrollment partnership between Texas State University and Austin Community College (ACC). By participating in the Pathway program, eligible students can take courses at Texas State and at ACC Hays each semester, and work towards full admission to Texas State.
students walking on TXST campus
students walking on TXST campus

How the Program Works

When you join the Pathway program, you will enjoy benefits of two distinctive institutions. Texas State offers you large university opportunities and personalized attention; at ACC Hays, you will experience a community college campus with the latest facilities and resources. Faculty, staff and academic advisors at both institutions are committed to your success and work closely with you.

Pathway students live on campus at Texas State, unless they qualify for an exemption. With the ACC Hays campus only 14 miles from San Marcos, students have easy bus service access to all the facilities, programs and services offered at both campuses. Participation is by invitation only.

As a Pathway student, each semester you will enroll in three to four credit hours at Texas State and nine to twelve credit hours at ACC. After one year, you are guaranteed full admission to Texas State if you have met these requirements:

  • Complete at least 24 hours of coursework from ACC and Texas State
  • Complete all Texas State courses with a minimum 2.25 GPA
  • Complete all Austin Community College courses with a minimum of 2.25 GPA

Credit earned from AP exams, dual credit courses, CLEP, etc. does not count towards the hours needed to complete the Pathway requirements.

Once you have met all the requirements, you will be automatically granted full admission to Texas State University. This does not guarantee admission to a particular college or major.

Pathway students receive most of the privileges and participation eligibility of a full-time Texas State student, including:

  • Cat Camp
  • intramural sports
  • on-campus housing
  • recreational facilities access
  • sports passes
  • on-campus employment
  • student health services
  • student organizations and activities

Pathway students are not eligible to participate in NCAA athletic competition.

Tuition and fees will be paid to each institution by the student and must be made by each institution’s deadline. Pathway students qualify for in-district tuition at ACC. There are no additional fees for the Pathway program.

female students doing the "Eat 'Em Up, Cats" hand sign
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  • Financial aid is available to Pathway students and will be awarded by Texas State University. You will not need to apply for financial aid at ACC. To be eligible for financial assistance, you must first submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Include Texas State’s school code, 003615, on your FAFSA. Texas State uses the FAFSA to determine your financial aid eligibility. Visit our financial aid FAQ for more information. Financial Aid will be used to pay both institutions.

  • Like all new students, Pathway students must complete New Student Orientation (NSO). As a part of NSO, students are introduced to an assortment of campus resources and meet with an Academic Adviser before registering for classes. Due to program enrollment restrictions, you may not be able to enroll in courses required for your major during the first year.

    Find out more information by visiting the NSO webpage or calling 512.245.2364.

  • If you wish to use your veterans benefits for tuition at both Texas State and ACC, you must contact the Veterans Affairs VA Office at each institution in order to complete the proper paperwork. For GI Bill programs, courses taken at ACC must be confirmed as applicable to your Texas State degree by an Academic Advisor at Texas State. Please contact the Texas State University VA Office to discuss completion of a Parent Institution Form.

    Texas State VA Office email address: veteransaffairs@txstate.edu
    Phone: 512.245.2641

    ACC VA Office email address : veterans@austincc.edu
    Phone: 512.223.4636

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